Rapid Response Event at SCHUFF STEEL

August 2024

A Triumphant Collaboration for SCHUFF STEEL - A thank you letter from Executive Director, Billy Francis

Greetings ARIZONA@WORK Family, Career Connectors, and Northern Arizona Employers,

The support and collaboration extended to SCHUFF Steel over the past two days was nothing short of remarkable. Our teams went above and beyond to provide essential resources and services, demonstrating the true power of teamwork and dedication.

This successful partnership is a shining example of ARIZONA@WORK's impact on our community. Together, we've shown that by working cohesively, we can overcome challenges and create positive outcomes for those facing adversity. The unified efforts of our teams ensured that SCHUFF Steel employees encountered caring and knowledgeable support at every turn, leaving them confident in a brighter future.

On behalf of the ARIZONA@WORK Coconino County Local Workforce Board, I extend our sincere gratitude for your exceptional efforts. Let's continue building upon this success to create more opportunities for Arizona families, positioning ARIZONA@WORK as a vital resource for economic prosperity in our communities.

Sincerely,

Billy Francis

Executive Director

Coconino Workforce Development Board

coconinoworks.org

August Recap: Key Events and Highlights

Moonshot Flagstaff Campus Open House

The Coconino Workforce Development Board staff attended the Moonshot Flagstaff Campus Open House to present our Work-Based Training, Incumbent Worker Training, and Rapid Response/Layoff Aversion/Workforce Reduction Support programs. We appreciate everyone who joined us and helped share how our programs can support local businesses.

Event Link

Flagstaff Healthcare Workforce Forum

On August 1st, Executive Director Billy Francis and Assistant Director Regina Salas attended the Flagstaff Healthcare Workforce Forum. This crucial gathering brought together key community leaders to address the pressing challenges and exciting opportunities within our local healthcare workforce.

Hosted by the Flagstaff Unified School District, Center for the Future of Arizona, the Colorado Plateau Center for Health Professions at North Country HealthCare, and the NAU College of Health and Human Services, the forum underscored the urgent need for strategic initiatives to strengthen our healthcare workforce and cultivate young talent.

Center for the Future of Arizona

Rapid Response Event in the Air

Regina Salas, the Assistant Director of the Coconino Workforce Development Board, was interviewed by Jeff Kennedy on KAFF.

A Rapid Response/Workforce Reduction Support and Hiring event took place on August 7 and 8 at the SCHUFF STEEL plant in Bellemont. Of the 63 employees affected by the reduction, the event successfully served 31 workers, including a veteran and an individual with a disability. Additionally, 12 employees chose to either relocate within the company or have already secured new employment. While some workers opted not to participate, the event provided crucial support to those who did.

Full interview

Forestry Reimagined 2024 by Ironwood Forestry

Eli Jensen, owner of Ironwood Forestry and former Coconino County Workforce Board member, invited Workforce Board staff to the Forestry Reimagined event on August 23rd. The event concluded with a field trip demonstration and presentation that left us truly impressed by the remarkable work Eli and his team have accomplished over the past few years. Earlier this year, Eli's team successfully applied for Workforce One-Time Funding and was awarded $218,137. Although the forestry program stepped back from this initiative, we hope to collaborate in the future.

Ironwood Forestry

Coming events in the community

Williams Veteran StandDown

Save the date! Williams Veteran StandDown is on September 13 at Williams Recreation Center. Let's come together to support our veterans. Spread the word in the community!

Event Link

Other Highlights

Arizona Governor's Conference on Tourism

ARIZONA@WORK Coconino Workforce Board Asst. Director Regina Salas attended the recent Arizona Governor's Conference on Tourism #AZGCOT #AZGCOT2024. Regina serves as Vice-Chair for the City of Flagstaff Tourism Commission, President of Flagstaff Sister Cities, and Northern Arizona Lodging, Tourism, and Restaurant Association board.

This annual event gathers travel and tourism industry partners, and destination marketers from across the state. A special congratulations to Ascend Capital Management (owner of 5 hotels and 3 restaurants in Coconino) and board member Judy Franz (Spirit of Service Winner 2024) for their well-deserved recognition in the Governor's Tourism Awards. Coconino District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler and Economic Development Director John Saltonstall were also in attendance.

Tourism (Leisure and hospitality) is the largest employer in private sector in Coconino County . It is the fastest growing sector with 9,000 new job creation forecasted by 2030. In Flagstaff, there are over 9,000 tourism jobs. In 2023, our tourism dollars brought in 12.1 million dollars in Bed, Board, and Beverage sales tax to fund the City’s programs: PROSE (Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Events), Beautification, Arts and Science, Economic Development and Discover Flagstaff. This makes a strong case to highlight workforce training at next year’s conference.

The event unveiled Arizona’s refreshed brand, "Vibrant Arizona," showcasing our state's dynamic spirit. Here's to another year of growth and success in our vibrant tourism industry!

Welcome to Arizona

Eckerd Connects Selected as Title 1B Services Provider

Eckerd Connect, a renowned workforce development provider, has been chosen as the Title 1B Services Provider for Coconino County. This designation allows Eckerd Connect to offer a comprehensive suite of services to individuals seeking employment or career advancement.

The services offered include career counseling, job search assistance, skills training, job placement, and youth services. These programs aim to equip individuals with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in the workforce.

Eckerd Connect Leadership team expressed enthusiasm for the new role, stating, "We are honored to be selected to serve the community of Coconino County. This opportunity allows us to expand our reach and make a tangible difference in people's lives."

The ARIZONA@WORK Coconino County Workforce Board and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors expressed their confidence in Eckerd Connects' ability to deliver high-quality workforce development services. We believe that Eckerd Connects' expertise and commitment to helping individuals succeed will positively impact ALL of Coconino County.

Eckerd Connects

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IWT - Incumbent Work Training

ETPL - Eligible Training Provider List

WBL - Work-Based Learning

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