Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (AZ) – Economic Development Strategic Plan

Challenge

Phoenix has long been a key Southwest business and logistics hub. Its strength in aerospace, the high-tech industry, and financial services command national and international attention. The Phoenix region’s higher education institutions, led by Arizona State University, were significant players in the revitalization of downtown Phoenix and surrounding communities. The growth of the health care sector further defined Phoenix’s broad regional draw. Yet, as significant as these assets are, they were not linked to a shared vision for economic development.

Response

TIP Strategies was engaged by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) to craft a strategic action plan to establish a more comprehensive vision for the region. The plan was the result of a seven-month process that included interviews with Chamber staff and Board of Directors, members of the regional business community, leaders in higher education, and stakeholders from other public sector organizations at the state, regional, and city level. In addition to an extensive public engagement process, TIP analyzed the region’s economic development environment and conducted peer organization benchmarking research. In direct alignment with this effort, Convergent Nonprofit Solutions worked with the Chamber and TIP to set the framework for a capital campaign. The overarching goal was to propel Phoenix to greater national prominence. This vision centered on new approaches to building capacity: attracting talent, supporting the growth of innovative business clusters, and moving catalyst projects forward. The strategic plan was built on the idea that the Phoenix area would benefit from speaking with one voice and by uniting around opportunities in new ways. As the voice of the business community, no organization—either by membership or design—was better equipped to implement this vision than GPCC.