November 2025
The Economic Achievement Award is a leadership award presented by the Antelope Valley Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE). This year’s recipient was celebrated during our recent Fall Forum, which took place on November 6th, 2025, at the Palmdale Playhouse. This prestigious award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the many aspects of economic growth including workforce development, business retention, and attraction, place making, development services. With this award we were looking for those that have not only contributed themselves in this area, but helped engage others and demonstrating leadership and inclusivity in the community.
The AV EDGE Board members, committee, and staff are honored to announce that the 2025 Economic Achievement Award recipient is John Smelzer. Founder and President of AV ALTA FC, the Antelope Valley’s USL League One men’s professional soccer team, and USL W League women’s team. The inaugural season kicked off in 2025 at the Lancaster Municipal Stadium. Mr. Smelzer is a 30- year sports industry, having held legal and commercial roles with the World Cup USA 1994, the NFL NBC Olympics, and FOX Sports. Under John’s leadership, AV ALTA FC made the Antelope Valley home in 2024
On behalf of the whole AV EDGE Staff we would once again like to congratulate John on this incredible achievement!
