| Phoenix Makes Successful Debut at CES 2025 | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/ced/3329 | Community and Economic Development | | 1/22/2025 9:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3329/CES_exhibit_2025.JPG | | Phoenix Makes Successful Debut at CES 2025 | <div class="ExternalClass73CD68D9D8074973894641416E541D96"><html>
<p>The City of Phoenix made its first appearance as an exhibitor at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas during the first week of January, leading to hundreds of business meetings and connections. As the only U.S. city to exhibit at CES, Phoenix showcased its commitment to advanced technology and innovation that creates jobs, supports educational institutions, and strengthens the local economy.
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<p>"Phoenix had smashing success at CES! From presenting our innovative pet technology to showcasing breakthroughs in health care, we garnered attention from CEOs, start-ups, and investors alike," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. "Forging new partnerships and pitching Phoenix to companies around the world means we'll be able to continue building a strong, resilient local economy packed with great-paying jobs for residents." </p>
<p>CES proved an ideal environment for demonstrating Phoenix's growing reputation as a technology and entrepreneurship hub. In the City's delegation, companies such as <a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?b651e264d52dfedafd8d00d076316e66c695d27ab2b2acf8d5ac4e00e00b58b2" target="_blank">Pawport</a>, <a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?b1833428e4e8cf7b0084129163bfe1f383e23bbc1846120b6af966d115891e59" target="_blank">Crystal Sonic Inc.</a>, <a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?4dd82e9a5fb3482b0e95283ea694e018373596ad5e05fbe29180d77360bec172" target="_blank">thePause Technologies</a>, <a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?fea1780f8615a9247a4bb7cb0034131fc9d5d071e05c4879da0edd9a0f296fa4" target="_blank">New Use Energy Solutions Inc.</a> (NUE), <a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?0e52dd95abb14d287ed4a57772b3ccac095475f8c4b965b000f75dad7525838a" target="_blank">MiiHealth</a>, <a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?33eef5510901d0dcd45e033268c67ebd68d265e65cff8ce55b8d37b8682ebc4d" target="_blank">Foxlink Group</a>, <a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?d3a02972c229fba1e21e32020e614fff353771fdcf3c22f7baac4f12e2c6f38f" target="_blank">Mayo Clinic at Discovery Oasis</a>, and <a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?2c5445fc3b2bc42392fd53e44b0daeb7643693e662f70451d04b0580293a1cb6" target="_blank">Tesoro VC</a> dominated the conference floor. </p>
<p>"Our innovative health platform is not only assisting loved ones with managing their health and wellness, but also elevating their quality of life," Kelvin Summoogum, CEO and Founder of MiiHealth, said. "Debuting at CES with the City of Phoenix is just one more step forward in leveraging MiiHealth's conversational AI 'Monica' to improve overall public health in the Valley." </p>
<p>"Being able to showcase our startups on an international stage like CES is a testament to our incredible talent in Phoenix," Christine Mackay, Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Phoenix, said. "We are committed to supporting our local tech community and helping them grow into global players." </p>
<p>The City's presence at the conference also served as an opportunity to attract new talent and investment into its thriving tech sector. </p>
<p>"Phoenix is a global startup leader in tech business," Andy Lombard, Founder and CEO of Tesoro.vc, said. "Tesoro Accelerator is all about turning ideas into reality with the right tools and support; these entrepreneurs are set to conquer the future." </p>
<p>Attendees at CES were impressed by the array of Phoenix companies at the forefront of cutting-edge technology. </p>
<p>Mayo Clinic's Steven J. Lester, M.D., was a hit on the My Global Village stage, sharing with attendees the opportunities to connect with the Mayo Clinic, including applying for its MedTech Accelerator program. Additionally, Dr. Lester was invited to meet with 10 French-based health tech companies who expressed interest in expanding to the U.S., and the ideal location for them is on Mayo Clinic's Discovery Oasis campus. </p>
<p>Among the hundreds of meetings and connections made at CES, Phoenix-based Gravitrex was another favorite at the conference. </p>
<p>"Gravitrex is working to transform how people recover mobility after hospitalization by leveraging a patented technology that makes walking rehabilitation easier," Kira Burns, Co-Founder and CEO of Gravitrex, said. "Moving my family from Italy to Phoenix was a big step, but Arizona's supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem and extensive resources have been invaluable in advancing our mission to improve mobility. Attending CES 2025 helped further our mission and was an inspiring opportunity to connect with AgeTech founders, investors, and potential strategic partners, as well as to explore the latest advancements in technology." </p>
<p>Phoenix has seen great success in the startup scene, with 1,872 funded companies, 121 VC investors, and 2,176 funding rounds to date. For more information about how the City of Phoenix is investing in its flourishing tech ecosystem, please visit <a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?2e28851a1d7dffcbfadfd5680de4da7bc3f9ebe175c72b53" target="_blank">InvestInphoenix.com</a>.<br></p>
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| Annual Stormwater Awareness Campaign Encourages Residents to Help Keep Our Waterways Clean Year-round from Stormwater Pollution | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/3328 | Water Services | | 1/16/2025 5:40:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3328/Stormwater 2025 Newsroom v2.png | | Annual Stormwater Awareness Campaign Encourages Residents to Help Keep Our Waterways Clean Year-round from Stormwater Pollution | <div class="ExternalClass25ABA5293D0D442FBD8C72C7DF13948C"><html>
<p>The Water Services Dept. Environmental & Safety Division invites you to learn about the City of Phoenix Stormwater Management Program during the <strong>Annual Stormwater Awareness Week on Jan. 20-26, 2025.</strong> Stormwater Awareness Week is an annual regional effort to teach simple everyday actions to reduce stormwater pollution.<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"> </span></p>
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<p>In Phoenix, stormwater is rainwater that flows over roads and through gutters and does not soak into the ground. This stormwater enters our storm drainpipes, which carry the water to protected surface waters like the Salt River or Skunk Creek. Unlike water we use to flush our toilets, stormwater does not go to a treatment plant. It flows from the storm drains untreated right into rivers and washes. <br></p>
<p>As stormwater flows across areas like roads and parking lots and into our storm drains, it can pick up pollutants like oil and pet waste and carry them into our washes and rivers. This creates significant water quality challenges. Because pollutants can enter surface waters through our storm drain system, the city is required to have a Clean Water Act MS4 permit from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to operate that system. <br></p>
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<p>Several Phoenix departments work together to support the MS4 permit through the Stormwater Management Program including Phoenix Water Services, Office of Planning and Development, Office of Environmental Programs, and the Street Transportation Dept. <br></p>
<p>In 2024, the program added storm drain management tools and a database to help manage this complex permit, which uses infrastructure of 760 outfalls where rain flows, 80 of which are located along the Salt River. Additionally, a new stormwater post-construction program required by the permit allows owner-led inspections to minimize staffing costs. </p>
<p>"Stormwater Awareness Week encourages our community members to take everyday actions to help protect the quality of our water,” said Berai Kimball, Deputy Water Services Director. “With our separate systems for stormwater and wastewater, it’s important to remember that stormwater doesn’t get treated and flows directly to nearby washes and retention basins, infiltrating the soil, making it imperative that we work daily to keep our water system clean.”</p>
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<p>Since the campaign's initial launch in 2019, more Valley municipalities and government agencies have participated in the weeklong event. We are encouraging the public to get involved by taking steps to reduce stormwater pollution by learning more at our <a href="https://cityofphoenix.webex.com/weblink/register/rf4432881ec344b42e9dd7b602165d251" target="_blank"><strong>Virtual Workshop</strong></a> which is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 22, at noon to discuss the City’s Stormwater Management Program and our activities to reduce stormwater pollution. Attendees are required to <a href="https://cityofphoenix.webex.com/weblink/register/rf4432881ec344b42e9dd7b602165d251" target="_blank"><strong>Register</strong></a> in advance to participate.<br></p>
<p>Simple actions to reduce stormwater pollution include: <br></p>
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<li><p>Properly disposing of trash, recyclables, and chemicals like detergent, paint, medications, etc.</p></li><li><p><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">Recycling motor oil and maintaining your vehicle to prevent leak
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Cleaning up after your pet
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Using lawn chemicals sparingly and always following manufacturers’ directions
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Properly disposing of lefto
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And please remember - only rain in the storm drain
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To learn more about the City of Phoenix Water Services Department Stormwater Awareness Week and what you can do as an individual or business to prevent stormwater pollution, please visit <a href="/waterservices/envservices/stormwater-program" target="_blank">phoenix.gov/stormwater.</a>
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<p>Media Contact:<br></p>
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<strong>Jimena Garrison</strong>
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<p>Senior Public Information Officer <br></p>
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<p>Cell: 480-390-1933 (call or text) </p>
<p>E-mail: <a href="mailto:jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong>jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov</strong></a></p>
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<strong>Angela Serda</strong>
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<p>Public Information Specialist<br></p>
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<p>Cell: 623-499-8919 (call or text) </p>
<p>E-mail: <a href="mailto:angela.serda@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong>angela.serda@phoenix.gov</strong></a><br></p>
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</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices | News |
| City of Phoenix Appoints New Chief Privacy Officer to Strengthen Commitment to Data Privacy | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/information-technology-services/3326 | Information Technology Services | | 1/16/2025 4:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3326/CHIEF PRIVACY OFFICER_newsroom.png | | City of Phoenix Appoints New Chief Privacy Officer to Strengthen Commitment to Data Privacy | <div class="ExternalClass1D5DC38A2C5B46E5B1C102880CEB3843"><html>
<p>The City of Phoenix and Information Technology Services Department are pleased to announce the appointment of Ciara Maerowitz as the City’s Chief Privacy Officer (CPO). This role underscores the City’s commitment to responsibly handle and protect the data of our employees, residents, and business partners. </p>
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<p>Maerowitz brings nearly ten years of experience in regulatory compliance. Previously, she held positions at multiple global financial services firms, where she implemented global privacy programs across over 50 jurisdictions in highly complex and tightly regulated environments. </p>
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"I am honored to continue my work in privacy as the City’s first dedicated Chief Privacy Officer,” said Maerowitz. “Privacy is a cornerstone of the trust our residents place in us, and I look forward to leading the City's efforts in enhancing privacy protections and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations."
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<p>In this role, Maerowitz will drive transparency, trust, and accountability in handling personal information by pursuing the highest standards of data protection. Maerowitz will play an integral role in developing and maintaining frameworks for data governance, providing guidance on mitigation of privacy risks, and ensuring the City of Phoenix continues to comply with emerging global privacy laws. The Chief Privacy Officer will also act as the main contact in the event of a privacy breach, both internally and externally. </p>
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Maerowitz holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Bryn Mawr College. She is recognized as a Fellow in Information Privacy (FIP), a prestigious designation given to select experts in the fields of privacy risk management by the International Association of Privacy Professionals. The City of Phoenix is committed to upholding the highest standards of data protection, ensuring that the personal data of its residents and customers is always treated with the utmost care and respect. The Data Privacy Office can be reached at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:privacy@phoenix.gov">privacy@phoenix.gov</a>.
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