Chris oversees GPEC’s business development efforts, with a focus on renewable energy, emerging technology, tax policy and international economic development. Chris also manages the domestic and international strategy for new industry attraction.

Chris has been instrumental in the design of the Phoenix Renewable Energy Tax Credit Program and has directly assisted more than 76 companies in their expansions or relocations to Greater Phoenix.

Chris served as president & CEO of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation (GYEDC) from 2006-2008. During that time, GYEDC helped 35 companies and 3,500 jobs locate in Greater Yuma, resulting in more than $350M of capital investment in the region.

In the interview, Chris shares thoughts on what skills are required to have a successful career as an economic developer, how the profession is changing and the challenges it faces to continue adding value to the community residents it serves.  Chris talks about the need to understand both industries and competitive locations at a much deeper level and the emergence of a consultative model approach among the most successful EDOs.

The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) is one of the region’s premier economic development groups. GPEC has been working on behalf of businesses looking to relocate and expand – at absolutely no cost to the company – for nearly 25 years. They are a public-private partnership representing  Maricopa County, 23 communities throughout the region and more than 160 private investors.

GPEC’s mission is to attract quality businesses to the Greater Phoenix region from around the world, and to advocate and champion foundational efforts to improve the region’s competitiveness. If your company is looking to expand or relocate, GPEC can provide:

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• In-depth market data and analysis
  
• Site-selection services
  
• Connections to Arizona’s key leaders and companies
  

Locally, their Market Intelligence program provides opportunity and threat analysis on specific industries within the region. This analysis provides the member communities with in-depth company and industry data to support their business retention programs.