Arizona Association for Economic Development

We’re proud to recognize Salt River Project as a Platinum Sponsor of AAED’s 2026 Fall Forum, Clues to Growth: The Evidence Behind Economic Development. Their continued support helps bring Arizona’s economic development community together for meaningful conversations, valuable connections and insights into the forces shaping growth across our state.

Registration is still open! Early-bird pricing ends August 28, so don’t miss your chance to join us this fall. 🔗 https://members.aaed.com/events/Details/2026-fall-forum-clues-to-growth-the-evidence-behind-economic-development-1585622?sourceTypeId=Website

🔎 Come follow the clues, uncover the evidence and connect with fellow economic development professionals at Fall Forum 2026!

Happy to Nazzer O. Méndez, Foreign Direct Investment & Business Attraction Manager with Pima County Economic Development! 🎉

We’re excited to recognize Willmeng Construction, Inc. as the Title Sponsor of AAED’s 2026 Fall Forum, Clues to Growth: The Evidence Behind Economic Development. Their support helps make this event possible and brings Arizona’s economic development community together to learn, connect and uncover what’s next for our communities.

📍 September 23–25 | Flagstaff, AZ

Registration is still open! Early-bird pricing ends August 28, so now is the perfect time to secure your spot.

Join us this fall as we follow the clues, explore the evidence and uncover new ideas for growth. 🔎 https://members.aaed.com/events/Details/2026-fall-forum-clues-to-growth-the-evidence-behind-economic-development-1585622?sourceTypeId=Website

Happy to Carrie Gilchrist, Director of Business Development with Pipeline Connects! 🎉

This month's AAED Member Spotlight features Marissa Garnett, CEcD, AZED Pro, AICP , Economic Development Project Manager for the Town of Queen Creek Economic Development Department.

From moving to Arizona from Maine for graduate school to helping shape one of the state's fastest-growing communities, Marissa shares her career journey, the projects she's most proud of, and why AAED has played such an important role in her professional development.

Read the full interview to learn more about Marissa's passion for economic development, community growth, and the people who make Arizona's economic development community so special.

🔗 Read the full Member Spotlight: https://aaed.com/member-spotlight-marissa-garnett/

Happy to Gail Jackson, President & CEO with Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona! 🎉

The clues are in... and the case for attending Fall Forum is stronger than ever.

This year's agenda is packed with the evidence you need to solve today's biggest economic development challenges.

🔎 Follow the trail to sessions on:
📍 AI in economic development
📍 Workforce partnerships that are moving the needle
📍 Turning data into compelling stories
📍 Managing project opposition before it manages you
📍 Diversifying Arizona's economy beyond semiconductors
📍 Building confidence, communication, and leadership skills

Along the way, you'll uncover opportunities to connect with colleagues from across Arizona, celebrate the Golden Prospector Awards and AZED Pro graduates, and leave with practical strategies you can put to work right away.

The evidence is clear—you won't want to miss this one. Register today 🔗 https://members.aaed.com/events/Details/2026-fall-forum-clues-to-growth-the-evidence-behind-economic-development-1585622?sourceTypeId=Website

Happy to Daniel Stratulat, Engineering Department Manager with ACS Services LLC! 🎉

Looking to grow your network, expand your expertise, and make a greater impact on Arizona's economic development community?

Join the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) and become part of the state's premier network of professionals dedicated to building stronger communities and driving economic growth.

As an AAED member, you'll gain access to industry-leading education, meaningful connections with professionals from across Arizona, opportunities to grow as a leader, and the latest insights on the issues shaping our industry. Whether you're looking to expand your network, sharpen your skills, or make a lasting impact, AAED is where it all comes together.

Join more than 450 professionals who are shaping the future of economic development in Arizona. Learn more and become a member today 🔗 https://aaed.com/membership/join-aaed/

Ready to strengthen your community's business attraction strategy? Join us on Wednesday, August 26 for a half-day course designed to help economic development professionals market their communities with confidence and compete for new investment.

You'll learn how to:

✅ Position your community's unique value proposition
✅ Understand the site selection process and what drives business location decisions
✅ Identify target industries and leverage your community's strengths
✅ Build effective marketing strategies using data, real-world examples, and AI tools
✅ Strengthen relationships with site selectors, consultants, and business prospects

With sessions led by industry experts from Salt River Project, City of Cottonwood, Arizona, and Discovery Oasis, you'll leave with practical tools and actionable strategies you can put to work immediately.

Don't miss this opportunity to sharpen your marketing and business development skills while connecting with fellow economic development professionals. Check out the full agenda here and register today 🔗 https://members.aaed.com/events/Details/red-academy-course-marketing-and-business-development-1558355?sourceTypeId=Website