Economic Development Straight Talk with APS
Municipalities around the country are making some tough budget decisions and many are turning to their economic development programs to find ways to cut the budget.

For APS’ David Bentler, who heads APS’ Economic Development Department, there could not be a better time to ramp up efforts to attract new companies to Arizona and seek out economic development opportunities which can stimulate the economy.

APS' 2008 economic development efforts resulted in:

• More than 1,000,000 square feet of industrial/business development
• The creation of 1,000 new jobs
• $100,000,000 in new capital investment
• $7,000,000 in new direct revenues for APS
• 20 MW of new load for the company

“This is actually the most important time to have a strong economic development department. This is an opportunity to help stimulate our community’s economy to make a difference in the recovery. We need to remember that the slowdown is temporary, and, while things have definitely slowed down, there are still projects out there that need attention,” said Bentler.

Our company is dedicated to supporting economic development efforts throughout the state. We help many Arizona communities retain successful hometown companies and encourage them to create more jobs through APS’ Building Bridges to Business program and through APS’ Focused Future economic development program. Over the years, we have helped Arizona communities boost their local economies, and in 2002 earned a national innovation award from the National Association of Development Organizations.

“There is no better economic stimulus than attracting new business and in turn jobs to Arizona’s communities. More jobs mean a more vibrant economy and, in turn, stronger communities,” said Bentler. “As the state’s largest electric utility, we also understand that more businesses moving to Arizona translate directly to more electricity sales. It comes back to the theme that a stronger community and economy is good for our company and vice versa. There is an undeniable interconnection there.”

Bentler believes in order for economic development to help stimulate growth, the emphasis must remain on three significant areas: business retention, strategic planning and marketing.

“Infrastructure preparation must be a part of strategic planning,” he said. “When companies start prospecting, infrastructure is a key element in their site requirements. That is why APS places such an emphasis on planning its infrastructure requirements and investing resources for the future.”

APS B3: Building Bridges to Business
A community’s greatest assets are the businesses that call it home.

Economic Development studies show that at least 76 percent of new jobs and capital investment comes from a community’s existing companies. That is why APS’ Building Bridges to Business program or B3 is investing in Arizona’s greatest assets – the businesses that call our communities home.

APS' B3 program goes beyond traditional business development to provide an innovative retention and expansion tool that addresses that needs of existing businesses and the cities and towns in which they reside. The B3 program helps economic development organizations define and analyze company and community specific information, and creates an environment for establishing relationships between businesses and their community.

With the B3 program, community leaders and economic development organizations gain a better understanding of individual business needs and insights into their local economy and each company’s role in the community’s economic future.

The B3 program utilizes an internet-based business assessment software program called Synchronist, and uses a face to face interview/survey to find and track a wide range of useful company and community specific information

The B3 program strengthens community by helping:

• Retain and expand existing businesses
• Retain jobs and tax revenues
• Develop local firms, creating new jobs
• Enhance a community’s reputation as a good place to do business

APS’ partners include the Arizona Department of Commerce (ADOC), the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), as well as all of the rural Economic Development Departments in our Arizona communities (such as Casa Grande, Yuma, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Payson, Flagstaff, Globe and Parker.

APS Focused Future Program
Through its Focused Future program, established in 1991, APS has helped leaders from less-populated areas develop community and economic development plans that will best prepare their communities for inevitable growth.  Focused Future is a step-by-step process designed to empower rural communities with the ability to determine their own futures.

The program helps them:

•   Define the goals that ensure their economic futures
•   Uncover their community’s strengths and weaknesses
•   Create policies and implement practical programs that enhance their economy
•   Save time and money

Read more about the Focused Future Program.