2018 Sun Corridor EDGE Program Accepting Applications

PHOENIX, AZ (January, 18 2018) — Are you a business experiencing international success? Submit your export story for recognition and help others learn from your success. The application period has begun for the 2018 Sun Corridor EDGE (Economic Development for the Global Economy) Program recognizing excellence in exporting. The deadline for submitting applications is Feb. 28, 2018.

“With more than 95 percent of the world’s population and 80 percent of the world’s purchasing power outside the United States, our future economic growth and available jobs increasing depend on expanding trade in the global marketplace,” said Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck, chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG). “The EDGE Program was created to increase awareness among businesses and policy leaders about the importance of international exporting,” he said.

“Business owners work hard to be successful. By expanding their customer base to new markets with global reach, this can increase profits, improve their financial stability and create jobs,” said Oro Valley Mayor Satish Hiremath, chair of the Pima Association of Governments’ Regional Council. “Together, we can show the world that the Sun Corridor is open for business.”

The goal of the program is ultimately to invite more companies in Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties to export. “Every company has experienced both challenges and successes,” said Queen Creek Councilmember Robin Benning, chair of Central Arizona Governments. “It is important for us to know what elements are working, and what businesses need in order to grow.”

“The EDGE Program will recognize businesses with international sales, help them develop strategies to increase sales, and connect them with resources,” said Pinal County Supervisor Steve Miller, chair of the Sun Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization. For example, participants in the EDGE Program who meet eligibility requirements may participate in one of two ExporTech boot camps offered by the Arizona Commerce Authority and U.S. Commercial Service. Participating companies also are featured in press materials and a video that will be shown at the EDGE recognition event on April 26, 2018.

“Arizona continues to be a leader in international trade and investment,” said Sandra Watson, Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO. “It is important to showcase the Arizona companies that contribute to our state’s global competitiveness, and support new companies who are interested in exporting, and we’re proud to do so
through the EDGE Program.”

ServerLIFT, which exports machines to more than 60 countries internationally, was one of the companies recognized as an expert exporter in the first year of the program. “Being part of (the EDGE) program gave my business national recognition and credibility,” said CEO Ray Zuckerman.

Exporters of all sizes in all sectors can participate in the program. Each applicant is placed in one of the followingcategories: emerging, proficient or expert. Large companies with more than 100 employees are evaluated separately from small- to mid-size companies. Application materials are available at http://www.jpacaz.org/.

Program partners include the Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona District Export Council, Central Arizona Governments, East Valley Partnership, Global Chamber Phoenix, Global Chamber Tucson, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Maricopa Association of Governments, Metro Phoenix Export Alliance, Partnership for Economic Innovation, Pima Association of Governments, Sun Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization, Sun Corridor Inc., U.S. Commercial Service, and Western Maricopa Coalition (WESTMARC).

Media Contacts

Susan Marie, Arizona Commerce Authority, (602) 845-1231, [email protected]

Laura Shaw, Sun Corridor Inc., (520) 609-5972, [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: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.