Goodyear Honored with Five Awards for
Economic Development Excellence

The city of Goodyear Economic Development team was honored with five 2023 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Two gold awards, two silver awards, and one bronze award were received in the categories of Print Brochure, Special Event, Paid Advertising Campaign, Multi-Year Economic Development Program and Digital Media. Economic Development Deputy Director Darah Mann and Business Development Manager Joe Stewart represented the city of Goodyear and were recognized at the IEDC 2023 Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas on Sept. 19.

"The city of Goodyear has raised the bar for excellence in economic development with its projects and programs. These awards are a testament to Goodyear’s dedication to its residents and serves as a great example of how economic development can help transform a community for the better," said Nathan Ohle, IEDC president and chief executive officer. “It is IEDC’s honor and privilege to present Goodyear with these awards and recognize its leadership and innovation in the field of economic development.”

"It’s certainly humbling to receive such a large number of awards, and we thank IEDC for recognizing the work of the Goodyear Economic Development team,” expressed Wendy Bridges, director of Economic Development for Goodyear. “Goodyear’s visionary leadership supports a steadfast commitment to elevate Goodyear as a city that nurtures business growth while also providing an exceptional lifestyle for our residents.”

Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives and programs demonstrating consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects which have a significant impact on revitalizing communities and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.

Print Brochure – Retail & Office Brochures

The Goodyear Retail and Office Market Guides serve as comprehensive resources tailored to tenants, brokers, developers, and property owners, providing crucial insights into Goodyear's opportunities. These guides encompass data on housing, workforce accessibility, demographic trends, consumer spending habits, and land development prospects. Both guides include dedicated sections highlighting GSQ, the new heart of Goodyear. These marketing pieces align with the strategic economic development goals of fostering growth in two vital industry sectors crucial for supporting a burgeoning population and a dynamic workforce.

Special Event – Spring Training

Goodyear Economic Development hosted six (6) tailored Spring Training events with over 120 attendees at the Goodyear Ballpark and allowed Goodyear to strengthen existing relationships and forge new ones. Promoting Goodyear's appeal to businesses and emphasizing our mission to create a vibrant community where residents can access dining, shopping, entertainment, and top-tier medical care close to home was a unique opportunity to serve as a driving force to attract businesses which enhance the overall quality of life for our residents.

Silver Awards

Paid Advertising Campaign: Brand Identity & Advertising – You’re in Good Company

Goodyear Economic Development joined forces with Highnoon, a renowned agency specializing in Digital Marketing, Advertising, and Consulting, to craft a fresh brand identity and launch an innovative advertising campaign demonstrating lifestyle amenities Goodyear has to offer for both businesses and residents alike. The collaborative effort aims to enhance the city's prominence, boost business recruitment efforts, and attract sought-after restaurants and retailers in response to the expressed desires of Goodyear residents.

Multi-Year Economic Development Program: Airport Gateway

Airport Gateway South, part of the 350-acre Airport Gateway business park in Goodyear, Arizona, was designated a Magnet FTZ in 2010. To meet the vesting requirement, the city added water and sewer services, while property owner, EJM Development constructed the necessary road and infrastructure. By October 2014, the first user, Michael Lewis Company, purchased 30 acres. In less than a decade since the road's construction, the park reached full capacity, hosting nine companies, generating over 3,000 jobs, and attracting nearly $200 million in capital investment.

Bronze Award

Digital Media – Shop Local: The Faces Behind our Locally-Owned Small Businesses

The 2022 Shop Local social media campaign ran for five weeks, starting on Small Business Saturday and continuing until Christmas Eve. It aimed to promote our local small businesses during the holiday season by introducing the faces behind these establishments. Under the theme "Goodyear's Got Gifts," the campaign emphasized the community connection, showcasing small business owners in their shops and sharing store details to inspire local shopping.

###

About City of Goodyear

Goodyear, Arizona, a dynamic suburb west of Phoenix, boasts a population of over 106,000 residents and diverse amenities, including premier office space, entertainment, and exclusive dining in its growing downtown, GSQ. Hosting Cactus League Spring Training for the Reds and Guardians, Goodyear is among the nation's fastest-growing cities, attracting numerous Fortune 500 companies, including industry giants like Amazon, Ball, Boeing, Chewy, Microsoft, and United Airlines.  It's the ideal business location where “You're in Good Company.”

Follow us at @GoodyearAZecdev on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and City of Goodyear Economic Development on LinkedIn. Contact us directly via email at gyecdev@goodyearaz.gov or call 623-932-3025.