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May. 2014 “Published Monthly for SEAGO Member Entities, our Strategic Partners & everyone interested in Southeastern Arizona” Vol. 4, No. 5
Transformation By A’kos Kovach
From the very first hour, the atmosphere in the Clifton Community Center (also locally known as the Sacred Heart Parish Bingo Hall) was charged with enthusiasm and happiness. By 6:30 am the kitchen crew was already creating a stylish fresh fruit and pastry continental breakfast, complete with juices, coffee and water. During the entire previous day, what is normally home to family reunions and joyful sounds of “BINGO” became a new area set aside for multiple vendors who came from as far way as Tucson & Phoenix to showcase, inform and entertain the attendees of the Second Annual Growing Greenlee Opportunity Summit on Friday April 25. This was the first time the enormous facility was used in this manner, and the professional way everything was handled bodes well for future events at the same location. As vendors and speakers began to arrive near the 7 am hour, the excitement and anticipation took on a life of its own. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the rooms, the attractive food presentation looked like something from a movie set. In fact 2 of the early birds from New Mexico came to cast a broader net promoting the film industry, a topic exceptionally well covered by early session speaker, Ilona Smerekanich, from the Bisbee Visitor Center & Tourism Office.. To claim: ‘great networking was had by all’ belongs in the hands of the attendees. But as more and more people filled the vendor area to register, it was evident that this summit was attracting some special talent, professionals looking for solutions, and finding those solutions among the speakers and guests. Perhaps the most appreciative and enthusiastic participants represented 4 of the western counties that comprise SW New Mexico Council of Governments. From the first words of welcome by Greenlee County Board of Supervisors Chairman David Gomez, it was evident the audience was there to support the event but also to learn and grow from the experience. The Summit delivered one exceptional speaker after another, including Mexico Consul Oscar Holguin from the Douglas Consulate Office who captured the attention of the audience with his wit and willingness to share ways businesses could expand their services and become part of the import/export industry that is growing so rapidly.
Speaking on the topics of ‘why we partner & why we care’ was SW New Mexico Council of Governments Executive Director, Priscilla Lucero. Lucero elicited laughter and applause as she outlined similarities between the Silver City, Deming and Lordsburg triangle with that of the Morenci-Clifton-Duncan area. Lucero also heaped well earned praise on SWNMCOG Economic Development Director Emily Gojkovich for her exceptional effort to bring fellow New Mexican elected officials, plus business and community leaders to hear first hand how and why we should be waking more closely together on overlapping opportunities such as tourism, housing, workforce and similar opportunity segments. The theme of the event was ‘a borderless solution’, which was demonstrated several times throughout the power packed, one-day summit. From critical impact presentations like Andre Wilson’s from Altima Business Solutions, LLC outlining numerous tracks to access capital and building successful business models to Jim Conkle’s Growing Greenlee destination marketing/ branding update, the audience was kept engaged and involved in the dialogue. Brent Fletcher, from Freeport McMoRan (FMI) showcased the 21st century transformation of the old historic village of Morenci. Morenci is no longer a village. With a new athletic area complete with Olympic sized pools, indoor sports, indoor running track, cutting edge exercise equipment, meeting rooms, climbing wall, etc. it soon became obvious that the capital investment underscored the desire of FMI to prove their dedication to the quality of life for all employees, their families and friends. New schools, new amenities plus new sidewalks and sensitivity for evening lighting that lights the streets but not the skies were all on display. Next came two outstanding strategic partners the Arizona Workforce Connection, Vickie Simmons and Kimberly Termaine. Describing partnerships, across the border (like the recent career fair in Deming) as well as education opportunities, job placement, applicant screening and the lengthy litany of services provided by Arizona Workforce Connection (AWC), there were many heads nodding in agreement and plenty of smiles in response to descriptions of AWC programs. Once again the borderless solution theme rang out. Continued on Page 2 ...
SBDC’s Director receives Congressional Recognition
Mark Schmitt, Cochise College Small Business Development Center’s Director, was recently commended for his contributions with the Arizona Small Business Development Center Network and extended the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition as a commendation of his outstanding work.
Mark Schmitt
The letter was signed David Schweikert, Member of Congress.
Transformation
(continued from page 1)
Displaying a great sense of humor, Charmaine Chidester from the Eastern Arizona College office of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), rounded out the partnership theme as well further promoting the power of levering resources. Chidester shaved years off everyone’s lives by eliciting rounds of laughter during her presentation.
faced by our aging population and accompanying hearing issues. Representing the Arizona Telecom Equipment Distribution Program, Thompson enlightened the audience about real time solutions to anyone facing difficulty using their hard line phones. Thompson is also a certified sign language interpreter and offered those services to attendees as well.
As Dianna Jennings took the stage to enlighten the guests about US Department of Agriculture funding, grants and loans it was clear many were unaware of the deep commitment and enormous funding support from the USDA into rural areas. The USDA presentation was eye popping, as participants learned about new and existing ways to raise money to fund much-needed projects in rural areas. By the time Laura Dorrell took the stage to share not only her personal story but also that of Gila Health Resources, the rapidly growing Greenlee County Chamber of Commerce and the wildly successful Chamber Mixers (held on the last Wednesday of each month in a new location each month) the audience was eager to hear more. And ‘more’ is exactly what Dorrell delivered.
Once Wade Temple made his way to the stage everyone could tell they were in for a treat, not just some dry discussion about life and health insurance. Temple is a dedicated professional who has traveled to Greenlee County for the past 18 months in support of the Growing Greenlee process, and is now looking for a permanent office location from which to offer his long list of credentialed services. Finally, Keith Redford, the only resident Realtor® in Greenlee County, joyfully described his unflinching support and fervor for the success of Growing Greenlee. By outlining one-by-one each service and recent successes in the area, Redford proved he was worth waiting for at the end of the agenda.
Vicki Thompson addressed the group after Dorrell and was equally well received – Thompson’s message and mission is to solve the challenges
The closing ceremonies included door prizes, as the gifts were given away the appreciative audience cheered on each winner. In conclusion the event attracted the right audience for all the right reasons. Several side-bars resulted in intro-
The Turning Point Monthly May 2014, page 2
ductions and future meeting plans set by various participants. Without question, the Growing Greenlee Economic Development Strategy was on display, and from all accounts thus far, everyone was better educated, better informed and is now better prepared for the steps yet to be taken. Kudos to the impressive support by the Greenlee County Board of Supervisors, most notably, Chairman David Gomez. County administrative staff simply were outstanding in their preparation support and presence throughout the day – with special thanks to Kay Gale and Yvonne Pearson without whom the event would have not been as successful. In coming press releases and posts to FaceBook, Twitter, etc. additional progress and successes will be discussed. Congratulations Greenlee County for understanding and embracing reaching out to surrounding counties and communities. And, for the willingness and vision to partner with so many eager professionals and organizations such as Arizona Workforce Connection & the SBDC. The main ‘borderless solution’ message was received by all and with one voice everyone agreed to work together. Stay tuned.
Sector Partnerships -Focusing on the Vitality of Local Communities by Kimberly Termaine
Cochise Private Industry Council (Southeastern Arizona Workforce Connection-Cochise, Graham & Greenlee) and 3 other agencies (City of Phoenix, Yuma Private Industry Council & Pascua Yaqui Tribe) received notice from the Arizona Commerce Authority that we have been assigned to facilitate industry sector partnerships in mining (launch was 3/26/14), healthcare (launch July 2014) & criminal justice (launch Oct 2014). http://www. azcommerce.com/business-first/skilled-
available-workforce/sector-partnerships A sector partnership is an action-based consortium of business, county governments, workforce/education/economic development organizations and other community partners who work collaboratively to identify short-term and/or long-term opportunities within the industry and then develop action plans to address the recognized needs. The partnership is a businessdriven conversation. Generally workforce/ education or talent/skills gap is not the only
identified opportunity within the industry and multiple topic discussion is encouraged so that priorities can be determined. We held the launch meeting for Southeastern Arizona Mining Sector (SEAMS) Partnership on 3/26/14. The SEAMS Partnership strives to “mine” for opportunities by exploring industry needs to excavate priorities & extract solutions. We recognize Read more ...
Five-Alarm Fruit on Graham County’s Salsa Trail by Arizona Office of Tourism Staff
Whether you like salsa spicy or sweet or just mildly tangy, Graham County is the place for you. After all, it’s home to Arizona’s Salsa Trail, which boasts more than a dozen Mexican restaurants that would love to give your taste buds a whirl. The trail connects the friendly small communities sprinkled around Graham County – terrific places for touring and exploring, birding, historical tours, hiking, fishing and off-roading. Salsa Trail Here, in one of the most historically significant regions of Arizona, tourism officials have blown the cover on salsa recipes that date back three generations. Once enjoyed mostly by locals, the salsas and their host restaurants are now part of a
Thatcher, Pima, Solomon, Duncan, York, Clifton and Willcox. Each restaurant is family-owned and -operated – many have been around for decades – and, of course, they all serve delicious home-cooked Mexican food, from tacos and tamales to burritos, enchiladas and other specialties that keep customers coming back for more.
cleverly devised path known as the Salsa Trail, formed in 2005 between the Graham County Chamber of Commerce and local business owners. The Salsa Trail is about 170 miles southeast of Phoenix and 130 miles east of Tucson and spreads across the towns of Safford,
Every restaurant on the trail has a unique story, ambiance and recipes, including made-from-scratch salsas and sauces that range from mild to extremely hot. But, don’t think you’ll be able to reproduce them at home – the secret recipes are only known to the cooks and owners, and some recipes have been passed down from generation to generation. Read more ...
TIGER VI Grant Round Opens is issued at the beginning of each month by the SouthEastern Arizona Governments Organization Economic Development District.
Courtesy of EfficientGov.com
USDOT has officially opened round six of its TIGER Discretionary Grants program. $600 million will be made available to invest in critical road, rail, transit and port projects.
1403 W. Highway 92, Bisbee, AZ 85603 (520) 432-2622, ext. 210 To subscribe, email: akovach@seago.org
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A’kos Kovach, publisher and editor Margaret Dillard, copy/graphics editor
Items for publication are welcomed from SEAGO member entities and strategic partners. Copy must be submitted at least 7 business days prior to the end of each month. The Turning Point Monthly May 2014, page 3
Regional Calendar of Events May 1 - SEAGO Administrative mous birding spots in the US. May 24-26 - Wyatt Earp Days, TombCouncil Meeting, 9:00 a.m., Costone, AZ. chise College Benson Center, 1025 May 10 - Elfrida Festival. Local craft venHwy. 90, Benson, AZ. dors, antique car show, art show and bake May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 - Farmer’s Market in Clifton at the Train Station from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. May 3 - West End Fair, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Fry Blvd. Sierra Vista.
sale. for info: (520) 507-9319.
May 10 - Bisbee After 5, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
May 3 - San Francisco River Clean-up, 8 am through Volunteer lunch at the Clifton RV Park.
More than 20 shops 7 galleries stay open until 8 p.m. Special offers and raffles, artist openings, live entertainment, refreshments, and much much more! Held every second Saturday of the month. For info: (520) 4322900.
May 3 - May Festival, Noon in Clifton on Chase Creek.
May 14 - Tourism Council @ Tyler’s Taste of Texas in Clifton, 10:00 am to Noon.
May 6, 13, 20, 27 - Bird Walks at the Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park.8:00 am to 10:00 am. Led by docents from Southeastern Arizona Bid Observatory, Huachuca Audubon Society, and the Friends of the San Pedron River. For info: (520) 432-1388.
May 15, 22, 29 - Summer Concerts in the Park, 6:30 pm at Veteran’s Memorial Park, Sierra Vista. For info: (520) 439-2173.
May 6-10 - Chrome Pony Rally, Veterans Memorial Park, Sierra Vista. Rides, entertainment, bands and more! www.chromeponyrally.com
May 16 - 1-Day Stand Down Event! 7:00 am. to 3:00 p.m. Arizona National Guard Armory, Safford, AZ. For homeless and at risk veterans. Services offered: VA Benefits, health screens, hot showers, clothing, meals, legal aid, employment services and much more. For info, contact Lisa Lane at (928) 432-6932.
May 7-10 - Southwest Wings Spring Fling. Guided tours to some of the most fa-
May 16 - SEAGO Executive Board Meeting, 10:00 a.m. Graham County
May 16 & 17 - Douglas Days, on 10th Street and D Avenue. Activities, Entertainment all day. For info: (520) 417-7344. May 17 - Bisbee Copper Classic Car and Motorcycle Show, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Classic cars and motorcycles will dazzle with their chrome. Prizes will be awarded, and there will be drawings, goody bags, food and music. Sponsored by the Bisbee Chamber of Commerce and the City of Bisbee. For info: (520)432-5421. May 17 & 18 - Willcox Wine Country Spring Fling, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This semi-annual event will include a wine tasting area featuring wines from Arizona wineries, local farm products, fine art, food, and music. For info: (520) 384-2272.
The Turning Point Monthly, May 2014, page 4
May 17 - San Pedro River Festival of the Arts, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Art sale, art contest, live music, meditative walks, raffle and kids’ art auction. For info: (520) 459-2555. May 17 - Movies in the Park, 7:00 pm. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and dinner for a fun-filled family night in Veterans Memorial Park. Watch “Frozen.” (May 31, watch “Despicable Me 2.”
TOMBSTONE EVENTS Wyatt Earp Days May 24-26 -In honor of the West’s Famous lawman. Activities: gunfights, chili cook-off, hangings and 1880’s fashion show, street entertainment, Wyatt look-alike contest and more. Salute to the Buffalo Soldiers Days June 28-29 -A celebration to salute the Buffalo Soldiers sponsored by the Wild West Detachment Marine Corps League and the Merchants of the City of Tombstone. Celebration includes street entertainment, a parade, and many other events to be announced starting at 10:00 AM each day and conclude at approximately 4:00 PM.
New website encourages businesses to connect Businesses in Arizona, Mexico and Canada can directly connect with each other in order to partner and grow their businesses. By providing information about your products and services, other businesses can see what you offer and find ways to collaborate in mutually-beneficial partnerships. The purpose of this site is to create a business-to-business e-platform to connect individual businesses across international boundaries. Membership is free and registration is
simple. Join today and begin connecting with companies in the BIEN network. Account holders will have the ability to connect and form relationships with other participating businesses. Account holders will also be enabled to add their own company profiles to be searched by participating businesses. It’s called Building an International Economic Network. You can check out the site and register your business here: http://connectbien.com.
Invitation to Attend WIFA’s Funding Workshops The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) of Arizona is holding workshops around the state to share information on the availability of financial assistance for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater projects. WIFA offers low-interest loans
and grants designed to ensure safe, reliable drinking water and proper wastewater treatment. WIFA funds are available to political subdivisions and ACC-regulated private drinking water companies.
Early registration is encouraged. Please RSVP at least two days prior to workshop. To RSVP to attend a workshop, email your contact information to scraig@azwifa.gov. If there are less than five people registered to participate, the workshop will be can-
celed and a cancellation notice will be sent out to those who are registered. For more information, please visit WIFA’s website at azwifa.gov.
Keep updated on the latest policy and research, success stories, best practices, highlights and event listings from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). CLICK HERE to subscribe to the Innovate@EDA Monthly Update!
The Turning Point Monthly, May2014, page 5
Free LAND LINE telephone program for ARIZONA RESIDENTS who are: Hard of Hearing (with or without Low Vision) Deaf (American Sign Language users)
Speech Challenged • Deaf-Blind AzTEDP office located at: 100 N. 15th Avenue, Ste. 104 Phoenix, AZ 85007 Phone: 602-542-1124 or Toll free: 1-866-223-3412 Demonstrations are available at our office by appointment. Each applicant may receive ONE telephone (communication) device every five years. Ringers or visual alerting devices are also available upon request. Click HERE to download a HARD OF HEARING packet (doesn’t hear well, but speaks to express) Click HERE to download a DEAF packet (typically American Sign Language users, keyboard used to express) Click HERE to download a SPEECH CHALLENGED packet (variety of methods used to express only)
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Approves Brownfields Reauthorization Legislation. On April 3, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved by voice vote the Brownfields Utilization, Investment, and Local Development (BUILD) Act of 2013 (S. 491). This legislation would reauthorize the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfields Program which funds the rehabilitation of abandoned and polluted properties to increase safety and attract new businesses to communities across the country. · USDA Launches Farm Bill Implementation Website. This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a website which provides details on the agency’s new rules, comments, and regulations related to implementation of the 2014 Read More ... farm bill.
USDA (Rural Development) home repair loans and grants for rural homeowners (504 Loan and Grant Program) by Dianna Jennings
USDA Rural Development offers not only homeownership opportunities for lowincome rural residents, but also has loans and some grants available for homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their own existing homes and to remove health and safety hazards. To qualify, homeowner-occupants must be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere and must have very low incomes (defined as below 50 percent of the area median income). Grants are only available to homeowners who are 62 years old or older and cannot repay a loan. Grant limits are $7,500.
Loans under the 504 Program can be made up to $20,000 and for up to 20 years at 1% interest. A real estate mortgage and full title services are required for loans of $7,500 or more. Grant loan combinations can also be made if the applicant can repay part of the cost. These combinations can be up to $27,500 in assistance. Many rural Arizonans have been able to repair and rehabilitate their homes to mitigate health and safety risks. For more information on the program, contact the USDA Rural Development office in Willcox call Bob Jones or Sergio Garcia at 520.384.3529 Ext 4 or see them at 658 N. Bisbee Avenue in Willcox.
New resource guide connects businesses in Arizona, Sonora By Gabriela Rico | Arizona Daily Star It’s a matter of introductions. That’s the spirit behind the inaugural Arizona-Sonora Business Resource Guide. A survey of manufacturers, suppliers and logistics providers in our binational region illustrated that our supply chain is diverse and robust, so a group of sponsors decided it was time to make those introductions. Following the lead of title sponsor Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and the city of Tucson, the sponsors supported the creation of a resource directory to highlight the capabilities in the Arizona-Sonora region. We build bridges in Coolidge, industrial ovens in Yuma, underground mining elevators in Hermosillo, and aircraft turbines in Empalme.
On April 16, the Arizona-Sonora Business Resource Guide will be unveiled in Tucson at the Economic Impact of Arizona-Sonora Trade breakfast. The Arizona Daily Star, in partnership with the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, will distribute the guides and recognize the project’s sponsors: Tucson, Nogales, Ariz., Nogales, Sonora, Ernst & Young, Cushman & Wakefield/Picor, Pima County, Global Advantage, The Offshore Group and the University of Arizona Tech Park. The first directory is a beginning — a sampling of the different industries operating in our two states. It will be updated annually. Visit www.arizona-sonora.com to learn more.
The Turning Point Monthly, May 2014, page 6
For more information about Greenlee County, contact Kay Gale at (928) 865-2310
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Frisco River Spring Clean by Deborah Mendelsohn
We’re happy to announce a San Francisco River clean-up on Saturday, May 3rd, from 8 am through our usual volunteers’ lunch at the Clifton RV Park. We’re planning this event with our organizing partners Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc., the Morenci Section of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, and High Grade Helpers -- Freeport’s employee volunteer program. Our annual pre-summer clean-up is earlier this year in response your concern that Memorial Day weekend is too busy for many people who would like to take part. Also the air temperatures should be
Cool Living in a Cool Home by Jack Coleman
Z-Mod LLC of Cochise county has introduced an advanced, affordable home tailored specifically for the Arizona lifestyle and our 300 days of sun. While it isolates the interior from heat, it exploits free solar energy to minimize or even eliminate utility costs. This design offers a cool, affordable haven that can literally power itself. The 2-bedroom model shown includes special features for the desert climate, including overhangs optimized for yearround shade, adjustable glare-diffuser screens, cross-ventilation enhancements for mornings and evenings, and an Arizona room for our beautiful evenings outdoors.
Recent reductions in the cost of solar arrays allow generous power production within the very attractive initial price. Interior temperature control is provided by the latest automated systems in zones manageable by remote control. The design can achieve true energy neutrality, providing enough year-round power to offset the cost of grid energy. The living area enjoys natural Northern daylighting from the large clerestory skylight. Bedrooms are spacious enough to accommodate the family or function alternately as offices or studios. Pier foundations provide high-strength security in any weather and minimal impact on the environment. Z-mod homes offer families truly affordable desert living with all the conveniences, yet minimal lifetime operating costs in the latest style. Z-Mod LLC is located in Bisbee AZ and complete details are available at www.z-mod.net. The Turning Point Monthly, May 2014, page 7
a little friendlier early in May. We’ll be concentrating on river zones affected by long-term camping in recent months. And we’ll be sharing with you the plans for two public restrooms along the river road above Clifton. Please print and post the attached flyer wherever you can! We’ll write again later to try to get a ballpark number of people planning to attend, so that we can deliver you a great picnic lunch at the RV Park. May 3rd is also the date of the May Festival in Clifton, on Chase Creek, beginning at noon. Plan to stroll over from the RV Park after lunch to enjoy the music, booths and other festivities all afternoon. Again, please do print and post this flyer to help get the word out. Thank you!
Woman’s Magazine Launched Vitality is Cochise County’s new women’s magazine, published by the Sierra Vista Herald / Bisbee Daily Review. The first issue in February spotlighted family and health, and all of the stories and features have a local focus. The second edition is due out in July and the theme will be ‘women in business’, to coincide with the annual Woman 2 Woman business seminar sponsored by the Sierra Vista Herald, Cochise College Small Business Development Center and the Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce. Feedback on the magazine’s content and what you would like to read about in future editions is appreciated and encouraged! Unless otherwise noted all stories by Amanda Baillie. Send your comments, questions, story ideas to Publisher Phil Vega at philip.vega@svherald.com Read Vitality here.
Top 7 Reasons You Need a Website by Klaudia Kovacs | MySuccessConsultant.com
In the 21st century every human being should have a website no matter what your trade is. Besides not being virtually homeless, there are enormous benefits of having a website. In today’s competitive world you need to take advantage of every opportunity to showcase yourself, your goods and your services. Unless you are a famous celebrity that everyone knows, your website can help you to portray who you are, what you do, what you know, your accomplishments, and how to contact you. In addition, it can help you to improve your personal and professional image, get acquainted with individuals who have similar interests, and display your work if you are in the creative fields.
1. IF YOU HAVE OR ARE IN BUSINESS you need a website and there’s just no getting around that. Your website can be used to help you attract potential customers and people who are interested in what you do. Certain fields are heavily regulated as far as how one can promote one’s services, but that should not stop you from having a website.
Five-day motorcycle event to help three local charities
Also, if your competitors have websites and you don’t, you are light years behind no matter how brilliant your products and services are. A website can offer many details about your business instead of a simple listing in the phone book, or a periodic advertisement in a publication. Another advantage is that you can update and revise your products and services as many times as you want with no cost and minimal effort. CONTINUE HERE.
Tom and Diane Erwin are the organizers for the upcoming Chrome Pony Rally in Sierra Vista. This first-time event will run from May 6 to May 10. Bikers from all over the country are welcome to participate in this nearly week-long event. Photos by Beatrice Richardson • photos@svherald.com by Amanda Baillie
They say never judge a book by its cover, and that is certainly true when applied to Diane Erwin. At first glance Erwin, known to many as Dee, is a 60-year-old grandmother of two, well known to the business community through her Chamber of Commerce job.
EDA American Job Training Investments: Skills and Jobs to Build a Stronger Middle Class Find out how the Department of Labor is Investing in American Workers to Help Develop a Skilled Workforce To create new opportunities for all hardworking Americans to get ahead, the President has asked the Vice President to lead an initiative to help individuals get trained with skills businesses need now and then placed in good, middle class jobs. Training America’s workers with the skills they need for a good job can help middle class families feel more secure in their jobs and help American businesses grow our economy. But too many businesses can’t find skilled workers for jobs they want to fill, while too many people looking for a job may be ready to learn new skills but may not be certain that there’s a job waiting for them on the other end. Community colleges are one
of the best ways to train workers with the skills they need for a job, and hands-on apprenticeships are one of the clearest paths to a good, secure middle class job. In fact, 87 percent of apprentices are employed after completing their programs and the average starting wage for apprenticeship graduates is over $50,000. On April 16, the President and Vice President announced new federal investments using existing funds to support job-driven training, like apprenticeships, that will expand partnerships with industry, businesses, unions, community colleges, and training organizations to train workers in the skills they need. Employers, unions, and foundations are joining these efforts with Read more ...
The Turning Point Monthly, May 2014, page 8
She volunteers for a City of Sierra Vista commission and enjoys a glass of rose wine as she takes in the spectacular mountain views from her well maintained rural Sierra Vista home. Not necessarily the kind of person you think of when you see a group of bikers cruising the highways and byways of Cochise County. Perception is not usually reality and this is what Erwin wants area residents to bear in mind when she brings the first Chrome Pony Rally to Sierra Vista next month. Leather clad motorcyclists from across the country will be riding into town for the five-day event, where they will take in surrounding tourist attractions, stay in local hotels, shop at retail outlets and eat at numerous restaurants. Read more ...