ARIZONA COMMERCE AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES 2012 EXCELLENCE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

 

Old Town Cottonwood Receives Governor's Statewide Economic Development Award. From left are Casey Rooney, Economic Development Director, City of Cottonwood; Doug Bartosh, Cottonwood City Manager; Kelley Foy, Crema Cafe Owner; Lana Tolleson, President and CEO, Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce; Arizona Governor Jan Brewer; Cottonwood Mayor Diane Joens; and Sandra Watson, Director, Arizona Commerce Authority.

ARIZONA COMMERCE AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES

2012 EXCELLENCE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

The Arizona Commerce Authority announced the recipients of its 2012 Excellence in Economic Development Awards.  These awards honor participants, organizations, associations and companies that have successfully created and implemented exceptional economic development strategies for their respective communities, whether metro, rural or tribal.

“Tonight’s Award recipients are being recognized for the outstanding innovations and achievements that have helped place Arizona at the forefront of economic development,” said Governor Jan Brewer.  “I am thrilled to help celebrate the remarkable perseverance and success of these communities in the midst of challenging economic times.  Their efforts truly represent the great Arizona Comeback.”

Governor Brewer announced this year’s award recipients at the Governor’s Economic Development Conference (GEDC) Gala Dinner on Thursday, September 13, 2012.  Categories include Innovative Economic Development, Entrepreneurial and Commercial Projects and Future Leaders.

Four awards were presented.  The City of Cottonwood received the Innovative Economic Development Award for their five year economic development strategy with an emphasis on the Arizona wine industry.  During a down economy the wine industry has doubled employment in Old Town with a projected economic impact of $10 million by 2013.

Other award winners were Lake Havasu City for the establishment of ASU Colleges Lake Havasu City campus, Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology in Flagstaff and the University of Arizona Controlled Environment Agriculture Center’s Lunar Greenhouse and Teaching Module.

“These awards recognize incredible collaboration efforts taking place in communities across the state of Arizona, efforts that are driving, expanding opportunity and improving our economy,” said Sandra Watson, Interim President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority.  “The impact of these regional economic development initiatives and pioneering projects is seen across the state, and we’re thrilled to honor such incredible success.”

The GEDC is the Arizona Commerce Authority’s annual statewide event bringing together Arizona’s public and private sector leadership to discuss economic development strategies and partnerships that will strengthen Arizona’s overall economy.  This year’s conference theme was the Great Arizona Rebound.