Arvada Awarded for Local Economic Growth

The Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) recently won the prestigious "Award of Excellence" from Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI) for "The Arvada Way" of doing business retention. This was in the category of a single community with a population of over 50,000.

Each year, an award is given to an individual or group that contributes to the economic sustainability and growth of a community, county, state or province. The nominated organization is judged on their economic strategy and measurable improvements made to the community's overall business climate. Special consideration is given to individuals and groups who provide innovative solutions to unique needs within the given community.

A BREI member, AEDA's business retention program is embedded within a collaborative corporate culture called "The Arvada Way." More than 650 AEDA and City of Arvada employees collectively work to support and grow the business environment and further economic development strategies for the whole City. Included in that culture are local and statewide partners with like missions for business growth. AEDA strives for strong working relationships within the City of Arvada, as well as with businesses and various strategic alliances.

"This award has so many peoples' names on it - our coworkers at all levels in the City, City Council members, AEDA Board of Directors and our many partners within the community and outside. It was a privilege for me to accept it on behalf of all of them," said Hazel Hartbarger, AEDA director.

AEDA has strengthened Arvada's business climate in a number of ways including:

• City employees proactively and consistently seek innovative solutions to assist Arvada businesses and quietly contribute to their many successes.
• City employees assist with marketing efforts, including using social media to help attract businesses they believe would be a good fit for the community.
• AEDA launched and partners helped promote the "Invest in Arvada" campaign focused on encouraging consumers to shop local. 

"I am impressed at how effectively AEDA and the City of Arvada work together to achieve important goals that ultimately effect economic development," said Debbie Gardner, economic development assistant for York County Economic Development in the State of Virginia. "I have enthusiastically relayed the information I learned from AEDA to my boss and co-workers and hope to work toward more cooperative efforts here in York County."