The Arizona Association for Economic Development Honors Economic Development Champion Tim Kanavel with William Lampkin Award and Memorial Scholarship

(PHOENIX – Oct. 29, 2021) – The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) has awarded the William Lampkin Award for Long Term Excellence posthumously to Tim Kanavel, former economic development director for Pinal County. The award was presented at the Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) Award Ceremony held during the organization’s annual Fall Forum held in Flagstaff earlier this week.

This award recognizes outstanding achievements by an individual that has made significant contributions to economic development efforts in Arizona and demonstrated a sustained commitment to AAED. Nominations are evaluated based on the overall economic impact of the individual’s efforts to Arizona, contributions of the nominee to AAED, the development of strong relationships and community support, and contributions to the economic development profession.

Kanavel was a member of AAED for 20 years, serving on the Board of Directors and chairing the Rural Economic Development Committee. He joined Pinal County in 2009 to create the county’s first economic development department.

Kanavel’s passion for economic development was evident as he was involved with various economic development initiatives throughout Arizona during his illustrious career. In 2010, he was appointed to the Arizona Governor’s Rural Business Advisory Council where he managed a grant budget of more than $2.5 million in two of the four years there. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Pinal Partnership Economic Development Coalition and Arizona@Work and served as a member of the Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition, Pinal Alliance for Economic Growth, Pinal County Industrial Development Authority and Central Arizona Association of Governments. Kanavel passed away in February 2021.

According to Richard Wilkie, economic development director of Casa Grande, Kanavel was a strong proponent of education and professional development. As such, the AAED Board established the Tim Kanavel Memorial Scholarship Fund in his memory, to provide financial assistance to economic developers across the state to pursue their Arizona Economic Development Professional (AZED Pro) certification through AAED.

“Tim always encouraged his staff to participate in AAED programs and events and to avail themselves of the many continuing education opportunities.  This a fitting legacy and one that I know Tim would be very proud of,” said Stephanie Maack, economic development program manager at Pinal County.

Kanavel’s wife and sons were in attendance.  His son, David, accepted the award on behalf of his father.

“Thank you for the kind words about my dad,” said Kanavel. “I know my father loved the state and the people he worked with in Pinal County. Our family will be giving this award to them so that they can display it in his honor.”

“We couldn’t be happier to acknowledge Tim Kanavel and his dedication to economic development by awarding him the William Lampkin Award and announcing the establishment of a scholarship in his memory,” said Carrie Kelly, executive director of AAED.  “And this was made even more special having his son there to accept it on behalf of the Kanavel family.”

About the Arizona Association for Economic Development

AAED, founded in 1974, has a mission to serve as Arizona’s unified voice for responsible economic development through professional education, public policy, and collaboration. For more information on AAED, visit www.aaed.com or call (602) 240-2233.

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