GPEC President and CEO Barry Broome to Spearhead Economic Development Agenda in San Diego

PHOENIX, July 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Valley economic leader Barry Broome has been tapped to lead the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. Broome has been at the helm of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), one of the country's longest-standing regional public-private partnerships for economic development, since 2005.

"Barry elevated GPEC's capabilities above what was already a strong and recognized foundation," GPEC Chairman and University of Phoenix President, Dr. Bill Pepicello said. "The organization has ramped up its business attraction outcomes; become a credible, go-to resource for the state's policy makers; is an invaluable partner to Maricopa County and mayors across the region; and is a national leader and benchmark for economic development agencies across the country."

Under Broome's leadership, GPEC has achieved numerous, significant milestones from which the region and state have benefited. Among these, the most notable include the passage of Arizona's Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Program (formerly Senate Bill 1403), which has led to the location of 11 renewable energy projects, creating more than 2,400 jobs. As one of the largest and most aggressive incentive offerings in the country for renewable energy firms, it has widely stimulated the development of a promising new industry in Arizona. In tandem with the renewable program has been GPEC's concentration in foreign direct investment (FDI). In 2006, Broome designed the Arizona Global Network, a collaborative model uniting the urban and rural markets of Greater Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff and Yuma in attracting FDI to Arizona. GPEC's international approach has led to market opportunities in Spain, Germany and China, and positioned Arizona as a gateway for U.S. investment, particularly in renewable energy.

Broome's impact to the Valley has also been felt in working alongside state legislators and with Govs. Jan Brewer and Janet Napolitano to create sound economic development programs that improve Arizona's competitiveness. Several components of Arizona's Competitiveness Package (formerly House Bill 2001) stemmed from GPEC's in-depth research and economic analyses.

"Barry has been a passionate and authentic champion for Arizona," said Don Cardon, Arizona Commerce Authority president and CEO. "He is not only a thought leader but also a thought doer. I have admired his untiring willingness to work on behalf of all Arizonans and build viable economic models for the communities that GPEC serves."

Broome's tenure at GPEC illustrates vast results. In nearly seven years, Broome's tenure at GPEC has led to the attraction of more than 160 companies, creating more than 30,980 jobs and over $6.5 billion in capital investment to Greater Phoenix. In fiscal year 2011 alone, GPEC saw the highest-ever record of companies it assisted through relocation or expansion to Greater Phoenix.

"I have been truly honored to be a part of GPEC," Broome said. "The six-plus years I have invested in the organization, the region and the state have been among the most personally rewarding in my economic development career. I want to thank my past and current chairs, mayors and county supervisors, as well as GPEC's investors, all of whom have been a valuable support network for me. I am humbled to have partnered with all of you in advancing Greater Phoenix's economy."

Broome takes his new post at San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation on August 1.

About the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) A true public/private partnership, GPEC is the regional economic development organization for Greater Phoenix. Working with its 20 member communities, Maricopa County and more than 140 private investors, GPEC attracts quality businesses to this dynamic region. Since 1989, GPEC has worked to achieve an economically sound and sustainable region. For more information, visit www.gpec.org.

SOURCE Greater Phoenix Economic Council