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History of Economic Development

The Greater Phoenix Chamber’s chief mission is to grow the economy and create jobs.  When our membership expressed a need to grow and expand our local economy, we developed an innovative approach to economic development in Greater Phoenix.  Our economic development efforts began with Phoenix Forward>>, an initiative which was the vehicle the Chamber used to accomplish that mission from 2015 – 2018.

Phoenix Forward >> was a coordinated, strategic approach to economic development that brings the resources of our collaborative partnerships with the Arizona Commerce AuthorityCity of Phoenix and Maricopa County to the front doors of businesses. The initiative strengthened the region’s competitive edge, connected businesses to vital resources, gathered industry intelligence, influenced public policy and promoted the region as the economic hub of the southwestern United States.

Phoenix Forward >> was designed, developed and driven by the business community and supported businesses in four targeted sectors listed below. The targeted sectors were specifically targeted for their prospects for growth and expansion.

  • Advanced Business & Financial Services
  • Bioscience
  • Health Care
  • Transportation & Logistics

Since July 2018, the economic development efforts have continued to grow as has the partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, City of Phoenix and Maricopa County. The program now includes:

  • Business retention & expansion
  • Phoenix Health Care Sector Partnership
  • Economic Development Insider Series
  • Economy in Focus newsletter