2012 Excellence in Economic Development Award

THE ARIZONA COMMERCE AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF ITS 2012 EXCELLENCE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

Awards Honor Leadership Development, Economic Development and Innovation Advancement

PHOENIX (September 13, 2012) – The Arizona Commerce Authority is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2012 Excellence in Economic Development Awards.  These awards honor partnerships, 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 Commercialization Projects, and Future Leaders.  Honorees include:

•  Lake Havasu City: Establishment of ASU Colleges Lake Havasu City, a four-year, fully staffed university which opened its doors to students in August;
•  The City of Cottonwood:  Five-year economic development strategy with an emphasis on the wine industry doubled employment in Old Town with a projected economic impact of $10 million by 2013;
•  Project Ignite (Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NACET), Flagstaff and Coconino County):  Expands the reach of  NACET (small business incubator in Northern Arizona) by capturing additional resources, partners and connections.  Results include more than 200 high-wage jobs projected, with client companies reporting revenues of $6 million;
•  The University of Arizona Controlled Environment Agriculture Center’s Lunar Greenhouse and Teaching Module:  Reaches K-12 STEM students across Arizona, students at the University of Arizona and graduate students, with support from NASA, demonstrating that vegetables can be grown in space and can be incorporated into the diet of astronauts working on long-term missions.

“These awards recognize incredible collaborative efforts taking place in communities across the state of Arizona, efforts that are driving innovation, 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.

Local Quotes:

“NACET is honored to receive this award from the Governor’s office on behalf of Northern Arizona.  Our partnerships illustrate the ability work as a cohesive community to support entrepreneurship, our youth and drive job creation for our region.  We are very pleased that our activities are receiving this recognition and we will continue to work hard to create positive economic development opportunities for our region and state,” said Russ Yelton, President/CEO, Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NACET).

“To paraphrase Shakespeare in The Taming of the Shrew: ‘…though it be but small, it is fierce!’  NACET does not have a large footprint, but has big ideas about creating sustainable and appropriate businesses and industries – not only in Northern Arizona, but throughout the State.  The genius of the organization is in its collaborative approach to economic development, sustainability and critical entrepreneurial skills-building.  Thus, this focused program leverages the ideas and resources of many in its work.  Coconino County is proud to host NACET and to be engaged as a partner in many of its initiatives,” said Carl Taylor, Chairman, Coconino County Board of Supervisors.

“As the vice-mayor of the City of Flagstaff and vice-chair of the Coconino County Workforce Investment Board, I want to express my congratulations to NACET on the accomplishment of this award.  NACET’s success is a true testament to what is possible  through focused and deliberative collaboration and partnership.  NACET’s impact is not limited to the Northern Arizona region as their approach to entrepreneurial and economic development has proven beneficial to businesses  throughout the State of Arizona.  The City of Flagstaff is proud to be one of NACET’s partners,” said Coral Evans, Vice-mayor, Flagstaff.

Media Contact:

Nicole McTheny, Director, Marketing/Communications
Arizona Commerce Authority
602.845.1231 or nicolem@azcommerce.com

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s aggressive, premier economic development agency tasked with improving Arizona’s overall economy through the creation of quality jobs.  The ACA focuses on the attraction of valuable business to Arizona, the expansion of existing business and the creation of new business.   Target industries include aerospace and defense, semiconductors, bioscience, optics and renewable energy.  Visit azcommerce.com for more.

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