Pima County is making waves in economic development with the news that its assistant director, Kelle Maslyn, has recently secured her Arizona Economic Development Professional certification. This designation, awarded by the Arizona Association for Economic Development, represents not just personal achievement, but a potential boon for business within the region, according to Pima County press release.
Indeed, the training involved in the Arizona Economic Development Professional certification is no casual undertaking. It spans strategic planning, business development, financial management, and marketing strategies, among other areas. However, it's not just about the individual expertise — the program builds a community by providing networking opportunities with economic development professionals throughout Arizona, opening the door for sharing best practices and fostering innovation, as reported by the Pima County.
Last Thursday, Maslyn was honored with a plaque recognizing her accomplishment. This achievement came after a rigorous process that took place in September, as confirmed in a recent Pima County press release. Maslyn shared that the certification process offered her invaluable insights into the field. "This certification program helped me deeper understand economic development and gave me ideas that I have brought back to benefit the businesses in Pima County," she said.
It's not just about recognition for Maslyn, though. A tangible outcome of the knowledge she gained is already in the works. According to Maslyn, participation in the Arizona Economic Development Professional certification program directly influenced the decision to introduce the "Moonshot Rural Arizona Pitch Competition" to Ajo, as per the Pima County. This competition is poised to be a significant endeavor for the locality, fostering economic innovation and empowering entrepreneurs within rural Arizona.
