EVP News

2019 PHX East Valley Economic Profile & Asset Map is Ready to Download

Welcome to the PHX East Valley—a region with approximately 400,000 residents 30 years ago, 1.4 million residents now, and another million on the way. In support of promoting our region on a national level, each year we compile and publish an Economic Profile and Asset Map.

The Economic Profile provides information that can help PHX East Valley ambassadors—those who live and work in our region—as they talk to others as well as businesses looking to relocate their business operations or start a business in our thriving communities.

The message we share is simple: where we live is a great place to receive a quality education, experience excellent career opportunities, raise a family, enjoy single living and retire. We note that it does not hurt to mention that we have over 300 sunny days a year with an average winter temperature of 68 degrees.

As a region, we have a reputation for having a highly educated and skilled workforce. Estimates show that with another million residents coming to our region that will call PHX East Valley their home, 400,000 new jobs will be created in the next 30 years.

The Economic Profile (available for download below) highlights some of our most recent national recognition’s:

Gilbert named Safest City in Arizona & #6 Safest City in the Country
Chandler is noted as the 10th Best City for Jobs in the U.S.
Mesa is known as a “Best Big City” in the Southwest
Apache Junction is one of the top places to retire in the Nation
Tempe as the #1 Most Walkable City in Arizona
Queen Creek is identified as the fourth Best Place for Young Professionals.

When businesses outside of Arizona considers our region, they observe several advantages:

Business costs are approximately 40 percent lower than those of neighboring California
33.6 million square feet of shovel-ready property is available
Corporate income taxes are low, as are individual income taxes
Compared to neighboring states, cost of living is lower, utility rates are lower and median household income is higher

Businesses appreciate our regional emphasis on transportation infrastructure, shortening commutes and education. The PHX East Valley is the location of our “Nation’s Most Innovative University,” Arizona State University, along with many other outstanding higher-education institutions. There is a strong emphasis on business promotion and support of STEM education. World-class incubators and accelerators are available to support our local entrepreneurs.

On a lifestyle note; PHX East Valley offers a quality of life that provides hiking, boating, fishing and outdoor fun within short distances from our work areas and homes. We have fabulous facilities to enjoy that promote the arts and we are the Spring Training home to the 2016 World Series Champions — Chicago Cubs as well as the Oakland A’s, Los Angeles Angels, Diamondbacks and others.

PHX East Valley is a dynamic region of the southwestern United States that has experienced tremendous growth, and through thoughtful planning and collaboration we have a vibrant economy with regional assets such as a highly skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, world-class education, diverse real estate and ideal climate.

We invite you to study the 2019 Economic Profile & Asset Map by downloading below to learn more about our thriving region.

Download your copy here!

2019 PHX East Valley Partnership Profile Now Available!

May 29, 2019 EVP News, News & Media 2019, 2019 Economic Profile, PHX East Valley Partnership, Profile

View a PDF of our 2019 PHX East Valley Partnership Profile Here!

2018/19 Committee Meetings & Events Schedule Now Available!

August 6, 2018 EVP News, Meetings & Events, News & Media EVP Committee Meetings, EVP Events, PHX East Valley

The partnership is known as an organization that ‘rolls up its sleeves’ and gets to work for the entire PHX East Valley region. With that, we are excited to distribute the 2018/19 Master Committee Meetings and Events Schedule to our member organizations. This year we have made a few changes to our overall committee structure and we look forward to better serving our members .

Each committee will only meet FOUR times per year, unless noted otherwise. This will allow for more in depth agenda topics on various issues happening throughout the region.
We have combined the Aviation & Aerospace Committee with the Economic Development Committee. This new combo committee will still meet from September to March on various regional Aviation and Economic Development issues. There will be two meetings with a main focus of Aviation/Aerospace and two with a main focus of Economic Development. However, all meetings will highlight the overall growth and development of our region and the assets that make strategic growth possible. Those who are currently serving on either committee will be automatically added to the full distribution list to receive meeting date notifications and agendas. Should you be interested in joining this committee, please let us know!

We encourage ALL members to actively participate in at least one committee that appeals to their individual interests or expertise.

Please note that meeting locations & additional details are announced in advance of each meeting via committee email distributions lists, unless otherwise indicated.

In addition, we are excited to continue with two annual EVP Community Events:

1) PHX EV Healthcare Summit

Vision: The PHX East Valley Healthcare Summit aims to bring together East Valley Partnership (EVP) members and organizations in our region who are directly involved in the healthcare sector to discuss ongoing issues and points of collaboration. Additional details are forthcoming.

2) PHX NEXT Mentoring Forum

Vision:The PHX East Valley NEXT (Nurturing EXceptional Talent) Mentoring Program is designed for managers of East Valley Partnership(EVP) members and organizations. During the NEXT session, attendees will be provided with both information about our region and business/life “lessons learned” from seasoned leaders in the region. Additional details are forthcoming.

Announcements regarding our signature events will be made soon. Stay up-to-date on committee meetings and events by visiting our calendar!

Q & A With New EVP Board Chair — Jeff Guldner of APS

July 30, 2018 EVP News, News & Media EVP Board Chair, Jeff Guldner

Q: What is your vision for EVP/PHX East Valley in the coming years?

A: EVP is a strong organization in a dynamic part of the Valley, and we need to continue to build on that strength and our focus on the key engines of the PHX East Valley, like aerospace and transportation. We also operate in a uniquely collaborative environment with a true philosophy that what benefits one East Valley community benefits us all. As a convener, we want to continue to play a role in facilitating that kind of collaboration amongst our communities. We also should look to other economic development organizations in our region like GPEC and align with important initiatives that benefit all of us, like the Connected Place around the Internet of Things and growing applied research in the PHX East Valley. Finally, making sure everyone understands our role in the East Valley and Phoenix region, and what we can offer our members, communities and other interested parties.

Q: What are some of your initial priorities as incoming chair of the organization?

A: One goal is ensuring that our strategic plan is solid, and that our planning process is robust and engaging. As the board chair, I also want to ensure that we have a smooth transition both from my predecessor Rhonda, but also as Denny takes over from John Lewis. Also, looking at board and member development and diversity and inclusion will be important initiatives.

Q: In what ways will you work with the region’s cities and towns?

A: EVP will continue to act as a convener and we’d like to be a key partner with our communities. Again, the PHX East Valley is unique in how it takes a very collaborative approach to economic development across the region, and we should help continue that

Q:What are the greatest opportunities for EVP?

A: Working together with both our communities and the other economic development organizations across the Greater Phoenix region is a huge opportunity. We will look at how EVP can clearly fit into this regional ecosystem.

Q: What about the challenges? How will these be addressed?

A: Making sure that we can provide real value to our members and our partners. And we can achieve that by listening to those parties and engaging in robust strategic planning.

Q: What do you believe is the PHX East Valley’s greatest asset?

A: As any realtor would say, “location, location, location” is a huge asset, but not our only key asset. When you look at the PHX East Valley, you have tremendous infrastructure, a dynamic and engaged population, and a great educational base, including the strong presence of ASU complemented by our world class community college network. These are key ingredients for growth and prosperity. Not to mention that is a wonderful place to locate a business and raise a family as it’s only getting better!

Jeff Guldner has been a member on the EVP Board since September of 2010 (8 years). This is his first term serving as EVP Board Chair.

APS’s Jeff Guldner Takes the Helm of the EVP Board

July 11, 2018 EVP News, News & Media APS, EVP Board Chair, Jeff Guldner

Incoming chair to join new president/CEO Denny Barney in advancing business, community initiatives in growing PHX East Valley

With a goal of building on the strengths of one of the fastest-growing areas of metropolitan Phoenix, Jeffrey B. Guldner has assumed an 2-year term as chair of East Valley Partnership.

Guldner will work alongside Denny Barney, who began his duties as president and CEO of the organization last month. He will balance his volunteer leadership position with his role as executive vice president, public policy, and general counsel of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and Arizona Public Service Company.

“We will focus on aerospace, transportation and other economic engines in the East Valley,” Guldner said, “along with the Connected Place around the Internet of Things and growing applied research. We will also ensure that everyone understands our role in the PHX East Valley, particularly what we can offer our members, communities and other interested parties.”

The Partnership was formed 36 years ago as a cooperative effort among the communities of the PHX East Valley region. Today, the PHX East Valley boasts a combined population of 1.3 million in Apache Junction, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe and Gila River Indian and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Communities. Because of its talented and highly educated workforce and favorable quality of life, the region has become a magnet for new businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in industries such as aerospace and aviation, technology, financial services and healthcare.

“Jeff brings many talents to our board,” Barney said, “including a deep understanding of our region and a strong track record of community service.”

Guldner said the Partnership would continue to drive the business interests in the region by acting as a convener and taking a collaborative approach to economic development.

“When you look at the PHX East Valley, there is tremendous infrastructure, a dynamic and engaged population and a great educational base, including the strong presence of ASU and a world-class community college network,” he said. “These are the key ingredients for the region’s continued growth and prosperity.

EVP IS ON THE MOVE!

June 28, 2018 EVP News, News & Media EVP

Dear East Valley Partnership Members,

Greetings! We hope you are coping with our typical hot June weather as well as can be expected.

As you know, we’ve had a transition in leadership at the Partnership. We bid farewell to John Lewis in late May, Mike Hutchinson moved into a full time role as Executive Vice President and I officially came on board as the CEO/President on June 1^st. (Read more about this transition via East Valley Tribune.)

It has been a busy yet productive first month as President/CEO. During this time, we felt that a change in leadership presented the opportunity to do a thorough review of the Partnerships organizational structure and priorities. With that, we wanted to provide you all with a few updates on several important changes/discussions that will occur over the next few weeks.

One of the first items we have worked on is relocating to a different office space. After considering a number of space options, we have decided to move to an office building in Tempe, Arizona.

Our new office address is:

2333 West University Drive Suite 103 Tempe, AZ 85281

This will be a positive move financially and still act as a convenient location for our members who visit the EVP office from time to time. To accommodate for this move, we will be closing the office the week of July 2^nd through Monday, July 9^th and reopening on Tuesday, July 10^th. Although our offices will be closed, you will still be able to reach both Mike and myself through our personal cell phones listed below.

Denny Barney: 602-818-2737
Mike Hutchinson: 602-363-5033

Along with the office move, we have been reviewing our organizational structure and will be making some recommendations to our Executive Committee later this summer. We have also been reviewing our Board of Directors, Committee and Special Event meeting schedules and plan to distribute this schedule to all members in the middle of July.

It is a very exciting time for our team and we look forward to implementing changes that will streamline our work processes and allow us to provide outstanding service to you — our members.

Please feel free to contact either of us if you have any questions. We sincerely appreciate your ongoing financial support, personal participation and input in making the East Valley Partnership a premier non-profit organization.

Sincerely,

Denny & Mike

DENNY BARNEY || PRESIDENT /CEO MIKE HUTCHINSON || EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

CELL: 602-818-2737 CELL: 602-363-5033

EMAIL: DBARNEY@EVP-AZ.ORG EMAIL: MHUTCHINSON@EVP-AZ.ORG

PHX East Valley Celebrates National Small-Business Month with Purpose

May 18, 2018 EVP News, News & Media, PHX East Valley Project Gilbert AZ, PHX East Valley

Original Article Published via Phoenix Business Journal

The origins of PHX East Valley — which includes Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek and Tempe — are rooted in farming, ranching, small business, education, manufacturing, technology and the Wild West.

Our heritage is one we honor. But fitting for National Small Business Month, we also celebrate our region’s entrepreneurial spirit, one united in purpose, more collaborative and less competitive, where creative ideas bubble up, and residents, economic developers and elected officials are open and relational.

PHX East Valley, which has nearly 61,000 businesses with 10 or fewer employees, boasts many amenities today’s talented workforce demands, including:

Top-notch education: The region is home to Arizona State University and also served by a number of other educational institutions. The U.S. Census Bureau reports 36 percent of the population over age 25 have bachelor’s degrees or higher, compared to 29 percent nationally.

Affordable housing and cost of living: The median value of an owner-occupied unit here is $187,600, compared to the national average of $265,600, according to the Census. Additionally, the average cost of living in the PHX East Valley is well below the national average and comparative business markets.

Outdoor leisure and recreation: The region is home to six Major League Baseball teams during spring training, as well as 380 miles of regional paved trails — which has more than doubled during the past decade.

Mix in our growing world-class health-care facilities, and a visionary transportation plan for expanded freeways, bus lines and light rail, a self-driving vehicles pilot and a major regional airport, and you’ll see the infrastructure is in place to support our projected population of more than 1.4 million by 2020.

PHX East Valley uses a number of strategies to attract and support new entrepreneurs and assist small businesses. These include innovative co-working spaces and a vibrant angel investing program focusing on enhancing access to early-stage funding for technology start-ups.

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce’s Partners in Progress program, for example, fosters a pro-business environment with specific focus on the growth, expansion and retention of companies. Roundtable meetings with businesses representing various sectors help local officials gain insight on how they can best foster growth and retention.

Our work is paying off with numerous success stories in diverse industries. Barnone is one of those companies. In a setting that’s all about community, thiscollection of skilled craftsmen, from woodworkers and restaurateurs to experimental winemakers, make and sell their handcrafted goods.

Barnone is housed at Agritopia, a residential and commercial area in Gilbert that was part of the farm where entrepreneur Joe Johnston was raised. With a vision of preserving his family’s land, Johnston created a village surrounded by urban farmland, where the small-business spirit is encouraged.

It’s all about relationships, and it’s the model for what PHX East Valley is doing.

Two Congress Members Civilly Discuss their Differences

May 8, 2018 2018 SPL, EVP News, News & Media Congressman Andy Biggs, Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema, East Valley Statespersons' Luncheon, PHX East Valley

Original Article via East Valley Tribune

The East Valley Partnership’s annual Statespersons’ Luncheon brought together two members of Congress from across the aisle who bridged the partisan divide to discuss NAFTA and other issues that affect Arizonans.

Democrat Kyrsten Sinema, whose District 9 includes parts of Ahwatukee, Tempe, Mesa and Chandler, and Republican Andy Biggs, who represents a large swath of the East Valley in District 5, participated in the event for the second-straight year.

Sinema previously took part in the luncheon series for several years alongside former Rep. Matt Salmon.

Sinema and Biggs did not always agree, but they remained cordial – reminding attendees on multiple occasions that they are good friends – throughout the hour-long conversation.

That geniality was in stark contrast to the acrimonious relationship between the Republican and Democratic parties in Washington, D.C. – a point not lost on Biggs and Sinema.

Both representatives spent a good deal of time talking about the need to improve the relationship between the two parties in order to end the gridlock in Congress.

The two representatives have different ideas about how to get there, though.

Sinema said that she believes in retaining the Senate’s cloture rule, by which 60 senators can circumvent a filibuster and quickly end debate on a bill.

Instead of doing away with the oft-used maneuver, she said the country needs more senators who won’t invoke cloture in order to avoid debate.

“I think the solution is to get senators who are more willing to work together across the aisle to solve problems and get things done, because we used to have a Senate that worked,” Sinema said.

Biggs disagreed, arguing that cloture “dilutes representation” and is an arcane rule that “needs to go.”

He blamed cloture for the last-minute spending additions that ballooned the price tag for Congress’ $1.3 trillion omnibus budget bill and the fact that hundreds of other bills passed by the House currently sit untouched in the Senate.

The bills, he said, “are sitting there with no action, and it’s because of the 60-vote cloture rule.”

Continue Reading…

FYI FRIDAY | Roundup of Timely Regional Events as of May 4

May 4, 2018 Annual Meeting 2018, EVP News, News & Media FYI Friday, phxeastvalley

Are you an EVP Member?

Join us on Thursday, May 24th for our “Back to the Future”Annual Membership Meeting

Additional Events/Meetings Happening Around the #PHXEastValley:

May 4- 13 | Fantastic Planet | Downtown Mesa

Fantastic Planet, an installation of six, gigantic inflatable humanoid figures by Australian artist Amanda Parer, will have its United States premier in downtown Mesa. The massive sculptures will be lit from the inside at night, and will be on view at Mesa Arts Center, i.d.e.a. Museum, at the Federal building across the street from Arizona Museum of Natural History and over Milano’s music in downtown Mesa. Fantastic Planet is inspired by the 1973 Czech/French film of the same name.

Click here to learn more.

May 9 | Falcon Field Airport Networking Lunch: Incentives | 11:45am- 1:00pm @ Falcon Field Airport

Come learn what the state has to offer your growing business, including tax credits. Network and learn about other businesses in the area. 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch catered by Katmai. RSVP by May 6. Click here to learn more & RSVP.

May 9 | Blockchain & Digital Currency | 4:00pm- 6:30pm @ Snell & Wilmer in PHX

Come learn with Snell & Wilmer as they host a FREE event “Blockchain & Digital Currency | A Look at the Legal Issues” on Wednesday, May 9th. Click here to RSVP.

May 11 | Lunch & Learn: Capitalize on Tourism & EconDev to Boost Your Business | 11:30am- 1:00pm @ University Building

Featuring Kimber Lanning of LocalFirst, Discover Gilbert, and Gilbert Economic Development. Join us during Economic Development and Travel & Tourism Week as Kimber Lanning walks through how communities thrive from tourism and economic development efforts. Participants will learn about tools and strategies that they can use to capitalize on the increased tourism and development occurring in the community. Click here to learn more & resister.

May 16 | PHX East Valley Angel Investor Initiative — Gilbert, AZ
We are not done identifying, educating, and activating angel investors in the PHX East Valley. Are you or someone you know looking to diversify your investment portfolio? Join us on May 16th as we bring the PHX East Valley Angel Investor Initiative Free Workshops to Gilbert’s University Building. This is the first of three — two hour — workshops designed to give you the knowledge and tools necessary to start investing (wisely). Learn more and register to attend.

May 17 | EVP Members are Invited to — The Gilbert Sun News “Goes Weekly” Launch Party
Join the Editor and Publisher & President of the Gilbert Sun News as they celebrate the launch of their weekly publication Thursday, May 17th at the Falls Event Center from 5pm-8pm. Live music, various raffle prizes and free appetizers are just a few of the party perks. View event flyer here.

***Upcoming EVP Committee Meetings Open to All Members***

May 8 | 8 AM: Economic Development Committee Meeting at Mesa Art Center – Click here to RSVP via email

May 15 | 10:30 AM: Advocacy & Government Relations Committee at University of Phoenix – Click here to RSVP via email

May 23 | 7:30 AM: Transportation Committee at Empire Southwest – Click here to RSVP via email

2018 East Valley Partnership Annual Membership Meeting

April 27, 2018 EVP News, Meetings & Events, News & Media EVP Annual Meeting

We are going “Back to the Future Part:#PHXEastValley” on Thursday, May 24th as the East Valley Partnership hosts our 2018 Annual Membership Meeting sponsored by CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Companies.

We look forward to celebrating the past, present, and future of our thriving region with our current members and guests on May 24th at Mesa Community College in the Navajo meeting room (1833 W Southern Ave., Mesa, Arizona).

The Annual Meeting will begin at 7:15am with registration, a buffet breakfast and time for networking. The formal event program will begin at 7:45 AM with an update on partnership activities, special recognitions, and other board business.

We look forward to a series of presentations from four of our PHX East Valley mayors who actually grew up in their home towns and will be sharing comments via video presentations about the past, present, and future of their respective communities. Following the Mayor presentations, we look forward to “thinking ahead” with Chris Camacho of Greater Phoenix Economic Council as he discusses the modern economy from a Greater PHX regional perspective.

Click Here to Register & Attend

Event registration is complimentary to all EVP Members & Guests but we ask that you register online to ensure we have an accurate headcount for food & drink!

Are you an EVP Member?

Join us on Thursday, May 24th for our “Back to the Future”Annual Membership Meeting

Sponsored by CopperPoint Mutual

Additional Events/Meetings Happening Around the #PHXEastValley: