Pub. 4 2014 Issue 2

19 SPRING 2014 incentive programs–such as the Arizona Competes Fund– which has been a game-changer for the region. It is because of the competitive package of these programs that has led to the delivery of high-impact projects such as Ap- ple. Ultimately, the partnership between GPEC, the Arizona Commerce Authority, the City of Mesa, SRP, DMB Associates and many others, led to recognition from Business Facilities magazine as its ‘Deal of the Year’ gold award. Were it not for the collaborative nature of the region, the recent Apple deal would not have come to fruition. Currently the organization is divesting its interests in evolv- ing its business programs internationally, looking to Canada and China for example, as markets for doing business. After the launch of the first statewide partnership to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), Arizona has seen its FDI ranking jump four spots since 2005. There is now an opportunity to coordinate efforts to do more than attract businesses, and to create a sustaining economy. Recently Site-Selection magazine ranked Phoenix- Scottsdale-Mesa as the number one metropolitan in the Mountain region, and Arizona as the number one market in the Mountain region for facilities and expansions. Our strength in the Greater Phoenix region must focus on building and attracting businesses that create high-impact, high-wage jobs. Looking ahead to the next 25 years, GPEC and its mem- bers are taking an introspective look at our market, and evaluating the necessary steps to compete in the next-gener- ation economy. Working in conjunction with the Brookings Institution, we are developing a metropolitan business plan, called Velocity, to design strategies for innovation and tech- nology, education, entrepreneurial growth, and increased exports, to ensure the region will remain globally competitive. The future of the region is centered on the capability and capacity of our market. We need to create the structure for our universities to produce the next generation of engineering talent, and develop the necessary support system for entre- preneurs to survive. Now is the time to direct the Greater Phoenix region toward a market of opportunity, where businesses and individuals alike are able to find the key ingre- dients for success. w Stinson Leonard Street LLP Goodman Law PLLC Moss Adams LLP Snell and Wilmer Ryley Carlock & Applewhite Ibis Eide Bailly Empire West Title Agency ROI Properties Harland Clarke Promontory Interfinancial Network Bankers' Bank of the West FHLB Bank of San Francisco Thank you to our Associate Members that have already committed to sponsor the 111th Annual Convention!