Contribution article
SAFFORD — The Graham County Chamber of Commerce shares the educational journey of the Gila Valley Leadership Cohort 17 in the group’s latest session focused on agriculture.
On Thursday, March 2, Cohort 17 visited Randy Norton, director of the University of Arizona Safford Agricultural Center, and local farmer Sam Daley to discuss the importance of cotton to Gila Valley small business owners and the economy at large. I learned about
Cohort 17 also visited a neighbor’s farm and pantry in Safford to discuss a growing garden used to feed those in need.
After lunch, the group traveled to Wilcox to discuss farming with Caleb Blaschke, the town manager of Wilcox. After this introduction and discussion, the group toured the Tirito farm, where they saw a dairy cow give birth to a calf, whom they named Graham.
After Tirito Farm, the group visited Nature Sweet Tomato Farm.
“It was a great experience for Cohort 17,” said Vance Bryce, Executive Director of Commerce.
The Gira Valley Leadership Program is a 10-month monthly leadership and professional development program led by the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, City of Safford, Town of Thatcher, Town of Pima, Graham County and Eastern Arizona College. Delegates enrolled in the program will have the opportunity to develop relationships with community members and leaders and develop teamwork, organization and collaboration skills.
They will also be given the opportunity to tour many of the institutions that make up the wheels of the Gila Valley community.
