GPEC Named the Top Economic Development Org in the US

Greater Phoenix Economic Council Named The Top Economic Development Organization in US

Published: 10/16/2020

International Economic Development Council recognizes GPEC as EDO of the Year for long-term strategic planning, organizational development, innovation and community impact

PHOENIX (Oct. 16, 2020) – The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) has been named the top economic development organization in the U.S. (population 500k+) by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This distinct recognition is tied to IEDC’s 2020 Excellence in Economic Development Awards and the announcement was made Thursday during IEDC’s Annual Conference. Awards are judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers from around the world, following a nomination process held earlier this year. IEDC received more than 500 submissions from four countries and the EDO of the Year award is given to the leading organization that demonstrates:

  • Program innovation and continuity
  • Leadership quality and consistency
  • Performance benchmarks and measured metrics
  • Goals and objectives
  • Community interaction and impact

“This is a monumental achievement that embodies the undeniable spirit of Greater Phoenix – one rooted in strength, collaboration and resilience. We believe in the exponential economic power unleashed when businesses and communities work hand-in-hand to advance equitable opportunity and prosperity for all,” says Chris Camacho, president & CEO of GPEC. “This award is indicative of what makes our regionalism-centric approach so unique and equally successful. We are grateful for the partnership and are continually inspired by the work of our board of directors, 22 member communities, Maricopa County and more than 170 private investors who serve as strategic partners as we remain steadfast in our mission of attracting and growing quality businesses and advocating for the competitiveness of Greater Phoenix.”

In collaboration with our local community partners, GPEC has experienced a sequence of record-breaking years, most recently closing fiscal year 2020 with the creation of 9,776 new jobs with an average high-wage salary of $68,000.

“The winners of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the very best of economic development and exemplify the ingenuity, integrity, and leadership that our profession strives for each and every day,” said 2020 IEDC Board Chair and One Columbus CEO Kenny McDonald. “We’re honored to recognize the more than 100 communities whose marketing campaigns, projects and partnerships have measurably improved regional quality of life.”

Other notable achievements, include:

  • The launch of a successful omni-channel campaign targeting California companies
  • Hosted an annual event dubbed ‘Greater Phoenix Fest’ which was attended by 1,000 community leaders and stakeholders from the public and private sector
  • Used ‘Greater Phoenix Fest’ to unveil an organization rebrand with a refreshed brand identity and associated tagline – Greater Together
  • Collaborated to launch The Connective, a Greater Phoenix Smart Region Consortium and the WearTech Applied Research Center
  • Hosted 10 national site selection consultants and nine venture capital firms at an ExecuTour around the Waste Management Phoenix Open
  • Made significant pivots as a result of COVID-19 to standup resources for small business and be a trusted and consistent source of information to partners and key stakeholders during an unprecedented time
    • Launched ‘Regional Report’ virtual series, and to-date, have hosted 20 webcasts exploring industries in Greater Phoenix impacted by the current pandemic; 500 attendees on average for each event
    • Stood up dedicated content and live-chat feature for financial and local resources for small businesses to access through PPP and EIDL application and forgiveness process; executed a multiple month PR and media relations strategy to further promote these resources, and provide economic and policy updates

“GPEC shares this honor with all those who work diligently to create a next generation economy and world-class equitable communities that everyone can benefit from,” says Camacho. “We look to the future with optimism and excitement for what will be the region’s greatest period and will take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments that have transformed Greater Phoenix into the thriving and dynamic market that it is.”