From the playgrounds of my childhood home in Chicago to the Olympic village in Beijing, one thing remains constant in competition: if you lack the ability to focus and the willingness to pay the price others won't, you will fail.

In business, as in life, this ability to focus with a sense of resolve and passion is essential.

During one of the most challenging economic conditions in our nation's history, Arizona is competing for something that is even greater than Olympic gold; we are fighting as individuals and as communities for the health and future of our families, our state and, ultimately, our children.

Candidly, when I was approached by Gov. Brewer to assist her in leading the Governor's Commerce Advisory Council, I wasn't sure the passion necessary to win was present within our state's political system.

My criterion for involvement was similar to my approach in leading USA Basketball.

First, I was unwilling to "go through the motions." Second, if hard things needed to be brought to light, they would be. And third, I wanted to see a passion to compete.

With that in mind, the governor's council has attempted to bring business solutions to advance this state. We have withheld nothing in pursuit of eliminating distractions to the ultimate goal of restoring economic vitality and stability to our state.

We have eliminated the Department of Commerce's culture of entitlement and political sloth, and we have introduced what I believe to be a ferocious approach to both retaining and attracting business for the benefit of Arizonans, their families and children.

I am proud to have served and I look forward to "getting after it." As I said from the beginning, this effort is neither passive nor political.

Let the games begin.

Jerry Colangelo is chairman, USA Basketball and Phoenix Suns; partner, JDM Partners LLC; and chairman of the Governor's Commerce Advisory Council.