El Mirage Economic Development Manager Recognized With Prestigious EDDE Award

(EL MIRAGE, Ariz. – Oct. 29, 2020) – Tom Doyle, economic development manager for the city of El Mirage, is the recipient of the Arizona Association for Economic Development’s (AAED) annual Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) award for Economic Developer of the Year – Small Community, presented by Speedie & Associates, Inc.

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

Under Doyle’s direction over the last 24 months, the city of El Mirage was successful in landing two major manufacturing plants for Cives Steel and Cavco West, as well as a 254,000 square-foot Microsoft data center.

This past year, Doyle was elected by his peers to serve as the vice chair/incoming chair for the Greater Phoenix Economic (GPEC) Council Directors Team.  He is known throughout the economic development industry as a relationship marketer who regularly engages partnership organizations such as AAED, WESTMARC, Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and GPEC.  Doyle is a graduate of Leadership West Class 22 and a certified GPEC Ambassador.  He also serves as a leader on the Veteran Affairs Committee for the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce.  Additionally, he is chairman of the board for Theater Works, an organization that provides opportunities for children, patrons and artists to experience theater through performing arts.

Overall, 10 EDDEs were presented during a virtual awards ceremony at the AAED Fall Forum.  The other winners are:

• Greg Tilque, CEcD, the William Lampkin Award for Long Term Excellence in Economic Development, presented by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.
• Karla Moran, AZED Pro, economic development analyst, Salt River Project, Member of the Year, presented by Pat Davis Design Group, Inc.
• Jennifer Graves, CEcD, deputy director, Gilbert Office of Economic Development, Economic Developer of the Year, Large Community, presented by Sigma Contracting.
• Tami Ursenbach, economic development director for Mohave County, Economic Developer of the Year, Medium Community, presented by Concord General Contracting.
• Aaron Moon, business development coordinator, ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County, Workforce Practitioner of the Year, presented by Newbridge Technology Solutions.
• Crystal Pierce, business development representative, CCS Presentation Systems, New Member of the Year, presented by CCS Presentation Systems.
• Pinal County, Large Organization of the Year, presented by the Salt River Project.
• Town of Queen Creek, Medium Organization of the Year, presented by the Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation.
• Price Corridor, Best of Arizona Award, presented by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

“The EDDEs showcase the best in economic development for all of Arizona,” said Carrie Kelly, AAED’s executive director. “Without the work of these individuals and organizations, the economic vitality we see across the state would be nowhere near the high level that we see today.  They truly have a role in the growth of their individual communities and we are pleased to recognize them and their accomplishments.”

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.

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