Brandon Kavanagh, a partner with Mangum, Wells, Stoops & Warden in Flagstaff, has been named Member of the Year by the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED).
Kavanagh was recognized for his contributions to one of AAED’s focus areas: education. In 2011 he led the rejuvenation of the Northern Arizona Committee, Advocacy – by lending his expertise to spreading the word about AAED’s legislative mission to the organization’s members in Northern Arizona. He also serves on AAED’s Events Committee.
He joined AAED in 2008 while working as a partner in a Phoenix law firm. Kavanagh subsequently chaired the AAED Annual Golf Classic for three years, participated on the annual holiday charity raffle sub-committee and was instrumental in initiating night golf as a way to augment AAED revenues during difficult economic conditions.
AAED presented its annual Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) awards during an evening awards dinner at the AAED Spring Conference in Sedona.
The prestigious EDDE awards honor individuals and companies who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the organization and also to the economic growth within the state of Arizona. Recipients are selected from a pool of nominations made by members of AAED. Overall eight EDDEs were presented.
Other EDDE winners are:
- Sally Odette, CEcD, senior consultant, Economic and Community Development for APS, the William Lampkin Award for Long Term Excellence in Economic Development;
- Julie Engel, CEcD, president and CEO, Yuma Economic Development Corporation, Economic Developer of the Year, Large Community;
- Richard Wilkie, senior management analyst for the city of Casa Grande, Economic Developer of the Year, Small Community;
- Angela Talbot of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, New Member of the Year;
- Kari McCormick, Kitchell Contractors, Economic Developer of the Year – Tribal Communities;
- City of Phoenix, Large Organization of the Year; and
- Sigma Contracting, Small Organization of the Year.
AAED was originally founded in 1974 as the Arizona Association for Industrial Development (AAID). The organization, which was dedicated to expanding the industrial and economic base of Arizona, changed to its current name in 1991 to better reflect its broader mission.
The strategic vision of AAED is to be the leading advocate of responsible economic development for all of Arizona by leading the facilitation of public/private cooperation and fostering teamwork to address the growth and quality of life issues that face Arizona. For more information on AAED, visit www.aaed.com or call (602) 240-2233.
