The Quick Jab
by Bill Jabjiniak
Mesa Office of Economic Development receives international accreditation
The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development was recently recognized as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This is a prestigious accomplishment considering only 60 AEDOs internationally, or two percent of IEDC’s member organizations, have achieved this accreditation.The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against commonly held standards in the profession. The program consists of two phases: a documentation review and an onsite visit. Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the structure, organization, funding, programs, and staff of the economic development organization.
I became intrigued with the AEDO program at the September 2016 IEDC Annual Conference in Chicago. It sounded like a great benchmark for our department. I saw the AEDO program as an opportunity to obtain an objective perspective to confirm the exceptional work we perform, and to receive valuable feedback to guide us in continuous improvement efforts.
After returning from the conference, staff began the first step of compiling our application. In all, 19 categories of documents were compiled including our strategic plan, organizational charts, job descriptions, budget reports, letters of support, executive resumes, and marketing collateral. Our submission included more than 400 pages and was submitted in December 2016.
After IEDC’s review during spring 2017, we were informed that we passed the initial phase and began preparations for a site visit with two IEDC reviewers. The three-day site visit took place at the end of July and provided an opportunity for the reviewers to see our organization in action.
During the site reviewers’ visit to Mesa, we met as an entire staff, toured the City, presented at an Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) meeting, and conducted several meetings with more than 20 partners and stakeholders.
The highlight of the AEDO application process was the interaction during the site visit between staff, our various stakeholders, and the AEDO reviewers. It was a truly rewarding experience to hear the wonderful words and testimonials from our stakeholders. The IEDC reviewers left the site visit greatly impressed by the caliber of our staff and the true partnership we enjoy with our elected officials and other stakeholders.
Along with the formal accreditation designation, IEDC provided us with a report outlining specific strengths of our organization as well as some specific recommendations for improvement. The timing of this accreditation process is significant. As mentioned in the previous newsletter, we are now in the beginning stages of crafting our new three-year strategic plan. We look forward to incorporating the feedback we received into to our plans for the future.
Economic development is a team sport and we cannot do it alone. During last month’s annual IEDC Annual Conference, I met with representatives from the various AEDO organizations in attendance to review best practices for other high-performing organizations. Fellow AEDO organizations comprise a tremendous network that will be another great resource for us going forward. Working together, with your continued support, we will work to grow and diversify Mesa’s economy by creating quality jobs for Mesa residents.
www.mesaaz.gov
Metro Phoenix Export Alliance announces Export Challenge Pitch Competition with $25K grand prize
The Metro Phoenix Export Alliance (MPEXA) Export Challenge Pitch Competition is now accepting applications from Greater Phoenix-based companies to compete to win a top prize valued at $25,000, a second prize of $15,000, and third of $10,000.
MPEXA Export Challenge Pitch Competition is a tool intended to entice more companies to learn about and grow their export potential. Qualified and eligible new to export companies (NTEs) and new to market companies (NTMs) are invited to apply to the Export Challenge. Participation in the pitch competition will be determined by the quality of their application. Ten companies will be invited to participate in the Export Challenge pitch competition on December 5, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 2 N. Central Ave., Suite 2500 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Each grant award is to be used to cover eligible future export-related business expenses. Applications are due November 8, 2017 at 5 p.m. The companies will have the opportunity to participate in a pitch practice session before the event. A panel of independent judges will judge the pitches and award the prizes.
MPEXA and the Metro Phoenix Export Plan are part of the Velocity Program and represent the culmination of over a year of collaboration between the Global Cities Initiative (a joint effort of The Brookings Institution and JPMorgan Chase) and metro Phoenix export stakeholders that are committed to building a stronger export-driven regional economy.
For more information, contact Ruth Soberanes at info@mpexa.com or visit www.mpexa.com/exportchallenge/.
MESA IN THE NEWS
Top Stories
1. Prominent development site cleared in Downtown Mesa Sunbelt Holdings' 10.6-acre parcel on Main Street in Downtown Mesa has been cleared with existing buildings being demolished . . .
2. Have an interest in investing in tech startups? The PHX East Valley Angel Investor workshops are a tool to help.
An East Valley initiative recently launched to identify, educate, and activate 250 people within three years to become active angel investors in early-stage funding for mainly East Valley tech startups . . .
3. Sunbelt Investment Holdings spurs development activity in Mesa
Sunbelt Investment Holdings, Inc. is making a name for itself as one of the top commercial landowners in the East Valley through its continued investment in Mesa, the 36th largest city by population in the U.S. . .
4. Mesa creates redevelopment zones to reverse blight
In its latest efforts to redevelop land surround the city’s Downtown core, the Mesa City Council took a significant step toward creating the East and West Redevelopment Areas that would give the city tools to attract investment to blighted areas . . .
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> Accolades
> Downtown
> Education
> Aerospace / Aviation / Defense - Falcon Field
Northrop Grumman buying Orbital ATK in $9.2 billion defense, rocket merger
Northrop Grumman states that the acquisition of Orbital ATK is a strategic step to continue to invest for profitable growth. Through the merger, customers will benefit from expanded capabilities, accelerated innovation, and greater competition in critical global security domains. . .
MD Helicopters in Mesa scores $1.4 billion Army contract, plans to add 150 jobsThe Army contracted with MD Helicopters to supply approximately 150 helicopters over the next five years. The company has already hired 100 people because of the contract and is looking for another 50 to hire. . .
> Aerospace / Aviation / Defense - Mesa Gateway Area
> Technology
Phoenix's data center market continues strong growthPhoenix ranked sixth among the top data center markets, and continues to rise in the ranks based on supply that will hit the market during 2018. . .
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