PHOENIX, ARIZ. (November 3, 2025) — The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) presented 11 Golden Prospector Awards and 13 Awards of Merit to recognize excellence, innovation, and creativity in economic development at its annual Fall Forum held in October in Prescott. The Golden Prospector Awards were established more than 20 years ago to recognize excellence in economic development. The City of Glendale graciously sponsored the 2025 Golden Prospector Awards. Awards were presented in the following categories:
Economic Development Program Golden Prospector Awards
Arizona State University’s Office of Economic Development received the award for its strategic, no-cost initiative to strengthen business retention, attract new growth, and support workforce stability among the 125+ companies co-located within ASU’s Innovation Zones. By leveraging existing university resources from 11 departments, the team developed a new benefits package that offers a clear value proposition that has already increased business engagement. The updated package has resulted in 30 Business Retention and Expansion visits and successfully attracted new international tenants.
The City of Chandler was awarded for its innovative workforce development platform that quickly expanded its reach and influence across key sectors. Over the past year, 63 Chandler-based companies have actively participated in this program—a threefold increase since it started. The platform now lists over 830 unique job postings and nearly 950 job seekers, along with a growing user base that demonstrates Chandler’s dedication to economic growth and community vitality.
Pinal County received a Golden Prospector for its unprecedented Rapid Response effort in Central Arizona, which faced a sudden economic disruption after Nikola Corporation closed its manufacturing facilities in Coolidge and Phoenix. The organization’s exceptional coordination involved over 740 job seekers across four events, with 93 candidates trained, 44 employers connected with pre-screened candidates, and hundreds of job matches made within weeks of the layoffs.
The City of San Luis was awarded for its revitalization of a business incubator in partnership with Local First Arizona and funded by the USDA Rural Business Development Grant. The result was a complete transformation of the incubator into a hub of entrepreneurial energy, led by the launch of the Fuerza Local business accelerator program. Through this program, the City has not only revitalized the incubator but also empowered a new generation of small business owners, primarily Spanish-speaking, to formalize their operations, improve their financial literacy, and build resilient enterprises.
Special Event Golden Prospector Awards
The City of Surprise received a Golden Prospector for its collaboration with Ottawa University for the 2025 CTE Competition Series, which attracted over 1,500 high school students from across the Greater Phoenix West Valley to the city. This event aimed to give students practical experience with career options while emphasizing postsecondary opportunities in the region. Students engaged in meaningful, career-oriented activities in a setting that brought together education, government, and industry.
Prescott Valley also received a Golden Prospector for the 2024 Prescott Valley Restaurant Week, an inaugural event that garnered support from 25 independently owned restaurants throughout the community. The event not only increased restaurant visibility and drew more local visitors, but it also helped establish Prescott Valley as an emerging culinary destination. Restaurant sales rose by 10% year over year during that period, highlighting the tangible economic impact. Prescott Valley Restaurant Week 2024 was more than just a food festival—it supported local businesses during a typically slow season, engaged the community, and provided a necessary boost to the local economy.
Multimedia Promotion Golden Prospector Awards
Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation received the Golden Prospector award for its innovative approach to economic development marketing with the “Why Greater Yuma” film series. The series uses cinematic storytelling to emotionally connect with audiences and authentically showcase the pride of a bi-national, multi-state region. This is the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation’s first Golden Prospector award.
Marketing Brochure Golden Prospector Awards
Pima County was recognized for its economic development marketing brochure, created this year to showcase who Pima County is, what it offers prospective companies, and the properties the County provides. Featuring maps, industry information, partnerships, properties, and foreign direct investment and workforce incentives, this brochure enhances Pima County’s profile as an economic development leader in Arizona.
The Town of Queen Creek was awarded for its first economic development report, which highlights community achievements and success stories and offers a clear overview of the community’s progress.
Golden Prospector Awards of Merit
- Deal of the Year
- City of Goodyear for securing a Buc-ee’s Travel Center
- Special Event
- City of Glendale for “Experience Glendale Day”
- City of Mesa for its appreciation event for women-owned and led businesses
- Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) for its 35th Anniversary Celebration
- Tech Parks Arizona for its 30th Anniversary Dedication Ceremony
- Multimedia Promotion
- City of Mesa for the “More to Mesa” retail campaign
- City of Surprise for “Mission: Cheesecake”
- Town of Gilbert for its postcard campaign
- Website
- City of Mesa for MesaAZRetail.com
- Rebuild Superior for its “Succeed in Superior, AZ” website
- Marketing Brochure
- Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation for its Greater Yuma Regional Industry Guide
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.
