Pictured left to right: Economic Development Coordinator TJ Coulter, Economic Development Director Wendy Bridges and Economic Development Management Assistant Nicole Blanar.
At the 2024 Spring Conference hosted by the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED), the city of Goodyear was recognized with the prestigious Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) Award for Organization of the Year in the medium-size community category. This award celebrates the significant contributions to Arizona’s economic growth and to the principles of AAED.
Under the city’s leadership, Goodyear has emerged as a key player within Arizona’s economic development sector. In the 2024 fiscal year-to-date, Goodyear has added over 2 million square feet of development, created more than 1,900 jobs, and generated $5+ million in capital investment. This growth has been marked by significant advancements in industrial, life sciences, and retail amenities.
Goodyear is a proactive member of AAED, continuously advocating for economic development initiatives to benefit the local community and have a broader impact across the State of Arizona. This commitment is reflected in their consistent participation in AAED activities and influential role in expanding the city’s growth and economic vitality. Further, Goodyear’s commitment to AAED’s foundational pillars of educate, advocate and collaborate has been demonstrated through active involvement in community and professional groups, including the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Of note, the Goodyear Economic Development team recently received five (5) Awards of Excellence from IEDC, highlighting Goodyear’s leadership in the economic development field.
Wendy Bridges, the Economic Development Director for the city of Goodyear, was also recognized with a Presidential award commemorating her service to AAED for the last 17 years, and her notable contributions through roles on several committees, including two terms as Chair of the Northern Committee, and a term on the Board of Directors. As a Board member, Bridges served as a Board Liaison for the Northern, Professional Education and Government Affairs committees. She was elected to the Secretary/Treasurer role and then elected to Vice President. Bridges then transitioned to Incoming President, followed by a term as President. She will complete her current role as Immediate Past President and member of the Executive Committee at the end of the fiscal year.
“I am honored by the recognition our city has received and proud of the collective efforts that have advanced Goodyear’s economic health and meaningful growth,” said Wendy Bridges. “Goodyear’s leadership and residents have great vision that provides a road map for the work the city staff does. This vision creates the opportunities that contribute to our community’s success.”
For more information, visit developgoodyearaz.com or follow at @GoodyearAZecdev on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and City of Goodyear Economic Development on LinkedIn. Contact directly via email at gyecdev@goodyearaz.gov or call 623-932-3025.
About City of Goodyear
Goodyear, Arizona, a dynamic suburb west of Phoenix, boasts a population of nearly 112,000 residents and offers diverse amenities, including premier office space, entertainment and exclusive dining in its growing downtown, GSQ. Hosting Cactus League Spring Training for the Cleveland Guardians and the Cincinnati Reds, Goodyear is among the nation’s fastest-growing cities, attracting numerous Fortune 500 companies, including industry giants like Amazon, Ball, Boeing, Chewy, Microsoft and United Airlines.
