City of Prescott supporting technology, cyber symposia

As part of its emphasis upon strengthening the Quad-City business economy, the City of Prescott partnered with several local and state organizations to bring two distinct “heavy-hitter” symposia to Prescott in August and September.
The first was the Arizona Technology Council (ATC), held Aug. 14-15. More than 120 leaders from Arizona top technology businesses and corporations gathered during a retreat to share ideas and discuss future expansion of various enterprises. Led by Steve Zylstra, ATC president and CEO, speakers and panelists represented corporate, business, academic and governmental expertise from throughout Arizona and the Southwest. They gathered for intense sessions at the Prescott Resort.
The second symposium, a month later, was the Cyber Awareness Executive Symposia, held Sept 16. Its purpose was to bring together diverse leaders, executives and individuals from higher education, aerospace, manufacturing, finance, state and government and other public and private groups in the state. 
More than 60 authorities convened on the campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. They met at its newly dedicated $22 million STEM Education Center and Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium. While there, they heard Chancellor Frank Ayers and John Haass, Ph.D., describe the unique cybersecurity and intelligence degree program which is offered at the university.
Participants also heard about how cybersecurity affects virtually every level of economic, scientific, environmental and educational segments of society throughout the world.
Symposia were organized and supported by City of Prescott
City of Prescott elected leaders and executive staff members partnered with several local organizations to organize both symposia, said Jim Robb, City of Prescott Economic Development Consultant.
“Mayor Oberg and the City Council, with agreement from city staff, have set an objective of developing a sophisticated technological and cybersecurity and intelligence environment within the greater community,” Robb said. “The intent (is) to attract high tech, new tech and cyber tech firms to the region to start branches or new business operations.”
Robb continued, “Creating that kind of economic environment in the greater community will provide high paying jobs for our younger people and let them stay here in Prescott, where they can grow with the economy. All this is part of the short and long-range economic development plan for the city.”
Robb praised the various local groups and organizations that partner with the city in helping support the two symposia.
“We already are planning ahead for similar opportunities in coming months,” he said.