CENTRL Connections

Project CENTRL Class XIX Seminar Schedule 2007 Seminar 1 Intro to CENTRL October 18 - 20, 2007 Ahwatukee Seminar 2 Fundamentals of Leadership November 17 - 19, 2007 Ahwatukee Seminar 3 Effective Communications December 8 - 10, 2007 Higley 2008 Seminar 4 Building Community January 24-26, 2008 Casa Grande Seminar 5 21st Century Technology February 21-25, 2008 Tucson Seminar 6 Rural & Urban Issues March 20-22, 2008 Cottonwood

Upcoming Events....

CENTRL Regional Connections August 10, 2007 Springerville November 2, 2007 Sonoita

Since 1991 Summer 2007

By Brian Lang Yavapai Downs at Prescott Valley hosted over 20 people consisting of Alumni Council members, Yavapai County alumni, current class members and potential candidates for the CENTRL Regional Connection (CRC) on May 18th. CRC Chair Brian Lang (Class XV) welcomed everyone to Prescott Valley and thanked them for taking the time out of their busy schedules to attend the CRC. After attendees introduced themselves, Everett Rhodes (Class III), Executive Director of Project CENTRL provided a brief update on the current class and the need to recruit for the next CENTRL class. CENTRL Alumni Council (CAC) President Ben Cloud (Class VI) welcomed the group and gave an update on the Council’s recent structural changes and why the CRCs are so beneficial to alumni. Ben also encouraged alumni to attend the International Leadership Alumni Conferences (ILAC) in Arkansas and Australia. Diane Joens (Class XVI) newly elected Mayor of the City of Cottonwood was introduced and gave a great presentation on the Stewards for Public Lands program. Due to unforeseen circumstances Roger Vanderpool (Class XV) was unable to speak at the CRC. Attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by the Yavapai Downs Clubhouse chef. After lunch and a quick photo or two, attendees caught up and networked with one another. The CAC would like to thank Jim Grundy (Class XV) for generously offering the Yavapai Downs at Prescott Valley for another CENTRL function.

CENTRL Alumni Connect in Central Arizona………

CENTRL Regional Connection Friday, August 10 in Apache County

You are invited to the CENTRL Regional

Connection beginning on Friday at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be hosted by the Alumni Council at the

Prairie Schooner at the Salt River Project/Coronado Generating Station St. Johns, AZ

Also planned for Saturday, August 11, 2007 is as follows:

9:00 a.m.

Tucson Electric Power/Springerville Generating Station Facilities expansion tour

Springerville, AZ

1:00 p.m. Arizona Log & Timberworks

small diameter wood processing plant tour Eagar, AZ

3:00 p.m.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest small diameter timber harvesting operation

Eagar, AZ

5:00 p.m Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Cowboy Dutch Oven Supper Eagar, AZ

If you plan on attending,

please contact Erik Swanson at 602-402-5446 or erikswanson@haguecreek.com so we can get a count for meals.

Please visit http://www.springerville.com for a listing of hotels in the area.

By Ben Cloud When I think of CENTRL, I am filled with thankfulness. I am thankful to the Kellogg Foundation for the initial grants to start this and other leadership programs. I am thankful for Arizona visionaries like Andy Kurtz of the Farm Bureau who moved to action in soliciting the University of Arizona to administer the program through the Extension Service and formed an organizing committee of rural leaders from around the State to develop and define this rural leadership program some 25 years ago.

I am thankful for the Eldon Moore, the first CENTRL Executive Director who took on the challenge of this new effort to expand the horizons and opportunities of rural Arizonans. I am thankful to the CENTRL board of directors who have provided a focused and steady hand in the administration of the program, and especially to those individuals who succeeded in the early challenges of obtaining a State appropriation for funding and ultimately the endowment from the Marley Foundation. I am thankful to see the CENTRL Board with a majority of Alumni who now serve to administer the program. It seems appropriate that those who received CENTRL leadership training assume leadership roles in the organization. I am thankful for the Alumni who formed the CENTRL Alumni Association and the many board members who developed and planned all of the great experiences over the years. I am especially thankful to see the Association evolve into the Alumni Council that has gone through rather substantial structural changes in recent years to achieve a focus on Alumni throughout the State with our CENTRL Regional Connection (CRC) meetings and continue to improve the Alumni experience. Let me say this about the Alumni Council experience. I have never been around a more dedicated group in my life. Each individual has taken on the challenge of traveling 4 to 6 days out of the year for CRC’s and board meetings plus an Annual Planning meeting in Phoenix. However, if asked each would tell you that it is worth it to interact with fellow Alumni from around the State and experience the unique flavor of our rural communities. I can only see these CRC’s getting better and better. I encourage each and every Alumni to serve on the Alumni Council. It is never too late. Personally, I am thankful for the opportunity that Project CENTRL has provided to expand my horizons. You know, most people live a life of limitation and fear of the unknown that can and does often lead to unhealthy behaviors. Project CENTRL lifts the vale of complacency and exposes us to a world greater than our own, individually. The interactive meetings, the relationship with 30 classmates, the opportunity to see the inner workings of business, government and society are life expanding experiences that are a bargain at any price. Speaking of a bargain, Project CENTRL is basically the only one of a total of 34 agricultural and rural leadership programs in the United States to not charge a fee to class members. This is primarily due to the endowment of $1 million dollars from the Kemper Marley Foundation. The operating revenues for Project CENTRL come from the endowment, the University of Arizona, and annual donations from Alumni and business sponsors and grants. My time as President of the Alumni Council is coming to an end this October and I would like to leave with one thought and commitment. To see the CENTRL endowment expanded to assure the program continues to achieve a high standard of success for future generations. I know I have two children that I believe will be participants in the future and know other Alumni have already had a second generation benefit from CENTRL training. If the long-term success of Project CENTRL is to be assured, we need to expand the endowment. After all, if the graduates of the program who have received the benefits are not willing to contribute, then who will? My thanks and respect goes to those who do consistently support CENTRL. Over the next five years, an annual donation of $200 per Alumni (approximately 500) would expand the endowment by $500,000. I believe this is a reasonable goal. Some will give over $1,000 per year and some will give nothing, but that is OK. Even though CENTRL is currently on a solid financial footing, we can assure the next 25 years by giving a little now. I know I plan to give at least $1,000 per year because I am thankful for the CENTRL experience and know that it is a privilege, not a right. A privilege I am thankful for experiencing and want to assure the opportunity is passed on to others. It has been my pleasure and honor to serve on the Alumni Council. I am thankful for the outstanding Alumni of Project CENTRL and their positive affect on the State of Arizona over the past 25 years.

ALUMNI COUNCIL PRESIDENT REMARKS THANKS FOR 25 YEARS PROJECT CENTRL

The following is the first in a series of comments from G.T. Bohmfalk, President of the Board of Directors, to the alumni and supporters of Project CENTRL. The subject here is the role that the Board of Directors serves in assuring that Project CENTRL is Arizona’s premier leadership organization.

The Board of Directors of Project CENTRL consists of 20 individuals who care deeply about Project CENTRL and the importance of good leadership within our Arizona community. Our Board represents all important subject-matter groups and comes from all areas of the state. We are not “agricultural” in commitment but we are “rural” in focus. Obviously,

a “hand-in-glove” situation arises because of this. We cannot see how a reasonable separation of the two can occur.

The Project CENTRL Board of Directors are not all alumni. But as time moves forward, it seems like our alumni become a larger majority of the Board. All Board members serve because of their expertise and willingness to work hard. We are not strictly an educational program yet we are represented quite ably with Board members from Central Arizona College, Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. We are not an advocacy group yet we have strong representation from the Arizona Nursery Association, Farm Bureau, Arizona Cattle Feeders Association and Arizona Dairy Association to name only a few. This is not an “honorary” Board!

Strategic planning and decisions are made by the Board as a whole according to recommendations made by the various committees. For example, there is a committee that deals with the curriculum headed by Con Englehorn. His committee is responsible for maintaining the subject matter of the educational component of Project CENTRL. Additionally, there is a special committee with unique and valued importance referred to as the Alumni Council led by Ben Cloud as leader of the alumni. There are several other important committees which I will highlight later.

The Board is responsible for all fiduciary responsibilities of Project CENTRL. Along with the immediate strategy necessary to serve our interests, we have a succession plan and all necessary policies to assure that. We oversee the management of the Project which we have given to Everett Rhodes, Executive Director. Our focus is on strategic and operational matters and we operate with total transparency. We operate according to the professional standards common in tax-exempt organization Boards. We have open policies and by-laws. The President, in consultation with the Executive Director and other Board members sets the agenda and meetings are at least quarterly and often more often according to the needs of the organization. This is an accomplished group. They are totally unselfish and we conduct our business in an open and cordial atmosphere. Total disclosure is made through the Directors office, this newsletter and through the Alumni Council.

Space limitations prevent more on the Board. Future newsletters will be more specific as to the nature of the Board and will highlight current actions of the Board. If you have any questions or would like to have

further information call me or e-mail me at gtb123@qwest.net.

Board Members

Bas Aja

Eddie Browning

Jim Christenson

Con Englehorn

Cheryl Goar

Gail Griffin

Carrie Hamstra

John Hays

Jim Klinker

Joe Lane

Paul Rovey

George Seperich

Don Walker

Heather Walker

FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS… G.T. BOHMFALK, PRESIDENT

Project CENTRL Board of Directors Officers

G. T. Bohmfalk, President

Linda Vensel, Vice President

Pat Harrington, Treasurer

Jim Webb, Secretary

Ben Cloud, CAC President

Everett Rhodes, Director

DIRECTORS UPDATE Everett Rhodes

The CENTRL experience for Class XVIII was made complete with another great tradition of visiting Washington D. C. Congressional visits and a briefing with the Vice President of the Federal Reserve Board were among the many highlights of the national seminar held on April 28th - May 3rd . The subject of immigration and public policy issues facing rural Arizona were the focus of a number of briefings. In typical CENTRL fashion, these visits sparked a high level of interaction with participants and leadership in our nation’s Capitol. The quality time spent in our nation’s Capitol completed another epic cycle of leadership for Project CENTRL! These past two years have clearly demonstrated the diverse talent represented among members of Class XVIII. We look forward to the continued fulfillment of our legacy of leadership with the active involvement and future accomplishments of this group. At a time we will be honoring the commencement of twenty-eight members of Class XVIII, we will also be celebrating a very special event for Project CENTRL S A 25th Anniversary! Mark you calendars for Friday, October 19th and plan to attend this grand evening of celebration and fellowship. We are making final preparations to interview candidates for Class XIX this month and the Selection Committee will be making a final selection in August. We greatly appreciate the encouragement many of you have given to applicants and a special thank you is extended to selected alumni helping to conduct interviews. A warm welcome will be extended to the newly selected members of Class XIX during the CENTRL Gala on October 19th. A seminar schedule for Class XIX is listed in this newsletter. We encourage alumni to attend a seminar session near you and reconnect with Project CENTRL. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the current program and to meet the cast of characters and newest addition to the CENTRL leadership family. A hearty thank you is extended to members of our board, council, alumni, and friends for their countless contributions in support of Class XVIII and our program. Indeed, the visionary leadership, diligent work, and generous contributions received from many will enhance the future of rural Arizona for years to come!

CENTRL Class XVIII Graduation & Gala Event October 19, 2007

Grace Inn, Ahwatukee

Class XVIII

Councilwoman Sue Chacon Class XVI I grew up in a small town in Northern New Mexico, and then as a teenager, moved to Albuquerque. I have a balanced perspective of the challenges rural communities are faced with. My husband, Albert and I moved to Round Valley in 1999. We have horses, a cat, and a dog. I enjoy living in the beautiful White Mountains where I spend as much of my free time as possible riding my horses and fly-fishing. I have a B.S. degree from the University of New Mexico in Training and Technology and a A.A.S. degree in Environmental Protection Technology from N.M. Tech- Voc. Institute. Before coming to Round Valley, I worked as a Training Specialist for Department of Energy and Department of Defense contractors at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. As part of my work there, I developed and presented a variety of technical training programs for Satellite Operators, Nuclear Weapons Curriers and HC-130 flight crews. My education has provided me with wonderful opportunities to work in both government and private industries. In my work I have developed leadership skills as the coordinator and leader of many team projects. I started and have operated a successful small business in Round Valley, The Speckled Trout, now in its sixth year. In May of 2002 we opened a second store in Greer and in May of 2004 we opened Sue's Shoes in Springerville. I served on the Board of Directors for the Springerville-Eagar Chamber of Commerce for two terms, so I am well versed in the challenges facing small businesses in our community. In 2002 and 2003 I had the privilege of participating in the Project CENTRL (Center for Rural Leadership) program managed by The University of Arizona. The spirit of Project CENTRL is the training of rural community leaders. As part of this experience, I traveled all over Arizona and networked with community leaders to learn about rural issues such as: health-care, education, water resources, and economic development. I learned that problems faced by Eagar are shared by all small communities in the State. But, the most important thing I learned as part of my CENTRL experience is that because they are the holders of the state's cultural identity and history, it is important to nurture small communities so they continue to thrive. The reasons I wanted to be on the Eagar town council are: I have a sincere desire to get more involved in the community; I feel a responsibility to apply my Project CENTRAL education; and I have skills which I believe will make me a good representative of the people who live here.

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Serving an Industry, Fighting for a Cause Kevin Rogers, Class VII, has been President of the Arizona Farm Bureau Federation (AZFB) since 2003. The role suits him as he truly believes in agriculture and wants to see the industry thrive in these modern times. Rogers was a member of Project CENTRL’s Class VII. “Agriculture faces new challenges,” says Rogers. “I believe Arizona Farm Bureau is the best organization to support this industry and move us forward toward making farmers and ranchers prosperous. The Farm Bureau is very active in lobbying on county, state and national levels. We’re always there to discuss issues of profitability, property rights, labor, water, trade, farm policy, tax issues, environmental issues and much more. We also continue to offer value to our members by making products and services available to our members. It’s the best place to be right now in agriculture.” A fourth generation valley farmer, Rogers farms in partnership with his parents, uncle, brothers, a sister and his wife, Janel. Together the Rogers family farms over 7,000 acres of land, producing cotton, alfalfa, wheat, barley and corn. These farms are located in Phoenix, Laveen, Mesa and Scottsdale. “It’s all in the family,” Says Rogers. “Working together in agriculture has been an honor and a privilege for us and means we can do things together. It also means that we’ve got to look at the effort as a business and plan for the future too.” Rogers is active in a variety of community, civic and business groups and has served on many boards and delegations involving agriculture, commodities, trade issues, transportation and the environment. A former vice president of the Arizona Cotton Growers Association, Kevin is active with the 4-H Youth Foundation and is the group’s past president. Kevin has served on the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center and Maricopa County Extension Advisory Boards. In addition to serving as Arizona Farm Bureau President and on the AFBF Trade Committee, he serves on the American Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Rogers has served for seven years on the United States Department of Agriculture Air Quality task force, having been appointed by former Secretary Ann Veneman. Secretary Mike Johanns recently reappointed him for another two-year term. He begins his fourth year on the Cotton Board having been selected for his knowledge and experience in the industry. His Farm Bureau activities place him in contact with farmers, dairymen, feedlot and ranch operators all over Arizona, and he is a voice on national agricultural affairs. He believes that the true future and success of agriculture depends upon farmers and livestock producers getting involved and speaking out on issues at the local state and national levels. As AZFB President, one of Rogers’ most pressing concerns is the immigration issue and agriculture’s ability to hire farm labor. “Without outside labor, Arizona agriculture cannot meet the labor demand needed to bring food and fiber to the market.” This, along with the current Farm Bill and other issues are foremost on Rogers mind as the state moves well into the year. His leadership training learned through Project CENTRL account for his ability to address these issues and hopefully advance the cause of agriculture.

Speaking specifically about Project CENTRL Kevin believes the program gives lifelong benefits to participants. “Project CENTRL helped me bring all my life skills cohesively together, giving me focus and helping me determine what I wanted to do with my future.”

PO Box 6657 – Glendale, AZ 85312-6657 Office (623) 594-6641 Fax (623) 388-6138

www.rrmeetings.com

Meeting Professionals International Names 2007 Planner of the Year Recipient Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Arizona Sunbelt Chapter honored Rochell Planty, CMP, of Rockin R Meetings & Events, LLC as the “Planner of the Year” on Thursday, June 21, 2007 at the Annual Awards Gala. Planner of the Year is awarded to an active MPI planner member who has demonstrated leadership, delivers exceptional meetings and has made significant contributions to MPI, the Arizona Sunbelt Chapter and the meetings Industry. As founder of Rockin R Meetings & Events, LLC, Planty has over 16 years of experience in the industry. Her scope of expertise includes public relations; meeting and trade show management, continuing medical education and special events. One nominator wrote “Her professional knowledge and execution of meetings and events are above the norm. She has high integrity and is respected by her industry colleagues and peers. Her customers praise everything she does.” Planty received her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 2003. She is an active member of the Arizona Sunbelt Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) where she served on the Board for the past three years as well as numerous committee chair positions over the past five years. She was a part of “Committee of the Year” Award in 2006, honored with the “Chapter Achievement Award” in 2005 and received the “Rising Star” Award in 2003. She was profiled in the October 2003 Arizona Business Magazine. Rockin R Meetings & Events, LLC specializes in full service meeting and event management with their own in house audio visual department. They can manage your event from beginning to end or handle specialized areas where you need assistance to ensure your event is successful and unique. Rockin R Meetings & Events, LLC, services Association conferences, corporate meetings, Agriculture Industry meetings and special events, Continuing Medical Education, tradeshow management, golf tournaments, public relations and weddings. For more information about the company visit www.rrmeetings.com. Rochell Planty, CMP

Business Spotlight

Stewards of Public Lands The Stewards of Public Lands recently celebrated its third year of existence. Stewards have cleaned up more the 3500 acres and 250 tons of trash in the Verde Valley. In three years, volunteer hours donated total more than 5,300. By acknowledging that no one governmental entity has the resources to clean up and manage rampant illegal dumping on public lands, the Stewards find ways to coordinate existing programs and address issues of overlapping jurisdictions. Stewards of Public Lands received recognition for their regional partnership from Governor Janet Napolitano at the 2005 Governor’s Rural Development Conference. The Stewards were also awarded the first annual Verde Valley Stewardship Award by the Coconino and Prescott National Forests in 2007. The Stewards maintain and monitor areas to keep them clean and support public education to reduce fire risks caused by further dumping and littering. Law Enforcement has been proactive and cooperative in assisting and partnering with the Stewards. The Stewards employ a two-part strategy. First, volunteers assess needs and clean up litter, dumpsites and remains of illegal occupancy on National Forests and other public lands. Their cleanups help eliminate fire risks to people and their property. Second and equally important, the Stewards follow up by publicizing the problems and successes, posting cleaned areas, establishing fences or other barriers where necessary for compliance, working cooperatively with law enforcement agencies, and doing maintenance cleanups as necessary. Stewards organize resources from federal, state, county and municipal governments, private businesses, organizations and volunteers, working across jurisdictional lines to clean up public lands. The goal is to increase recreation and public enjoyment of the lands, reduce wildfire fuels on the urban rural interface, and protect property and the area’s aquifers and drinking water. Among partners are the City of Cottonwood, Town of Clarkdale, Town of Camp Verde, Yavapai County, Prescott and Coconino National Forests, National and State Parks, Arizona Game and Fish, Arizona State Land Department, Waste Management, UniSource Energy, SRP, Gardenscapes, Yavapai County Community Services, Cornville Community Association, Lake Montezuma Property Owners, Kiwanis, Arid Disposal Services, Tazco Recycling, Verde Natural Resource Conservation District and many others. The Mingus Union High School National Honor Society and Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission also assist. Although the Stewards have never officially organized (“if it’s not broke, don’t fix it”), and operated without a single penny for two years, in the past year they have received two $5000 Forest Project Funds grants from Yavapai County District 3 Supervisor Chip Davis and the Board of Supervisors. The Stewards partner with Cocopai Resource Conservation and Development, a 501 (c) 3 that serves as fiscal agent for the grants. The first grant allowed them to expand their services from the Upper Verde Valley to Camp Verde and the Lake Montezuma/Beaver Creek areas. The second grant will be divided among the five incorporated cities and towns of the Verde Valley (Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Jerome and Sedona). Their law enforcement agencies will receive incentive money of $1000 each to monitor, educate and enforce against illegal dumping on public lands. Learn more about the Stewards’ work at www.verdestwards.org. For further information, please contact Diane Joens, mayor@dianejoens.com or 928-634-4112.

Alumni Awards

Nominations for Alumni awards

are due by August 1

Please contact the CENTRL office with all nominations for outstanding Alumni in the areas of

Natural Resources This award is given to a visionary leader on Arizona’s land, water,

and/or other natural resources. Agriculture

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated strong support for the growth and development of one or more segments of

the agriculture industry. Community Service

This award recognizes one who has devoted considerable time and energy towards improving the quality of life in their community.

Public Policy Development This award is given to one who has demonstrated effective leadership

in public policy formation.

Graduation and Gala Friday, October 19, 2007

This October, alumni of Project CENTRL, current class members, Board of Directors and incoming class members will join together to celebrate 25 years of Project CENTRL. We hope that you will be able to attend this exciting event.

Place: Grace Inn Ahwatukee

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Price: $50 per person

RSVP to the CENTRL Office at 520-316-0909

Support Graduating Class XVIII!

CENTRL

Class XIX Is being selected during August.

Seminar 1 will be held at the Grace Inn in Ahwatukee on October 18—20 Come join the Class

for an update of your colors on

Saturday morning.

Dinner

Dancing

Reconnect with

class members

Bill Greenwood, Town Manager Class X Bill Greenwood was born and raised in Eagar, and returned to his home town in 1989 as the Building Inspector and Planning/Zoning Administrator. In 1991, he became Town Manager, is active in the Arizona City Manager's Association, and sits on the board of directors for the Economic Development for Apache County Corporation (EDAC) and the Blue Hills Environmental Corporation. A father of 5 children, Bill is an avid cabinet builder, and his craftsmanship as a carpenter is well known in northeastern Arizona. Bill encourages the residents of Eagar to take an active part in their local government. "Having input from the community helps guide us to make the best decisions on managing the public's assets that we are entrusted with," says Bill. Bill is active in his community and the White Mountain region, serving on: Action Team leader for Arizona Sustainable Forest Partnership (Works with local agencies and businesses to improve forest health, create jobs, administer grants from Southwest Sustainable Forest partnership.) Chair Upper Little Colorado River Watershed Partnership—deals with local watershed issues and represents our area at State level. EDAC Board of Directors. Cowboy Golf Board of Directors made donations to R.V. Special Olympics and Chamber. NACOG Economic Development Committee. Currently updating regional Focused Future of CEDS plan required by Economic Development Administration. Board Member for Blue Hills Environmental.

Contact Information

Town Manager Bill Greenwood manager@eagar.com

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Diane Joens, graduate of Project CENTRL, Class XVI, was elected Mayor of Cottonwood with 60 percent of the vote in the March primary election. Diane served the past four years as a Cottonwood City Council Member. The campaign was a three-way race that included the former Mayor and Vice Mayor. She was sworn into office May 31, 2007. She has served on a number of water committees in Yavapai County, and is a founding member of the Stewards of Public Lands, www.verdestewards.org. This group organizes resources from federal, state, county and municipal governments, private businesses, organizations and volunteers, working across jurisdictional lines to clean up public lands. The goal is to increase recreation and public enjoyment of the lands, reduce wildfire fuels on the urban rural interface, and protect the area’s aquifers and drinking water. In the past three years, the City of Cottonwood purchased four private water companies and started its own municipal water utility. Diane supported these purchases and believes it helps the City “control its own destiny.” In the next five years the City will add to its wastewater facilities, and the electorate recently voted to build a recreation center for $17 million. This year the City added four Little League softball fields to its Riverfront Park system. Since Diane served on the City Council, the City annexed Dead Horse Ranch State Park and the upper part of the Verde River Greenway. Yavapai County and the City of Cottonwood built Mingus Avenue Extension for a total of $11 million, with Cottonwood contributing $1 million for the road project that opened last year. The City’s Airpark is enjoying a great deal of economic development around the Cottonwood Municipal Airport, and an Airport Commission was recently appointed by the City Council. Tourism is important to the City and Verde Valley area. Mingus Mountain is one of the premiere hang gliding facilities in the state or Arizona. Bicycling, equestrian, kayaking, hiking, and other opportunities for the active tourist experience are easily accessible in Cottonwood. There are many cultural and historical resources that visitors may enjoy. The City provided than a million dollars into streetscape upgrades for Old Town Cottonwood, which boasts of eclectic shopping opportunities and antique stores. Diane is President of the Volunteer Firemen’s Pension Board and is a charter member of the Yavapai County Methamphetamine Task Force Steering Committee. She continues to advocate for a Verde Valley trails master plan. She may be the first Mayor in Arizona to have her very own Web site, www.dianejoens.com. The City of Cottonwood’s Web site is www.ci.cottonwood.az.us. Life is good in Cottonwood!

Diane Joens, Mayor Class XVI

What great things have you been up to? We would like to share your story

in the next newsletter.

Newsletter Articles

Keep sending your articles, pictures, interesting facts, and stories impact-

ing alumni to Pennee Murphree,

Newsletter Reporter pennee@cox.net

CENTRL Regional Connection

and winery tour

November 2, 2007

Sonoita

Contact Mark Clark

at mark2golf@juno.com

if you wish to help with this CRC

ILAC (International Leadership Alumni Conference)

AUSTRALIA 2008

Estimated Cost: $2,750 per person Plan NOW to attend

Bring Friends and Family Registration begins in Summer 2007

President Ben Cloud (VI) 602-917-7660 broadacre1@aol.com Vice-President Erik Swanson (XVI) 480-706-0373 erikswanson@haguecreek.com Secretary Paul Brierley (XVI) 480-323-6832 paulbrierley@azfb.org Treasurer Brett Cameron (XVI) 602-542-0984 brett.cameron@agric.state.az.us Past President Diann Prechel-Shearer (XIV) 520-251-0088 cottonchick@cybertrails.com

Council Members Mark Clark (XIII) 480-585-0302 mark2golf@juno.com Dennis Corderman (XVII) 602-708-8863 dennisc@stellarcorp.net Larry Killman (XII) 928-580-6072 lkillman@tierra-ec.com Brian Lang (XV) 928-688-2448 blang@azot.com Jana Ponce-Wolfe (XV) 928-916-3065 jponce@parker.lib.az.us

Reporter Pennee Murphree (V) 480-895-7513 pennee@cox.net Class Representatives John Hetrick (Class XVIII) 602-236-5649 jshetric@srpnet.com Rusty Mitchell (Class XVIII) 623-225-6977 rusty.mitchell@luke.af.mil

CAA Council Members