Grenee Celuch
Director of marketing and business development
Concord General Contracting
Years with Concord: 6.5 years
Years with AAED: 2 years
Impact of membership in AAED: Part of Concord’s long-term goals are to be a more active player in the municipal market sector. AAED has been a valuable resource by connecting me to economic developers throughout the state to expand our network and build business. If I had to put a number on my network, I would say 50 percent of my connections come from AAED.
Most rewarding aspect of AAED: It is by far the people I meet. I regularly attend the luncheons in both Phoenix and Tucson and always walk away with a new contact. Not only do I grow professionally in AAED, but I have also gained many friendships from the organization.
Value of AAED membership: You get out of an organization what you put into it.” This statement is one of my favorites because of the honest truth that it holds. As I continue to get more involved in AAED, it continues to pay me back in immeasurable value. I do not look at value from a financial aspect but from personal and professional development, which is absolutely priceless.
Misty Kimball
Client relations
Ashworth Construction, Inc.
Years with company: 1
Impact of membership in AAED: AAED opens doors to both the public and private sectors statewide for its member and that’s what it has done for me as well. The ability to stand beside folks that advocate for our economic future, educating its members in so many capacities, while creating and building both professional and personal relationships is invaluable.
Most rewarding aspect of AAED: I believe in service. So servicing our members and our leadership in the capacity of vice chair and now chair of the PR/Communications Committee provides me , specifically, the fulfillment of connectedness, value and friendship that I think we all desire.
Value of AAED membership: To add to the first question; It has been a challenging year, both professionally and personally, being a part of this organization helped with not only business opportunities but the support needed to remain focused.
David Couture
Manager, key account services and economic development
UNS Energy Corporation, parent company of Tucson Electric Power
Years with company: 16
Years with AAED: 2
Impact of membership in AAED: As the largest publicly traded company based in Tucson, TEP is committed to helping the community thrive. We care about where we live and that’s why we strongly support efforts to strengthen and expand our regional economy. As a member of AAED, I have contact with some of the most knowledgeable and influential economic development professionals in the state. With the many events and gatherings hosted by AAED, I have multiple opportunities to interact and learn from individuals who are talented and resourceful.
Most rewarding aspect of AAED: The AAED has been a very valuable organization for me and Tucson Electric Power. Continuing education is an important part of the organization’s philosophy and they offer exceptional learning opportunities. Members are active and knowledgeable and AAED’s collaborative programs give them the opportunity to interact. Although AAED is dedicated to improving economic development in Arizona, its members’ breadth of knowledge about economic development opportunities extends beyond the state’s borders.
Value of AAED membership: I attended this year’s AAED Spring Conference in Tucson and was extremely impressed with the program presenters and conference attendees. I realized that AAED’s membership was not just worthwhile but essential for companies like TEP that are truly interested in growing our local and state economy.
