Arizona Association for Economic Development

Statement

Thank you, Lori.

And, good afternoon, everyone.

I'm delighted to be here -- to be among friends -- to be with people who share a common vision for the future of Arizona.

Two days ago, on STATEHOOD DAY, I called a Special Session of the Legislature to launch the ARIZONA COMPETITIVENESS PACKAGE.

It's a comprehensive bill that essentially marks the rebirth of Arizona.

Thanks to the hard work, dedication and diligence of President Pearce and Speaker Adams -- it's one of the most historic pieces of legislation to be considered by the Arizona House and Senate in decades.

It sets in place the first of my Four Cornerstones.

The Competitiveness Package includes codification of the Arizona Commerce Authority as a highly focused, highly privatized entity -- with a deal closing fund that our competitor states have.

It includes replacing our state enterprise zone laws with immediate tax incentives for quality job creation -- statewide.

And, it includes phased-in tax reform starting in 2014 to address those areas where we're not competitive with other states.

Our Competitiveness Package will make Arizona a magnet for business expansion -- relocation -- capital formation -- and investment.

Focused on both urban and rural job creation, our agenda is based on a belief in the awesome power of free enterprise -- private businesses finally freed to compete on the global stage.

The results will be employment -- personal income growth -- and prosperity for business -- and our citizens.

Arizona will stand in shining contrast to other states, as we limit the growth of the public sector and restrain unnecessary regulation, and stimulate the engine of free enterprise.

My primary agenda for the next four years will be dedicated to this approach -- and building on the other three Cornerstones of Reform:

-- Education Reform

-- State Government Reform -- specifically in State Budgeting and Operations and

-- Renewed Federalism in our fight with Washington, D.C.
As I leave you today, I want you to know I'm committed to these issues and their success,
and I look to each of you to help where there's consensus.

I look forward to working with AAED members, and, because I appreciate the unified commitment we have, I've issued a proclamation today which says, in part:

Whereas, the Arizona Association for Economic Development recognizes that an economic development toolbox for Arizona must focus on enhancing competitiveness and creating quality jobs; and

Whereas, the recently formed Arizona Commerce Authority is the primary mechanism as a public/private partnership for the delivery of the tools needed for economic development in Arizona.

Now, therefore, I, Janice K. Brewer, Governor of the State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim February 16, 2011 as: Economic Development Day.
Thank you all, very much.

God bless you, and the work you do, and may God bless the great state of Arizona and the United States of America.

Thank you.

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