Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization

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Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization VVREO is a regional collaborative resource building sustainable economic prosperity.

What a morning in Sedona. The Verde Valley showed up—and brought some wonderful ideas! 💚 On Monday, nearly 80 leaders fr...
10/23/2026

What a morning in Sedona. The Verde Valley showed up—and brought some wonderful ideas! 💚

On Monday, nearly 80 leaders from across the region joined us at The Hub in Sedona for the VVREO Fall Forum. We’re proud of the outstanding turnout and grateful for the energy, thoughtful conversations, and enthusiasm everyone brought to the morning.

Our speakers were amazing! From the economic outlook and Arizona Commerce Authority resources to our Community Showcase and small business loan program update, the morning offered valuable information and opportunities to connect.

And then there was our surprise guest, Mr. Chipmunk, who ran through the event. Apparently, he wanted to join the conversation, too! 🐿️

Our table talks generated exciting ideas for the region, including:

• Childcare and elder care initiatives
• Food festivals and a restaurant week
• A potential Verde Valley Innovation Center
• Workforce development
• Continued support for existing small businesses and aspiring business owners

There was especially strong interest in forming working groups to help move these ideas forward. We’ll be exploring next steps and looking for people who want to contribute their time, knowledge, connections, and resources.

Thank you to our board, sponsors, and outstanding speakers—and most of all, our attendees. Your participation made this a lively, productive, and memorable morning.

Here are a few photos to get us started, with many more to come! Presentation slides and a resource sheet featuring information from our speakers will be available on our website next week. We’ll also share those materials and follow-up opportunities through our email list.

📩 Join our newsletter: https://f.mtr.cool/xrg9g6a1g5

Interested in helping shape an initiative or joining a working group? Reach out to Connie at [email protected].

We can’t do this without our communities. We’re excited for more events, more collaboration, and the work ahead. Let’s keep the momentum going and make a lasting impact together in our beautiful Verde Valley!

Tomorrow. VVREO Fall Forum Monday, October 19 8:00 AM–12:00 PM The Hub | Sedona We’re looking forward to a morning of ...
10/18/2026

Tomorrow.

VVREO Fall Forum
Monday, October 19
8:00 AM–12:00 PM
The Hub | Sedona

We’re looking forward to a morning of information, connections and conversation with leaders from across the Verde Valley.

Event details / final registration: https://f.mtr.cool/uma731y16e

And thank you to our sponsors for helping make the day possible.

You’ll leave the VVREO Fall Forum with more than an agenda full of notes. Our goal is for you to walk away with: • A c...
10/16/2026

You’ll leave the VVREO Fall Forum with more than an agenda full of notes.

Our goal is for you to walk away with:

• A clearer picture of the regional economy
• Insight into opportunities and initiatives across Verde Valley communities
• A better understanding of state resources
• New connections across the region
• A stronger sense of where we can work together next

If that sounds like a worthwhile morning, there’s still time to join us.

October 19 | The Hub, Sedona

Reserve your seat: https://f.mtr.cool/o09fcgkdn3

Seats are running low! Haven't registered yet? Here's five reasons to spend your morning with us at the VVREO Fall Forum...
10/15/2026

Seats are running low!

Haven't registered yet? Here's five reasons to spend your morning with us at the VVREO Fall Forum:

1. Get a clearer picture of the economic conditions shaping the region.
2. Hear what’s happening in communities across the Verde Valley.
3. Learn more about state resources and opportunities.
4. Connect with business, community, and economic development leaders.
5. Be part of the conversation about what comes next for our region.

Register Now: https://f.mtr.cool/mcutc7s9wx

As we get closer to the VVREO Fall Forum, our sponsors continue to step up! Thank you to the businesses and organization...
10/14/2026

As we get closer to the VVREO Fall Forum, our sponsors continue to step up! Thank you to the businesses and organizations helping us bring leaders from across the Verde Valley together to learn, connect and talk about what’s ahead.

This week, we’re grateful to recognize:

🟢 Arizona Capital Source
🟢 Real Estate Brokers of Sedona
🟢 The Selna Family Partnerships
🟢 Summit Economics, LLC
🟢 Arizona Public Service - APS
🟢 Sedona Chamber of Commerce
🟢 Arizona's Hometown Radio Group
🟢 Yavapai College Small Business Development Center

Thank you for supporting regional connection, collaboration and economic opportunity.

Join us NEXT MONDAY October 19: https://f.mtr.cool/6vxqq6etb5

We’ve added one additional speaker to our Community Showcase lineup! Christian GreenDevelopment Services Director | Town...
10/14/2026

We’ve added one additional speaker to our Community Showcase lineup!

Christian Green
Development Services Director | Town Of Camp Verde

Christian will represent Camp Verde alongside speakers from across the Verde Valley at our Fall Forum. He oversees the town’s community and economic development services and will bring Camp Verde’s perspective to our conversation about the region’s opportunities and future.

Join us for community updates, conversations about our local economy, and a delicious breakfast by Chef Judy. Already registered? We look forward to seeing you there!

Sign up: https://f.mtr.cool/5ezjb41nx3

Good food. Fresh ideas. A shared interest in the Verde Valley’s future. Join us at the VVREO Fall Forum on October 19 f...
10/13/2026

Good food. Fresh ideas. A shared interest in the Verde Valley’s future.

Join us at the VVREO Fall Forum on October 19 for a morning of connection and conversation—starting with breakfast catered by Chef Judy of Flavours Catering!

Chef Judith Callaghan-Morgan brings decades of culinary experience and a familiar name in Sedona hospitality. Longtime residents may remember her as the owner and chef at Country Gardens Bed and Breakfast on Country Lane from 1990–2001. We’re delighted to have her helping us welcome you.

On the breakfast menu: meat or veggie quiche, potatoes O’Brien, seasonal fruit, scalloped apple pudding, and gluten-free muffins, plus coffee, tea, and juices. Arrive at 8:00 a.m. to enjoy breakfast, catch up with familiar faces, and meet someone new before the program begins.

Then stay for a morning exploring the forces shaping our regional economy, celebrating what’s happening in our communities, and considering how we can help build the Verde Valley’s future together.

📅 Monday, October 19 | 8:00 a.m.–noon
📍 The Hub, Sedona
🍽️ Breakfast and networking at 8:00 | Program begins at 8:30

Save your seat: https://f.mtr.cool/kqmoq9gzop

One week to go. Next Monday, leaders from across the Verde Valley will gather in Sedona for a morning focused on our re...
10/12/2026

One week to go.

Next Monday, leaders from across the Verde Valley will gather in Sedona for a morning focused on our regional economy, the work happening in our communities, resources and opportunities, and what comes next.

Hear from:

Tom Binnings — Summit Economics, LLC

Tom Binnings is a senior partner at Summit Economics with more than 30 years of experience in economic research, business analytics, and strategic planning. He helps communities, businesses, and nonprofit organizations understand economic conditions and plan for the future.

Karen Stamm — Arizona Commerce Authority

Karen Stamm is a Rural Economic Development Specialist with the Arizona Commerce Authority. She brings a background in corporate leadership and small business to her work supporting economic opportunity in Arizona’s rural communities.

Michelle Kostecki — City of Cottonwood, Arizona

Michelle Kostecki is Cottonwood’s Economic Development and Tourism Manager and a VVREO board member. She brings more than 30 years of experience across business, nonprofit, and government organizations, with expertise in marketing, organizational change, and supporting new and established businesses.

Andrew Grossmann — City of Sedona Government

Andrew Grossmann is Sedona’s Tourism Manager and a VVREO board member. He works to balance a strong visitor economy with residents’ quality of life and environmental stewardship. His background includes destination management and tourism development with Travel Oregon and the Colorado Tourism Office.

Lou Andersen — Town of Clarkdale

Lou Andersen is Clarkdale’s Town Manager, bringing more than 30 years of municipal experience. He previously served as the town’s Public Works Director and Assistant Town Manager. An Air Force veteran, Lou’s background combines public administration, infrastructure, and organizational leadership.

Edwin Hazelwood Jr. — Yavapai-Apache Nation

Edwin Hazelwood Jr. is the Yavapai-Apache Nation’s Community Development Director and a VVREO board member. With more than a decade of experience in tribal economic development, he oversees land-use planning, infrastructure, and economic initiatives that support the Nation’s priorities and long-term prosperity.

VVREO Board Chair Cameron Robb will open the morning, Executive Director Connie Capiotis will guide the program, and Vice Chair David Key will join Connie for a closing conversation about what’s next for the region and how attendees can get involved.

If you work in business, local government, workforce, community development or economic development—or simply care about the economic future of the Verde Valley—we’d love to have you in the room.

October 19 | 8:00 AM–12:00 PM | The Hub, Sedona

Register today: https://f.mtr.cool/zyzah42txs

With thanks to our Fall Forum sponsors for helping make this regional conversation possible.

How does Arizona compete for investment—and where do rural communities fit? At the VVREO Fall Forum, representatives fr...
10/09/2026

How does Arizona compete for investment—and where do rural communities fit?

At the VVREO Fall Forum, representatives from the Arizona Commerce Authority will join us for a practical look at how Arizona promotes itself, how business opportunities move through the pipeline, what helps communities prepare for investment, and resources available to support communities and businesses.

We’ll also make sure the conversation reflects the opportunities and realities of rural Arizona.

This is one part of a full morning focused on the Verde Valley’s economy, communities and future.

October 19 | The Hub, Sedona

Register: https://f.mtr.cool/fl27z908nf

Strong regional conversations are possible because organizations choose to invest in them. As we get closer to the VVRE...
10/07/2026

Strong regional conversations are possible because organizations choose to invest in them.

As we get closer to the VVREO Fall Forum, we want to recognize the businesses and organizations helping us bring leaders from across the Verde Valley together to learn, connect and talk about what’s ahead.

This week, we’re grateful to recognize:

🌟Arizona Capital Source
🌟Real Estate Brokers of Sedona
🌟 Summit Economics, LLC
🌟 Sedona Chamber of Commerce
🌟 Arizona's Hometown Radio Group
🌟 Yavapai College Small Business Development Center

Thank you for supporting regional connection, collaboration and economic opportunity.

Join us October 19: https://f.mtr.cool/b4x1bt2bax

Address

P. O. Box 57
Cottonwood, AZ
86326

Telephone

+19283001640

Website

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