As Arizona Economic Resource Organization (AERO) continues to work on strategies to fortify Arizona's competitiveness in the global economy, the board welcomes experienced Arizona legislator Michele Reagan & former Intel executive Tom Franz to its roster.
Reagan, a highly-regarded & respected member of the Arizona House of Representatives, was elected to office in 2002, where she has made her mark as a champion of small businesses. Reagan's family operated a sign-making enterprise in Phoenix for 10 years, giving her the opportunity to learn how to operate & grow a business. Since becoming a lawmaker, Reagan has been appointed to serve as Chair of the House Commerce Committee, & a member of the Ways and Means, Environment and Ethics Committees. In addition to her busy schedule at the Capitol, Reagan remains active in local civic & professional organizations, including the Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA).
"Being involved in this exciting venture - taking economic development to a new level in Arizona - is an important & challenging opportunity," said Reagan. "AERO's dedication to working in collaboration with & not against other economic interests in the state is critical to ensuring that we devise strategies that are good for all of our citizens, statewide."
Franz brings with him an extensive background in strategic development & technology management. He is the current President & CEO of Greater Phoenix Leadership, an organization dedicated to promoting education, public policy initiatives, & projects that strengthen the state's future. He previously had served as Corporate Vice-President & general manager of Intel Corporation's Fab/Sort Manufacturing, which oversees all the company's wafer fabrication. Franz also is former Corporate Vice-President of Intel's Communications Infrastructure Group.
"I look forward to working with my colleagues on AERO to develop innovative ideas to elevate Arizona's economic profile nationally & internationally," said Franz. "I fully support AERO's objectives & I am eager to get to work furthering AERO's initiatives."
Since its inception in October, 2007, AERO has begun work on a number of initiatives, including: a capital formation effort to support early-stage companies, devising strategies to retain & expand existing Arizona firms & development of solar energy research & similar industries. Additionally, AERO is completing its assessment of Arizona's current economic development activities & development of initial strategies to enhance the state's position in the global marketplace.
The Arizona Economic Resource Organization (AERO) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(6)organization dedicated to coordinating the state's economic development efforts to compete more readily in the global economy. AERO's membership includes individuals & representatives from private business, nonprofit groups, the public sector, communities, the Arizona Department of Commerce, state universities & institutions of higher learning. AERO's mission is to provide policy guidance & assistance to economic development entities & communities across the state.