Arizona Association for Economic Development

Happy to Elle Crader, Government Partnerships Lead with Brain Co.! 🎉

Yesterday, AAED members gathered for the Orange Academy Course: Arizona Workforce Development to explore the critical role workforce development plays in driving economic growth across Arizona. Attendees gained valuable insights into labor market trends, emerging skills gaps, workforce training strategies, and data-driven approaches to talent development and business retention.

A huge thank you to our outstanding speakers for sharing their expertise and real-world experience: Brian Wright AZED Pro, City of Buckeye; James Montoya, AZED Pro, City of Phoenix; Amber Folkman, Pipeline Connects; and Heath Anderson, M.Ed, AZED Pro, Western Electrical Contractors Association, Inc.. Your perspectives on workforce strategy, collaboration, and innovation made for an engaging and impactful day of learning.

Golden Prospector applications are now open! 🏆

Before you submit, check out our AAED Awards Tips & Tricks video to learn the difference between the EDDE Awards and Golden Prospector Awards, plus insights into what makes a strong application.

The Golden Prospector Awards recognize excellence in economic development across Arizona and are open to all AAED members in good standing.

📅 Early Deadline: Friday, July 10
📅 Final Deadline: Friday, July 24

View award information, past winners, and application details here: https://aaed.com/knowledge-center/awards/

Watch the Awards Tips & Tricks video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGAAFDdv48o

Awards | AAED KNOWLEDGE CENTER Awards   AAED Awards Tips & Tricks Learn the difference between the EDDE Awards and the Golden Prospector Awards, in addition to what makes a great application. EDDEs Application / Award Info View Past Award Winners Every year, AAED honors significant contributions to the advanceme...

A huge thank you to the Town of Queen Creek for being a valued Partner Sponsor! 🌟

QC is truly the place to be — where strategic location, innovation, and opportunity come together to create unlimited possibilities for businesses and residents alike. From the nearly completed LG Energy Solution battery manufacturing facility to 3,500+ acres of industrial land ready for development, Queen Creek continues to lead with vision and momentum.

We’re also excited to see Downtown Queen Creek’s incredible transformation taking shape, with over 230,000 sq. ft. under construction and more than $200 million in private investment fueling the community’s glow up. Add in the town’s unique agritainment experiences and small-town charm, and it’s easy to see why so many are choosing to .

Thank you, Town of Queen Creek, for your partnership and continued investment in Arizona’s economic future!

Learn more 🔗 https://investtheqc.com/

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Off the Clock with Jennifer Lindley last night! We are especially grateful to Jenn for sharing her candid advice, career journey, and valuable insights into the world of economic development.

Her perspective on downtown development, leadership, and the importance of building your own personal “board of directors” offered meaningful takeaways for emerging leaders and seasoned professionals alike.

Conversations like these are such an important part of professional growth, and we appreciate Jenn taking the time to invest in our members and community.

Northern Arizona’s economy is at an inflection point — and energy is at the center of the conversation. Join us virtually on June 2 for AAED’s Northern Summit as industry leaders, policymakers, and economic development professionals come together to discuss the future of energy development in Arizona.

Discussions will cover:

• Arizona’s current energy landscape
• Emerging energy solutions
• The Arizona Corporation Commission’s role in energy policy
• Legislative engagement on energy issues
• How private industry is advancing energy development

Hear from subject matter experts, including Kelly Patton (Arizona Public Service - APS), Representative James Taylor, Russell Smoldon (B3 Strategies), and Craig McFarland (Pinal Partnership - Uniting the vision for Pinal County).

Register today 🔗 https://members.aaed.com/events/Details/northern-summit-1652978?sourceTypeId=Website

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this important conversation: Arizona Data Center Alliance , City of Flagstaff, City of Winslow, Colliers Engineering & Design, Goman York Property Advisers LLC, Terracon, and Town of Prescott Valley, Arizona.

How do Arizona’s taxation policies, financial tools, and incentives influence business attraction and expansion? Find out at AAED’s Gold Academy Course: Arizona Taxation, Finance & Incentives on June 23.

This half-day program takes a practical look at how taxation, incentives, Opportunity Zones, and Foreign Trade Zones shape business attraction and expansion decisions across Arizona. Hear directly from industry experts including Pooja Chandramohan Wood and Kristen Stephenson of Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Maria Laughner of the City of Peoria, and Denise Yanez of the City of Phoenix as they share real-world examples, competitive insights, and strategies you can apply in your community.

Whether you’re new to the field or building on your experience, this course offers valuable perspective on the financial side of economic development.

Register today to reserve your spot! 🔗 https://members.aaed.com/events/Details/gold-academy-course-arizona-taxation-finance-incentives-1558327?sourceTypeId=Website

Whether you’re looking to grow your career or give back to the next generation of professionals, the AAED Mentorship Program is a great way to make meaningful connections across Arizona’s economic development community.

As a mentee, gain valuable career guidance and exclusive professional development opportunities. As a mentor, share your experience while helping shape the future of the industry.

Applications for both mentors and mentees close next Friday, May 29 — don’t miss your chance to be part of this year’s program! Apply today 🔗 https://aaed.com/connect/mentorship-program/

Are you part of Arizona's economic development community?

AAED membership connects you with 450+ professionals across the state — giving you the network, knowledge, and platform to make a real impact.

Whether you're advocating for policy change, building relationships, or growing your career, AAED is where Arizona's economic development leaders come together.

Learn more and join at 🔗 https://aaed.com/membership/join-aaed/

Happy to John Fillion, Vice President of Advanced Technology with SDB Contracting Services! 🎉