11. What types of activities, events, programs or initiatives do you think AAED should undertake in the future?
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 Response
1
 As the voice for sustainable economic development AAED should promote and be the cheer leader for economic development initiatives that promote a sustainable economic base.
2
 Matchmaking opportunities connecting ED folks to business groups. Such as an event with a room set up as a round robin moving to an ed table every 10 minutes.
3
 keep calendar better updated -- as of a week ago there was no info on the spring conference, for example
4
 Mixers that feature a community. ie Glendale, Avondale, etc. or new facility
5
 Would like to see fundamental 'best practices' information. For example, refresher courses or panels on how incentives work, new legislation, what grants are available, etc. (in addition to presentations on bio, retail, etc). Less golf/drinking-related activities are needed. The organization has a reputation as more of a fraternity versus a professional organization because of the conferences, mixers and golf. I would like to see the organizational get even more educational in nature and make strides to elevate the reputation of the industry. It is possible to do this and have fun. It is extremely difficult to justify more than one person going to events or conferences from my community for this very reason, and that is unfortunate.
6
 Regular training sessions for economic development practitioners. Could be organized the morning of the monthly lunch meetings--maybe every other month. Topics could vary, here are a few examples:
--Arizona's tax abatement law for Foreign Trade Zones.
--Principles of effective ED websites
--New Market Tax Credits
--Workforce skills certification through Work Keys
 
7
 Continue educational programing and networking events, but let's look for opportunities to "joint venture' with other groups when situations arise.
8
 I believe AAED should do a better job communicating with GPEC on what initiatives they are pursuing and how we can help in a joint coalition. There should be more joint events/symposiums
9
 Additional half-day and one-day seminars on economic development related issues of high current importance.
10
 Next Generation Program
11
 Structured networking, Perhaps a rotating mentorship for new members
12
 The director should play an active, advocate role with each city and the Governor to lobby for meaningful legislation and local approval of measures and actions that promote economic development in AZ.
13
 Educate local elected officials on the process of economic development an why it is paramount, especially rural communities
14
 More as a voice in the media for ED in Arizona.
15
 We need more event outside or in an informal setting.
16
 sustainability, transportation
17
 Schedule more events in Northern Arizona
18
 more Northern Arizona functions
19
 mentorship, career development, best practice case study, continued education
20
 Breakfast meetings with speakers.
21
 more mixers
22
 Less social and more down to business meetings.
23
 Education - elementary, high school
24
 I like the regional type meetings that focus on that region's challenges and opportunities
25
 Defining clearly the role of AAED. Is it to support the economic developer or a bigger role.
26
 The focus is best in 2 areas - member networking, and providing sound information to members and the elected officials throughout Arizona.
27
 one or two day conferences quarterly.
28
 A better outreach to the communities outside of Maricopa and Tuscon.
29
 Develop better understanding of individual members, their likes, dislikes, areas of need for their economic growth and their abilities to assist AAED.
30
 Things related to increasing the strategic aspects of, strategic basis for, etc. growth/development in the state.
31
 Educate membership; offer ED education tro local communities; conduct marketing trips to spread the word about AZ and its places.
32
 more regional activities - cannot travel to Phoenix from rural areas
33
 What is happening now is a good mix of events.
34
 I'd lie to hear more municipal feedback regarding econ dev and planning.
35
 Do white papers; bring legislators to speak at luncheons not just once a year meet-and-greet lunch; get articles in paper; newsletter doesn't cover enough or have enough "meat"; a few awards given to members seem noticeably left out (ex: Spalding Olmsted selected as Who's Who in Advertising in 2008 Book of Lists;)not enough PR to let outside community about AAED and what we do (I've mentioned AAED to a ton of people & they have no idea of what it is or does.)
36
 Webinars focused on educational content.
37
 Real rural issues. I ralize the statitics class Casa Grande, Safford, Flagstaff and other cities as rural, but they are not real rural areas. Biotech industries are great for metor areas, but few are going to locate in a rural area. The unincorporated areas are in desperate need of economic and community development.
38
 Why is there no INTERNATIONAL committee and no focus on the role of international investment into Arizona ?
39
 More for communities outside of Phoenix and Tucson
40
 Hard Hat Tours (Convention Center, Downtown ASU Campus, etc.)
41
 Lean more heavily on the State Legislature - which appears to be the greatest impediment to Economic Development in the State
42
 Networking events tend to be all concentrated in Phoenix (understandable), but our more isolated location prohibits us from participating more fully in AAED events.
43
 Continue to identify where needs are not being met by local entities or commerce etc. and explore events that fill any voids.
44
 Offer a rural track for the small, remote communities, who have very different needs; and hold mixers, presentations and other events in different regions and communities, not just Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff.
45
 Not sure
46
 More direct engagement in business retention and expansion initiatives (esp. small businesses). Some of this may include assistance to/partnerships with other service providers (e.g., the Small Business Development Centers). There are roles/tasks that AAED can perform where the other providers may be limited--find your niche, AAED.
47
 Economic Development Training
48
 I would like there to be more information for new members on how to become involved in committees and the benefits you can get from that.
49
 I think the events and programs are very well done, with a lot of thought put into them.
50
 Not sure. Maybe something in partnership with IEDC. If this has been done, sorry for missing it.
51
 Anything to keep the membership apprised of issues related to growth and expansion throughout the state and the local communtiies.
52
 blank
53
 Take a more active and progressive interest in Rural Arizona.
54
 Active lobbying of the Arizona Legislature.
55
 I think our plate is full.
56
 Late-breaking news/concepts and state-of-the-art professional tools
57
 Find a legislative solution to fully funding the Dept of Commerce
58
 More activity with the homebuilders
59
 For those of us representing economic development organizations It would be helkful to hear of new sources of grants and initiatives.
60
 It is difficult for me to get to the networking events.
61
 I think that the conferences, monthly programs, mixers are all good. Maybe more community involvement?
62
 The committees are active and committed,
sure wish the director and staff was as
committed and attended all functions and meetings