@ChildCrisisAriz Thanks for your kind remarks about my mentor and friend. A quiet giant of a man who loved the work that you and your team do!

Great kick off meeting of PHX East Valley Angel Investment workshops hosted by the City of Mesa. Terrific overview by the lead presenter Jim Goulka to a very engaged group of attendees!

Great meeting of the Phx EV Think Tank this morning at ASU Poly. There were several important updates and a robust discussion of the East Valley Education Progress Meter targets. The meeting concluded with information sharing about Higley’s exceptional Early Ed program.

Another great day for Mesa and the PHX East Valley as the opening of the Apple Data and Global Command Center is celebrated! Congrats all around to those who worked so hard to bring this iconic corporate citizen to the region. Tens of community partnerships are sure to follow!

@MesaDistrict5 The Economic Development “hits” just keep coming for cities and towns throughout the PHX East Valley. All our boats are rising. Thoughtful urban planning, great infrastructure, premiere education systems and can do attitudes continue to pay huge dividends!!

Able to attend the AZ Chamber’s Annual Awards lunch.Several great leaders recognized. Here the “Transformational” Leader of the Year, Eileen Klein, receives a standing ovation. She encouraged all attendees to take time to mentor the leaders of the future!

A VERY BIG deal for the Town of Gilbert and the PHX East Valley. Congratulations to all those who worked on this recruitment project!!

The EVP team gathered for a “going away”lunch with our departing leader. A bittersweet time for us as LaCinda and John prepare to head for Phnom Penh. It’s been a great time for the Partnership with John at the helm. The East Valley’s loss is Cambodia’s gain!

Enjoying the annual AZ Academic Decathlon team competition celebratory lunch. Honoring the successes of PHX East Valley High Schools Seton Catholic and Hamilton at the recent National Competition. A great group of students with very bright futures!

@MayorGiles @AzMNH @MesaDistrict5 @MesaAzgov @MesaDistrict4 What s fun “addition”!

A great day for Freedom Financial Network and the City of Tempe as the ribbon is cut on their new campus. Mayor Mark Mitchell is rightfully proud of this new investment in Tempe on a site that was formerly an eyesore. Eventually over 3000 people will work on this campus.

A beautiful morning in Tempe. Participated in the annual Pat Tillman run - another premiere PHX East Valley event. 30k people helping raise money for a great cause!! And - I “slogged” ( a slow jog) the 4.2 miles!!!

What a way to end the day. Attending the dedication of the Michael T. Hughes Elementary School in Mesa. Recognition of the great things that Michael has and continues to do in the community. He has set a very high standard which we all should try to emulate!

EVP Bd Member Dee Burton and his teacher “extraordinaire”wife Chris enjoyed a big Sun Devil win over UCLA. With the Wildcats in town and Hamilton still playing, Tempe will be the place to be in the PHX East Valley on Thursday night!

Another outstanding PHX East Valley event! EVP Bd Member and A New Leaf CEO Michael Hughes presents an award to Ambassador Barbara Barrett - an Arizona treasure - at the AWEE gala

Was pleased to join a large, enthusiastic gathering at the annual Mesa State of the City presentation. Mayor Giles highlighted many exciting accomplishments and new projects including an innovative early education initiative. Kudos to Mesa’s elected’s, staff and partners.

A great night as Queen Creek Town Manager John Kross was awarded the top management award in the State from the Arizona City/ County Mgmt Assoc. Spouse Julie and Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney were happy and proud attendees at the annual awards ceremony!

Chandler Unified Superintendent Camille Casteel reports on the great things being done by her outstanding team and the students in the District. An impressive year of achievements!

Sold out opening night for Hamilton@Gammage. Merchandise was in high demand and there was a great vibe in this iconic theater. Tempe and the PHX East Valley will host this phenom of a show through late Feb.