City 2 City 2022

Gilbert, AZ

Nestled in the southeast part of the Phoenix metropolitan area is Gilbert, Arizona. Formerly a farming community, Gilbert in recent years has seen its stock rise with regular appearances on national lists of best places to live. The city’s safety, affordability, bustling Heritage District (downtown), food scene, arts and more have brought businesses and workers in droves over the last three decades. For a town once known as the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World” to find itself recognized as “Phoenix’s Coolest Suburb,” Gilbert has a story to tell.

City2City 2022: Gilbert, AZ
Our first full day began at the University Building (home to both Park University and University of Arizona’s Gilbert campus) with a breakfast presentation from Gilbert’s Mayor, Brigette Peterson, and Town Manager, Patrick Banger. Gilbert has experienced significant population growth, much of it young families. This safe, family-oriented community features a highly educated workforce as well. Gilbert’s Office of Economic Development led us on a guided tour of the bustling Heritage District, known for its arts, culture and entertainment, with ample dining and nightlife options.

Going from the hay shipping capital of the world into a sought-after community to visit, live, work and play didn’t happen overnight. There was a deliberate plan and process that began in the early 1980s. George Pettit and Greg Tilque shared their stories from those visionary years, describing the collaboration among the stakeholders involved. The town bought in early, acquiring strategically selected parcels and working with developers and community leaders to actively recruit the right types of businesses to fit with the plan. The Heritage District offers ample dining and nightlife options, with plenty of walkable areas, lighting, artwork, outdoor dining and more.

Attending City2City 2022:
-Shaun Brobak, Crockett’s Restaurant Group (Chamber board)
-Rep. Kelly Chambers, Washington State House of Representatives, 25th Leg. Dist.
-Sloan Clack, Corliss Management Group, LLC
-Kevin B. Dull, KBD Consulting
-Kyle Hardtke, Amazing Landscape Services (Chamber board chair)
-Mayor Dean Johnson, City of Puyallup
-Justin Jones, JMJ Team (Chamber board)
-CM Dennis King, Puyallup City Council
-Krista Linden, Farm 12 and Step By Step
-Meredith Neal, City of Puyallup Economic Development
-David Radcliffe, The Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse
-Rep. Eric Robertson, Washington State House of Representatives, 31st Leg. Dist.
-Shellie Willis, WorkForce Central (Chamber board)

Chamber staff:
-Tara Doyle-Enneking, Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce
-Lori Waltier, Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce
-Hannah Elwell, Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce