Arizona Association for Economic Development

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Arizona Association for Economic Development

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AAED is successful because of the diversity of its members. There are numerous ways in which to get involved with AAED.

The mission of AAED is to serve as Arizona’s unified voice advocating for responsible economic development through professional education, public policy, and collaboration. AAED is a working organization that utilizes volunteers from its membership to form committees and achieve objectives. It is through this active involvement that the volunteer member recognizes the real benefit of association in this important organization. Committees - the heart and soul of volunteer organizations - allow members to demonstrate leadership and management skills. By actively participating in AAED members help the organization remain the top professional economic development association in the State of Arizona.

10/16/2026

Did you know? AAED offers an Emeritus Membership for retired professionals!

For just $75 per year, Emeritus members can stay connected to Arizona’s economic development community, continue building relationships, and enjoy opportunities to collaborate, learn, and stay informed.

If you’re retired and looking to stay engaged with the industry and the professional community you’ve helped shape, AAED is here for you.

Learn more about membership options and apply today: https://aaed.com/membership/join-aaed/

10/14/2026

Join us for the 2026 Southern Arizona Soiree on November 10 at the Arizona Inn in Tucson! 🎁 Enjoy a festive afternoon filled with good food, great company, and our annual Ellen Kirton Raffle. It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, meet new friends, and celebrate the incredible people making a difference across Southern Arizona.

Want to get your organization involved? Sponsorship opportunities are still available! It’s a wonderful way to show your support for Arizona’s economic development community while connecting with professionals and leaders from across the region.

Many thanks to our partners Terracon, City of Tucson, and Trico Electric Cooperative for their support of this event.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Learn more and register today 🔗 https://members.aaed.com/events/Details/2026-southern-arizona-soiree-1852281?sourceTypeId=Website

10/13/2026

Ready to take the next step in your economic development career? Applications are open for the 2027 AZED Pro Cohort Program!

Experience a year of professional growth, hands-on learning, and meaningful connections with fellow economic development professionals. Through seven expert-led courses, one-on-one mentorship, and exclusive cohort experiences, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools to make an impact in your community while working toward your AZED Pro Certification.

📅 Applications are due by 5:00 PM on November 20th.

Invest in your professional growth, expand your network, and be part of the next generation of Arizona’s economic development leaders.

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://aaed.com/career-center/azed-pro-cohort-program/

10/12/2026

That’s a wrap on AAED’s 2026 Fall Forum in Flagstaff! 🔎

From a warm welcome reception and engaging educational sessions to a memorable dinner activity and conversations with exhibitors, this year’s Fall Forum was filled with opportunities to learn, collaborate, and strengthen connections across Arizona’s economic development community.

Under the theme Clues to Growth: The Evidence for Economic Development, attendees explored new ideas, shared expertise, and built meaningful relationships that will continue well beyond our time together in Flagstaff. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s Forum such a success!

A special thank you to Willmeng Construction, Inc., our Title Sponsor, and to all of our sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, and partners who made this event possible.

Already looking forward to the next conference? Spring Conference registration is now open! 🔗 https://members.aaed.com/events/Details/2027-spring-conference-one-table-many-voices-1920479?sourceTypeId=Website

10/08/2026

In our latest Member Spotlight, Fernando Garcia, Executive Vice President of International Trade & Investment at the Arizona Commerce Authority, shares how his MPA introduced him to economic development, his work strengthening Arizona’s global partnerships, the importance of the “Team Arizona” approach, and the projects and relationships he’s most proud of.

Get to know Fernando, his journey in economic development, and what he believes makes Arizona’s story one worth sharing around the world. Read the full October Member Spotlight: https://aaed.com/member-spotlight-fernando-garcia/

10/07/2026

This month’s Partner Corner features the City of Buckeye, where rapid growth, new development, and strategic economic development are reshaping one of Arizona’s fastest-growing communities.

From the opening of Verrado Marketplace to major employment, infrastructure, and residential projects, Buckeye is building momentum across the city. With only 17% of the city built out, there’s plenty more to come.

Read the full feature to learn more about Buckeye’s growth and what’s next for this dynamic West Valley community: https://aaed.com/only-17-built-out-and-already-impossible-to-ignore/

10/06/2026

The 2026 State of Arizona Economic Development Report is here! Now in its fifth year, this annual report brings together insights from 100+ economic development Practitioners and Service Providers across the state to provide a snapshot of the profession, current challenges, emerging trends and what’s ahead.

Inside, you’ll find insights on:
• Workforce and demographic trends in the profession
• Top challenges and how they’ve shifted over five years
• Budget trends across different community sizes
• Economic development strategies and performance metrics
• The impact of politics on economic development work

Whether you’re a Practitioner, Provider, community leader or simply invested in Arizona’s economic future, this report is an essential resource for understanding where we are and where we’re headed.

Check out the 2026 State of AZ Economic Development Report and explore the data shaping economic development across our state 🔗 https://aaed.com/knowledge-center/state-of-economic-development-report/

10/01/2026

Ready to level up your small business and entrepreneurial development skills?

Join us for AAED’s Purple Academy Course: Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development on Wednesday, October 28th!

Explore how small businesses and entrepreneurs contribute to the economic development ecosystem, learn strategies to support their growth, and gain practical insights into:

✔️ Assessing community needs and developing tailored programs
✔️Traditional and alternative financing options
✔️Grants, financial literacy, and capital management
✔️Federal, state, and local resources
✔️Building partnerships to support entrepreneurs

Whether you work directly with small businesses or want to better understand the resources and strategies that can help them thrive, this course offers practical tools you can take back to your community.

Register today and join us for an engaging afternoon of learning and conversation 🔗 https://members.aaed.com/events/Details/purple-academy-course-entrepreneurship-small-business-development-1558444?sourceTypeId=Website

09/30/2026

🏆 Congratulations to the 2026 Golden Prospector Award winners!

At our 2026 Fall Forum in Flagstaff, AAED recognized 9 Golden Prospector Award winners and 16 Awards of Merit for excellence, innovation, and creativity in economic development across Arizona.

From major economic development deals and innovative workforce initiatives to placemaking, marketing, multimedia campaigns, and more, this year’s honorees are helping shape stronger communities and a stronger Arizona.

A special thank you to the Arizona Data Center Alliance for sponsoring the 2026 Golden Prospector Awards.

🔎 Want to learn more about this year’s winning programs and projects? Read the full list of 2026 Golden Prospector Award winners and Awards of Merit recipients here: https://aaed.com/2026-golden-prospector/

09/29/2026

Applications are now open for the 2027 AZED Pro Cohort!

Ready to take your economic development career to the next level? The AAED Economic Development Cohort Program brings together a diverse group of professionals for a year of learning, connection, and growth.

Cohort members will:

• Build lasting relationships with economic development professionals across Arizona
• Gain tools and knowledge to develop innovative solutions and strengthen local economies
• Receive one-on-one check-ins with a Practitioner Advisor
• Participate in an exclusive cohort gathering outside of the courses
• Complete 7 required courses over the course of one year
• Earn their AZED Pro Certification and celebrate at graduation during AAED’s Fall Forum

Applications are due by 5:00 PM on November 20th.

Ready to learn, grow, and connect with the next generation of Arizona economic development leaders? Apply today 🔗 https://aaed.com/career-center/azed-pro-cohort-program/

Address

2828 N Central Avenue, Floor 10, Suite 1016
Phoenix, AZ
85004

Telephone

+16022402233

Website

http://www.aaed.com/

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