February 2007 Success Stories

Town of Miami to Support
Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation

For Release February 13, 2007

Miami, Arizona – Miami’s Town Council voted Monday evening to support the Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation (SGCEDC).

“This is fantastic,” said SGCEDC Executive Director Chris Martin. “The EDC is working very hard to help all of Southern Gila County and the Miami Town Council understands our plans. We appreciate Council’s confidence and we will do our very best to continue to earn that confidence. Thank you Miami.”

“It was also very gratifying to see some of the citizens of Miami speak in favor of supporting the EDC and some even offering to help us personally with their own money,” said Ed Carpenter, Chairman of the SGCEDC. “Our sincere thanks to Council, the citizens of Miami, Mayor Medina, and Town Manager, Robert Mawson for believing in our vision. By their vote, they help us to continue the momentum generated by the Gila County Supervisors, the Town of Winkelman, the Town of Hayden, APS, Southwest Gas, and others who have stepped up to help us.”

The SGCEDC is working to acquire property and help build a spec building to attract new manufacturing jobs to the community. The group also plans to establish a small business loan fund to help local entrepreneurs, The SGCEDC is convening a panel to help increase low to moderate income housing possibilities, and seeks to help solve the regional meth problem.

SGCEDC is engaged in partnerships that include the Arizona Department of Commerce, the Copper Corridor Regional Economic Development Coalition, APS Community Development, and the Arizona Association for Economic Development.

Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation
Convenes Housing Group

For Release February 8, 2007

Globe, Arizona – The Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation (SGCEDC) hosted the first in a series of meetings aimed at helping solve housing issues in Southern Gila County Wednesday, February 7.

Attending were officials from Winkelman, San Carlos, Miami, Hayden, and Globe. Joining them were community stakeholders, local realtors and developers, project managers and coordinators from the Housing and Economic Development Fund of the National Farm Workers Service, housing specialists from APS, and SGCEDC board members.

“One of the most significant problems we face in economic development is a shortage of attainable housing for low to moderate income families,” explained SGCEDC Chairman, Ed Carpenter. “The Spring, 2006 Drachman Institute study prepared for the Town of Miami and the City of Globe revealed that there is a critical shortage of attainable units in Globe and Gila County. Part of our mission in economic development is to help facilitate ways to solve that problem.”

“We know the gap will only be exacerbated by the hundreds of new jobs being created by the mines,” said SGCEDC Executive Director, Chris Martin. “Several points were revealed during the meeting including that we do not have current data on how many jobs are being created and when they will come on line. We will work to find out that information.”

Public perceptions concerning housing issues were also discussed including the question of what attainable housing is and what it means to a community. Some attendees felt the public perception is that there is little or no land available for new multiple or single unit dwellings. There is land available.

“It was a good first step toward solving housing issues,” said Carpenter. “We now know that there are other groups that need to be at the table in future meetings. We also know we can help inform the community on this critical need. We will be working on these points and others in the days and weeks ahead.”

“This is an issue that concerns all of us in the Southern Gila County community,” said Martin. “It is wonderful to see people from all over the community working together to help solve this issue. We look forward to our next gathering.”

The next meeting is scheduled for March 7 at the Globe Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce conference room in Globe.

Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation
Receives Funds from Southwest Gas

For Release February 1, 2007

Globe, Arizona – Southwest Gas Corporation, as a member of the Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation (SGCEDC) Board of Directors, has shown their support for economic development in Southern Gila County. Southwest Gas has contributed $1500 as a membership contribution to support the SGCEDC and its goal of furthering economic diversification in the Southern Gila County service area.

Russ Fetterman, Mountain District Manager for Southwest Gas said "The SGCEDC is making tremendous strides in laying the groundwork for attraction of new business into the Southern Gila County corridor, which is essential to the future economic well being of the area. Executive Director, Chris Martin is an outstanding asset for the SGCEDC. He works exceptionally well with the board and has the needed experience to help develop a viable marketing plan. SGCEDC Board Chairman, Ed Carpenter, is doing an excellent job of working with Chris and we are looking forward to great things in the future."

“We sincerely appreciate Southwest Gas as a partner for economic development,” said Chris Martin. “Their financial contribution will help us achieve our vision of diversified job growth for the Southern Gila County community, and we also greatly appreciate Mr. Fetterman as a valued board member.”

The Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation is a committed facilitator promoting quality, diversified economic development and supporting the existing economy to achieve lasting prosperity for the Southern Gila County Community.

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