Arizona Association for Economic Development

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Arizona Association for Economic Development

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AAED is successful because of the diversity of its members. There are numerous ways in which to get involved with AAED.

The mission of AAED is to serve as Arizona’s unified voice advocating for responsible economic development through professional education, public policy, and collaboration. AAED is a working organization that utilizes volunteers from its membership to form committees and achieve objectives. It is through this active involvement that the volunteer member recognizes the real benefit of association in this important organization. Committees - the heart and soul of volunteer organizations - allow members to demonstrate leadership and management skills. By actively participating in AAED members help the organization remain the top professional economic development association in the State of Arizona.

10/22/2026

Thank you to Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona's Excel Center for welcoming AAED’s Greater Phoenix and Workforce Committees on Wednesday for an insightful tour of Arizona’s first free adult high school!

Attendees learned how the Excel Center helps adults reconnect with education and employment through high school diplomas, industry-recognized credentials, and wraparound support services (including free onsite childcare). The tour also highlighted the legislative efforts that made adult high school diplomas possible in Arizona and the program’s impact on our state’s workforce, including an impressive $20 return for every $1 invested.

The visit offered a closer look at how accessible education and workforce development initiatives can expand career opportunities, strengthen Arizona’s talent pipeline, and support long-term economic growth.

10/21/2026

Join us in congratulating AAED member Lindsay Meyer on her promotion to Director of Business Development with Concord General Contracting, Inc.! 🎉

10/20/2026

Know someone who should be part of AAED? Help us grow Arizona’s economic development community!

As an AAED member, you know the value of connecting with industry professionals, expanding your knowledge, and collaborating to support economic development across Arizona. Now, you can help others experience those same benefits!

Refer a colleague to AAED, and you’ll be entered into our quarterly referral raffle as a thank-you for helping our community grow.

Have someone in mind? Share the benefits of AAED membership and encourage them to join today 🔗 https://aaed.com/membership/join-aaed/

10/19/2026

Happy to Randy Rody with Arrington Watkins Architects, LLC! 🎉

10/16/2026

Did you know? AAED offers an Emeritus Membership for retired professionals!

For just $75 per year, Emeritus members can stay connected to Arizona’s economic development community, continue building relationships, and enjoy opportunities to collaborate, learn, and stay informed.

If you’re retired and looking to stay engaged with the industry and the professional community you’ve helped shape, AAED is here for you.

Learn more about membership options and apply today: https://aaed.com/membership/join-aaed/

10/14/2026

Join us for the 2026 Southern Arizona Soiree on November 10 at the Arizona Inn in Tucson! 🎁 Enjoy a festive afternoon filled with good food, great company, and our annual Ellen Kirton Raffle. It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, meet new friends, and celebrate the incredible people making a difference across Southern Arizona.

Want to get your organization involved? Sponsorship opportunities are still available! It’s a wonderful way to show your support for Arizona’s economic development community while connecting with professionals and leaders from across the region.

Many thanks to our partners Terracon, City of Tucson, and Trico Electric Cooperative for their support of this event.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Learn more and register today 🔗 https://members.aaed.com/events/Details/2026-southern-arizona-soiree-1852281?sourceTypeId=Website

10/13/2026

Ready to take the next step in your economic development career? Applications are open for the 2027 AZED Pro Cohort Program!

Experience a year of professional growth, hands-on learning, and meaningful connections with fellow economic development professionals. Through seven expert-led courses, one-on-one mentorship, and exclusive cohort experiences, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools to make an impact in your community while working toward your AZED Pro Certification.

📅 Applications are due by 5:00 PM on November 20th.

Invest in your professional growth, expand your network, and be part of the next generation of Arizona’s economic development leaders.

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://aaed.com/career-center/azed-pro-cohort-program/

10/12/2026

That’s a wrap on AAED’s 2026 Fall Forum in Flagstaff! 🔎

From a warm welcome reception and engaging educational sessions to a memorable dinner activity and conversations with exhibitors, this year’s Fall Forum was filled with opportunities to learn, collaborate, and strengthen connections across Arizona’s economic development community.

Under the theme Clues to Growth: The Evidence for Economic Development, attendees explored new ideas, shared expertise, and built meaningful relationships that will continue well beyond our time together in Flagstaff. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s Forum such a success!

A special thank you to Willmeng Construction, Inc., our Title Sponsor, and to all of our sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, and partners who made this event possible.

Already looking forward to the next conference? Spring Conference registration is now open! 🔗 https://members.aaed.com/events/Details/2027-spring-conference-one-table-many-voices-1920479?sourceTypeId=Website

10/08/2026

In our latest Member Spotlight, Fernando Garcia, Executive Vice President of International Trade & Investment at the Arizona Commerce Authority, shares how his MPA introduced him to economic development, his work strengthening Arizona’s global partnerships, the importance of the “Team Arizona” approach, and the projects and relationships he’s most proud of.

Get to know Fernando, his journey in economic development, and what he believes makes Arizona’s story one worth sharing around the world. Read the full October Member Spotlight: https://aaed.com/member-spotlight-fernando-garcia/

10/07/2026

This month’s Partner Corner features the City of Buckeye, where rapid growth, new development, and strategic economic development are reshaping one of Arizona’s fastest-growing communities.

From the opening of Verrado Marketplace to major employment, infrastructure, and residential projects, Buckeye is building momentum across the city. With only 17% of the city built out, there’s plenty more to come.

Read the full feature to learn more about Buckeye’s growth and what’s next for this dynamic West Valley community: https://aaed.com/only-17-built-out-and-already-impossible-to-ignore/

Address

2828 N Central Avenue, Floor 10, Suite 1016
Phoenix, AZ
85004

Telephone

+16022402233

Website

http://www.aaed.com/

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