spring conference 2016 economic challenges...council (iedc). they have been taking on the tough...

2016

2010

2012

2013

2014

2015

Economic Challenges...Taking on theTough IssuesMay 4-6, 2016

JW Marriott StarrPass Resort & Spa

Tucson, AZ 85745

Spring Conference 2016

ECONOMIC CHALLENGES...TAKING ON THE TOUGH ISSUES 2

Conference Sponsors

GOLD SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

SPECIALTY SPONSORS

City of Maricopa

Town of Marana

Sun Corridor, Inc.

Skanska

Orcutt | Winslow

City of Peoria

Applied EconomicsSunrise Engineering

Town of GilbertCity of Surprise

PICORNewbridge Business

SolutionsCity of Chandler

Santa Cruz Commerce Center

City of AvondaleDIRTT

3ECONOMIC CHALLENGES...TAKING ON THE TOUGH ISSUES

The career listing for an economic developer requires someone who is dynamic, creative and takes on challenges. It is not for the meek, timid or complacent. The competition is every bit as hungry and every bit as motivated. Every project sees the economic developer competing with other states and countries for wealth generating industries and quality jobs.

While Arizona economic developers have succeeded more than most, we still could do better. The 2016 AAED Conference, “Economic Challenges…Taking on the Tough Issues,” examines the impediments to doing economic development in our state and how to overcome them.

AT THIS CONFERENCE, WE ADDRESS SUCH

TOUGH ISSUES AS:

• Rural/Tribal infrastructure challenges – building necessary connections

• How should needed programs be funded? Topic for a featured spirited debate between Grady Gammage Jr., Esq. and Michael Hunter, of the Goldwater Institute

• Is K-12 education really 49th in the country? – What our true grade is

• What do site selectors really think of Arizona? How do others see us?

• What activities at the state capitol might impact economic development into the future? Politics of the possible (panel of elected officials will discuss)

We finish the conference on a high note with “Rapid Fire” sessions. Select economic developers concisely address their remedies to some of the economic challenges in Arizona.

We specially recognize our partners at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). They have been taking on the tough issues for 90 years. While AAED has been actively working in support of economic development since 1974, the IEDC has been at it since 1926. In celebration of their anniversary, IEDC has proclaimed 2016 as “The Year of the Economic Developer”. As such, I applaud the IEDC and all of you in attendance.

Joyce C. Grossman AZED ProExecutive Director

This event is recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as a professional

development event that counts toward the recertification of Certified Economic Developers (CEcD).

RESORT DINING

Starbucks (Level 2)

Salud (Level 2)

Signature Grill (Level 2)

Plunge (Poolside)

Primo (Level 2)

Catalina Barbeque Co. & Sports Bar(at the Starr Pass Golf Club)

RESORT AMENITIES Hashani Spa Starr Pass Golf Club Fitness Center Resort Water Collection Starr Pass Golf Club

RESORT SHOPS Hashani Spa Boutique Golf Pro Shop at the Golf Club Resort Boutiques Resort shop

Complimentary Wi-Fi(Salud, Starbucks & Lobby)

Reception & ConciergeSouthwest Trekking & Bike Rental

Guest Room Elevators

Signature Grill ElevatorSelf Parking Elevator24-Hour Fitness Center(located in Hashani Spa)

To Self Park

ing

SelfParking Tash Lawn

Spa Lap Pool

Porte-C

ochére

Spa/Primo Parking

Aki Bridge

Lobby

Lorraine LeeHidden Canyon Trail

To Front Drive

Starr Circle

Tucson Ballroom Level 2Salons A - J

Arizona Ballroom Level 2Salons 1 - 12

Mission Rooms

Ania Terrace

Ania LawnBowen

Trail

Starr Canyon River

HashaniSpa &

FitnessCenter

MeechaLawn

To Starr Pass Golf Club and Catalina Barbeque Co. & Sports Bar (1 mile) Resort Map

JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85745 | 520-792-3500 | www.jwmarriottstarrpass.com

N

W

S

E

Business Center

Reectio

n Pools

Room Location Key First Number - Floor

Second Number - BuildingLast 2 Numbers - Room Number


WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

AAED Board MeetingSAN LUIS I & II

Golf Tournament RegistrationSTARR PASS GOLF CLUB

Shotgun Start – Marriott Starr PassROADRUNNER / RATTLER COURSES

These courses offer unsurpassed views with dramatic elevation changes created by the Tucson Mountains. The nine holes of each course will be thoroughly enjoyed by players of all levels.

Tribal E.D. 101SALONS 11 & 12

Speakers:• Marcelino Flores, Council Member, Pascua Yaqui Tribe• Kim Kanuho, President/Planner, Fourth World Design

Group LLC (Navajo affiliation) • Joan Timeche, Executive Director, Native Nations

Institute, The University of Arizona (Hopi affiliation)

Tribal Economic Development exists ephemerally within three main-stream schools of thought, namely planning, economic development and nation building. This course is intended to recognize values and principles of each respective discipline and how they may be applied to tribal economic development efforts overall. The approach is to build upon a base understanding of Indian Country and the applicable land and governance status.

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

12:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

CH

EE

RS, BEERS AND PE

ER

S

CH

EE

RS, BEERS AND PE

ER

S• S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 •

#aaedcheerstweet tweet


WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

THURSDAY, MAY 5

Rural/Tribal Roundtable: Focusing on BroadbandSALONS 11 & 12

This session features rural and tribal economic developers sharing challenges and opportunities with broadband while exploring other opportunities to advance the economic development of tribes and rural Arizona. All conference participants with an interest in the topic are encouraged to attend.

Welcome Reception MEECHA LAWN

Join us under the starry skies of Tucson on the Meecha Lawn of the Marriott Starr Pass Resort for the AAED Welcome Reception. This is the perfect opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones before the start of another great conference!

Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Dress: Business casual

Breakfast BuffetSALON 7

Welcome and IntroductionsSALON 6

• Mary Wolf-Francis - Committee Chair, DIRTT Environmental Solutions

• Julie Engel, CEcD – AAED President• Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

7:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.


THURSDAY, MAY 5

Who Do They Think We Are?SALON 6

Speaker: Mark Cordes, Cordes EntertainmentAn entertaining look at Arizona’s public perception.

Funding A-Z – A Lively DebateModerator: Chris Camacho, President & CEO, GPECDEBATERS:

• Grady Gammage Jr., Morrison Institute for Public Policy / Gammage Burnam

• Michael Hunter, Vice President for State and Fiscal Affairs, Goldwater Institute

You won’t want to miss this lively debate between Grady Gammage Jr. and Michael Hunter! They will present opposing positions on how to fund infrastructure, education and other needed resources from A to Z to support economic development in Arizona.

Networking BreakCONFERENCE FOYER

K-12 Education – Are we really 49th in everything?SALON 6

Moderator/Speaker: Expect More Arizona, Pearl Chang Esau, President & CEOSpeakers:• Dick Foreman, President & CEO, Arizona Business and

Education Coalition (ABEC)• Janice Palmer, Vice President and Director of Policy,

Helios Education Foundation• Erik Twist, President, Great Hearts Academy

This highly credible panel of experts will provide facts and perspectives about the reality of K-12 education in Arizona. You will come away with information to counter the widely-held perception that we are 49th in everything.

8:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.


THURSDAY, MAY 5

Lunch/ExhibitorsSALON 7

Economic Development Academy of Arizona Graduation – Recognition of Class IVAric Bopp, CEcD, AAED Professional Education Chair• Steve Ayers, Town of Camp Verde• Jeremy Legg, City of Phoenix• John Saltonstall, City of Flagstaff

AAED Leadership Recognition, Julie Engel, CEcD, AAED President

NETWORKING

Tell Us What You Really Think – Site Selectors’ PerceptionsSALON 5

Host: Jennifer Graves, CEcD, Town of GilbertModerator: Deane Foote, CEcD, President/CEO, Foote Consulting Group, LLCSpeakers:• Joe Gioino, Managing Director, Newmark

Grubb Knight Frank• Paul Lo, Director, Ryan, LLC• James Gomochak, Partner, Incentis GroupOur panel of site selectors will be giving an open and honest discussion of what they really think about Arizona (the good and the bad!) as their clients look to expand. They represent a broad perspective of companies and will share successes and failures when attracting businesses to our state. Attendees will come away with ideas on how to better enhance the state’s business climate.

Networking BreakCONFERENCE FOYER

12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.


THURSDAY, MAY 5

Legislative PanelLegislators’ Viewpoints in an Election YearSALON 6

Hosted by Rebecca Timmer, AAED Governmental Affairs Chair, Dibble EngineeringGuests:• Representative Frank Pratt, District #8• Senator Steve Farley - District #9• Representative Bruce Wheeler - District #10

What are the issues of the day impacting economic development in Arizona? What trends or upcoming regulations might impact our economy? What legislative activities are likely to come forward in 2017? Who better to tell us than the decision makers themselves? This panel of 3-4 legislators will address the tough issues facing Arizona.

Legislative/Practitioner Roundtable SALON 4 & 5

Continue the dialogue with our Arizona Legislators in a more engaging and personal level. Come prepared to discuss legislation in Arizona as it relates to economic development in your community and the state as a whole.

3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

4:20 p.m. – 5:20 p.m.


THURSDAY, MAY 5

Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE)

Cocktail Mariachi Reception CONFERENCE FOYER

EDDE Awards Banquet – “Fiesta de EDDE” SALON 7

Join us while we recognize and congratulate the best and the brightest in economic development throughout Arizona at our Annual EDDE Awards Banquet!

The Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) Awards are a long standing AAED tradition of our Spring Conference…one that you don’t want to miss!

Given that this is also Cinco de Mayo, we encourage you to come in your most festive attire (black tie optional) and share in a night of celebration!

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.


FRIDAY, MAY 6

Breakfast BuffetSALON 7

Rapid FireSALON 6

This dynamic morning session will focus on the economic success stories taking place in Arizona. Presenters will make short presentations on existing or emerging programs or initiatives aimed at addressing an economic development challenge in Arizona.

Networking Break

AAED Business MeetingSALON 6

Meet the new AAED board and leadership team as they are introduced at the annual business meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting there will be drawing for numerous door prizes.

Conference Adjourns

7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

10:45 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

Solving the Lorax Paradox: How to Balance Wealth Creation with Place-MakingTown of Camp Verde, Steve Ayers

Building Vacancies and New Economic ActivityCity of Chandler, James Smith

Growth WheelMohave Community College SBDC, Mark Retersdorf

Sierra Vista ED Foundation “Name Change”City of Sierra Vista, Mignonne Hollis

Using Digital Media to Stand Out in the Crowd.Town of Gilbert, Jennifer Graves, CEcD

Site Selectors GuildFoote Consulting Group, Deane Foote, CEcD

AZ Healthfields InitiativeATC Group Services, Dave Laney

Emerging Young Leadership in Economic DevelopmentGreater Phoenix Economic Council, Emily Mead and Thomas Maynard

Mariposa Port of EntryCity of Nogales, Aaron White

Sahuarita East Conceptual Area PlanTown of Sahuarita, Victor Gonzalez

Economic Equity Benefits of Public TransitPima Associate of Governments Regional Transportation Authority, James McGinnis

Low-hanging Fruit: Five Ways that Arts and Culture are Transforming Rural ArizonaAZ Culture, Juliana Brutsche

CEO RoundtablesAZSBDC Network, Gateway Community College, Nancy Sanders

Innovation Think TankWinslow Partners


NOTES

GilbertDiscover GILBERTARIZONA

4.1MSQUARE FEET

Under Development

Of PHX MSA STEM52%800,000 PERSON

LABOR FORCE30-Min. Commute

jobs within a 30-min. commute

Best Place to Live in the U.S.

Money Magazine

#22Best City to Find a Job in the U.S.

WalletHub

Phoenix Suburb for Millennials

Movoto

#1 #12

MAJOR ECONOMIC DRIVERS• Orbital ATK• Banner MD Anderson

Cancer Center

• GoDaddy• Lockheed Martin• Isagenix

• Heliae• Mapfre Group• Rigid Industries

www.gilbertedi.comwww.discovergilbert.com

phoenix.gov/econdev

PHOENIXISHOT

#1

1,527,509 Population

32.9Median

Age

Top Employers

Banner Health

Honeywell

Mayo Clinic

Wells Fargo

Charles Schwab

US Airways

City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department

200 W. Washington St., 20th Floor | Phoenix, AZ 85003602-262-5040

On The Map

#4

Phoenix is the vibrant center of one of the fastest growing job markets and economies in the United States. The 6th largest city in the country, Phoenix is emerging in the new economy with strength in high technology,

manufacturing, bioscience research and advanced business services. As a top market for skilled and available workforce, companies are growing in Phoenix because it’s not only a thriving business environment,

but a great place to live your life.

Entrepreneurial Activity- Fast Company (Arizona)

New Tech Jobs- Dice.com

ECONOMIC CHALLENGES...TAKING ON THE TOUGH ISSUES 16ECONOMIC CHALLENGES...TAKING ON THE TOUGH ISSUES

AAED PREMIER PARTNERS

Annual Sponsors

AAED PLATINUM PARTNER

AAED PARTNERS

AAED Spring Conference CommitteeMary Wolf-Francis, Chair, DIRTT Environmental Solutions

Mitchel Allen, Vice Chair, GPEC

Nicole Snyder, Board Liaison, Board Liaison, DWL Architects + Planners, Inc.

Alexandria Wright, Yavapai CollegeHillary Hirsch, Town of GilbertJanice Kleinwort, ASU

Kristine Millar, Orcutt WinslowRob Millar, City of ScottsdaleRob Salas, Tribal IndemnitySteven Cramer, New Bridget Business SolutionsTom Doyle, City of El MirageYvonne Koehler, PKA StructuralDawn Rogers, Coreslab Structures (ARIZ) Inc.Tina Bark-Roy, Johnson Carlier

Patty Erfman, Grand Canyon Title AgencyStephanie Handley, WespacJulian Avila, Arizona Department of TransportationChristine Mackay, City of Phoenix

StaffDee Dee Bark, Conference/Sponsorship CoordinatorBridgette Blair, Director of MarketingJoyce Grossman, Executive Director


ARIC BOPP, CEcD

Program Manager for Business Retention &

Expansion, City of Phoenix

Mr. Bopp joined the City of Phoenix in January of 2015 as the Program Manager for Business Retention and Expansion in the Community and Economic Development Department. He has been tasked with developing an outreach strategy to enhance the business community in Phoenix and work with the 16,000+ businesses that are already here. Prior to working for the City, Mr. Bopp led a regional economic development organization in/around Blacksburg, VA (the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance). He was educated at the Johns Hopkins University, attended graduate school at the University of Virginia, and received his economic development certification through the International Economic Development Council. He is currently chair of AAED’s Professional Education Committee.

PEARL CHANG ESAU

President & CEO, Expect More Arizona

Ms. Chang Esau is President and CEO of Expect More Arizona, a nonpartisan education advocacy organization building a movement of Arizonans in support of world-class education for all children. Prior to this role, she served as executive director of Teach for America - Phoenix, where she led a teacher corps serving 20,000 low-income students each year in the Greater Phoenix area. She began her career in education teaching 5th grade English Language Learners in East Los Angeles. This opportunity inspired a life-long commitment to helping all students reach their potential through an excellent education.

Ms. Change Esau received the Athena Young Professional Award in 2014 from the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, has been recognized by the Phoenix Business Journal as one of the Valley’s 25 Most Admired CEOs, called one of the 50 most influential women in Arizona by Arizona Business Magazine, and highlighted by the US Chamber as a “Profile of Change”.

MARK CORDES

Cordes Entertainment

Mr. Cordes is an inventive comedian and humorist. He has been hailed by critics as a “One Man laugh Factory”, having toured and worked with stars like Harry Connick, Jr., Kenny Loggins, Ray Charles, Hall & Oates, Chicago, Vince Gill, Little River Band, Kenny G, and dozens of others. It is evident that his humor and versatility is in great demand. Cordes is one of the most requested Corporate Comedians in the country with over 22 years of experience and 1500+ corporate events to his resume. His client list is a who’s who of Fortune 500 Companies.

From his humble start at an open mic, he steadily worked his way up the comedy ladder. From the opening act to feature act to headlining the top comedy clubs and corporate events from coast to coast, Cordes has enjoyed the ride. “I realize every day how fortunate I am to do what I love. To be able to travel, meet interesting people, and make people laugh is a gift I enjoy sharing”

JULIE ENGEL, CEcD

President/CEO, Greater Yuma Economic

Development Corporation

Ms. Engel is the President/CEO of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation. In her tenure with Greater


Yuma EDC, she has been directly involved in the creation of over 4000 new jobs, over 1 million square feet of new industrial space and a capital investment to the region that surpasses $1.5 Billion. Ms. Engel is the current President of the Arizona Association of Economic Development (AAED) and has served on multiple committees for AAED. In 2012 she was named the Economic Developer of the Year for the State of Arizona. In 2015 she was the Athena Award Winner for Yuma County AZ.

HONORABLE STEVE FARLEY

Senator, Arizona State Legislature

Senator Farley is a small-business owner who was elected to represent the citizens of District 9 as State Senator in 2012. He was first elected to the Arizona Legislature as State Representative from District 28 in November 2006, eventually rising to become Assistant Minority Leader. He now serves as the Ranking Democrat on the Transportation Committee, as well as Member of the Finance, Government and Environment, and Ethics Committees.

Senator Farley is working to move Arizona forward, with legislative priorities in the areas of jobs and economic development, education, senior issues, public safety, transportation choices, sustainable growth, fiscal health, and quality of life. In his legislative career, he has worked to invest in new technologies and high-wage jobs, expand health care for self-employed and small-business owners, make long-term care more affordable for middle-class seniors and the families that love them, increasing the production of clean solar energy, outlaw driving while texting, build passenger rail between Tucson and Phoenix

and beyond, protect Tucson’s sovereignty, and create livable communities. He has repeatedly been named Conservation Hero by the Arizona League of Conservation Voters, and Legislative Champion by the Arizona League of Towns and Cities.

COUNCILMAN MARCELINO FLORES

Pascua Yaqui Tribe

Before serving as Council member for the Tribe (2012-present), Marcelino Flores worked as the Community Development Coordinator for the Tribal Development Services. In this capacity, and continuing as policymaker, he has been involved in water-resource management, renewable energies, and conservation technologies through the lens of rigorous Economic Development. He has received specific training from the Bureau of Reclamation, National Renewable Energy Lab, Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute, and International Economic Development Council. He is passionate in achieving local self-sufficiency and regional balance linking resource management, emerging technologies, and regional economic development. Council member Flores is familiar with opportunities and issues associated to tribal and regional economic development related activities. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Arizona Association for Economic Development.

DEANE C. FOOTE, CEcD

President/CEO, Foote Consulting Group, LLC

Mr. Foote is President/CEO of Foote Consulting Group, LLC; a development related consulting company located in the Phoenix area. FCG provides site selection, real estate, workforce and economic


development services. He has worked on dozens of projects in recent years, including corporate site selection related projects for MeadWestvaco; Staples; Simplot; TranSystems; Wal-Mart; Coca-Cola; Forest City; Navajo Chapters and Sisener, a Spanish renewable energy company; and economic development projects for the States of Tennessee; Arizona; New Mexico; Ohio and Oregon; Wayne Co (Detroit), MI; Rockford, IL; Roswell (NM); Iowa City Area Development; EDC of Wayne Co (IN); City of Moraine, OH; Gallup, NM; Town of Queen Creek, AZ; Jamestown, ND and Scottsbluff/Gering, NE.

Mr. Foote is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. He is a founding Board Member and former Treasurer of the Site Selectors Guild, Inc., a company of the top site selectors in the world.

DICK FOREMAN

President and CEO, Arizona Business and

Education Coalition (ABEC)

Mr. Foreman brings to ABEC unprecedented knowledge, expertise and credibility that he has built during his much accomplished 37-year career in public affairs and in developing public policy. He also brings to ABEC a wide array of experiences while serving on business, education, and community governing and advisory boards throughout his career.

After 27 years, Mr. Foreman left a very successful career with Southwest Gas Corporation where he was the Director of Corporate Public Affairs for what he calls his “dream job,” to lead ABEC. At Southwest Gas, he was responsible for state and federal legislative affairs, special

corporate and regulatory initiatives, franchise negotiations, state and municipal relations, and consumer and community affairs. He served ten years as a governing board member for the Tempe Union High School District and also served on the school boards of Tempe Preparatory Academy and Great Hearts Academies. He understands that Arizona public schools need resources, and as such, has chaired/co-chaired eleven public school finance campaign initiatives (i.e. school bonds, M&O overrides) over the span of 25 years.

GRADY GAMMAGE, JR., JD

Gammage Burnam / Morrison Institute

for Public Policy

Mr. Gammage is a part time academic, a practicing lawyer, an author, a sometime real estate developer and a former elected official. In his academic role, he is a Senior Fellow at ASU’s Morrison Institute and at the Kyl Center for Water Policy. His work there focuses on urban growth and development, quality of life, and local economic issues. He also teaches at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and at the W.P. Carey College of Business.

As a lawyer, Mr. Gammage has represented real estate projects ranging from master planned communities to sprawling subdivisions to high rise buildings. He served on the Central Arizona Project Board of Directors for 12 years, and was President during a period of turbulence when the CAP was suing the Federal Government over the cost of the canal. As a real estate developer, he built an intense, urban mixed use project in the City of Tempe which won three architectural awards and has been widely acclaimed. Mr. Gammage is the


author of the book “Phoenix in Perspective” and numerous articles and reports on land use and growth issues.

JOSEPH “JOE” GIOINO

Managing Director, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank

Mr. Gioino is a managing director with Newmark Grubb Knight Frank Global Corporate Services who specializes in working with state agencies and local municipalities in connection with negotiating incentive packages. He is focused on domestic site selection and location analysis, economic incentives research and acquisition and demonstrating the economic and fiscal impacts of a wide variety of projects to both corporations and governments.

Mr. Gioino has more than 12 years of combined experience working on both sides of public and private sector economic development projects, and has managed corporate site selection engagements, business incentive assistance and economic development projects totaling nearly $2 billion of direct investment. His prior successful negotiations have included discretionary cash grants, refundable and non-refundable job and investment tax credits, training grants, sales and use tax benefits, utility rebates, energy efficiency credits and other in-kind benefits.

Mr. Gioino received a Juris Doctor degree from the Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Arizona.

JENNIFER M. GRAVES, CEcD

Economic Development Manager,

Gilbert, Arizona

Ms. Graves is the Economic Development Manager for the Gilbert, AZ Office of Economic Development (OED). In this role Jennifer oversees the business development line of service, executing on initiatives and activities to facilitate both business attraction and local business retention and expansion. She also provides operational support to the OED as the “Second in Command” to the Economic Development Director. As an economic development professional with over 15 years of experience, she has had the privilege of serving in communities all across the state with the City of Mesa, the City of Scottsdale, the Greater Flagstaff Economic Council, and the Greater Tucson Economic Council. She holds a masters degree in Applied Economics from the University of North Texas and a bachelors degree in Regional Development from the University of Arizona. She received her designation as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and was named AAED Member of the Year in 2009. Ms. Graves is currently the President Elect of AAED.

MICHAEL HUNTER

Vice President for State and Fiscal Affairs,

Goldwater Institute

Mr. Hunter leads the Institute’s legislative efforts in Arizona, as well as policy development in public finance and taxation; he draws upon extensive experience in public policy and both the legislative and executive branches. Mr. Hunter has served in the Arizona Governor’s Office as chief


lobbyist, policy director, and special advisor for tax policy and reform. He has also held senior staff positions in the Arizona State Senate, the Arizona Board of Regents and the Arizona Tax Research Association. He is a recognized expert in public finance, budget and taxation, and has served on numerous committees in state government, including the Arizona Fiscal Accountability Committee, the School Finance Advisory Committee, and the School District Redistricting Commission. Most recently he served on the Steering Committee for the Transportation and Trade Corridor Alliance, the Governor’s Transaction Privilege Tax Simplification Tax Force (which he chaired), and the Governor’s Transition Budget Study Committee. Mr. Hunter received his bachelor’s degree in political science from the California State University, Long Beach, and his Master of Arts in political science, from the University of California, Riverside.

KIM KANUHO

President/Planner, Fourth World Design Group LLC

Mrs. Kanuho is the President and Planner of Fourth World Design Group LLC, a Native-owned planning consulting firm, dedicated to assisting Tribal Nations with their planning, community and economic development needs. She is a member of the Navajo Nation born for the Ta’baaha’ (Water’s Edge People) and Todich’ii’nii (Bitter Water People) clan and originally from Fort Defiance, AZ. She is an alumnus of Arizona State University’s College of Design where she received her Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning and Master’s in Urban & Environmental Planning. Kim has over ten years of design experience working in Tribal communities in the planning,

architecture, and construction field. Her work focus includes regional, community land use and master planning. Growing up on the Navajo Nation, Kim is passionate about utilizing her education and experience to promote positive planning, design, and construction for the future growth and development of Tribal Nations.

PAUL LO,

Director Ryan, LLC

Mr. Lo is a Director at Ryan with the firm’s Site Selection and Credits & Incentives practice. His consulting experience encompasses over twenty four years in site selection, business incentives negotiations, and real estate and property advisory services. He has successfully negotiated multi-million dollar economic development packages for companies across numerous market segments including manufacturing, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, media & entertainment, telecommunications, professional services and retail. Mr. Lo designed and conducted work plans to complement his client’s national and global strategies. Services including site selection, business incentives analyses and negotiations, strategic tax planning, restructuring analyses, bond financing, M&A due diligence, audit resolution, property compliance, and real estate valuation analyses were performed to address the needs of his varied client base. He received his Baccalaureate from the University of Southern California and continued his studies at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, U.K. and Columbia University.


JANICE PALMER

VP & Director of Policy,

Helios Education Foundation

Ms. Palmer is responsible for identifying policy opportunities that leverage and/or positively impact Helios Education Foundation’s investments and ensure current policy and advocacy activities inform the Foundation’s work, in both Arizona and Florida. She previously worked for 15 years with the Arizona School Boards Association where she held the role of Governmental Relations and Public Affairs. This past year, Ms. Palmer played a major role in the negotiations to settle the school finance lawsuit that resulted in Proposition 123 being placed on the Arizona special election ballot on May 2016. She graduated magna cum laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s degree in English and Political Science.

HONORABLE FRANK PRATT

Representative, Arizona State Legislature

Rep. Pratt has operated successful small businesses in Casa Grande since 1986. He was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives representing District 23 from January 2009 until his election to represent District 8 in January of 2013. Rep. Pratt serves as the Chairman of the Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee and is a Member on the Rural and Economic Development Committee and the Agriculture, Water and Lands Committee at the Legislature. He is an active member of the Pinal Partnership and serves on their Government Relations Committee. Rep. Pratt is a former Pinal County Merit Commission Chairman, Public Safety Retirement Board Member, Maricopa Chamber of Commerce Member,

Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee, and a Red Cross Volunteer. He is a graduate of the Department of Public Safety Citizens Academy and The University of Arizona Project CENTRL Leadership Academy.

MAYOR JONATHAN ROTHSCHILD

City of Tucson

Born and raised in Tucson, Mayor Rothschild is a native Tucsonan. His grandmother came to Tucson in 1942 and opened Valley Fair, a used furniture store on South 6th Avenue. The mayor is a graduate of Canyon del Oro High School, Kenyon College and the University of New Mexico Law School, The Mayor served as a law clerk for United States District Court Judge Alfredo Marquez. He then joined the law firm of Mesch, Clark & Rothschild, where he served as managing partner from 2001 to 2011. In addition to his own law practice helping businesses and individuals, he was responsible for the day-to-day management of a 21-attorney firm.

Mayor Rothschild assumed the office of Mayor in 2011. He has a long history of extensive service with local non-profits – as a leader and a worker. He has served in various capacities, including Board President of Casa de los Niños, Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging, and Temple Emanu-El.


JOAN TIMECHE

Executive Director, Native Nations Institute,

The University of Arizona

Since 2001, Ms. Timeche has headed up the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management and Policy (NNI) at The University of Arizona. NNI assists in building capable Native nations that can effectively pursue and ultimately realize their own political, economic, and community development objectives. This effort is called nation building and is the central focus of NNI’s programs. Ms. Timeche is a citizen of the Hopi Tribe from the village of Old Oraibi, she received a B.S. in social work and an M.B.A. from Northern Arizona University.

Prior to joining the NNI, she served as program director of NAU’s Center for American Indian Economic Development (CAIED). Additionally, from 1992-1995, she was co-executive director of the National Executive Education Program for Native American Leadership, a joint project of CAIED and Harvard University.

ERIK TWIST

President Great Hearts Academy

Mr. Twist, a third generation Arizonan, earned his undergraduate degree from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and his masters degree from Oxford University. From 2009 to 2011, he worked as Dean of Students for Veritas Preparatory Academy where he also taught 7th grade Literature/Composition, 8th grade Medieval History, and 9th grade Humane Letters. Mr. Twist is the founding headmaster of Archway Classical Academy Veritas, and most recently served as Vice President over all of Great Hearts’ K-5 academies.

HONORABLE BRUCE WHEELER

House of Representatives, Arizona

State Legislature

In 2010, Representative Wheeler was elected to the Legislature once again (having been previously elected at the age of 26 and served two terms), where his priorities remain, against enormous ideological obstacles, improving our public education system, growing a vibrant economy and ensuring personal liberties and opportunities by working cooperatively with people representing a wide diversity of backgrounds and policy beliefs. Mr. Wheeler is very concerned about the direction Arizona is currently headed and is committed to bring out the angels of our better nature so that our great state may someday realize its fullest potential for all of her citizens.

He previously served on the Tucson City Council from 1987 until 1995. He worked for twenty years for the Tucson Airport Authority and retired as Director of Energy Management. Upon retirement, Representative Wheeler traveled extensively throughout much of the world, photographing in Afghanistan, Vietnam, India, Rwanda and other destinations.

MARY WOLF-FRANCIS

Community Liaison, DIRTT

Environmental Solutions

Mary Wolf-Francis has 25 years professional experience building public private partnerships in the education, workforce and economic development arena at the local, state and national levels. With a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and a Masters Degree in


Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix she seamlessly leads private and public sector entities toward common goals such as the creation of a YOB (Your Own Business) Fair™ and the Arizona Energy Consortium. As a Business Liaison for the City of Phoenix she kept her finger on the pulse of emerging industries delivering industry intelligence to job seekers, tracking our local talent pool, identifying key training opportunities and working with hiring companies as our state emerged from the recession. In October of 2011 Wolf-Francis transitioned to Community Liaison for DIRTT Environmental Solutions where she continues to be actively involved in the community proliferating messages of environmental and social responsibility. The Phoenix Business Journal named her one of the top 25 women business leaders in January of 2012. Wolf-Francis is the 2015 AAED Spring Conference Chair.


NOTES

spring conference 2016 economic challenges...council (iedc). they have been taking on the tough...

Documents