Mike Czechowski, Senior Project Manager in the City of Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives, Is Named Economic Developer of the Year
The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) honored Mike Czechowski, CEcD, with the prestigious Economic Developer of the Year (Large Community) award at last week’s annual Spring Conference held in Oro Valley, AZ. The Large Community category is defined as a service area with a population of more than 150,000.
Every year, AAED honors significant contributions to the advancement of the organization and economic development within the State of Arizona. The Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) Awards were established by the members of AAED to recognize the outstanding work of their peers. The membership of AAED is responsible for nominating their peers for these awards.
Since July 2012, Mike Czechowski has been responsible for the attraction and expansion of large companies. He has negotiated and completed more than 24 development agreements with new companies locating to Tucson and local companies wishing to expand. Czechowski plays an essential role in the City’s economic development success and in the last year has worked on projects including a $6.5 million investment by Belden for a new fiber technology center, the approval of a $44 million Home Depot store, a mixed-use project named Stone Avenue Lofts, and the redevelopment of 2 E. Congress. He also administers the City’s Primary Jobs Incentive program and in the last six years has assisted company incentives leading to the attraction of more than $1.5B in capital investment.
Czechowski is also responsible for completing annexations of land into the City. Last year, he was the project manager for Tucson’s premier industrial and advanced manufacturing site, known as H2K, which was expanded by 302 acres. An additional 80 acres of airport land was also annexed for industrial development. During his time in the Office of Economic Initiatives, Czechowski has completed more than 40 annexations.
Barbra Coffee, Director of Economic Initiatives, said Czechowski’s achievement is well deserved. “Mike is a tremendous asset to our team and to the community. His professionalism and passion for maximizing economic development opportunities is unparalleled. I am so proud of his accomplishment and this well-deserved recognition of his work,” said Coffee.
About the Arizona Association for Economic Development: AAED, founded in 1974, has a mission to serve as Arizona’s unified voice for responsible economic development through professional education, public policy, and collaboration. For more information on AAED, visit www.aaed.com or call (602) 240-2233.
About City of Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives: The Office of Economic Initiatives coordinates the City’s economic development programs for the purpose of attracting jobs and investment to the City of Tucson. The Office of Economic Initiatives also offers local small business and entrepreneurial assistance and encourages regional workforce development efforts to foster a sustainable and diverse local economy. To contact the Office of Economic Initiatives, visit www.ConnectTucson.com.
###
|
