by FREDERICK BURGER

Microchip giants Intel and
Motorola are growing like
gangbusters in the
southwestern U.S. The
states in the region intend
to keep the growth rate brisk.

One strategy for attracting new industry is to help existing businesses grow locally and to target satellite industry to further boost jobs and wealth. Chief among the goals of the Southwestern states--Arizona, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas--is taking advantage of the rapidly changing high-tech, information-age economy. Further, these states are working to fashion growth strategies that take advantage of the North American Free Trade Agreement and strengthening NAFTA trade with Mexico and other countries to the south.

Here is a closer look at what each state in the region is doing to capitalize on its location attributes and to lure new industry to the southwestern Sunbelt.