Governor Jan Brewer Names First Members of Rural Business Advisory Council

PHOENIX, AZ (October 18, 2010) — Governor Jan Brewer introduced the first members of the Rural Business Advisory Council during her remarks at the Governor’s Rural and Regional Development Conference on Friday. The Council, established by Executive Order on September 8, will provide direct assistance to the Arizona Commerce Authority and rural communities in organizing, coordinating and implementing business development strategies to diversify economies by bringing in new business and creating jobs for Arizonans. Governor Brewer is dedicating $2 million of stimulus funding to advance rural economic development that will lead to more quality jobs in rural areas.

“I am committed to advancing the rural areas of our state, establishing necessary infrastructure, and helping these areas compete for and grow quality jobs,” said Governor Brewer. “My Arizona Commerce Authority and the Rural Business Advisory Council will work with Arizona’s Councils of Governments to identify local projects that will lead to more job creation. Leveraged with local resources, we can truly fuel local economies, sustain businesses, increase revenue and create jobs – significant in my plan for the Arizona Comeback.”

At least one representative from each Arizona County and a representative of Arizona’s tribal nations will serve on the Rural Business Advisory Council. The following members have been appointed by Governor Brewer: Eddie Browning (Council Chairman), Travis Bard , David Bentler, Julie Engel, Levi Esquerra, Jim Ferguson, Tim Kanavel, Gary Kellogg, Becky Nutt, Bob Riley, Steve Rutherford, Marshall Whitmire and Donald Wilson.

“We must have the hands-on experts from our rural areas as we position Arizona to be more responsive to business opportunities, and Governor Brewer is making significant, historical change to the way our state pursues economic advancement with this council and the Arizona Commerce Authority,” said Commerce President and CEO Don Cardon. “These council members understand unique approaches and challenges in their communities and regions, and together we will advance a model for economic development built on a stronger foundation so that our children and their children enjoy a future of opportunities that are stable, predictable and reliable.”

Media Contact

Nicole McTheny, Arizona Commerce Authority, (602) 845-1231, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create – attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.