Arizona Business Magazine


Special Inserts:	Greater phoenix economic council \| east valley partnership



		Moving Forward	By Melanie Winderlich Photography by Jackie Mercandetti
		Straight talk with David Basha, chairman of East Valley Partnership

		How and when did you get involved with East Valley Partnership? Why? I have been aware of the partnership for many years due mainly to my dad’s involvement. Bashas’ has always been a corporate sponsor of EVP and so from that perspective, we have been involved even since Eddie’s formal retirement. I was asked to join the board as a member last year. I noticed Eddie Basha was a part of the very first meeting in spring 1982. How does it feel to continue the familial legacy? As a company and as individuals, we have always tried to be involved in the community. Although I never anticipated acting in the role as chairman, it is an honor to serve. What are the top issues EVP faces in 2007? What will be your priorities? First and foremost, it is not my personal priorities but the priorities of the partnership as an entity that matter. I am there to work to advance the common goals of all of the members. In actuality, there are four critical issues that are at the forefront of the EVP. Since its inception and continuing today, education remains one of our top priorities. Being a little more specific, we intend to focus on transportation funding for the East Valley. Anyone who lives here knows what a constant problem traffic is and the need for better transportation. We will also be focusing on the Superstition Vistas development and the Williams Gateway Area. Describe EVP’s involvement with the Urban Land Institute study of William Gateway Airport. How do the results affect EVP members? Williams Gateway has the potential of becoming an incredible economic and education engine for not only the East Valley, but the surrounding areas. The EVP realized this potential early on, but also recognized that a more formal study by a third party could act as a blueprint for development. ULI was engaged to perform such a study. Once the study is released early next year, EVP will review the study and determine how best to continue our role as a facilitator for the growth and development of this area. What are your responsibilities as chairman of EVP? What are the biggest challenges you face? As chairman of EVP, I’m responsible for working with all of the members of the partnership and interacting with the EVP staff to support and give leadership to our key initiatives and areas of focus. The biggest challenges are trying to build consensus among members as well as respect the private property rights of those within our area of influence. How does EVP work with government, business and civic leaders to evoke change to better the area? Most importantly, EVP creates a forum for both public and private entities to come together in a setting that provides for discussion of issues that are, more often than not, common to all. The make-up of the partnership provides for a diverse set of views and inputs which hopefully leads to more holistic decisions. The day-to-day affairs of the partnership are directed by its president Roc Arnett. What were the results of the Morrison Institute land use study of Superstition Vistas? Both studies predict a bright outcome and tremendous opportunity if the development is handled properly. The site is very much in its infancy, but with proper planning and development, the area has incredible potential. EVP will work with the requisite governmental entities and development groups to try and provide for sensible and sustainable development of the Vistas. Again, transportation will be a huge issue as it relates to this project and its affect on the surrounding areas. What would readers be most surprised to learn about you? There are really no surprises—my life revolves around my wife, our new son and my varied responsibilities. Right now it may seem pretty mundane to others, but I cannot tell you how much I enjoy being a father.