Governor Doug Ducey pledged he would be an advocate for economic development in the Quad Cities area during the inaugural Greater Prescott Regional Economic Partnership (GPREP) dinner Jan. 23 at the Prescott Centennial Center.
More than 150 community leaders from throughout the greater Prescott area heard Ducey say, “…Yavapai County and Arizona are the places to be for those looking for a place to build, relocate and create new jobs.”
Ducey also praised those in attendance for being united in the common goal of wanting to stimulate economic development and maintain a high quality of life for those in the greater community.
Ducey spoke following introductory remarks by GPREP president Steve Rutherford. Rutherford told attendees that GPREP was indeed meeting its goal of collaborating and cooperating to bring new businesses – and jobs – to the area.
To reinforce his remarks, Rutherford announced that American Spirit Arms, a Scottsdale-based firearms manufacturer of components and complete rifles, was locating a new plant in the Sandretto Hills area of northcentral Prescott. The plant will employ 15 to 20 highly skilled workers.
“For more than a year, GPREP has brought together business, governmental and political interests from Dewey-Humboldt, Chino Valley, Prescott Valley and Prescott in solid efforts to create a positive regional identity to enhance the regional economy,” he said. “We’re succeeding.”
A 10-minute video featured mayors of all four communities and other business and government leaders vowing their support for a genuinely collaborative partnership.
In introducing the governor, Prescott Mayor Marlin Kuykendall affirmed that unified efforts among the communities were resulting in a rejuvenated economy and job creation for the 152-square mile area considered known as the Quad Cities.
Several GPREP board members praised Arizona Public Service for its support in helping put together a comprehensive long-range plan.
“We’re now able, through GPREP, to provide potential new businesses and employers with workforce data and demographics, available site selection assistance and building specifications, area maps, and other pertinent information,” Rutherford said.
He concluded the evening’s program saying he already was looking forward to next year’s dinner.
“We’ll prove even more that private-public partnerships are succeeding in moving the Quad Cities economy forward.” QCBN
By Ray Newton
Quad Cities Business News
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