GPEC applauds Governor, Arizona leaders for work in landing F-35

Executive delegation led by GPEC and Gov. Brewer a success

PHOENIX (July 29, 2010) — Greater Phoenix Economic Council President and CEO Barry Broome applauded Arizona government and business leaders for their work in ensuring the F-35 Pilot Training Center is stationed at Luke Air Force Base.
GPEC led a delegation of 60 state and local elected officials and business leaders to Washington, D.C. in April to lobby for the F-35 training in addition to jobs in other sectors.

Gov. Jan Brewer, Attorney General Terry Goddard, Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs, and Goodyear Vice Mayor Georgia Lord met with key-decision makers at the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense about the F-35 training during the April trip.
Broome and Arizona Cardinals President Michael Bidwill, who is also GPEC’s chairman, joined the effort.

Several other city officials, business leaders, and an Arizona State University representative also lobbied for the training.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the impact Greater Phoenix and state leaders have when they work together to improve Arizona’s economy,” Broome said. “This shows that the mission to Washington, which was led by GPEC and Gov. Brewer, was a great success.”

The decision is a testament to the leadership of GPEC’s board, the dedication of Gov. Brewer and Attorney General Terry Goddard, and the tireless efforts of Greater Phoenix’s city leaders, Broome said.

“The GPEC mission was unprecedented in uniting so many high-level Arizona government and business leaders to lobby on behalf of the state in one trip,” Bidwill said. “The Washington trip was just the beginning. We will continue working together to bring more jobs to Arizona.”