The Phoenix Sister Cities organization recently hosted their Global Links Business Luncheon, which this year shone a spotlight on "Innovations in Air Mobility." Mayor Kate Gallego took to The Abbey on Monroe to hand out the 2025 Business Awards and in her address, emphasized Phoenix's commitment to tech entrepreneurship. "As Phoenix continues to grow as an up-and-coming technology hub, we're especially keen on embracing and cultivating entrepreneurs that will keep us on the cutting edge of innovation," stated Gallego according to the City of Phoenix's newsroom. Her words underscore the city's focus on emerging sectors like electric and autonomous vehicles, gearing up to become a leader in the air mobility front.
Keynote speaker Michael Robbins, who spearheads the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), advocated for advancements in air mobility that could benefit from Phoenix's conducive climate and strong aerospace presence. Robbins, with a background in government, military, and industry roles, took the reins at AUVSI in 2020 and previously co-founded the consulting firm Intrepid. An Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Robbins brings to the table a wealth of experience, which he leveraged to drive the luncheon's discussion on the booming Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector.
Highlighting local success stories, the 2025 Business Awards honored several Phoenix-based enterprises. Avnet clinched the Export Champion of the Year title, with its century-long history in technology distribution and solutions. Tracey Latham of Latham Industries garnered the Entrepreneur of the Year award, leading the charge in electronics manufacturing for diverse industries. Waymo, the frontrunner for the Brand Champion of the Year, operates the world's first fully autonomous ride-hailing service in the Phoenix metro area.
The Phoenix Sister Cities program, running for 50 years strong, has been fostering international bonds focused on mutual friendship, peace, and prosperity. These ties now include endeavors to to further technologically advance the city. Celebrating innovation, the Global Links Luncheon highlighted both the city's progress and its potential in fields ranging from traditional enterprises to the tech-savvy domain of autonomous transportation. The full report and details of the event are available on the City of Phoenix newsroom website.
