Tour | 2019 Rural Policy Forum

Eagar-Springerville Economic Development Tour

Wednesday, August 7th, 2019

Each year, the Rural Development Council puts together an economic development tour so attendees can get a good sense of what makes the host town economically vibrant.

These behind-the-scenes tours include discussions with owners, experts, and enthusiasts who will provide insight into workforce successes and challenges, community collaboration, innovation, tourism development, and other strategic initiatives unique to the region. In Eagar-Springerville, with a combined population of 8000 people, ranchers and conservationists are working together to preserve and protect the amazing mountain environment for a long-term sustainable future. Come find out how!

Tour Details

1. 11:30 – Depart from Round Valley High School by bus
2. 11:45 – Lunch/Presentation and Tour from Wink Crigler on history of the area, the cattle industry as an
   economic anchor for the region and on emerging ag-tourism at the X Diamond Ranch. Lunch will be
   catered by X Diamond beef with vegetarian options provided.
3. 1:15 – Leave for Arizona Structural Laminators and Arizona Log and Timber Works. Tour and brief presentation on the impact/result of these businesses committed to a community. ASL and ALTW are exceptional examples of what happens when a business owner is determined to remain in their community. They are great examples of tenacity and resiliency as access to raw product from the forest gets bottle-necked in bureaucracy and politics.
4. 2:15 – Depart for the R Lazy J Ranch – a new wildlife refuge dedicated to conservation and education. The R Lazy J is blending ag-tourism, conservation/education, climate, water availability and a hometown story to build a legacy and a destination in Eagar, Arizona.
5. 3:30 – Depart for the Round Valley High School Ensphere (The Dome). Tour and presentation from Travis Udall, RV School superintendent. This truly unique structure seats 9,200 people and has 189,000 sq ft under roof. It is an integral part of the Round Valley economy. The Round Valley Unified School District is actively engaged in the community’s economic development efforts. The Dome serves as an important anchor to school and community events.
6. 4:45 – Depart back to Round Valley High School and then offer to the Rural Policy Forum Kick-Off Dinner!