Economic development groups hire contractor to promote AZ in the California market
In an effort to lure businesses from California to Arizona, regional economic development and governmental agencies across the state launched a new alliance earlier today called the Arizona Sun Corridor Partnership. The group has pooled funds to hire a private contractor to focus on business development efforts in the Golden State.
The partnership includes the Greater Phoenix Economic Council , the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities Inc., the city of Flagstaff and Pinal County.
Sean Ahern has been hired to educate businesses about the benefits and opportunities available in Arizona, as well as network and coordinate meetings between economic development leaders, corporate real estate executives and professional site selectors.
"This partnership offers Greater Phoenix an incredible opportunity to combine assets with our regional partners and promote Arizona's business environment in California," said Barry Broome, GPEC president and CEO. "Sean will play a critical role in this effort by representing all Sun Corridor partners."
Broome said the regional effort will support the newly established Arizona Commerce Authority and the organization's goals as it ramps up operations.
"The Sun Corridor is one of only 10 U.S. markets expected to see most of the nation's growth in the next 35 years, according to Joe Snell, president and CEO of Tucson's economic development arm, TREO. "We need to work together as Arizonans, aggressively leveraging this unique position in attracting businesses looking for growth in the Southwest. Each region has a unique strength and when a company chooses to locate in one of the Sun Corridor communities, it diversifies our economy and benefits the entire state."
Ahern, 33, is a California native and has been an Arizona resident for the past seven years.
"Arizona's close proximity to the California market is extremely advantageous to companies interested in entering or expanding in the southwest," he said. "California is one of Arizona's natural partners in trade and commerce, and I look forward to working to promote that instinctive business exchange."
The primary objective of the alliance is to advance a collective interest in bringing business to Arizona. The "California strategy" will be to promote Arizona's close geographical proximity to Los Angeles, with much lower business costs, officials said.
"Greater Yuma EDC is very excited about the new direction of the Sun Corridor," said Julie Engel, GYEDC president and CEO. "The team is very supportive of Sean Ahern and looks forward to having him lead the strategic plan for the Sun Corridor."
This also is Pinal County's first year as a contributing member of the regional partnership.
County Manager Fritz Behring said the coalition of various statewide regions will enhance the ability to recruit high tech, high-wage paying and quality companies from areas outside of Arizona.
"This marketing strategy will also enable the state and Pinal County to further diversify our economic base," he said.
Date: July 13, 2011
Phoenix Business Journal
Read More: http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/morning_call/2011/07/gpec-economic-development-groups-hire.html