Mayor Jenn Daniels has proclaimed May 6- 12, 2018, Economic Development and Travel and Tourism Week in Gilbert, and Gilbert plans to celebrate through a series of community and business-focused events.

“Economic development and tourism are incredibly important to Gilbert, both for our future and the long-term sustainability for our community,” said Mayor Daniels. “We are excited to share the impact that both lines of service have on the community.”

National Economic Development Week, hosted by the International Economic Development Council, and National Travel and Tourism Week, hosted by the U.S. Travel Association, are two separate campaigns that aim to celebrate the value that each respective line of service adds to communities around the world. The Gilbert Office of Economic Development believes that both lines of service support Gilbert’s vibrant community by enhancing the quality of life for residents, the creation of jobs and economic opportunity, and the enhancement of wealth in our community. 

From fiscal year 2013 to fiscal year 2017, the Gilbert Office of Economic Development (OED) assisted 172 projects that resulted in over $1.1B in capital investment, 10,627 new or retained jobs announced, and 6.7M square-feet developed in the community. In 2014, Gilbert OED took over the tourism line of service for the Town and created the Discover Gilbert brand. In 2017, visitor spending in Gilbert’s legislative district reached $210 million and 1,700 jobs were created in result.

“Tourism promotion creates many economic opportunities,” said Dan Henderson, Director of the Gilbert Office of Economic Development. “It opens the door for business relocation and new startups, while highlighting the quality of life attributes that are critical to relocation decisions.”

To participate in Gilbert’s Economic Development and Travel and Tourism week, follow along on social media or attend the following events:

• May 8-9, 2018 – Arizona Food & Farm Forum at Agritopia: Hosted by Local First this 2-day conference is for producers, food entrepreneurs, and local food advocates, programmed to change the way our desert state feeds itself

• May 10, 2018 – Free Business Lunch ‘N Learn with Local First: Capitalize on Tourism and Economic Development Efforts to Boost Your Business

• May 12, 2018 – OED and Discover Gilbert will be at the Gilbert Farmer’s Market talking to residents and visitors about Gilbert’s economy and top tourism amenities

For more information about Gilbert’s Economic Development and Travel and Tourism Week, visit http://www.gilbertedi.com/edttw18/.