The Gilbert, Arizona, Economic Development Office (EDO) is working on plans to attract companies and researchers, a move that could result in new biotech jobs.
Operating under a mandate from its Town Council, the EDO organised citizen work groups and held numerous meetings with business and community leaders to discuss opportunities, challenges, and initiatives to enhance its economic policies, workforce development, and marketing and branding. As a result of the Gilbert Town Council mandate and Summer 2011 work group meetings, it was determined that Gilbert should focus its economic development strategy on science and technology industries with an emphasis on Biotech & Life Sciences.
“Attracting companies from the biotech and life science industry sectors will strengthen Gilbert economically and provide immeasurable future benefits to our community as we work to become a net importer of these jobs over the next 20 years,” said Gilbert Mayor John Lewis.
Economic development consultant Dr. Ioanna Morfessis was contracted by Gilbert to facilitate collaboration and prioritise recommendations within the work groups to help Gilbert achieve its goals.
Dr. Morfessis, founder of the international consulting firm, IO.INC, said that this five year Strategic Economic Development Plan will effectively channel Gilbert’s resources into producing positive, measured results to meet its goals.
Located in the southeast valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Gilbert, Arizona, is the seventh largest community in Arizona.
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