Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell will be honored by the Arizona Bioindustry Association next month as the recipient of the 2017 AZBio Public Service Award for his leadership and efforts in supporting the city’s life-science industry.

The association will award Mitchell in a ceremony Oct. 11 at the Phoenix Convention Center for his focus on strengthening the local economy by working to attract new business as well as retaining business partners during his tenure as mayor, according to an announcement.

"We're a magnet for technology companies, world class researchers, and talented students who are either beginning their technology journey in Tempe or growing their reputation or tech company,” Mitchell said in a statement. “Tempe is building for the future because we understand that our community can have an impact on individuals, fight diseases across the globe and create technologies that will change life as we know it. Think of the impact this will have on our worldwide community. Just look at the ASU Biodesign Institute—it has generated more than $1.5B impact on the regional economy and supported more than 3,000 jobs since it opened in 2003. Biodesign Building C opens in 2018 and there is so much more to come.”