Molly Spangler beams with excitement about embracing and enhancing the Town of Camp Verde as the new economic development director. “We have a competitive advantage here in Camp Verde,” said Spangler, who served as economic development director in Sedona for six-and-a-half years. “Camp Verde is one of the last communities that has agricultural rural character and a very cool historic downtown. There’s a lot of opportunity here and a great plan in place, alongside a coordinated effort and … [Read more...] about New Camp Verde Economic Development Director is Committed to the Region
Cottonwood
Blazin’ M Ranch Builds on Entertainment
Several hundred people, including a lot of youngsters, attended the soft opening of the recently completed “Be Wild Family Fun Park” addition at the popular Blazin’ M Ranch Wild West dinner theater in Cottonwood. Owners Ryan and Leila Glass purchased the property more than a year ago from longtime owner Lory Mabery and her family. Expansion involved developing acreage on the east side of the property to include activities such as a nine-hole putt-putt golf course, a rock-climbing wall, a … [Read more...] about Blazin’ M Ranch Builds on Entertainment
Cottonwood Hosts 28th Annual Vintage Run Through The Heart of Arizona’s Wine Country on June 12
On Saturday, June 12 at 6 a.m., the City of Cottonwood will be hosting their 28th Annual Vintage Run (formerly known as the Brian Mickelsen Marathon, in honor of one of Cottonwood’s previous city managers). After being canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, the run is returning with spaced out start times to promote social distancing and keep everyone safe. This beautiful race offers a ½ marathon, 10K and 2-mile races through the area’s most scenic vistas. “This is a historic event for … [Read more...] about Cottonwood Hosts 28th Annual Vintage Run Through The Heart of Arizona’s Wine Country on June 12
Cottonwood Landmark Undergoing Major Renovation
The historic Cottonwood Civic Center may soon be full of life with weddings, school plays and community meetings when the city’s renovation effort is completed. The project got a boost from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) when the city was awarded a $37,734 Brownfields Grant to revitalize the Old Town area by performing asbestos and lead-based paint abatement on the Cottonwood Civic Center. Brownfields are abandoned or underused and potentially contaminated … [Read more...] about Cottonwood Landmark Undergoing Major Renovation
Agritourism Expanding in McGuireville
Within 30 to 45 days, drivers on I-17 will see the earth being turned in preparation for 20-25 acres of grapevines to be planted near the McGuireville exit. According to Kelly Cathcart of SMC Operations LLC, the hillside vineyards will be planted by the end of June. Cathcart and partner Bernadette Selna are managing an agritourism business that they hope will attract visitors to Northern Arizona, create jobs in McGuireville and lead to self-sustaining agricultural communities in the Verde … [Read more...] about Agritourism Expanding in McGuireville
Local Economy Boosted by Wine
A proven marketing model is helping the Verde Valley ride out the economic tide on a wave of wine. “We have seen the sales of wine at local vineyards double over previous years’ sales,” said Lana Tolleson, president/CEO of the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce. “No other business has achieved that kind of success.” “In a troubled economy, consumers start looking closer to home for their products. We see [the wine industry] as a magnet,” said Tom … [Read more...] about Local Economy Boosted by Wine
