WEST VALLEY WORKFORCE UPDATES | | |
On Wednesday, August 27, I participated in the West Valley Community Town Hall discussion on “Building Arizona’s Workforce” with AZ Town Hall. With about 35 representatives of West Valley businesses, education, workforce development, and community partners, and moderated by WESTMARC CEO Sintra Hoffman, we discussed workforce education and training, the quality-of-life issues of transportation, housing, and childcare that impact hiring and employee retention, and the fact that labor demand in Arizona is increasing while population growth is slowing – every ten year period from now until 2050 is projected to have fewer working-age adults relative to adults age 65+ years.
This is my first experience with AZ Town Hall and I found it to be fascinating. A nonpartisan nonprofit organization, AZ Town Hall “educates, engages, connects, and empowers Arizonans to solve critical policy issues.” Every year, AZ Town Hall chooses a single topic (this year being Arizona’s Workforce), creates a detailed background report, then convenes community discussions across the state to have table discussions around specific questions. Discussion comments are summarized and will be used for a statewide report at the end of the year.
I live and breathe workforce development, so I think about these issues constantly (even sometimes on weekends as I log long, slow miles on running paths) and I am always excited to have a workforce development discussion. What I found most interesting about this year’s AZ Town Hall Background Report and this week’s discussion is that the topics mirror those that we address in the West Valley Pipeline 2.0 Regional Workforce Development Strategy through the WESTMARC Foundation. I am pleased that our partners in the West Valley, across Maricopa County, and throughout Arizona recognize similar workforce challenges and are finding ways to work together for common solutions. Stay tuned in coming weeks for more information about some of the WESTMARC Foundation partnerships and projects.
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The WESTMARC Foundation is hosting a Healthcare Industry Employer Solutions meeting on Tuesday, September 9, from 9am to 11am (refreshments and networking at 8:30am) in the Amenity Conference Room at the Westgate Office Building.
We invite all West Valley healthcare businesses, large and small, to join us as we share what solutions we are pursuing based on what we have learned from healthcare businesses so far, begin a healthcare skills discussion, and examine how artificial intelligence and other technologies impact healthcare staffing.
If you represent a West Valley Healthcare business, please complete the registration form.
| | INVEST IN THE WEST VALLEY | | |
Advance Workforce Development in the West Valley
We believe that a skilled workforce is the foundation of a thriving region.
Our Vision
A future-forward West Valley where innovation and a skilled workforce spark sustainable growth and limitless opportunity.
Our Mission
To advance workforce development in the West Valley by using an innovative, regional approach to identify, prioritize, and advocate for essential education and training, occupational pathways, and career advancement initiatives that align with the workforce needs of local industries and residents.
Invest in the Future of the West Valley
Your donation supports initiatives that prepare individuals for high-demand careers, foster economic mobility, and strengthen the talent pipeline across our communities.
Together, we can build a future-forward West Valley—where innovation and a skilled workforce spark sustainable growth and limitless opportunity.
Donate today and help shape a stronger, more vibrant West Valley.
WESTMARC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN 33-2227137). Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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| WEST VALLEY EMPLOYER SURVEY | | Employers: Help us understand your staffing challenges by completing our Employer Survey. Your individual responses are strictly confidential and will be analyzed only in aggregate with other survey responses. The results will help us design better solutions to meet your needs. | | Please contact Kevin Dumcum at Kdumcum@westmarc.org if you have any questions. | | Join us for a discussion on housing! | | |
September 17, 2025
Presidio Residents' Club
8:00am - 9:30am
| | Join Us for Golf & Networking! | | |
September 26, 2025
Golf Club of Estrella
7:00am - 2:30pm
| | 2025 Best of the West - 35th Anniversary | | |
October 23, 2025
Desert Diamond Arena
5:30pm - 9:00pm
WESTMARC's Best of the West Awards has been the signature event of the West Valley and this year it is our 35th anniversary! The event is designed to celebrate the best of Western Maricopa County and recognize outstanding contributions to the quality of life, education, workforce development, economic development, and innovation in the West Valley.
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Support WESTMARC's Mission to
Serve the West Valley!
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Hello, West Valley community members!
It's that time of year again, and we are seeking raffle and silent auction donation items for both the annual WESTMARC Golf Classic tournament on September 26, and the Best of the West Awards on October 23 at Desert Diamond Arena! Please see the flyer below for more details and the benefits of supporting WESTMARC in our mission and service to the West Valley.
If you would like to donate, please download the PDF form below and return to Cameron Beck at cbeck@westmarc.org.
Thank you for your time, we greatly appreciate your consideration and support!
WESTMARC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization
(EIN 33-2227137). Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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Grow Buckeye
Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to open your own business or a small business with a storefront in the community, Buckeye wants to help you be successful.
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WEST VALLEY WORKFORCE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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LeadershipWest and WESTMARC are proud to present the West Valley Youth Scholarship — a $1,000 opportunity for standout students shaping the future.
- Must be a West Valley high school grad
- Planning to attend a college, university, or vocational school in Maricopa County
- Proven leadership experience
Deadline: Sunday, Sept. 7 at 5PM
Tell your networks about this scholarship!
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Exclusive Offer for WESTMARC Members!
ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business Executive Education is excited to extend a special 20% discount to WESTMARC Members for two upcoming, high-impact courses designed specifically for small and midsized businesses.
Upcoming Workshops:
- October 21, 2025 | 8:00 AM – Noon
Managing Customer Service Excellence in Small and Midsized Companies. An immersive, hands-on workshop that equips your team with proven, research-backed strategies to deliver exceptional customer service and strengthen client relationships.
- October 28–29, 2025 | 7:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Cialdini Principles of Persuasion (POP)® Workshop
Discover the ethical science of influence in this engaging two-day program, grounded in the groundbreaking research of Dr. Robert Cialdini, New York Times bestselling author of Influence (7+ million copies sold worldwide). Learn to apply persuasion techniques that drive real results while maintaining integrity.
Both programs are in-person at ASU’s Tempe campus.
How to Enroll & Save 20%:
No promo code needed—simply use the links below and enter your email address. Your WESTMARC discount will be applied automatically!
Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your skills, gain powerful insights, and connect with other business leaders!
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WEST VALLEY WORKFORCE
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Get Your Events on the Map! Submit to our Online Calendar Today!
Are you hosting an exciting event at your organization? Whether it's a workshop, seminar, social gathering, or anything in between, we want to help you spread the word!
Our online calendar tool is the perfect place to showcase your event to a wider audience. By submitting your event, you’ll gain visibility, attract attendees, and become part of a vibrant community of organizations!
For more info contact Cameron Beck via email: Cbeck@westmarc.org
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Tolleson Union High School District Fall 2025 Commitment Day
A two-day event designed to share employment, enrollment and enlistment opportunities to Tolleson Union High School District seniors.
For more information, contact Oscar Gironi: oscar.gironi@tuhsd.org
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Classroom 2 Career Workshop
September 10
Prersented by Grand Canyon University
Join education and industry leaders for an innovative collaboration designed to transform how we prepare Arizona’s youth for future success.
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Business Resource Fair
September 16, 9am – 11am, Avondale Visitor and Conference Center
Mark your calendars for this one-stop business expo packed with tools, expert advice, and networking to fuel your growth.
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Academies of the Southwest Valley Freshman Career Expo
Employers – Inspire the next generation, showcase your industry!
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DAV Recruit Military Phoenix Veterans Job Fair
Thursday, September 18, 11am - 3pm at State Farm Stadium
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Career Connectors: Fastest Growing Industries Panel and Hiring Event
September 18, 9am – 11:30am
Be at the forefront of Arizona's explosive growth!
BUSINESS / FINANCE, HEALTH CARE, ADVANCED MANUFACTURING, TRADES
These leading industry experts will highlight hiring trends you need to know to break into these top 4 fastest-growing industries. Featuring award winning companies from BestCompaniesAZ.
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Manufacturing Specialist Intensive (MSI) Pathway
Train for a high-tech semiconductor role through Grand Canyon University and TSMC’s one-semester, industry-funded pathway — where you’ll be taught how to operate automated systems, respond to real-time challenges and support critical production in the command center and on the clean room floor, contributing to technology that impacts lives and strengthens communities.
| | Maricopa Community College Workforce Professional Skills Fast Track Microcredential Pathway | | Maricopa Community College IT Fundamentals Fast Track Microcredential Pathway | Employers: To learn more about how the Fast Track Microcredential Pathways can assist your recruiting and retention needs, contact Tyler Rowles, tyl2167795@domail.maricopa.edu | | |
Have questions about Workforce Wednesday?
Please contact Kevin, Kdumcum@westmarc.org for further information.
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