By Florence Reminder Blade Tribune
FLORENCE — Elan Vallender, senior economic development specialist for the city of Apache Junction, has been hired to be Florence’s new economic development director, taking on a program that hasn’t had an official leader for the last several years.
Town Manager Brent Billingsley cited Vallender’s significant experience with Apache Junction beginning as an intern in 2012.
“Elan has honed his skills in economic development in Apache Junction and has been heavily involved in Pinal County, meaning that he will be ready to roll right away,” Billingsley said in a town news release. “His previous experience as a small-business owner really resonated with me, and I think he will be a wonderful advocate for our many small businesses in town. I’m excited to have him leading our economic development efforts.” Vallender will begin his duties in Florence on Dec. 7th.