Mayors & industry leaders ponder the future at Yavapai College economic summit
Clarkdale, Arizona — Growth and sustainability. Industry and opportunity. How can Yavapai County reconcile these values and forge them into an economic plan? Civic and industry leaders met with local mayors on Tuesday to table partisan agendas, explore common ground and plan a vibrant future for our community at Session Three of the Yavapai County Economic Prosperity Network Summit, held at Yavapai College’s Verde Valley Campus.
“The work we’re doing together matters.” Dr. Marylou Mercado, Yavapai College’s Vice President of Workforce Development, Health Sciences and Public Services, told the gathering. “Because the future of workforce and economic development in Yavapai County depends on our ability to learn from one another, listen to each other and understand how our communities are connected. Thank you for coming – with curiosity and care, and a shared commitment to the prosperity of our region.”
Brokered by Yavapai College, the five-hour summit brings county business, academic and political leaders together in a cordial environment to examine economic challenges and workforce opportunities. Participants explore a range of presentations and ideas, which they examine in casual conversation and workshops in order to offer solutions and pose possible paths forward.
Tuesday’s summit featured local mayors from the Verde Valley region detailing the workforce and economic development needs of their communities. Yavapai College’s Vice President of Community Relations and Legislative Affairs Jack Smith and Executive Director of Government Relations Richard Hernandez moderated a panel that included Cottonwood Mayor Ann Shaw, Clarkdale Mayor Robyn Prud’homme-Bauer and Sedona Mayor Holli Ploog.
“I’m really excited to see a roomful of passionate people ready to get to work.” Yavapai County District 3 Supervisor Nikki Check told the assembly in her opening address. A Yavapai College graduate and a former Viticulture & Enology instructor, Check paralleled today’s workforce opportunities to the early days of the Northern Arizona wine industry. “Back then, there was a mad rush of people wanting to invest – and a lot of expensive failures, honestly.” Progress only came, she explained, after Yavapai College and community leaders gathered to develop a workforce and support local entrepreneurs. “It was a collaborative effort that started this program, that built the infrastructure and connections we needed to be successful.”
The Yavapai County Economic Prosperity Network is a seven-summit project that began in November 2025. The Yavapai College program is designed to draw thought leaders from across the political spectrum. Business Department Chair Dr. Megan E. Hanna guides them through a shared, systems thinking study of the county’s economic system – its engines, opportunities, obstacles and resources. Ideas for growth spring naturally from the shared study, and each one is discussed with an eye toward fostering practical solutions. Hanna says it’s a deliberate process that can yield great results. “Once we [understand] how the system is behaving, we can start putting together coordinated action,” she explained. “While understanding the system can take time, Hanna emphasized: “I would say trust the process. Because we are going to get there.”
The Yavapai County Economic Prosperity Network will continue their discussions at the next YCPEN summit in the fall.
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, six
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