Contribution article
SAFORD — The Graham County Chamber of Commerce is sharing the educational efforts of Gila Valley Leadership Cohort 17, with the final session in May focusing on providing homeless and community safety and relief.
Hosted by the Graham County Chamber of Commerce and supported by the City of Safford, Towns of Thatcher, Towns of Pima, Graham County, and Eastern Arizona University, the Gira Valley Leadership Program is a 10-year leadership and professional development program. It’s a monthly program. development skills. This program provides participants with a unique opportunity to develop relationships with community members and leaders while developing teamwork, organization and collaboration skills. Additionally, you will be given the opportunity to tour a range of facilities that contribute to the vitality of the Gila Valley community.
On Thursday, May 4, Cohort 17 visited Sean Wenham of Freeport McMorran to learn about the economic impact of copper mining on the region. Later that day, Linda Lopez, president of the Saint Vincent de Paul Association, gave a presentation to the group about the needs of the local homeless community. The group also moved boxes of homeless blankets to the Chamber of Commerce and participated in fundraising for the Safford First United Methodist Church luncheon.
The rest of the day was dedicated to local law enforcement, with presentations and demonstrations by local K9 police officers from Thatcher Town. One police officer wore full gear with a K9 training pad while orders were given to restrain and release the dog.
Graham County Sheriff PJ Allred gave a lecture to the unit and talked about his background, the Graham County Jail, and the types of cases seen in the county.
Brittany Dean, deputy president of the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, said she was thrilled to see her peers experience leadership in the Gila Valley. “Each member of Cohort 17 is very bright and very important in their role, so it is great to welcome them into Gila Valley leadership this year,” Dean said. “They say they learned from leadership this year and they helped us learn how to make it even better for future Gila Valley leadership cohorts. It was really nice to be with you.”
