Each of these awards reflects our dedication to enhancing the lives of our residents by bringing in opportunities and growth that directly benefit our community.”

Jeanine Jerkovic | Surprise economic development director

The Surprise Economic Development Department has received multiple prestigious awards this year for achievements in promoting business growth, community investment and economic innovation.

The Arizona Association of Economic Development recognized Surprise with two illustrious Golden Prospector Awards in the Special Event and Multimedia Promotion categories at its 2024 Fall Forum, which took place from Oct. 23 to 25.

The Special Event Golden Prospector Award recognizes a meeting, seminar, marketing tour, event or trip designed to develop projects and promote economic development. Surprise received the award for hosting the Future Business Leaders of America Region 4 competition in January.

About 550 high school students participated in the FBLA program, competing in more than 50 leadership and business events in Surprise on the Ottawa University-Arizona campus. The co-hosted event increased community awareness of the amazing partnership, education and career opportunities offered by Surprise and OUAZ.

The Multimedia Promotion Golden Prospector Award went to Surprise for its #SurpriseLovesIKEA campaign which capitalized on a summer 2023 announcement that IKEA was considering several new stores. The city created, filmed and released three fun videos shared on social media, and hosted multiple community stakeholder events to celebrate and market to the retail giant.

Also in October, Westmarc, a public-private partnership promoting economic growth and quality of life in Arizona’s West Valley, held its annual Best of the West Awards Dinner where Surprise was awarded once again.

Surprise Economic Development Director Jeanine Jerkovic received the Westmarc President’s Choice Recognition, and Surprise and SimonCRE jointly accepted the Economic Engine Award, which recognized the major economic impact of the Village at Prasada and Prasada North Commercial Centers.

In September, Surprise Economic Development attended the 2024 International Economic Development Council Annual Conference, where it was recognized for excellence in the field.

The department took home four Excellence in Economic Development Awards:

Multimedia Promotion: #SwedishMeatballDay – Silver Award

Innovative Economic Development: #SurpriseLovesIKEA – Silver Award

Special Event: Cinnamon Roll Day (Kanelbullens Dag) – Bronze Award

Postsecondary Education Partnership: FBLA Regional Competition – Bronze Award

“Each of these awards reflects our dedication to enhancing the lives of our residents by bringing in opportunities and growth that directly benefit our community,” Jerkovic said. “From job creation to expanding dining and shopping options to improving local amenities, our work is all about building a city where people feel proud to live, work and grow.”