She also said while populations have shown a steady decline, the demand for workers is at an all-time high. 
The county collaborates with ARIZONA@WORK, a statewide workforce development network, as well as the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG), which helps identify and create job opportunities.
During an awards luncheon Thursday, Aug. 12, Mary Mallory, speaking on behalf of the supervisors, praised the efforts of the organizations. “Yavapai County is fortunate in having the opportunity to advance workforce development for our businesses and residents because of this relationship between the Workforce Development Board, employers and job-seekers. The Board of Supervisors is honored to participate in awarding businesses and individuals who demonstrate leadership and determination in building a strong labor force in the county.”
Mallory presented two Leadership Awards and four Title 1 Achievement Awards. The leadership awards were given for “going over and beyond in building the Yavapai talent pipeline,” she said. Elan Electric, owned by Jim Johnson in Prescott Valley and Western Heritage Furniture, owned by Tim McCune in Jerome, received the leadership honors.
Individuals receiving achievement awards were:
Brandon Iurato, a member of the Cottonwood Police Department. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran and a formerly a U.S. Customs K-9 enforcement officer. Recently, Iurato had been selected to be the school resource officer for Mingus High School, a role he held until August.
Guy West, a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who served in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He now has joined the Founding Fathers Collective in Prescott as the property’s brand manager.
Dinah Youpel, a cosmetologist in Sedona. Youpel earlier had been a waitress until she was laid off because of the COVID-19 shutdowns. Through assistance from NACOG, Youpel attended Roger’s Academy of Beauty, where she graduated in September 2020. She now rents a space in Sedona and is employed full-time.
Lexxus DeLaCruz, a single parent with a 1-year-old son. After completing the Certified Nursing Assistant Training program offered by The Meadows Nursing Facility in Prescott Valley, she accepted a full-time job with Polara, formerly West Yavapai Guidance Clinic.
Those present received the 2020-2021 Annual Report from NACOG, which documents changes that have occurred in the workforce and local economies. “We are witnessing a severe and sudden shift in society,” said Yavapai County Workforce Development Board Executive Director Teri Drew.
She also said while populations have shown a steady decline, the demand for workers is at an all-time high. “The Yavapai County Workforce Development Board is working tirelessly to be innovative to meet the demand for workers. Our partners have stepped up to make a positive difference.”
It was noted the average hourly wage in Yavapai County is $20.98. Among those cooperating in the Innovative Workforce Solutions program in Yavapai County are ARIZONA@WORK, NACOG, the Department of Economic Security-Employment Administration and Veterans Services, the Department of Economic Security-Vocational Rehabilitation and the Education Division at Yavapai College. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
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