Advancing Anthem’s Economic Development

On January 18, 2012, the Anthem Community Council (ACC) in conjunction with ESI Corporation hosted an economic development forum highlighting trends in the retail market, demographics of Anthem, review of a SWOT analysis, and a presentation of the draft vision, goals and objectives of the economic development plan. Judi Scalise, President of ESI Corporation, began the forum with an overview of the importance, goals, and outcomes of economic development, agencies that support economic development goals, examples of economic and community development programs, and what businesses look for in a location.

Scalise turned the meeting over to Judi Butterworth, Vice President of Velocity Retail Group, who provided an informative update on trends in the retail market. Butterworth has been selling and leasing shopping centers and commercially zoned land since the late 1970s. She is one of the top retail brokers in the State of Arizona having been responsible for over ½ billion dollars worth of deals.

She noted that Arizona, including Anthem, is dealing with a deep recession as are the majority of other cities/towns. Butterworth also provided helpful tips on how to have a successful retail business, which includes:

• Good ingress and egress (entrance and exit)
• Visible signs on building and monument
• Good tenant mix
• Excellent parking
• Adequate population (families)
• Visible from street
• Strong promotions and events
• Reasonable rates and net charges

Scalise then went into details of the demographics of Anthem compared to Maricopa County, SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis findings, overview of the draft vision, goals, and objectives of the five-year economic development strategic plan, and finally short-term prioritized objectives for the first two years. To view the presentation provided by ESI Corporation, please click here. If you have any questions or comments regarding the presentation or Anthem’s economic development future, please contact jkollings [at] anthemcouncil [dot] com or 623-742-6050.

The final economic development plan will be presented at the ACC Board of Director’s meeting on February 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center.