Verde Valley Leadership Focuses on Education

Cottonwood, AZ (November 22, 2010) - Class five of Verde Valley Leadership met on Friday November 19, 2010, to explore education issues in the Verde Valley.

Tim Foist, Superintendent of Mingus Union High School, and Barbara U’Ren, Superintendant of Cottonwood-Oak Creek School, explained their districts’’ goals for education. Tim Foist’s very motivational and inspiring talk about education included a statement not soon forgotten, “the only thing new in education in the last 50 years is backpacks.” He and Barbara provided information for the class to motivate them to action as parents and residents in the community.

Vanessa DiCarlo, an inclusion specialist, discussed the value of including special needs students into the general educational environment. She stressed inclusion programs work, and result in great success for both students and teachers in the Verde Valley.

Other issue day highlights included a presentation by Laura Nagle, an autistic adult, who spoke about her own challenges with autism; and Tom Schumacher, Executive Dean of Yavapai College, who provided an overview of the Verde Valley Campus’ master plan and new programs. Mr. Schumacher also led the group on a tour of the campus.

The participants found this education day to be inspiring and insightful. The class will meet again in December to explore community issues on health.

VVL provides growth opportunities, leadership skills and community issues training, while cultivating diverse, influential networks. For more information, contact www.vvleadership.org.

Class V

Class V completed their kick off retreat weekend September 17 & 18, 2010. They were led in discussion by Al & Jodie Filardo of the Filardo Group.

The new class is made up of a dynamic group from all walks of life. They cover the banking industry, non-profit, retail, commercial, industrial and more. The new class brings enthusiasm and a strong desire to learn to the program.

Welcome Class V!

Please note Verde Valley Leadership, Inc. has a new mailing address:

Verde Valley Leadership, Inc.
PO Box 1663
Cottonwood AZ 86326

Camp Verde's Matt Morris assumes leader's role in Verde Valley Leadership - Camp Verde Bugle - Camp Verde, Arizona

Camp Verde's Matt Morris assumes leader's role in Verde Valley Leadership - Camp Verde Bugle - Camp Verde, Arizona

Servant Leaders: Class IV - The Verde Independent - Cottonwood, Arizona

Servant Leaders: Class IV - The Verde Independent - Cottonwood, Arizona

Spoken by a Graduate

Verde Valley Leadership
Contributed by: Heather Hermen
Tuesday July 20, 2010

Spoken by a Graduate

Last week marked a milestone for me; I am proud to say I completed my first year of Verde Valley Leadership and can now be called a Graduate from Class IV. It may not seem a big marker on the stamp of time, but for me it marked a year of change, advancement, reflection and growth both professionally and personally.

Verde Valley Leadership was not something I was aware of before last summer. One of my coworkers and a founder of the program brought it to my attention along with an application. I looked over the information, checked out the website, heard some positive feedback from my boss and decided to apply. Little did I know that the program would help me make some changes that may have gone un-noticed.

From the kick off retreat helping each class member get to know each other as well as establish our personal Vision, Mission and Goals for ourselves either personally or professionally, we were immersed in leadership knowledge. I left feeling inspired, rejuvenated and ready to tackle whatever came my way.

We continued in the course of our year with Issue Days, learning about challenges, reality and situations facing the Verde Valley. I even had the chance to help plan two of them. Being in charge of an all day event with fellow class members at first seemed overwhelming, but then I quickly realized we’re here to learn, if things happen or go wrong- that’s part of leadership, learning to deal with it as it comes.

When I look back at the year I realize that I gained knowledge, business tactics to help me at work, time management skills to help in my daily life, but also I learned that family and friends impact me more than anything else. My classmates have become a new extension of my network and I’m proud to call them friends. It’s been a year of advancement and I can’t wait to see what the next year holds.

Verde Valley Leadership donates gazebo - The Verde Independent - Cottonwood, Arizona

Verde Valley Leadership donates gazebo - The Verde Independent - Cottonwood, Arizona

Verde Valley Leadership completes legacy project

Verde Valley Leadership completes legacy project

Verde Valley Leadership completes legacy projectClass III completes construction of a Gazebo for the Cottonwood Boys & Girls ClubsCOTTONWOOD, AZ (June 10, 2010) - Verde Valley Leadership (VVL) Class III constructed a gazebo at the Cottonwood Boys & Girls Club on June 5th. It was a collaborative event that began with the support of local businesses in the area and individuals who have been involved with VVL as class members. Organizing the location was coordinated with the City of Cottonwood and by presenting to City of Cottonwood Council. Additional support in creating this project depended upon local contractors, VVL Class III members, local suppliers and representatives from The Boys & Girls Club. The project was aptly named the Legacy Project.

This project initiated so many good feelings among the individuals associated with it and generated such great community support. On June 5, the VVL class representatives arrived at the construction site to see the concrete foundation memorialized with the imprints of the handprints of the children who will be benefitting from this gazebo memorialized in the concrete foundation. The participants then watched as the Gazebo was constructed. Its construction filled the class with a sense of pride and accomplishment by making the world a little better place to live for our youth. How fortunate are we!

Verde Valley Leadership would like to thank everyone that contributed. The Cottonwood business community and its citizens showed amazing support for this project. There was hardly a door that was knocked on that did not open. Here is a list of our gracious donors that gave either time or monetary support to the Legacy Project: Law Office of Diane Prescott, National Bank of Arizona, City of Cottonwood, Enchantment Resort & Mii Amo Spa, Puritan Electric, Verde Valley Hardware, Arizona State Credit Union, SEC Inc. Verde Valley Leadership Classes III and IV, Country Bank, Hanson Aggregates, Tiffany Construction, Doug and Des Noble of Noble Heritage Builders, United Rentals, Pro Build of Cottonwood, and WBLS Developments. We had several other anonymous and local donors that also contributed. VVL would like to express a big thank you to everyone who put their fingerprint on this project in one way or another.

Verde Valley Leadership is in its final stages of recruiting for Class V. This program is an amazing experience for interested individuals. Anyone who has a thirst for learning, wants to become a stronger and more effective leader in the community, learn more about the issues impacting our the Verde Valley, as well as network and meet wonderful people who are involved in our community should consider enrolling in this program that is designed to inspire individuals to action in the community.

VVL provides growth opportunities, leadership skills and community issues training, while cultivating diverse, influential networks. For more information, please visit our website at www.vvleadership.org or contact us at info@vvleadership.org.

VERDE VALLEY LEADERSHIP CLASS III COMPLETES LEGACY PROJECT FOR COTTONWOOD BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

NEWS RELEASE

Verde Valley Leadership, PO Box 1015, Cornville, AZ 86325

For Immediate Release

For more information, contact Janet Kelly at 928.301.1739 or 928.340.1022.

VERDE VALLEY LEADERSHIP CLASS III COMPLETES LEGACY PROJECT
FOR COTTONWOOD BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

Cottonwood, AZ (June 8, 2010) - Verde Valley Leadership (VVL) Class III constructed a gazebo at the Cottonwood Boys & Girls Club on June 5th. It was a collaborative event that began with the support of local businesses in the area and individuals who have been involved with VVL as class members. Organizing the location was coordinated with the City of Cottonwood and by presenting to City of Cottonwood Council. Additional support in creating this project depended upon local contractors, VVL Class III members, local suppliers and representatives from The Boys & Girls Club. The project was aptly named the Legacy Project.

This project initiated so many good feelings among the individuals associated with it and generated such great community support. On June 5, the VVL class representatives arrived at the construction site to see the concrete foundation memorialized with the imprints of the handprints of the children who will be benefitting from this gazebo memorialized in the concrete foundation. The participants then watched as the Gazebo was constructed. Its construction filled the class with a sense of pride and accomplishment by making the world a little better place to live for our youth. How fortunate are we!

Verde Valley Leadership would like to thank everyone that contributed. The Cottonwood business community and its citizens showed amazing support for this project. There was hardly a door that was knocked on that did not open. Here is a list of our gracious donors that gave either time or monetary support to the Legacy Project: Law Office of Diane Prescott, National Bank of Arizona, City of Cottonwood, Enchantment Resort & Mii Amo Spa, Puritan Electric, Verde Valley Hardware, Arizona State Credit Union, SEC Inc. Verde Valley Leadership Classes III and IV, Country Bank, Hanson Aggregates, Tiffany Construction, Doug and Des Noble of Noble Heritage Builders, United Rentals, Pro Build of Cottonwood, and WBLS Developments. We had several other anonymous and local donors that also contributed. VVL would like to express a big thank you to everyone who put their fingerprint on this project in one way or another.

Verde Valley Leadership is in its final stages of recruiting for Class V. This program is an amazing experience for interested individuals. Anyone who has a thirst for learning, wants to become a stronger and more effective leader in the community, learn more about the issues impacting our the Verde Valley, as well as network and meet wonderful people who are involved in our community should consider enrolling in this program that is designed to inspire individuals to action in the community.


VVL provides growth opportunities, leadership skills and community issues training, while cultivating diverse, influential networks. For more information, please visit our website at www.vvleadership.org or contact us at info@vvleadership.org.
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NEWS RELEASE

Verde Valley Leadership, PO Box 1015, Cornville, AZ 86325

For Immediate Release

For more information, contact Heather Hermen at 928-204-1123 ext. 170.

Leadership Group Learns About Art & Media with Guest Speaker Linda Goldenstein

Sedona, AZ (June 3, 2010) – Class IV of Verde Valley Leadership completed their Art & Media Issue Day in the Verde Valley on Friday May 14, 2010.

The current class comprised of twelve students meets monthly to discuss and learn about issues facing the Verde Valley. With Art & Media as the theme, they began the day at the Sedona Arts Center and enjoyed a lesson in pastels from Verde Valley artist Christine Debrosky. Christine demonstrated her talents and shared her experience in the art world for the past twenty years.

The speakers focused on their background, history, and knowledge of the Arts & Media in the Verde Valley. A highlight to the day was a guided tour of Linda Goldenstein’s Gallery, Goldenstein Gallery in Uptown Sedona. Linda has a long history in Arizona and was able to highlight how a background in banking led her to a future in the Arts. Linda focused on how her enthusiasm and “no fear” attitude drove her to success with her current gallery.

Gioia Goodrum with Regalo di Gioia Cooking School led the group into lunch time with a cooking demonstration. Gioia shared her ten year background as a Chef by creating an amazing Panna Cotta recipe. As a past Verde Valley Leadership class member, Gioia was able to share how the program motivated her to follow her passion and start her Cooking School.

Following lunch, the class took a Sedona Trolley tour out to Boynton Canyon. The Sedona Trolley has a long standing history in Sedona and has been able share information about the Arts with the community and millions of visitors that come to Sedona annually.

The last speaker was Joe McNeill of Sedona Monthly. Joe has been in the publishing business for more than 25 years and shared his insight of the film industry in Sedona and the Verde Valley and his future plans for a film museum in Sedona. Joe also showed the group some of the famous memorabilia he has collected during his research for his recently published book “Arizona's Little Hollywood: Sedona and Northern Arizona's Forgotten Film History 1923-1973”.

The Art & Media Issue Day proved to be informative, creative and inspiring to all class members.

VVL provides growth opportunities, leadership skills and community issues training, while cultivating diverse, influential networks. For more information, contact www.vvleadership.org.

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Verde Valley Leadership to start new class - The Verde Independent - Cottonwood, Arizona

Verde Valley Leadership to start new class - The Verde Independent - Cottonwood, Arizona

/13/2010 2:29:00 PM
Verde Valley Leadership to start new class
Program builds skills, offers growth opportunities

Verde Valley Leadership Class IV participated May 7 in a Challenge Course at Northern Arizona University.

By Philip Wright
Staff Reporter

CLARKDALE - Verde Valley Leadership is now recruiting new class members for its fifth course beginning in September. The two-year commitment builds leadership skills and offers training in community issues while helping members network.

"We're accepting applications until June 1st," said Janet Perry, VVL president.

She said the organization targets class members from the public and private sectors, as well as people new to the area. Learning about the area is one benefit of the leadership course, Perry said.

"It inspires people to be more involved," she said.

Perry explained that the leadership course is a two-year commitment. "The two years are separated very distinctly," she said.

The course begins in September with an intensive two-day, overnight retreat. During the first year there are exercises laid out as requirements, including eight issue days, one each month. Each class member will either attend or host the issue days.

The second year, according to Perry, is a "year of giving back." The class members become involved in running the organization and mentoring members of a new, incoming class.

Something new that began with class number three is a Legacy Project. Perry said each class will decide, "How do we crystallize that second year's experience?" Class three decided to build a gazebo for the Cottonwood Boys & Girls Club. That project should be complete within the next two to three weeks.

The organization keeps the class size to between 12 and 14 members. "Twelve is targeted as a real successful number," Perry said.

The course costs $450 per member. "We do have some scholarships," Perry said. "We have a limited number of partial scholarships."

Applications are available on the Verde Valley Leadership website at www.vvleadership.org.

For information, contact Janet Perry at janet.perry@clarkdale.az.gov or President-elect Matt Morris at vvlplanning@live.com.

Verde Valley Leadership Class IV Government & Politics Issue Day

NEWS RELEASE

Verde Valley Leadership, PO Box 1015, Cornville, AZ 86325

For Immediate Release

For more information, contact Susan Carroll at 634-6514.


Verde Valley Leadership Class IV Government & Politics Issue Day


COTTONWOOD, AZ (April 16, 2010) – Members of Class IV of the Verde Valley Leadership (VVL) program participated in an Issue Day on Government & Politics which included local, state, and regional topics of interest.

The morning began with Corliss Rivera from Northern AZ Council of Governments who summarized the various departments of NACOG and presented an overview of her department, Workforce Development and how it serves the residents of the Verde Valley.

Following NACOG, we heard a presentation from Ann Yates from the Department of Economic Security who advised the group of the history of food stamps and its new name of Nutrition Assistance.

The morning closed with a presentation from the mayor of Cottonwood, Diane Joens. Her presentation included the various roles and misconceptions the general public has regarding the role of mayor, council member and city manager.

Following lunch, students viewed a presentation by Deputy Garrison Commander of Camp Navajo, LTC Pete Tosi (Ret). His presentation included the purpose of Camp Navajo located in Bellemont just east of Flagstaff, its history, current mission and goal.

The day closed with a presentation by Robyn Prud’homme-Bauer regarding the history and current mission of the League of Women Voters. Her presentation included a lively discussion of consensus and consensus building.

VVL provides growth opportunities, leadership skills and community issues training, while cultivating diverse, influential networks. For more information, please visit our website at www.vvleadership.org or contact us at info@vvleadership.org.

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Leadership Legacy - The Verde Independent - Cottonwood, Arizona

Leadership Legacy - The Verde Independent - Cottonwood, Arizona
The Verde Valley Leadership Program is excited to announce Class III's legacy project. Members of Class III are working with the Cottonwood Boys and Girls Club to develop an outdoor area complete with a 10' x 10' gazebo, concrete foundation, seating area, large boulder and some plantings with an ambitious completion date of June 1, 2010. This project is for the area between the Boys and Girls Club in Old Town Cottonwood and the baseball field (currently just dirt and rock). The goal is to raise $5,000 with those sponsors that donate $150 or more having their name inscribed on a metal plaque being affixed to the boulder. Please make your tax deductible donations payable to the Boys and Girls Club(BGCNA) and write "VVL CLASS III" in the memo section of the check. You may make your donations at the following locations: Arizona State Credit Union, National Bank of Arizona, Country Bank or mail them to National Bank of Arizona at 1 E. State Route 89A Cottonwood, AZ 86326. For more information please contact project coordinators Janet Kelly at 340-1022 or Kyla Allen at 634-5526. Verde Valley Leadership Class III: Pictured Left to Right: Tracie Schimikowsky, Josh Stackhouse, Kyla Allen, Abbie Hernandez, Marie Carpenter, Phyllis McDaniel, Mary Jo Magaw, Mark Tufte, Andy Dickey, Brenda Pakay, Janet Kelly

Leadership Group Learns Business, Growth and Environment Issues with Guest Speaker Chip Davis

For Immediate Release

For more information, contact Heather Hermen at 928-204-1123 ext. 170.

Leadership Group Learns Business, Growth and Environment Issues with
Guest Speaker Chip Davis

Cottonwood, AZ (March 15, 2010) – Class four of Verde Valley Leadership completed their Business, Growth and Environment Issue Day in the Verde Valley on Friday March 12, 2010.

The current class comprised of twelve students meets monthly to discuss and learn issues facing the Verde Valley. With the theme set for Friday they ventured out first thing in the morning to Old Town Cottonwood and walked the Jail Trail with Max Castillo, Park Ranger for Dead Horse Ranch and the Verde River Greenway. They were joined by Chip Norton of Friends of the Verde River Greenway and special guest District 1 Supervisor, Chip Davis.

The speakers focused on the current state of the environment and how they are working to preserve the Verde River and promote sustainability in our area of Arizona. Chip Davis informed the group of the need to write letters to their representatives in regards to the budget cuts facing our State Parks. Mr. Davis then gave the reassuring statement, “I have the best job in the world. I get to, as a leader, look at problems our area is facing, and work to find solutions, compromises and action to fix them.”

The day was then followed by a trip to the Clark Memorial Clubhouse in Clarkdale where lunch was served and the day continued. Meghan Kincheloe, Director of Community Development for Sedona Recycles, focused on the need for recycling in the Verde Valley as well as the vast quantities currently being recycled.

Finally, the last speaker of the day was Doug Von Gausig, Mayor of Clarkdale. Von Gausig focused on the Clarkdale Sustainability Park and the state of the art plans that are involved in making this vision become a reality. Von Gausig also outlined the community, business and legislative support that has already been given.

The Business, Growth and Environment Issue Day proved to be enlightening and informative from a variety of speakers and showed the class of twelve where vital work is needed and improvements can be made.

VVL provides growth opportunities, leadership skills and community issues training, while cultivating diverse, influential networks. For more information, contact www.vvleadership.org

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Business, Growth & Environment

March 12th Issue Day: Business, Growth & Environment.

Click here for the days Agenda

Your Hosts:
Heather Hermen
Elizabeth Gerstner
Carol Dexter

Verde Valley Leadership Class IV hits mid-year mark with Skills Day - The Verde Independent - Cottonwood, Arizona

Verde Valley Leadership Class IV hits mid-year mark with Skills Day - The Verde Independent - Cottonwood, Arizona