Three Legislators Named as Economic Development Champions by the Arizona Association for Economic Development
(PHOENIX – June 1, 2021) – The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) has honored a trio of legislators as 2020 Economic Development Champions. Sen. David Gowan of Sierra Vista, District 14, Rep. Ben Toma of Peoria, District 22, and Rep. Frank Pratt of Casa Grande, District 8, were recognized during the organization’s virtual Policy Impact Celebration held earlier this month.
Gov. Doug Ducey opened the event by commending the honorees for their innovation in making Arizona a more competitive business environment.
“In Arizona, we pride ourselves on our responsible, innovative economic policies which create the foundation for our competitive business climate,” said Ducey. “We’ve developed policies that create jobs, bolster our infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for our residents.”
Gowan earned the honor for his work on infrastructure improvements and sponsoring the renewed Qualified Facilities Tax Credit in the Senate. Toma was cited for constructing H.B. 2757, the tax reform solution for out-of-state, online retailers and sponsoring the renewed Qualified Facilities Tax Credit legislation in the House. Pratt has been a staunch supporter of advancing economic development policy at the legislature for many years and was recognized for his workforce training programs and Drought Contingency Plan, which assures water supply for irrigation districts in Pinal County.
The awards were presented by Mignonne Hollis, president of AAED and the Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation, AAED Executive Director Carrie Kelly, AAED Government Affairs Committee Chair Michael Jansen, and AAED Policy Impact Celebration Chair Karla Moran.
Following the awards ceremony, AAED’s Policy Advocate Eric Emmert moderated a panel discussion about AAED’s policy priorities with Sen. T.J. Shope of Coolidge, District 8, Sen. Sean Bowie of Chandler, District 18, and Rep. Daniel Hernandez of Tucson, District 2.
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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