Gilbert, Arizona, founded by William “Bobby” Gilbert in 1902, began as a small agricultural community. Its early development was closely tied to constructing a rail line between Phoenix and Florence, Arizona. The town’s first store, Ayer’s Grocery Store, opened in 1910, and the first post office was built in 1912. Gilbert became a significant agricultural center, famously known as the the biggest town in America and that it was the “Hay Capital of the World” in the U.S., from 1911 until the late 1920s, mainly due to its farming community, rail line, the Roosevelt Dam, and the Eastern and Consolidated Canals​​construction.

Over the decades, Gilbert has transformed from an agriculture-based community to a diverse suburban center. Its growth has been remarkable, with the population increasing from 5,717 in 1980 to 267,918 by the 2020 census. This incredible population growth represents an average annual rate of over 10% during these 40 years, making it the 5th-largest incorporated town in the United States​​. This rapid expansion and development have significantly impacted Gilbert’s economy and business landscape.

Post World War II, Gilbert’s agricultural focus began to shift. Farmers started integrating horizontal and vertical farming to overcome the challenges in agriculture. Around 1965, Gilbert saw its first subdivision, marking a shift in land use and initiating significant growth. The Superstition Freeway’s arrival further spurred this development. By 1970, the town council annexed 53 square miles of country land, preparing for change similar to that in nearby cities like Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Chandler​​​​.

In the contemporary era, Gilbert is a progressive and vibrant community, with its population expected to reach over 300,000 by 2030. The town has managed to maintain a youthful and dynamic vibe, with a median age of 33.8 and a significant portion of the population under 45 years old. This demographic has been instrumental in supporting the growth of business and industry in the area​​.

Gilbert’s commitment to supporting local businesses and driving economic development was recognized in 2019 when it was awarded by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the Best City for Business in Arizona. This accolade recognized its efforts to support local businesses, reduce regulatory burdens, and foster collaboration within the business community​​.

An example of Gilbert’s dedication to nurturing local businesses is evident in the establishment a 200,000-square-foot U.S. Delivery Center by Deloitte at Rivulon in Gilbert. This center, expected to create more than 2,500 jobs, signifies Gilbert’s role as a hub for technology and innovation, offering technology solutions to clients in Arizona and across the nation​​.

Furthermore, Gilbert is home to numerous notable companies, including Northrop Grumman (which also has some property on the nearby Chandler, “Price Technology Corridor”), GoDaddy, Isagenix International, and several financial institutions. The town also boasts over 2 million square feet of hospital and clinical research facilities, indicating a strong presence in the healthcare sector. This includes renowned centers like the Banner M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. There is an ongoing expansion in the medical and healthcare space, with more than 650,000 square feet under construction or planned​​.

In summary, Gilbert’s history from a small agricultural town to a thriving suburban center with a strong focus on business and economic development highlights its importance in business, marketing, and advertising. Its rapid growth, commitment to supporting local businesses, and fostering a vibrant community make it a significant player in these sectors.