This blog post was written by Kelsey Melvin, Local First Arizona’s Americorps VISTA working as outreach coordinator in northern Arizona and based in Cottonwood. I had several people give me that, “oh boy, good luck” look as I was congratulated upon announcing my commitment to AmeriCorps VISTA service and my assignment in Cottonwood, Arizona. I… Read More
Archives for February 2015
Art Gathering in the Borderlands of Ajo
Are you interested in using the arts to build community? Or tapping into the transformative power of the arts to advance social change? That’s what “community artists” do according to organizers of this first bi-annual Community Arts Gathering in Ajo AZ this March 14-18. Everyone is invited to come participate! This 5-day event begins the… Read More
Fun, local spots to explore in Rural Arizona during Rodeo Weekend in Tucson
This post guest written by LFA Intern, Julie Carmody. Rodeo Days are fast approaching! Explore the fun and exciting travel destinations Arizona has to offer. Originally celebrated during prohibition in 1925, the Rodeo Parade became a festive time in Tucson, celebrating the rich and colorful Western traditions of cowboys and vaqueros. In honor of our… Read More
2015 Survey Reveals Strong Support for Local Businesses
The results of 2015 Independent Business Survey were released last week, and things are looking up for local businesses! The survey, which is now in its 8th year and was conducted by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance in partnership with the Advocates for Independent Business, gathered data from over 3,000 locally owned businesses, with more than… Read More
The Town of Clarkdale, City of Cottonwood and AZ Culture receive Art Tank Grant
AZ Culture, in partnership with the Town of Clarkdale, Cottonwood Economic Development Council, Old Town Center for the Arts, Old Town Association, and Local First AZ will present the premiere of the Verde Valley Open Air Cinema, which will begin in Clarkdale’s historic Town Park on May 9, 2014 and will include a double feature of… Read More
Localism Conference, Local Economy Leaders comes to Arizona
WHAT: The 13th annual BALLE (Business Alliance of Local Living Economies) Conference is a three-day event that explores how locally rooted economic systems solve environmental, financial, and social problems. Approximately 700 local business leaders, social entrepreneurs, community funders, policymakers and local economy leaders of all kind from across North America and beyond are expected to… Read More
Arizona Beer Week comes to Northern Arizona communities
The fifth annual Arizona Beer Week is on tap for next week, and Arizona breweries have planned a big celebration. Arizona Beer Week hits northern Arizona Feb. 12 – 21, 2015. Brewers across Arizona, from Phoenix to Tucson, and from Flagstaff to Cottonwood to Pine, are prepping for new brews, fun and family-friendly events that will help showcase the… Read More
5 Outcomes of the 2015 Arizona Food & Farm Finance Forum
This year’s Food & Farm Finance Forum was held in historic Clarkdale in the beautiful Verde Valley of northern Arizona. 132 farmers and producers, chefs and other local food buyers, economic development entities, local food system advocates, and students convened for two days on January 15th and 16th to change the way our desert state… Read More
Community Spotlight: Cottonwood
The town that is known today as Cottonwood has long been home to tribes of Native Americans. The Sinagua, Yavapai and Apache people all have roots in the Verde Valley, which means that the area is filled with the remnants of the tribes’ ancient roots. The first Anglo settlers to the area came along much… Read More
