For Immediate Release

Surprise wins national Business Retention award

Surprise AZ (October 22, 2009) The City of Surprise has been recognized for having a positive impact on existing business, at a national business conference. 

At the Synchronist Users' Forum in Chicago this week, Blane Canada Ltd., announced that the citys "Building Bridges to Business" (B3) efforts, in partnership with the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce, earned their "Critical Business Partner" award.

Together, Chamber volunteers and City staff met face-to-face with over 100 local businesses to learn how the community can help them grow and prosper in the city.  The local B3 program is part of a statewide program sponsored by Arizona Public Service.

"In this tight economy it is more important than ever that we do whatever we can to promote our local businesses," says Economic Development Director John Hagen. "In addition to the B3 program, our office also has a Small Business Assistance Program that helps get new companies off the ground."

Surprise received the top honor in an annual award competition among economic development organizations throughout the United States and Canada.

The Business Retention Committee for the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED), also received recognition at the conference for its commitment to promoting local business.  AAED member communities statewide, including Surprise, interviewed over 500 businesses to compile the first state-wide industrial/manufacturing data.   Surprise Economic Development Coordinator Megan Griego chairs the committee.

Blane Canada Ltd., Wheaton, IL is a provider of existing business portfolio management tools.

The Synchronist Users' Forum is North American's largest cooperative of development professionals. Forum participants share ideas and best practices to improve strategies, tools, and practices for existing business portfolio management.

For more information about the Surprise Small Business Assistance Program please call 623.222.3300.

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