Save the date for city’s Second Annual Economic Development Forum

Maricopa Mayor Anthony Smith, Vice Mayor Brent Murphree, council members and the Office of Economic Development are extending an invitation to the Second Annual Economic Development Forum. The focus of the event will be learning about the city’s progress in building a sustainable and competitive economy.

All businesses, employers and families are impacted by the global economic downturn. As each of us considers opportunities and options for survival and success, it is important to focus on near, mid and long-term strategies that will help assure sustainable economic opportunities for us all.

Speaking on Maricopa’s progress in building a sustainable and competitive economy during the current downturn will be Ioanna Morfessis, Ph.D., Senior Economic Development Consultant to Maricopa and President of IO. INC. As a business and economic development executive, Dr. Morfessis has spent 25 years helping businesses, institutions and communities create and execute change and growth strategies. Regarded as one of the top economic development executives in the nation, she has founded five best-of-class economic development organizations in the U.S.

Buxton Co., a nationally renowned firm under contract with Maricopa, will deliver a special report on targeted retail opportunities. Through its extensive research, this report will feature information about the right retailers suited for attraction to the community, as well as data and trends that will help existing businesses target their offerings to local needs and shopping habits.

Event details:

What: Second Annual Economic Development Forum
When: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008 from 4-6 p.m.
Where: Global Water Center, 22590 N. Powers Parkway
RSVP: (space is limited) RSVP by Dec. 5 to (520) 316-6812 or via email

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