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. It was formed as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization following a merger of the Phoenix Development Association, Mid-Town Improvement Association, Valley Beautiful Citizens Council and Maricopa County Taxpayers Association.     Valley Forward brings business, community and civic leaders together to convene thoughtful public dialogue on regional issues and to promote cooperative efforts to improve the environment and quality of life in the Valley. Valley Forward advocates a balance between economic development and environmental quality.     The Association consists of a blend of members, including large and small businesses and various jurisdictions of government. MAKING A DIFFERENCE     There are no signs or plaques anywhere saying, "Valley Forward Was Here," but in 36 years of operation, this effective coalition of members has left its mark. From the glass and metal frontage of the government mall to the Rio Salado project and Tempe Town Lake, from the healed scars of the Phoenix Mountains to the ribbons of freeway across the community, from desert preserves throughout the Valley and a planned Light Rail Transit system, Valley Forward has been there.       Major events Valley Forward has sponsored annually are: the Environmental Excellence Awards Program established in 1981 and now co-sponsored by SRP; a Livability Summit designed to promote healthy communities; EarthFest Educators Night, an event that provides teachers with an opportunity to enhance their environmental education curricula; and an Annual Luncheon featuring a prominent keynote speaker.   DEDICATED COMMUNITY LEADERS TEAM WITH PROFESSIONAL STAFF      Valley Forward is operated by a 26-member Executive Committee that meets monthly, and a Board of Directors of 59 that meets quarterly. General membership activities are held throughout the year and include: breakfasts or luncheons featuring keynote speakers, Issues Committee meetings, member mixers, tours, special projects and related events.      Valley Forward publishes a quarterly newsletter, Update, which features information about its programs and members. An Annual Report highlights each year's accomplishments. The organization's staff includes a President, Vice President, Membership Director and Communications Coordinator. Valley Forward’s staff, in partnership with volunteer committees, manages association programs.   MAKING A DIFFERENCE      VFA MEMBERS REPRESENT DIVERSE INTERESTSVALLEY      METRO RAIL recently celebrated two historic milestones. In January more than 300 community leaders and rail supporters attended an official grant-signing ceremony with the Federal Transit Administration........ more >>      JANUARY LUNCHEON FETES RIO SALADO      irector of the Morrison Institute for Public Policy. Nearly 150 local business and civic leaders gathered for Valley Forward’s January Board of Directors and General Membership Luncheon at the Phoenix Rio Salado Project........ more >>      VALLEY FORWARD — WATER MANAGEMENT      The Valley’s water management system was developed initially for agricultural purposes first and foremost. ........ more >>   Members Events Environment Official      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.      It was formed as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization following a merger of the Phoenix Development Association, Mid-Town Improvement Association, Valley Beautiful Citizens Council and Maricopa County Taxpayers Association.