Although surrounded by sun-drenched desert sands, Phoenix also is close to sparkling lakes and rivers. The Valley of the Sun is an area of vast diversity, with its fertile flat lands and craggy mountain peaks. People flock to the area for the unique quality of life and panoramic views, the hospitable climate, and to be part of the thriving business environment.

Private industry has a dynamic presence in Phoenix, home to manufacturing giants like Honeywell, Motorola, Allied Signal and Intel.

Phoenix displays enthusiasm and pride in the many athletic and cultural activities it supports. The arts are pursued at excellent theaters, numerous museums and lectures at colleges and universities. The Civic Plaza downtown houses a state of-the-art convention center and a symphony hall. Greyhound races, horse races, golf tournaments and rodeos add to the city's entertainment scene. It is a business and tourism center with a wealth of restaurants and theaters, a city with more than 140 golf courses and the home of the NBA's Phoenix Suns, the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes, and in the spring of 1998, the new Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team.