East Valley Partnership

Economist Sees Good Things ahead at EVP Thought Leader Forum

Original Article Via East Valley Tribune


Screen Shot 2017-12-13 at 9.56.42 AMThe economic forecast at East Valley Partnership’s annual SRP Thought Leader Forum projected a sense of measured optimism about the health of the economy at both a national and local level.

Gary Schlossberg, Wells Capital Management vice president and senior economist, presented the forecast and expressed confidence in the economic recovery. He noted that business investment is picking up speed.

“The sense of the economic recovery is that it is more entrenched than ever,” Schlossberg said.

Several positive indicators exist at a national level, including balance between manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors and the working down of corporate debt.

The normalization of home values is another good sign, Schlossberg said.

He added that interest rates and inflation will grow gradually over time but should not have a negative effect on investment.

The Phoenix Metro area is poised to take advantage of this momentum nationally due its balanced economy – which includes the tourism, business services, financial services and tech sectors – and its competitive cost of living, which is considerably lower than other cities in the Southwest and West Coast.

The cost of living in San Francisco is 82 percent higher than in the East Valley. The cost of living in Los Angeles (46 percent), Seattle (47 percent), Denver (13 percent) and Salt Lake City (9 percent) is higher than the East Valley, according to East Valley Partnership’s 2018 economic profile.

Similarly, the East Valley also offers more affordable home prices than those cities. The average home price in the area is $187,600 compared to the national average of $265,600.

The East Valley also has the population to support business growth as projections have it adding 1 million new residents and 400,000 new jobs in the next 30 years, according to East Valley Partnership’s profile.

Despite the economy’s strengths, Schlossberg’s forecast did include some caveats.

He noted that wealth and income inequality is severe in the wake of the recession and both businesses and consumers are still acting with caution.

Schlossberg also said the economy will be sensitive to the rising interest rates that will likely continue in coming years, which could affect businesses and housing affordability.

Those rising interest rates will also likely prompt a realignment of investment portfolios from riskier to safer assets, a change that could cause some destabilization of the market.

“We can expect to see more volatility in the economic environment than we’ve seen (in recent years),” Schlossberg said.

However, he also said that the U.S. economy will eventually transition to a more normalized environment similar to that in the 1990s.

The polarized political climate in the U.S. is one factor that could negatively affect economic growth, Schlossberg said.

The lack of cooperation between political parties in the country “creates greater swings in economic policy.” That volatility makes it difficult for businesses to create strategic investment and growth plans for the future.

Additionally, the aging population – which will lead to an increase in entitlement payments – and aging infrastructure in the U.S. are causes for concern.

SRP and East Valley Partnership Host Entrepreneurship Forum

PHOENIX (Aug. 24, 2016) – The economic and social impact of entrepreneurship is one of the strongest and most dynamic forces in the Phoenix East Valley. Join the East Valley Partnership and Salt River Project (SRP) at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at the Hilton Phoenix-Mesa for PHX East Valley Entrepreneurship, a forum to understand entrepreneurial models, resources and how to support this impactful part of our economy.

Business, community, civic and education leaders from the East Valley and throughout the metro Phoenix region will hear about the entrepreneurial environment and opportunities for individuals and other businesses. They will also hear from keynote speaker Clate Mask, Co-Founder and CEO of Infusionsoft and New York Times bestselling author.

Engaging attendees with a keynote focused on inspiring entrepreneurs of today and tomorrow, Mask will share how he led Infusionsoft through four rounds of venture capital funding and took the company from a struggling startup to an eight-time Inc. 500/5000 fastest growing company. As a business leader, he was named a Top 100 Small Business Influencer by Small Business Trends and a 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneur by Goldman Sachs.

“Entrepreneurs drive Arizona,” said East Valley Partnership president and CEO John Lewis . “From companies who grew from two employees into global corporations to boutique, locally-focused businesses, SRP supports these leaders in their drive to provide goods and services that make people’s lives better.”

Following Mask’s keynote, a panel of local entrepreneurs will share their experiences, success stories and the local and regional resources that helped launch and develop their business into a successful company. Details about panel participants will be announced by East Valley Partnership exclusively on Twitter at @evpartnership.

The PHX East Valley Entrepreneurship Forum is open to the public. Individual registration is $100 for East Valley Partnership members and $125 for non-members, with discounted individual tickets only available through online registration. Table reservations (10) can be made for $1,000 for members and $1,250 for non-members.

Seating is limited and reservations are requested online at www.EVP-AZ.org or by phone at 480-834-8335 ext. 201 by Wednesday, Sept. 7.

My Turn: Gilbert Says Farewell to an Authentic Leader

It’s rare these days that you meet someone who can so easily connect with people on a personal level yet maintain those friendships even as difficult decisions are made.

It’s unusual to meet someone who can articulate a big-picture vision for the community yet also possess the leadership skills to actually get it done.

The Town of Gilbert these past seven years has been fortunate to have a mayor with these qualities – and more – leading this community with equal parts compassion and steely effectiveness.

The term “caretaker” doesn’t apply to how Mayor John Lewis has approached his job as Gilbert’s top elected official. To be sure, he cares. But he has done much more than just look after this town – he’s transformed it.

Authenticity in too often superficial politics

Mayor Lewis has led Gilbert at a time when our town has been consistently ranked as one of the fastest-growing in the United States. He’s balanced our small-town sensibilities with 21st Century know-how. His authenticity shines brightly in the all-too-often superficial world of politics.

Indeed, the Lewis family has called Gilbert home for 35 years – he’s seen Gilbert transform from the world’s reigning “hay capital” to a high-wage jobs center that is home to blue chip companies like Orbital ATK, Banner Health/MD Anderson, Ironwood Cancer & Research Center and Dignity Health – to name a few.

Under his leadership, Gilbert has seen the ground-breaking of Rivulon, a project in the Loop 202 corridor that will add 15,000 jobs and 250 acres of commerce. He led negotiations for the recent expansion of Orbital’s satellite manufacturing facility, a project that deepens the global company’s roots in Gilbert with a 60,000-square-foot expansion and 155 new employees. And he has been a steadfast supporter of downtown’s Heritage District, which has blossomed into a nationally recognized restaurant and entertainment district.

Growing town with low taxes

Economic development is important, but so is the town’s fiscal health. Gilbert consistently ranks as having one of the lowest combined tax burdens and cost of service of any major city in the region.  The town’s sales tax rate is among the lowest in the state at 1.5 percent. The town’s recent Aaa bond rating makes it one of only four Arizona municipalities to have earned this distinguished hallmark of sound financial management.

This has all been achieved while about 90 percent of residents rank town services as being excellent or good.

Navigating challenges

Sometimes a measure of a leader is realized during times of crisis. When the town garnered headlines for highly publicized disagreements among its Gilbert School Board members, Mayor Lewis provided consistent, positive leadership, sending the message that while we may have differences of opinion, quality education is the cornerstone of Gilbert’s quality of life. He understands that excellent education opportunities are essential to supporting our workforce and key to helping attract and retain businesses.

One of the things I so admire about Mayor Lewis is his willingness to confront challenges head-on. The mayor recently made it his mission to confront the behavioral- and substance-abuse crisis in the community. In doing so, he enlisted the help of faith and community leaders, law enforcement, nonprofit groups and town officials to come together to find solutions in helping those in need.

Taking on regional role

As most people know, Mayor Lewis plans to leave his post to take on new challenges. He will soon take over as the executive director of the East Valley Partnership, where fortunately he will still have a voice in policy decisions that shape Gilbert and the entire region. Anyone who has had the pleasure of spending a day with Mayor Lewis knows it’s wise to strap on your running shoes. Even in his new role, don’t expect him to slow down. That’s good news for Gilbert – and Arizona.

Mayor Lewis, your leadership will be missed, but I’m happy you aren’t going too far. Thank you for your commitment to our community.

Gilbert resident Tim Bricker is president and CEO of Dignity Health’s Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers.

Original Article via AZCentral.com | Tim Bricker

East Valley Partnership Names Gilbert Mayor John Lewis President and CEO

After conducting a thorough search over the last four months that drew candidates from across the country, East Valley Partnership has named Gilbert Mayor John Lewis President and CEO.

Lewis succeeds Roc Arnett, who served as President and CEO of East Valley Partnership for the past 13 years.

Formed in 1982, East Valley Partnership is a regional nonpartisan coalition that actively advocates in areas such as economic development, education, transportation and infrastructure, healthcare and others to improve the business climate and overall quality of life in the East Valley. Phoenix East Valley communities are leaders in Arizona economic development that is driving advanced business expansion, specialized job growth, higher wages, and innovation.

East Valley Partnership’s leadership is currently working closely with the Town of Gilbert on a transition plan for Mayor Lewis to assume his new role as the President/CEO during the summer of 2016. East Valley Partnership’s Project Manager, Mike Hutchinson, will serve as interim President and CEO until Lewis assumes his new role. Hutchinson was a long time senior executive for the City of Mesa serving as the City Manager from March of 2000 until his retirement in 2005. He has worked at the East Valley Partnership managing a variety of projects since May of 2008.

Lewis has served as Mayor of Gilbert for nearly seven years and has 28 years of private sector business experience. He spent 19 years with Apollo Group (parent company of University of Phoenix) and nine years with Ernst & Young in various roles including information technology management, leadership development and management consulting.

He also served in a staff position with U.S. Senator Jake Garn in Washington, D.C. Lewis is currently an adjunct professor in the business department at Mesa Community College.

“It’s been an honor to work with John Lewis during the past four-and-a-half years,” said Gilbert Town Manager, Patrick Banger. “Since he was elected mayor in 2009, he’s been fully dedicated to promoting the East Valley throughout the state and on a national level. He’s a proven consensus builder who serves on many boards and committees in various leadership roles. This new role will allow him to continue to be an advocate and champion for all East Valley initiatives for many years to come,” Banger said.

Lewis and his family have lived in Gilbert for 30 years. He serves on regional boards and committees for the Arizona League of Cities Executive Committee, Maricopa Association of Government (MAG) Regional Council and Economic Development Committee, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Board, Greater Phoenix Economic Council and Arizona BrainFood. He earned his MBA from the University of Houston and a bachelor of science degree from Brigham Young University.

“I am pleased Mayor Lewis will be carrying the torch of the PHX East Valley advantages envisioned by the original Partnership Founders. John’s background in business and government affairs will be a strong resource and catalyst for future growth of the region,” said Roc Arnett, retiring President and CEO.

“John Lewis is a very dynamic and collaborative leader who has successfully led the Town of Gilbert in an unparalleled business-building and sustainability process for the past seven years,” said Brian Campbell, chair of the East Valley Partnership Board of Directors. “We are very excited to have his vision and commitment for the future leadership of East Valley Partnership and in particular our very successful on-going PHX East Valley campaign,” Campbell said.

The PHX East Valley marketing campaign is a national initiative led by the East Valley Partnership in partnership with the cities and towns of Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek and Apache Junction to advance business and quality of life in the region. Campaign efforts include coordinated business market reports, public and private sector promotion events, and recruiting emerging economic clusters based on the unique educational, economic and lifestyle assets of the East Valley. Global companies that already have made substantial investments in the region include The Boeing Company, General Motors, GoDadddy, Intel, Insight, Santander Consumer USA, Wells Fargo, Yelp, Insight, and emerging leaders such as Able Engineering, InfusionSoft and more. Growth among advanced industries has aided a commercial and residential real estate recovery, transforming local cities into bustling urban hot spots attractive to younger workforces, families and empty nesters.

 

For more on this transition please contact: 

Town of Gilbert: Dana Berchman
(480) 540-8396 | dana.berchman@gilbertaz.gov

2016 East Valley Breakfast with the Governor: Register Today!

Governor Doug Ducey, East Valley Partnership, Event

Register Online

Most Challenging High Schools in America?

Most Challenging High Schools

Downtown Gilbert Serves the Future

GIlbert Hertiage District

It’s the past, present and future of Gilbert’s Downtown Heritage District. Mayor John Lewis noted that the family friendly atmosphere was a large part of Gilbert’s success in re-developing the area, as well as being a reflection on Gilbert’s overall ethos during our October board meeting.

He shared the history of both Gilbert’s formation as a community, as well as the Heritage District, with credit going to the early settlers of Gilbert, and both Joe Johnston (Joe’s BBQ, among others) and the founders of Hale Theatre, who had a vision for the Heritage District area and served as catalysts for the incredible growth and success that is currently being enjoyed by the area.

ICYMI:

  • There are currently 15 places to eat in the Heritage District area, with 6 more planned in the upcoming year alone.
  • Ticket Force will also be moving their HQ into the area, which will bring more pedestrian traffic and need for restaurants and retail.
  • Various other RFP’s are in the works for other spaces in the District, and Lewis called these results a “30 year overnight success” that was the result of “aggressive patience” and planning by all involved.
  • There was a deep commitment to the vision and infrastructure required to successfully develop the area, both by Town leadership and by residents.

For more on Gilbert’s Economic Development visit: www.gilbertedi.com

View Board Presentation

Our Prominent East Valley leader is retiring

Roc Arnett, East Valley Partnership President and CEO

Roc Arnett, East Valley Partnership President and CEO

East Valley Partnership Board of Directors and Members:
As you are most likely aware, our President & CEO, Roc Arnett, will be stepping down from his post at the end of 2015. We want to take this opportunity to recognize Roc’s enormous contributions to EVP as the first, full-time CEO. Roc has steered the Partnership with great success for the past thirteen years, and we are grateful for his vision, leadership, and energy.

One result of Roc’s hard work is that the East Valley Partnership has evolved into a highly respected organization with influence not only in the East Valley but State-wide.  This is also due to the small yet dedicated and talented staff and an engaged board of 50 experienced, prominent, community leaders.  The upcoming CEO transition will be difficult but the organization is poised for much continued success.

A search committee representing all segments of our membership – business and municipal – has been formed and will be meeting regularly to review applications and determine the final candidate to lead EVP into the next phase of success.

We are looking for a leader who is a strategic thinker, who can carefully listen to our community and effectively build and maintain relationships and alliances.  This leader will also need to be a capable fundraiser with the ability to leverage alliances and opportunities in a successful East Valley environment while continuing to work from a model of consensus and collaboration.

The application period is now closed.

EVP’s Arnett Interviewed on KFNN Money Radio- PHX East Valley

roc arnett

East Valley Partnership’s Roc Arnett was recently interviewed on KFNN Money Radio’s Business for Breakfast program on job growth and education in the PHX East Valley.  Listen to Arnett’s interview by clicking the above audio link and discover the growth of the East Valley for yourself!

2015 Economic Profile debuts

East Valley Partnership, in conjunction with Salt River Project (SRP) and Wells Fargo Bank, is proud to debut the 2015 PHX East Valley Economic Profile – a comprehensive look at our region, filled with the latest economic and demographic information.

The Economic Profile is updated and distributed on an annual basis and was created from an economic development standpoint, in an effort to help define and market the PHX East Valley as a region.

To download the 2015 Profile directly as a PDF file, please click here.

A limited number of printed copies are also available – to obtain a hard copy, please contact the EVP offices at (480) 834-8335.