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Casa Grande is a dynamic, involved community, a modern city with a rural heritage and old-fashioned values. Its economic base is a mix of retail trade, factory outlet shopping, manufacturing and agriculture. Founded in 1879, Casa Grande was named for the famous Hohokam Indian Ruins 20 miles to the northeast. Midway between Phoenix and Tucson, the city has grown to be the largest community in western Pinal County since its incorporation in 1915.
 Principal Economic Activities
Casa Grande is strategically located at the intersection of two interstate highways, Interstates 10 and 8, in an area known as Arizona's Golden Corridor. Once dependant on agriculture and mining, the community has evolved into a diversified full-service area with manufacturing, retail trade, government and tourist-related employment. All of Pinal County is designated as an Enterprise Zone.
Scenic Attractions
Casa Grande's location, mild climate and scenic attractions make it attractive to tourists as well as winter visitors. The Casa Grande Valley Historical Museum offers many historical displays and facts about the area. The unique architecture of the historical railroad station and other historic buildings can be enjoyed during a walking tour of Casa Grande. Named a Main Street City in 1992, Casa Grande is revitalizing its unique downtown area. The Casa Grande Art Museum hosts a number of shows each year featuring sculpture, water-color, multimedia and western art by Arizona artists. The Casa Grande Valley Players will begin a new season of community theater. The city is also the home of the Arizona State Open Chili Championship, which is held every March.
The annual O'Odham Tash Celebration, a gathering of tribes, is held in mid-February, and features Native American arts and crafts, ceremonial dances, rodeos, powwows and festive parades.
Community Facilities
Casa Grande offers a broad range of community facilities including one senior center, two museums, a library, a bowling center, a fitness and raquet club, one pool, one movie fiveplex, four golf courses, an archery range and rodeo facilities. There are more than 18 parks, many with ramadas, handball courts, tennis courts, softball diamonds and playground equipment.
Educational
Casa Grande has nine public elementry schools, two private elementary schools, and a public high school. A new public high school facility with a 2,800 student capacity opened in 1997. Central Arizona College, a two year community college east of Casa Grande, offers a range of courses, including college preparatory, liberal arts, vocational/technical and career education. Northern Arizona University at Central Arizona College allows a student to choose from over 17 bachelor's and 12 master's degrees, plus 12 certificates and endorsements; for information, call (520) 421-1394. The University of Phoenix offers bachelors and masters degrees in business-related areas in conjunction with the community college. Arizona State University in Tempe (45 miles north) and the University of Arizona ( 67 miles south ), are other major four-year institutions in the area.
Financial
Casa Grande has nine banks. Furthermore, Casa Grande businesses are eligible for assistance in financing fixed assets through the Strategic Finance Division of the Arizona Department of Commerce. Information on private activity bonds within the city may be obtained from the same source or from the Industrial Development Authority of Casa Grande, Pinal County, Arizona, 300 East 4th Street, Casa Grande, AZ 85222.
Governmental
The city is governed by a mayor, six council members, and a city manager. Police protection is provided by the city and the Pinal County Sheriff's Department. There are three fire stations with both full-time and part-time emergency medical personnel. All stations are staffed with Advanced Life Support Paramedics.
Airport
Residents of Casa Grande have access to the Casa Grande Municipal Airport, with one 5,200 foot asphalt runway.
Lodging and Meeting Facilities
There are over 650 rooms available in seven hotels / motels which also feature numerous meeting facilities, with the largest seating 450 people. Casa Grande also offers 15 RV parks in the area.
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