President’s Message

California Outreach

Articles of Interest

Updates and Reminders

Upcoming Events

Standing Committees

Staff Members

Board of Directors

January 2013

Update

Newsletter Contents Greater Yuma Economic Development

Greater Yuma EDC Mission Statement:

To expand economic activity within Yuma County by attracting commerce and industry to the region, and by assisting in developing the region's existing industry to its fullest potential.

Greater Yuma EDC Vision Statement: Greater Yuma will be recognized as a globally competitive region— one that embraces advancing technology, attracts and retains human capital and continues to develop & foster the amenities that make the Yuma Region a great place to live and work.

Message from the PresidentAttention all Yuma County Business Owners who are in the Technology, Components, Research/Development, Systems, Device Manufacturing, Electrical, Construction, Engineering or related fields. Greater Yuma EDC will be hosting Yuma Proving Ground, the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Tech Transfer (STTR) Program Directors on February 1, 2013. The SBIR and STTR programs have significant federal funds to conduct Mature Program testing and/or emerging technology testing and development. This is a unique opportunity to become involved in future development and testing opportunities in Yuma County. Technology Transfer opportunities can open an entire new industry opportunity for Yuma County. I encourage all entrepreneurs’ and existing business owners to participate.

Greater Yuma EDC will be sending an email invitation to all our investors with the time and location for this highly anticipated event. Stay tuned for further updates.

I would like to congratulate Yuma Regional Medical Center (Corporate Partner Investor of GYEDC) on their recent partnership with the Mayo Clinic. This partnership will open many doors for Yuma County including patient migration from surrounding areas in California and Mexico. The type of services now being offered in Yuma County will reduce the amount of travel required from our neighboring communities and Yuma County; to larger Metropolitan areas. This will shorten the stay for family members while improving the recovery for the patient. The hospitality industry in Yuma will benefit greatly from this new service offered by Yuma Regional Medical Center. Please see articles: http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2012-rst/7178.html and http://www.yumasun.com/articles/beam-84325-proton-therapy.html

The finalization of the Elks’ property acquisition will complete the Mayo partnership with the construction of the new Yuma Regional Cancer Center. Yuma is very fortunate to have this remarkable asset in our community. Yuma Regional Medical Center continues to be the premier employer for Yuma County as well as adding a tremendous financial impact to the local economy with the construction projects and acquisitions they have made over the last ten years.

Two of Greater Yuma EDC’s Investors are offering free training to the public. Yuma Investment Group will be offering a free Rollover Ready seminar to all of Yuma County. The event will be held on January 17th at 6:00 p.m. at the Yuma County Library located on 2951 South 21st Drive. Here is a link to the flyer. http://www.greateryuma.org/cms_uploads/text/RO-Seminar-Flyer.jpg

Goodwill has revamped its monthly computer training, adjusting it to the needs of the current market. The Empower Training Program is a two week training program designed to bridge the gap between job seeker and employer by enhancing skills in human relations, Microsoft for the Workplace and career preparation. Classes start Monday January the 14th, and they last two weeks. A calendar for the rest of the year will be available soon. Please see a summary of the new training through this link http://slidesha.re/XicdO3.

2012 came to a close with several positive economic impacts in the County. Datepac continues to expand their capacity and workforce in Yuma County. They were successful in obtaining a second grant award from the Arizona Commerce Authority for their 2013 expansion project. They will be adding new colorsort machines to their processing plants. They anticipate 55 new positions with a new payroll infusion of $1,372,800 into the local economy. The capital investment for this project is estimated at $2.38 Million. They will have some help with that capital investment to the tune of $175,000 from the Rural Grant.

Nations Health has hit the ground running at their temporary location. With their goal of hiring 500 employees by year-end and investing $3.6 Million into their new location, they too were awarded funds from the Arizona Commerce Authority Rural Grant. Nations Health will receive $240,000 to help offset some of the capital expenses they will incur in their renovations and equipment acquisitions. Greater Yuma EDC is working two projects that we hope to announce in 2013. With our local businesses having the confidence to expand and our new locates strongly favoring the assets of this region, we will be able to trend annual growth over the last three years therefore helping us forecast what the next three years can produce. California will continue to be a primary focus for us this calendar year as well as targeting Aerospace and Logistic industries to the County. Please note the Strategic Committee’s project for lead generation out of California. It will take involvement from all of our investors to help us open the doors to the companies in California that are a good fit for Yuma County. We need you in order to grow the economy in a positive way. I look forward to 2013 with high energy and optimism. Let’s all work together and remember the infamous words of Harry S Truman – “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”

Julie

California Outreach

GYEDC IS SEEKING THE HELP OF OUR INVESTORS

In our efforts to solicit companies from California we have learned many of the pitfalls that can befall Economic Development professionals in these attempts. The key to success is speaking to the right individuals in the company who can influence or better yet make the decision to relocate to a new geographic site. Having an existing relationship with the company is the greatest formula for success. Securing an introduction from an existing relationship is the next best solution to reaching the right individual.

GYEDC has compiled a list of companies in the Southern California region that fit within the target industries identified by the GYEDC Board of Directors and the GYEDC Strategic Committee. The list is comprised of companies that employee 50 or less in the Food Processing, Manufacturing and Aerospace industries. Currently there is a good supply of buildings in the Yuma County market that can accommodate companies of this size along with an available workforce that can meet the needs of these industries.

We have supplied a link to the list of these companies and we ask that each of you review the list for acquaintances as well as working relationships. We need your help in reaching the right individual and having an introduction made on our behalf in order to begin the conversation of promoting Yuma County’s assets.

We are asking that you reply to Greg LaVann, Senior Project Manager with any information you may have regarding the companies on our list by February 11, 2013. Greg can be reached at glavann@greateryuma.org or at 928.782.7774.

We sincerely thank you for your assistance and we hope we can garner solid leads from this comprehensive list of companies. Link to California Outreach Companies - http://www.greateryuma.org/cms_uploads/text/California-Company-List.pdf

Articles of InterestYMPO Regional Transportation Plan

2014 - 2037YMPO is preparing to hold their first public meetings for the new RTP for the Yuma Region. They are trying to promote attendance to these meetings and feedback from their partners, the public, and agencies. They will be sending invitations to many of you for focus group meetings to be held in the afternoon of the 22nd at the Heritage Library, and the next day, Jan 23rd at the YMPO office. The public meetings are in the evening both nights.

YMPO Newsletter Link http://www.greateryuma.org/cms_uploads/text/YMPO-Newsletter.pdf

Small Business Outlook 2013Small Business Outlook 2013 is an event for all small business owners and supporters of the small business community in Arizona. This year’s program will feature an informative panel discussion as they take a look at important issues facing small business in 2013, including the critical areas of public policy, healthcare in Arizona, and access to capital. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with other business owners, meet ASBA’s new and renewing Board Members, and interact one-on-one with ASBA partners at the mini benefits fair. Read More… http://asba.site-ym.com/events/event_details.asp?id=280002&group=

Why the Flu Is So Dangerous This Year, and Why It Could Get WorseThe flu is taking the nation by storm, with major cities declaring public health emergencies and cases of confirmed infections soaring above last season’s relatively average numbers. The bad news is that it could get worse.Read More - http://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2013/01/10/why-the-flu-is-so-dangerous-this-year-and-why-it-could-get worse/?utm_campaign=forbestwittersf&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

How To Stay Safe From The Flu At Work This Year

This year’s flu season is off to an early and ugly start. According to the CDC, and probably to the guy hacking next to you on the subway, this year’s flu has affected people sooner and more severely than in previous years. Over 2,250 people have already been hospitalized this season, and 18 pediatric deaths have been reported. And it’s only the beginning of January.Read More… http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2013/01/08/the-flu-strikes-hard-symptoms-come-earlier-and-more-severely-this-year/?utm_campaign=forbestwittersf&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

Reminders

Updates and Reminders

In an effort to spur community and economic development within rural communities throughout the state, the Arizona Commerce Authority began an open grant program geared towards assisting existing companies and communities with future growth plans. The program has been a success resulting in 1000's of new jobs created statewide while reaping fiscal impacts even greater for the local community along with the state. The Arizona Commerce Authority recently announced the awards of their 2012 Annual Economic Development Rural Grant. Datepac, a Yuma based company was fortunate enough to receive funding for a second consecutive round. The exponential growth Datepac has experienced over the course of the last few years has been astounding and the need for state of the art technology to help the company keep up with the growth was imperative. The "Color Sort" project as they titled it will help with the acquisition of new machinery, software and computers to improve the efficiencies needed to remain as profitable as possible. The project will also create 55 new jobs and a capital investment of $2.38M to remain in the community. We are very pleased to have a Yuma company awarded such a competitive grant and thank The Arizona Commerce Authority for their phenomenal support of rural Arizona.

ACA Awards Grant to Yuma Company Greater Yuma EDC

Quarterly Investor LuncheonDon’t forget to RSVP to the Quarterly Investor Luncheon being held on January 22, 2013 at the Pivot Point Conference Center. The luncheon will feature Hugh Hallman, Economist, Attorney, and Former Public Servant. Mr. Hugh Hallman will be sharing his economic forecast for Arizona and Yuma County. The Arizona Republic calls Hugh Hallman “one of those rare public officials who meticulously connects the dots.”

Deadline to register is January 21, 2013. Hope to see all of you on January 22, 2013.

California Outreach Response Reminder

Your responses will help secure an introduction using an existing relationship to reach the right individual in the Food Processing, Manufacturing and Aerospace industries. All information received will remain confidential. Please call or email Greg LaVann, Senior Project Manager if you have any questions.

Responses are due by February 11, 2013.

Greg LaVann Contact InformationEmail: glavann@greateryuma.orgOffice: 928.782.7774Cell: 928.580.0088

February 2013February 11

Responses for the California Outreach Program due from

InvestorsFebruary 14

Good Morning YumaFebruary 21

Greater Yuma EDC Board of Directors Meeting

February 18GYEDC Office Closed

President’s Day HolidayFebruary 28

GYPA Meeting

Upcoming Events

January 11Chamber of Commerce

Annual Awards & Installation Dinner

January 14Legislative Affairs Meeting

January 17Greater Yuma EDC

Board of Directors Meeting

January 21GYEDC Office Closed

Martin Luther King Holiday

January 22Greater Yuma EDC

Quarterly Investor LuncheonPivot Point Conference Center

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

January 31GYPA Meeting

9:00 a.m.Greater Yuma EDC Boardroom

January 2013

Greater

Yuma

EDC Standing Committees

Terry Frydenlund Chair

Governance/Finance Committee Review of By-laws and Articles of IncorporationReview of personnel policiesCreating a plan for financial stability Creating a stable funding model for Greater Yuma EDC’s Public InvestorsA personnel committee will also function within this committee. The Personnel Committee will be responsible for CEO Contract, evaluation and reviews.

Strategic Planning/Outcomes Committee Set goals and objectives for Greater Yuma EDCCreate a value proposition - an Incentive Program to be used in attraction and retention effortsAsset identification and developmentEstablish benchmarks for return on investment (ROI)

Joni BrooksChair

Project Management Committee Assisting new and/or existing businesses in industry specific consultation, local operational guidance (navigating permitting, hiring etc.) state laws, insight into industry efficiency models, workforce training, effective cost cutting measures and shared supplier referrals (i.e. shipping, lean manufacturing, educational resources)Help new or expanding businesses navigate start-up challenges and best practices for operating a business in YumaAct as an extension of the Yuma Manufacturers Association and the Yuma Logistics AssociationAccompany Greater Yuma EDC when meeting with prospective businesses to serve as ambassadors for the regionReport monthly to the GYEDC Board of Directors

Membership Committee Responsible for new private sector campaign Responsible for meeting with Public agencies to secure funding for GYEDCUpdate and create value added benefits to each investor level and implement those benefitsResponsible for P/R of private sector investors who are recognized in the community or are receiving unpaid press in local or national publications. Monthly updates will be submitted to GYEDC staff for dissemination to entire GYEDC investor database. Provide topics and speaker recommendations for quarterly luncheons and annual dinner.Responsible for soliciting feedback from these events, in order to meet the needs of the Public/Private investorsReport monthly to the GYEDC Board of Directors

Derek RuckmanChair

Jeff NolteChair

Jonathan LinesChairman of The Board

Clayton HastyVice Chairman

Dennis BoothSecretary/Treasurer

Doug NichollsPast Chair

Board Members

Joni Brooks, Yuma Sun

Shaun Cassidy, City of Somerton

James Deermer, Town of Wellton

Greg Ferguson, Yuma County

Terry Frydenlund, 1st Bank Yuma

Bobbi Lewis, City of Yuma

Leslie McClendon, City of Yuma

Russell McCloud, Yuma County

Robert Pickels, Yuma, County

Victor Smith, Skyview Cooling

Phil Smithers, Arizona Public Service

Karin Meza, City of San Luis

Greg Wilkinson, City of Yuma

Frank West, General Motors

Julie EngelPresident/CEO

Greg LaVannSenior Project Manager

Alison MoreyProject Manager

Stephany TurnerOffice Manager

Office Location899 Plaza Circle

Suite 2Yuma, Arizona 85365

www.greateryuma.org

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Greater-Yuma-Economic-Development-Corporation/205799309434458

https://twitter.com/GYEDC

Greater Yuma EDCStaff Members Greater Yuma EDC

Board of Directors & Officers