New Year Letter from the Coconino Workforce Executive Director & Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network Business Roundtable

January 2025

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Driving Excellence in Employment Services: Billy Francis Presents at National Webinar

Coconino Workforce Executive Director Billy Francis joined by Kevin Herring, Administrator of the Workforce Solutions Administration, Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services, to serve as a featured presenter on the Workforce GPS national webinar, Wagner-Peyser: Emphasizing the Best in Employment Services.

The webinar spotlighted innovative practices in Wagner-Peyser services, emphasizing their evolution, application in AJCs, and positive impact on customers, employers, and regional economies.



Panelists also shared strategies for strengthening partnerships and advancing employment services nationwide.

Building Bridges for Workforce Success in Coconino County

Eckerd Connects recently began serving as the provider for Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Services in Coconino County. As we’ve started this new chapter, we have focused on strengthening existing relationships and cultivating new ones to connect job seekers to high-growth employment opportunities.

One of the first steps in this journey was engaging in meaningful discussions with the Navajo Department of Workforce Development. In these conversations, both programs came together to share service delivery practices, discuss challenges, and identify opportunities for collaboration. This exchange of ideas highlighted shared goals and a mutual commitment to serving our communities.

Through this collaboration, we explored co-enrollment opportunities to leverage funding and resources, expanding the capacity of Coconino County's workforce development system. By aligning services, we aim to ensure that every individual is met where they are and connected to the program best positioned to help them succeed.

This partnership represents the power of coming together to enhance services, pool resources, and create a stronger, more inclusive workforce system. We are excited to continue growing this relationship and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the individuals and communities we serve.

Recap of Notable Events & Highlights

WIOA Outreach at Western Navajo Agency Council meeting

We’re excited to share progress in empowering our community through workforce development! On December 14, Assistant Director Regina Salas represented the Coconino Workforce Development Board at the Western Navajo Agency Council meeting at Coconino Community College.

This event provided an excellent platform to raise awareness about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), connecting job seekers to career pathways and helping employers find the talent they need. By promoting WIOA programs, we’re fostering opportunity, strengthening our workforce, and supporting resilience in our local economy. Together, we’re building a brighter future for our community!

ECONA Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Team: Strengthening Northern Arizona's Economic Future Through Collaboration



In Northern Arizona, our resilience and innovation stem from local businesses. As part of the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona Business Retention and Expansion Team, the Coconino Workforce Development Board proudly supports economic vitality by aiding existing businesses and fostering entrepreneurship.

Recently, we visited FlagTag AZ, meeting with owner Scott Sawyer to explore ways to strengthen their operations. By empowering businesses like FlagTag AZ, we ensure Northern Arizona thrives as a hub for innovation, opportunity, and growth.

Upcoming Events in the community

Amping up for Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network Phase 2 

We’re excited to announce a key milestone for workforce development! With the approval of the Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network (NAGJN) Phase 2 contract, the Coconino Workforce Board will lead industry-focused roundtables to engage employers in shaping impactful programs.

Join the Business Roundtable: Skills & Talent Development for Manufacturing, Transportation, and Utilities

Date: Wednesday, February 26

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location: Moonshot, 2201 N. Gemini Rd., Flagstaff AZ

Register to explore workforce strategies, funding opportunities, and partnerships. Let’s build a stronger, more inclusive future together!

Happy New Year & Charting a Path Forward in 2025



Dear Coconino County Workforce Board, Partners, County Leaders, and Staff,

As we commence the new year, I extend my sincere greetings and wish you all a prosperous and fulfilling 2025.

This year presents a pivotal opportunity for our community to advance workforce development initiatives and cultivate a thriving economy. Through collaborative efforts and strategic innovation, we will strive to create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Coconino County residents.

To achieve this, we will focus on the following key priorities:

Focus Area 1: Enhancing Workforce System Responsiveness

• Goal 1: Optimize Workforce System Alignment with County Needs.
• 1.1 Expand the network of qualified training providers, prioritizing those aligned with Coconino County's high-demand sectors.
• 1.2 Implement training programs that enhance existing workforce skills and facilitate career advancement, with a particular focus on sectors experiencing labor shortages and high retirement rates.
• 1.3 Equip the workforce for the evolving technological landscape by providing comprehensive digital literacy and technology training programs.

Focus Area 2: Expanding Access to Opportunities

• Goal 2: Increase Workforce Participation for All Residents.
• 2.1 Implement targeted strategies to engage youth in high-demand career pathways, fostering collaborations with industry leaders and educational institutions.
• 2.2 Eliminate barriers to employment for underrepresented populations by addressing financial constraints, providing supportive services, and promoting inclusivity.
• 2.3 Enhance service accessibility across the county, with a particular focus on reaching residents in rural communities.

Focus Area 3: Strengthening Partnerships and Engagement

• Goal 4: Foster Collaborative Partnerships for Enhanced Service Delivery.
• 4.1 Streamline service delivery through a robust digital platform that facilitates seamless referrals and co-enrollment across all service providers.
• 4.2 Establish a comprehensive data-driven framework to monitor program effectiveness and inform strategic decision-making.
• Goal 5: Cultivate Strong Business Relationships.
• 5.1 Proactively engage with the business community, highlighting the value proposition of workforce development services and identifying opportunities for collaboration.
• 5.2 Facilitate partnerships between businesses and the workforce system to create meaningful employment and training opportunities for all residents.
• 5.3 Strengthen strategic alliances with key stakeholders, including economic development organizations and community partners, to maximize the impact of our collective efforts.

I am deeply grateful for the dedication and hard work of our entire team, the invaluable contributions of our partners, and the unwavering support of our community leaders. Together, we will continue to build upon our successes and create a brighter future for Coconino County.

Wishing you all a successful and rewarding 2025.

Sincerely,

Billy Francis

Executive Director

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