AAED’s Northern Economic Development Regional Symposium to Address ‘Economic and Community Benefits of Sports’
Chris Presson
(PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. – Jan. 16, 2017) The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) will hold a Northern Economic Development Regional Symposium to discuss the “Economic and Community Benefits of Sports.” The symposium will be held Feb. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stoneridge Golf Clubhouse, 1601 Bluff Top Drive in Prescott Valley.
Chris Presson, who is president of both the Arizona Rattlers and the Northern Arizona Suns of the National Basketball Development League, will provide the keynote address at 11:45 a.m. He will discuss the community and economic benefits of professional sports teams and the value they bring to a community. His presentation will address the impact of sports teams in both rural and metropolitan areas.
The symposium will also feature a presentation on “Multi-purpose Sports and Recreation Facilities: challenges and Triumphs.” Larry Tarkowski, town manager for Prescott Valley, Richard Faust, director of parks and recreation for the city of Cottonwood, and Riley Frei, superintendent of the Bullhead City Elementary School District and the Colorado River Union High School District, will be the speakers for this session.
There will also be a panel discussion on “Small Scale Sporting Events: Economic/Community Benefits.” The panelist will be Joe Baynes, parks and recreation director for the city of Prescott, Dustin Lewis, owner of High Desert 66 MBX in Kingman, and John Landino, director of marketing for the Payson Rodeo.
Town of Prescott Valley Mayor Harvey Skoog, along with Ben Hooper, economic development coordinator for the town, will provide opening remarks.
A behind the scenes tour of the Prescott Valley Event Center will also be available to the attendees.
The cost of the symposium is $50 for AAED members and guests and $65 for non-members if registered by noon on Feb. 16. Late registration is $70. To register, visit www.aaed.com/event/aaedfeb23rd. For more information, call AAED at (602) 240-AAED (2233), or visit www.aaed.com. Vegetarian meals must be requested in advance.
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.
