Queen Creek's top economic guru, Doreen Cott, has just bagged a major accolade, nabbing the title of Economic Developer of the Year. The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) dished out praise and the award during its Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) Awards. After all, the lady knows how to clinch a deal. She's credited with luring a jaw-dropping $5.5 billion investment from LG Energy Solution to the area, which is pegged to be the largest battery manufacturing facility in North America.
It's no small feat what Cott and her team managed to quickly accomplish to bring home the big win for Queen Creek. They didn't just sit back and relax; they fought to get the community a Costco and Queen Creek’s first hotel, adding a pinch of convenience to the lives of the locals. If that wasn't enough, they also rolled out a lifeline during the pandemic with a Small Business Grant program to keep local shops afloat. According to the Town of Queen Creek, Cott was key in getting the Economic Development Department its stripes as an Accredited Economic Development Organization, which they've clung onto since 2018, managing to reaccredit in 2022.
This isn't just about pats on the back though. Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley was quick to remind folks that econ devs like Cott are the muscle behind the scenes, pushing for the jobs that keep a town buzzing and bank accounts cushy. "Economic Developers attract and retain high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve quality of life. They also promote the creation, retention and expansion of jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base," Wheatley pointed out. Her words point to a clear verdict: Cott is a powerhouse tweaking the levers of Queen Creek's prosperity.
While the AAED honor might seem to just neatly wrap up Economic Development Week, a celebratory stint that lasts from May 6-10, for Cott and her crew, it's a never-ending quest to boost the local scene. They're not planning to just simply rest on their laurels but continue to drive initiatives that turn Queen Creek into an economic hotbed. For those looking to potentially cash in on Queen Creek's upward trajectory, the town's Economic Development Department suggests swinging by their InvestTheQC.com website to scope out opportunities. Surely, under the guidance of an award-winning economic development director, Queen Creek’s prospects seem as solid as they come.
