Arizona Association for Economic Development

Happy to Bryan Martyn, Director with The Martyn Group! 🎉

"Arizona is at an inflection point."

In our June Member Spotlight, Dr. Tammy McLeod, President and CEO of the Flinn Foundation, shares her perspective on Arizona's future, the power of cross-sector partnerships, and the investments in education, biosciences, and sustainability that will shape our state for generations to come.

Read about her path into economic development, the projects she's most proud of, and why "possibility" is the first word that comes to mind when she thinks about Arizona.

Read the full spotlight 🔗 https://aaed.com/member-spotlight-dr-tammy-mcleod/

Want to better understand the financial tools that drive economic development in Arizona?

Join AAED’s Gold Academy Course: Arizona Taxation, Finance & Incentives on June 23, 2026, for an in-depth look at the tax and incentive strategies that help communities attract and grow businesses.
Learn from industry experts as they cover:

✔️ Arizona’s tax structure and competitive advantages
✔️ Local, state, and federal incentives—and when to use them
✔️ Real-world relocation and expansion case studies
✔️ Opportunity Zones and development tax credits
✔️ Foreign Trade Zones and how they create economic opportunities
✔️ Practical tools to identify and leverage opportunities in your community

Whether you're new to economic development or looking to strengthen your expertise, this course will provide valuable insights you can apply immediately.

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

Please join us in congratulating AAED’s 2026–2027 Executive Committee, whose terms officially began on June 1!

We are excited to welcome President Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, MPA, AZED Pro, President-Elect Kristen Stephenson, CEcD, Vice President Suzanne Boyles, MBA, AZED Pro, Secretary/Treasurer Jack Fitchett, MPA, and Immediate Past President Jennifer Lindley.

Together, this outstanding leadership team brings decades of experience in economic development, workforce development, business attraction, downtown revitalization, and regional strategy that will help guide AAED and our members into the year ahead.

As we begin implementing our new 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, Leading With Purpose, we look forward to the vision, leadership, and collaboration this team will bring as we continue to educate, advocate, and collaborate on behalf of Arizona’s economic development community.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to our outgoing board members for their dedication, leadership, and service over the past year. Your contributions have helped strengthen AAED and advance responsible economic development across Arizona.

Read the full press release for more information on our 2026–2027 Executive Committee and Board of Directors: https://aaed.com/aaed-announces-2026-27-officers-and-board-members/

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.