WHO is Valley Forward:
Valley Forward Association is a unique public interest organization that has influenced quality of life and environmental decisions in the Valley of the Sun since 1969.

The Association consists of a blend of members, including large and small businesses and various jurisdictions of government. The membership roster includes more than 250 organizations, representing 600 individuals with diverse interests and perspectives. This includes some of Arizona’s largest employers and some of its smallest, industrial and manufacturing sectors, municipalities and other government agencies, educators, non-profit organizations and Valley citizens.

WHAT does Valley Forward do:
Valley Forward serves as a balanced forum for convening public dialogue, discussion and study of environmental and quality of life issues that are shared regionally or that have regional implications. The Valley is a large and diverse community, but there are many issues that impact all of us no matter where we live – Valley Forward provides a venue for regional cooperation and idea sharing. Valley Forward also serves to provide environmental and quality of life awareness and education.

WHY Valley Forward:
Valley Forward’s mission is to serve as a common link between competing ideas and regions and to promote regional dialogue to improve the environment and quality of life in the Valley. The association also promotes environmental awareness and focus while advocating a balance between economic development and environmental quality.

HOW does Valley Forward do it:
Valley Forward is an organization that is based on action. The association makes its impact through participation (working Issue Committees and volunteer projects like Green-Ups), education (quarterly luncheons, forums, EarthFest) and promotion (EEA and other sponsorships).

WHERE (and When) does Valley Forward work:
Valley Forward is headquartered in downtown Phoenix and operates year-round throughout Maricopa County, now one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the U.S.

Throughout its 36 years of operation, the association has impacted all corners of the Valley from advocating desert preservation and open space in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Queen Creek and Apache Junction, to supporting Rio Salado and the Tempe Town Lake and initiating plans for the West Valley Recreation Corridor. Valley Forward has left its mark on such projects as the government mall, ribbons of freeway and light rail transit.

WHAT ARE VALLEY FORWARD’S SIGNATURE EVENTS:

VALLEY FORWARD’S LIVABILITY SUMMIT

• Designed to promote healthy communities by increasing awareness of innovative technologies, sustainable development, resource conservation and environmental initiatives.
• Brings together renowned leaders to talk about issues on a global level while integrating a local perspective specific to our metropolitan region.
• Features an interactive exhibit hall spotlighting local environmental issues and programs that foster sustainable growth.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS

• Annual awards program that recognizes outstanding contributions to the environment in several categories.
• September banquet attended by 700 plus community leaders at a prominent Valley resort.
• Winners in the program are featured in a Valley-wide traveling display exhibited in high traffic, prominent public facilities throughout the year.

EARTHFEST EDUCATORS NIGHT

• For teachers at a prominent environmental education facility
• Members that offer environmental education programs and/or curriculum exhibit at the event
• Attracts hundreds of teachers from throughout Arizona

ANNUAL LUNCHEON

• Annual Luncheon in December
• Nationally recognized keynote speaker
• Facilitates the election of VFA’s Board of Directors
• Recognizes members who made significant contributions to the Association throughout the year