Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Power of Partnerships

Good afternoon,

This week we celebrate Economic Development Week, created by the International Economic Development Council in 2016. This year’s theme, “The Power of Partnerships,” emphasizes the collaborative spirit that fuels innovation, community well-being, and economic transformation across the country – and especially here in Northern Arizona.

At the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona, partnerships are at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with local governments, businesses, nonprofits, and education partners to address the region’s most pressing challenges – from workforce development to housing to business attraction and retention.

Phase 1 and 2 of Winslow Project

In the words of Molly Davies, Economic Development Director for the Town of Camp Verde, ECoNA “brings together diverse stakeholders to address regional economic challenges and opportunities in a collaborative and solutions-focused way.” That collaborative approach and providing businesses with access to tools like Buxton Analytics has helped Camp Verde position itself for new opportunities, she said.

EcoNA’s role is more than just a connector – it’s a catalyst. Whether it’s supporting site visits, providing market intelligence, or coordinating multi-jurisdictional projects, our goal is to make sure communities across Northern Arizona aren’t just seen, but understood and supported.

For Creag Znetko, Economic Development Administrator for the City of Flagstaff, having a regional partner like ECoNA provides strategic insights for Northern Arizona as a whole. “I love the energy that ECoNA brings,” he said, adding he was looking forward to being part of the contingent going to Semicon West, the premier microelectronics exhibition that will be held in Phoenix this fall.

Our ability to accomplish big goals comes from that spirit of partnership. Just ask Jack Fitchett, Economic Development Director for the City of Winslow and previously the Business Attraction Manager for the City of Flagstaff. He partnered with us to help bring UACJ Whitehall Automotive Industries to northern Arizona. That effort – built on teamwork and a shared vision – ultimately led to the largest business attraction in Flagstaff since the 1970s.

These kinds of success stories aren’t isolated: they’re the result of intentional partnership, consistent collaboration, and a shared commitment to building a better future for all of northern Arizona.

As we celebrate Economic Development Week, we also celebrate you – our partners, supporters, and allies. Thank you for being part of this journey.

We invite you to join us at Mother Road Brewing Company, 7 S Mikes Pike St. in Flagstaff on Monday, May 19th at 4:30 pm for a gathering to celebrate our collective efforts in economic development. Stop by and raise a glass to our shared accomplishments and many more years of growth, innovation, and regional prosperity for northern Arizona.

Sincerely,

Gail Jackson

President & CEO

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona

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