KINGMAN – The City of Kingman has announced that it has been awarded a highly competitive statewide scholarship through the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED), supporting professional training for the City’s Economic Development Department.
Jeremy Palmer, the City of Kingman’s new Economic Development Project Manager, applied for the scholarship on behalf of the City shortly after joining the department. Within his first two months in the role, Palmer successfully secured the Tim Kanavel Memorial Scholarship, making the City of Kingman one of only two recipients statewide.
The scholarship funds participation in the Arizona Association for Economic Development’s 2026 Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC), covering the full course registration fee and saving the City $645 in training costs. The course will take place January 26–29, 2026, at ASU SkySong in Scottsdale and is accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The Basic Economic Development Course provides foundational instruction in organizing and managing economic development initiatives, finance and budgeting, ethics, community development, entrepreneurship, workforce development, real estate development and reuse, infrastructure, and business retention and expansion. These focus areas directly support the City’s ongoing efforts to foster sustainable economic growth and diversify Kingman’s local economy.
Participation in the BEDC also supports the City’s commitment to professional excellence and fiscal responsibility. The scholarship allows Kingman to expand internal expertise while minimizing costs, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.
The Tim Kanavel Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually by AAED in honor of long-standing Arizona economic development leaders Ben Warren and Tim Kanavel. Eligibility is limited to Arizona-based economic development practitioners with fewer than five years of experience, with selection based on the anticipated benefit to the applicant’s organization and community.
“This scholarship represents a meaningful investment in Kingman’s economic future,” said Bennett Bratley, the City’s Economic Development Director. “By securing this training opportunity, the City is strengthening its capacity to support businesses, encourage investment, and plan for responsible growth.”
For more information about the Arizona Association for Economic Development and the Basic Economic Development Course, visit: https://aaed.com/career-center/professional-development/.
