GYEDC December 2023 Newsletter

MISSION STATEMENT

To expand economic activity within Yuma County by attracting commerce and industry to the region, and by assisting in developing the region's existing industry to its fullest potential.

VISION STATEMENT

Greater Yuma will be recognized as a globally competitive region - one that embraces advancing technology, attracts and retains human capital and continues to develop & foster the amenities that make the Yuma Region a great place to live and work.

Message from the Interim President & CEO

Hello Investors and Partners,

Office parties are in full effect and vacation trips are booked but we are not slowing down at GYEDC. The month of November was filled with exciting company announcements and even more promising developments planned for the new year. I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter. We also want to see each of you at our January Luncheon - "Fixing the Childcare Crisis in Greater Yuma" It's a societal issue impacting every industry and almost every family. Our luncheon will address the problem head on and provide solutions we can deploy to help our local residents. Please bring your thoughts and ideas to the event. We would love to hear from our business and community leaders!

Lastly, I encourage every investor to review their investor benefits to ensure you are taking advantage of the extensive services we offer. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or may be in need of support with your growth plans.

The staff at GYEDC remains grateful for the opportunity to serve this amazing region that gives so much back to us and our families.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

Greg LaVann

GYEDC's Highlights

Yuma Manufacturers' Association Meeting

The Yuma Manufacturers' Association convened in December at Clarios Battery to discuss APS Green Energy programs, MCAS Exiting Marine Talent Recruitment, and Arizona Commerce Authority Incentives/Training. If you are interested in learning more about these programs for your business expansion plans please contact us.

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EVelution Recognized for Contribution to Arizona

EVelution is updating the design of its planned solar-powered cobalt processing facility in Yuma County to potentially double its output and produce enough material for use in almost one million EVs a year. GYEDC is excited to work with this company and expand advanced manufacturing within Yuma County. The project capital investment is estimated at $200 million and the creation of 300 construction jobs and 60 permanent jobs, which may rise to 90 with the proposed expansion.

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GYEDC's CIO Amber Shek Partners with Local CTE Students

GYEDC's CIO worked with Yuma Union High School District's CTE program to facilitate students gaining experience in their specific trade. Two students from Kofa High School's Photography Department joined us at our Annual Investor Luncheon in October. This sparked a conversation and one of the students was offered an opportunity by an investor in attendance.

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GYEDC's Quarteryly Investor Luncheon Coming Up

A recent report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation revealed Arizona has one of the highest rates (16%) of children living with a family member who are unable to work due to child care issues. Access to quality, affordable child care that meets the needs of Greater Yuma's workforce is a crisis affecting families and employers in our own community. Please join GYEDC and the Greater Yuma Child Care Task Force for a discussion about specific issues and how we can work together to create solutions.

Reserve Your Spot!

INVESTORS MAKING NEWS

AEA’s Continues Tradition of “Giving Everyday” in December

Started in 2017 in honor of AEA’s 75th Anniversary, Giving Everyday has become an annual tradition that the AEA Team looks forward to each year. Over the past six Decembers, AEA has donated over $100,000 to local non-profits and volunteered countless hours. Each day, the surprises are shared on AEA’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter pages. For more information on the annual “Giving Everyday” campaign, contact Miriam Limon at 928-373-5408 or visit www.aeafcu.org.

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The University of Arizona Yuma Receives USDA Grant

The University of Arizona Yuma and three partner colleges have been awarded a USDA grant to equip the next generation of highly skilled agricultural workers and reduce barriers for Hispanic students seeking a bachelor's degree in agricultural career areas

AWC Honored by APS

Arizona Western College was recognized by APS today for its energy savings and sustainability practices in the construction of its new Matador Activity Center (MAC) housed at the Yuma Campus. To honor AWC for its efforts, APS presented the college with an equipment rebate check for over $9,300 as well as a distinction of Clean Energy Project Achievement. The award recognizes AWC for: estimated annual energy savings of 53,000 kWh, reduced generation equivalent to 635,000 pounds of carbon eliminated, carbon offset equivalent to 550 trees planted, reduced generation equivalent to 161,000 gallons of water saved.

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City of San Luis to Receive Federal Funds for César Chávez Boulevard Improvement

Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Arizona) said the City of San Luis will receive $25 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to improve César Chávez Boulevard and other improvements. This project will include stormwater infrastructure improvements, bus stops, intersection improvements, fiber, bike facilities, and sidewalks (Source: KYMA).

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Electric Vehicle Travel Center to Open in Yuma

Set to open in January 2024, this state-of-the-art facility will have complimentary dog walking, car washes, snacks, and more! This is a 1.2 million dollar investment and the fast charging stations can charge in just 15 minutes! Visit www.kyma.com for more info!

EVENTS/BUSINESS RESOURCES

ACA Offers Library with 100s of Webinars

From finance to marketing, you can find information, training and insights into all aspects of your business in the library. Click below to learn more.

Content Library

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Childcare Center and In-Home Chilcare Forum

GYEDC, AZ at Work, CCRR, First Things First and SBDC Arizona have all partnered to bring you the Childcare Center and In-Home Chilcare Forum. This forum will feature presentations by local organizations, networking, and information stations on how Greater Yuma can meet the needs of many needing childcare while they work. Reach out to GYEDC for more information at mapperson@greateryuma.org

COMMUNITY

Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Receives Grant

Three-thousand students can participate in the Yuma Live History Adventure field trips from October through April to learn about and experience nature and history. The grant will provide an all expenses paid field trip to Yuma’s two state historic parks and Yuma East Wetlands.

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Arizona Metal Center Opens its Doors in Yuma, Arizona!

"The owner's goal is to exceed the customers' expectations and keep contributing to the economy." Orduño says, "There was a lack of steel supplier options in town and decided to invest and contribute to our economy by hiring more locals." Source KYMA

Visit Yuma Unveils 2024 Travel Guide

The 2024 Yuma Travel Guide features local photographers, #LoveYuma photos, and so much more!

Download the Travel Guide

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Kelly Secures Key Arizona and National Security Priorities in Final Passage of Annual Defense Bill

Senate Armed Services Committee member and 25-year Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly announced that he secured major Arizona and national security priorities in the final version of the 2024 fiscal year defense bill. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support and is expected to pass the House this week and be signed into law. The bill advances new missions at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base; provides more than $66 million to fund planning, design, and construction of major infrastructure projects at military bases across Arizona; and maximizes U.S. leadership in developing the next generation of microchips. This bill raises servicemember pay by 5.2%. Image: Senator Mark Kelly Facebook