Arizona State University to Receive Rarely-Awarded Best of Arizona Award from AAED

Currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) has announced that Arizona State University will receive its rarely-awarded Best of Arizona Award during the organization’s annual Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) awards dinner.   

The Best of Arizona Award is only presented to individuals or organizations whose dedication to economic development in Arizona has been unequaled.

The prestigious EDDE awards honor individuals and companies who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the organization and also to the economic growth within the state of Arizona.  Recipients are selected from a pool of nominations made by members of AAED. 

Joyce Grossman, AAED’s executive director, said ASU will be recognized for its revolutionary “New American University Model” and the positive economic impact it creates.

“In the past decade, ASU has increased the competitiveness of our region through its research expenditures at more than $400 million,” Grossman said.  “This focused research has gained national attention and boosted funding to the region that has been instrumental in attracting scores of new companies and facilities.”

“The New American University is now a model being embraced by other research institutions,” Grossman continued.  “By way of transdisciplinary learning and research, and the inclusion of entrepreneurship, ASU is a tremendous, successful example of this new philosophy.”

ASU will receive its award at AAED’s annual EDDE Awards dinner in Tucson on May 1.

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.