Gilbert has won a Golden Prospector Award and two Golden Prospector Awards of Merit from the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED), recognizing excellence, innovation and creativity in economic development.
Gilbert’s marketing brochure, “Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Report,” earned top honors while its special event, “Gilbert Business Walk,” and metro area deal of the year, “Silent—Aire U.S. Headquarters,” each received an award of merit.
The annual report details measurable outcomes of Gilbert’s economic development five-year strategic plan, highlights transformative projects and showcases achievement within the community.
The “Business Walk” is a day dedicated to learning more about the local business community through face-to-face interviews on their turf. the Fall 2016 Business Walk covered Corridor 1, Gilbert’s densest employment center. Over a span of four hours, nine teams walked to 110 businesses.
The deal of the year award of merit recognized the expansion of Silent—Aire’s current manufacturing facility and relocation of the company’s U.S. headquarters to Gilbert. This project will result in 200 retained and 225 new local jobs, $17 million in payroll, and approximately $16 million in capital investment.
Overall, 10 Golden Prospector Awards and seven awards of merit were presented at AAED’s fall forum in Prescott.
AAED, founded in 1974, has a mission to serve as Arizona’s unified voice advocating for responsible economic development through an effective program of professional education, public policy, and collaboration.
For more information on AAED, visit www.aaed.com or call (602) 240-2233.