Last week, Expect More Arizona, The Phoenix Business Journal and Cox Communications partnered to host “Business, Education and The Economy” – a special event focused on the importance of education to Arizona’s economic prosperity, and the business community’s role in improving education in our state. The event was attended by nearly 140 members of the business, education, philanthropic and nonprofit communities.
The breakfast was kicked off by Paul J. Luna, Chairman of Expect More Arizona and President/CEO of Helios Education Foundation. Doug Pruitt, Chairman/CEO of Sundt Construction (and one of Expect More Arizona’s newest board members) delivered an inspiring keynote address highlighting the need to make education Arizona’s priority in order to better prepare our students for college and career success.
A panel of business executives, moderated by Don Henninger, Publisher of The Business Journal, discussed the variety of roles businesses and business leaders can play in improving education in our state. The panel included Rich Dozer, GenSpring; Ivan Johnson, Cox Communications; Colleen Niccum, Raytheon; and David Salisbury, Resolution Copper Mining.
After an audience discussion, Expect More Arizona Executive Director, Nicole Magnuson, closed the event challenging the audience to act now, “We need to do something about education right now. Not tomorrow… Today!”
Everyone at the event seemed to agree: the business community will benefit from a stronger education system, and it is the responsibility of Arizona’s business leaders to advocate for education in our state.
See some images from the event in our slideshow below:
(If you are on a device that won’t play the slideshow, click here to view the photo album on flickr.)
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