Development Head Chosen

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation has chosen an Arizona official as its first executive director. Jonas Peterson, who previously worked in economic development in Mohave County in Arizona, is expected to begin his post this month. Besides working for Mohave County, Peterson also served as chairman of Arizona’s North River Economic Region. His accomplishments include organizing an award-winning regional business retention and expansion program and leading an effort to locate Chrysler Corp.’s premier vehicle proving ground in Mohave County. He was also responsible for organizing a nationally recognized quantitative marketing campaign designed to attract corporate, medical, retail and educational development. Peterson was named Arizona Economic Development of the year for 2010 by the Arizona Association for Economic Development and received the 2008 Horizon Award from the Institute for Sustainable Development. “We are absolutely delighted that Jonas will be taking over stewardships of our EDC program to retain and nurture existing businesses in our valley while attracting businesses in targeted industries that will promote economic vitality,” said Bill Kennedy, the group’s board chairman. – Jessica Selva