Verde Valley Leadership dual graduation, Legacy project dedication puts emphasis on servant leadership

Verde Valley Leadership celebrated the graduation of Class VIII and Class IX. The program has changed from a two-year to a one-year commitment, resulting in this dual graduation. Graduation is a time for family, friends, employers and VVL Alumni to share and honor Verde Valley Leadership.

Being true to its mission statement, To Inspire Individuals Into Action, VVL has been growing and training leaders for nine years. Class members from all over the Verde Valley with different backgrounds and diversities learn about the community and servant leadership through a variety of activities, creating awareness and opportunities in the region.

As a two-year program, the second year encompassed the class creating and completing a legacy project ... giving back to the community. Class VII showcased its finished Legacy project; a shade sail over the kids playground at Riverfront Park.

Class VIII announced its Legacy project - an ongoing legacy to benefit youth leadership through scholarships.

As a one-year program, Class IX finishes their year with a day of service. The class chose to make improvements to Buena Vista Children Services Clarkdale location.

The evening acknowledged the outgoing Board of Directors and introduced the incoming Board. The evening ended with current VVL President Greg Feltman handing the baton to incoming President Kathy Wombacher.

Verde Valley Leadership will welcome Class X and begin its journey Aug. 29.

Verde Valley Leadership Class 7 Legacy Project Dedicated

The Verde Valley Leadership Class VII Legacy Project ribbon cutting and dedication was held at Riverfront Park July 15, with Mayor Diane Joens cutting the ribbon. The Legacy project added poles and a shade cover to the children's play area. Many donors and supporters helped to complete the project.

Sponsors include Lawler Construction for overseeing the project; APS manpower and equipment; the City of Cottonwood staff; BJ Shelton, Barnworks Fabrication & Welding; Mingus welding students; CEMEX for the concrete; and Home Depot for the paint. A special thanks to Greg Feltmann, APS, for VVL Board Support.

Financial Contributions were received from VVL Class VII, VVL Board Members, and the community: City of Cottonwood, Country Bank, Front Burner Media, Helen & Dieter Bartels, Jody & Al Filardo, Jane & Mike Hansen, Jason Blount, Kyla Allen, Marcia Myers, Minerals Research & Recovery, P&L Industries (Laserlyte), Rebecca Hernandez, Rudy Rodriguez, Spectrum Healthcare, The Rachel Ann Foundation, Janie Randall, Vetraplex, Yavapai Fence

Members of Verde Valley Leadership Class VII include, Darrell Yoakum, APS; Lisa Rhodes, Spectrum Healthcare; Kirsten Lennon, City of Cottonwood; Donna Retegan, Sedona Chamber of Commerce; Todd Conaway, Yavapai College; Nicole James, Yavapai County Juvenile Probation; and Chris Heyer, Yavapai College.

Verde Valley Leadership is a comprehensive leadership program providing professional and personal growth and advancement opportunities in the Verde Valley. For more information, or to speak with someone about the program, find answers to your questions, or learn more please visit the website www.vvleadership.org, or contact them at: info@vvleadership.org.