Former state commerce chief Don Cardon is going to get most of his performance bonus even though he quit the agency long before the end of his three-year contract.

Former state commerce chief Don Cardon is going to get most of his performance bonus even though he quit the agency long before the end of his three-year contract.

Senate President Russell Pearce warned Tuesday there will likely be political repercussions from the decision by the Arizona Commerce Authority to pay its president and chief executive more than twice as much as he was earning as state commerce director.

The Arizona Commerce Authority named Sandra Watson, its current interim director, to permanently head the agency.

Calling it key to economic development, Gov. Jan Brewer on Wednesday proposed abolishing the state Department of Commerce and replacing it with what she describes as a quasi-public agency.

PHOENIX - The Arizona Commerce Authority is trying to determine whether departing CEO Don Cardon should be required to repay a $50,000 signing bonus he received from the quasi-governmental entity.

Arizona commerce authorities will use a trade mission to marry small- and mediumsized Valley businesses looking to export goods with companies in the rapidly expanding Mexico City market.

Mesa businessman Donald Cardon has been named director of the Arizona Department of Commerce by Gov. Jan Brewer.

There is something disturbingly inconsistent about Gov. Janet Napolitano taking the position that illegal immigration is a federal matter, but it is OK for her to unilaterally declare and implement emission standards that interfere with interstate and international commerce (it includes four Canadian provinces).

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is hosting its economic forecast luncheon on May 23. The event will include an overview of a business retention program and information about programs and grants to help businesses grow. Also, the Arizona Commerce Authority will present the results of business surveys and roundtable discussions as part of a business retention program.

It’s a little early still to begin taking stock of all this year had to offer by way of policy and politics. After all, there’s likely to be another two or three new frontrunners in the GOP presidential pool by Thanksgiving. But I’m reasonably confident that I’ll be calling 2011 the Year of the Jobs Bill.

When Mexican President Vicente Fox visits Arizona on Tuesday, all eyes and all cameras will be on him.

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has slapped down efforts by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to enact new regulations on hazardous air pollutants.

Normally, we are advocates for protecting the power of governments closest to the people to make decisions on its behalf, especially when it comes to regulating private business and how we enjoy our lifestyles.

The unannounced meeting of heavy hitters began at 10 a.m. on Jan. 4 in Mesa Mayor Scott Smith's office at 20 E. Main St.

The unannounced meeting of heavy hitters began at 10 a.m. on Jan. 4 in Mesa Mayor Scott Smith's office at 20 E. Main St.

Arizona businesses won’t be getting tax breaks this year.

Glenn Hamer: In January, I wrote about efforts in the Legislature led by Rep. Andy Tobin, R-Paulden, to improve Arizona’s regulatory environment. Thankfully, Arizona is already on the right track when it comes to making smart regulatory reforms.

December 31, 2004

Tribune editorial

Tribune editorial

Tribune editorial

Gov. Jan Brewer is headed to Europe to spread the word about all the tax cuts the Arizona Legislature enacted for business.