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New Camp Verde Economic Development Director is Committed to the Region

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Molly Spangler weaves historic charm with modern benefits.

Molly Spangler beams with excitement about embracing and enhancing the Town of Camp Verde as the new economic development director.

“We have a competitive advantage here in Camp Verde,” said Spangler, who served as economic development director in Sedona for six and a half years. “Camp Verde is one of the last communities that has agricultural rural character and a very cool historic downtown. There’s a lot of opportunity here and a great plan in place, alongside a coordinated effort and direction from the council, to move forward.”

Maintaining the persona of the Town of Camp Verde is one of Spangler’s top priorities. “Change is inevitable, like death and taxes, but I think our job is to make sure we’re balancing those community needs and values. We want Camp Verde to stay the way it is, but we also want the good stuff, like jobs. My role is not to copy what Sedona or Cottonwood or any other municipality is doing but to leverage what we want and define what our niche is.”

The Verde Valley encompasses Sedona, Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Prescott, Cornville, Jerome and Lake Montezuma. “When you work in one municipality here in the Verde Valley, you work regionally.  It’s the only way to make changes happen, so I’ve been working with my counterpart, former Town of Camp Verde Economic Director Steve Ayers, for several years.” Ayers just recently retired.

“When it came time to start a succession plan, I knew my first choice would be Molly. She has the skill set Camp Verde will need over the coming years to move forward in a thoughtful and strategic way,” said Ayers.  I couldn’t be happier that she accepted the position, knowing she will be the person leading Camp Verde’s economic development efforts for the foreseeable future.”

Small-town living is familiar to Spangler, as she grew up in Bluffs, Illinois, where the population was about 800. After college, Spangler joined the Peace Corps and spent a lot of time doing economic development work because she wanted to focus on environmental studies, which was not popular at the time.

“I was told that nobody cared about environmental work, so that’s when I started working in community and economic development and got my master’s in economics. I worked in Illinois for a few years before moving to Wyoming, where I stepped into the position of their state’s economic development agency, the Wyoming Business Council. I was there eight-and-a-half years and ran their Investment Ready Communities division.”

“Molly and I haven’t worked together long, but so far I’m really impressed with what she brings to the table,” said Camp Verde Interim Town Manager Gayle Mabery. “She has literally jumped in with both feet and has engaged the business community, working collaboratively with all the departments. I look forward to great things to happen in Camp Verde as a result of her efforts.”

Spangler joked that her primary goal is to find the bathrooms and conference rooms and learn everyone’s name. “The goals here are not my goals but the goals of the Town Council,” said Spangler. “Everyone I’ve been working with has been pretty wonderful. Our primary objective is to make sure we are moving along in our five-year community and economic development strategic plan. Top on the list is Main Street development and revitalization. We just had our first meeting.”

Another primary objective is to construct a sewer line along Highway 260 to have adequate infrastructure for future development.

The team at Town of Camp Verde Economic Development consists of Economic Development Specialists Crisi Clark and Sean Brooks, as well as three ambassadors at the visitor’s center.

“I feel that Camp Verde is very fortunate to have Molly on board. With her experience in economic development and her love of the area, she will be a great leader for our team and community,” said Clark.

“I worked with Molly in Sedona for about a year when I was with AmeriCorps Vista, also serving as economic specialist,” said Brooks. “I couldn’t be happier that she’s my director again. The transition has been smooth and positive and she will do great things for this community. She’s a great boss and incredibly smart. She knows economic development inside and out and I’m looking forward to our accomplishments together. She will do great things for this community.”

Outside of work, Spangler spends time with her husband, Andy, an elementary school teacher, and their 9-year-old son.

From the economic development front, FrameTec, a manufacturer and framing services company, has announced its expansion to Camp Verde. The business plans to operate out of a 110,000-square-foot facility and is scheduled to be open by 2024. FrameTec expects to create more than 180 new jobs.

 Best Advice
“Smart people ask questions,” was the advice I’ve been given, and I routinely give the same advice. In an effort to not make assumptions and to better understand the issues, we have to ask questions. I now say this regularly to my son, my team and myself, for the only way we can learn and help is to ask questions.

My Role Models 
Nothing’s more inspiring than watching a professional live their values of creating change, being brave and doing what it takes to see their goals come true. It’s inspiring when people volunteer their time to serve on boards and run for elected office to make a positive impact on their community. Many of my role models balance motherhood, professional jobs and adversity and that’s what motivates me to keep doing the work I get to do!

What I Would Tell My Younger Self 
I would tell her to spend more time enjoying the process and journey. Some of my fondest professional moments have been working with great partners on difficult projects. Those projects often felt insurmountable, but it was a true pleasure working alongside great people.

My Ideal Vacation
My ideal vacation involves spending time with people I love and exploring beautiful scenery. I love seeing different parts of our country and the world, meeting new people, experiencing new things and culture, and partaking in their local foods and traditions.

On a Day Off  
I love to read, hike, cook new recipes, do art and painting with my son, volunteer, and help family and friends. QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Camp Verde Economic Development Director Molly Spangler loves the historic town’s character and possibilities.

Two-Day Pecan, Wine Festival Returns to Camp Verde

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Fifteen of the best local wineries within the Verde Valley will be in attendance, pouring their newest releases by the glass, bottle and case.

Saturday, March 18 through Sunday, March 19 marks the 22ndAnnual Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival hosted by the Verde Valley Wine Consortium and the Town of Camp Verde, sponsored by Yavapai College and the Southwest Wine Center, SRP, the Arizona Office of Tourism and Larry Green Chevrolet. Celebrating two of the area’s prime tourism draws – wine and pecans – the free festival will feature 15 Arizona wineries along with a variety of pecans for pairing, a very competitive Pecan Pie contest, a Budweiser Beer Garden, food trucks and 70+ local artisans.

 “The Verde Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA) has achieved so much acclaim since its designation in 2021 that we are expecting a great turnout this year,” said Parks and Recreation Manager Michael Marshall.

Fifteen of the best local wineries within the Verde Valley will be in attendance, pouring their newest releases by the glass, bottle and case.

Wine tasting tickets (for attendees 21+) are available for $20 in advance by visiting www.verdevalleywine.org or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/camp-verde-pecan-and-wine-festival-tickets-479518782587.

Tickets will also be available at the door for $25 per person. Both include a commemorative glass provided by the Arizona Office of Tourism and six wine tasting tickets. Additional wine tasting tickets will be available for purchase at the event.

The festival runs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, March 18 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 19 in downtown Camp Verde (75 E. Hollamon Street). QCBN

For more information, visit cvaz.org or verdevalleywine.org.

Archaeology Center Becoming Popular Destination

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She explained that for decades, nearly every major artifact from the Verde Valley had been moved to another location.

The past few months have seen major increases in visitation to unique educational experiences provided by the Verde Valley Archaeology Center (VVAC) in the heart of Camp Verde.

Executive Director Monica Buckle attributes much of that increase to the “phenomenal” new location of the center in its new building at 460 W. Finnie Flat Road in the middle of town. “We ran out of space at our past site, so local donors have been exceptionally generous in helping us fund the new museum site.”

Buckle, a Cherokee native of Sallisaw, a small town on the Arkansas River in eastern Oklahoma, says she’s thrilled to be leading the only organization in the greater Verde Valley area that is dedicated to the collection, care, management and curation of archeological artifacts found in the Verde Valley.

She explained that for decades, nearly every major artifact from the Verde Valley had been moved to another location. She said the loss of artifacts through the years has been staggering, and that while Verde Valley artifacts are on exhibit in museums and universities around the world, it was only recently that local people became interested in preserving and restoring the continuity of Native American people and communities in Central Arizona. The Navajo, Hopi, Apache and Yavapai-Apache tribes allow the VVAC to be the foremost research and educational institution devoted to preserving, interpreting and celebrating the archaeology here, where Indigenous People have lived for thousands of years.

She credits much of the enthusiasm for creation of the VVAC to Paul Dyck, who moved to Arizona and became a local Western painter. He ultimately lived in Rimrock, a small community 10 miles north of Camp Verde. During its first few years, the museum grew slowly, but it became a non-profit 501(c)(3), now governed by a board of 10 directors who are led by Cheri Meyerhofer.

Once the VVAC bought the 11,000-square-foot, one-story building it now occupies for $1.1million, it spent months remodeling the former medical facility into a visually appealing facility with an entry hall, classrooms, exhibit rooms, research and educational laboratories and office space. The interior areas now feature murals and other artwork and exhibits that vividly reveal the creativity and lifestyles of the various tribes represented.

Much of the success in buying and remodeling is the result of a major grant from the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County (ACF). That loan was supported by longtime administrators ACF of Sedona Regional Director Jennifer Perry and ACF of Yavapai County Regional Director Lisa Sahady of Prescott.

Buckle works with five other paid staff employees: Director of Archaeology Kathryn Turner; Director of Collections Jeffrey H. King; Ethnobotanist and Historian Robert Estrada; Accountant Diane Happeny; and Director Emeritus Ken Zoll.

“A critical factor that lets us operate in our new facility is our large team of volunteers. We have more than 700 of them and they make possible all the exhibits and programs we present. What’s more, the number keeps growing,“ Buckle said. She also praises the leadership team at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff for its continuous support of the VVAC.

Buckle spent much of her early adult career in New York City, where she owned and coordinated galleries that featured Native American artwork. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, and later received a Master’s of Art Business degree from Sotheby Institute of Art in New York. She recently was named to the board of directors at the Mesa Verde Foundation in Colorado, which is an official philanthropic partner with the UNESCO World Heritage site program. Buckle also is affiliated with the Tucson Museum of Art and serves as a guest curator and Native American representative.

Buckle speaks enthusiastically about what she views as the future for the VVAC. “We are becoming a stellar place to learn and to grow in our knowledge of history and culture in the region. We want to make our program accessible to everyone – from youngsters to seniors – to have a meaningful learning experience in our hands-on experiential exhibits. Museums such as ours are the foundation for instilling pride in the past and opportunity for the future.”

The VVAC is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The “Kids’ Adventure Room” can be rented for children’s parties. Tickets are $10 for adults 18 to 64, and $5 for those 65 and older. They may be purchased online. Admission is free for those under 18, veterans, active-duty service members, Native Americans and NARM members. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information, visit https://www.verdevalleyarchaeology.org or call 928-567-0066.

Photo by Ray Newton: Executive Director Monica Buckle’s birth heritage is Cherokee from Oklahoma.

Big Bottling in Camp Verde

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“With a lot of grapes grown in the Wilcox area, Camp Verde is a great destination and shipping route for bottling grapes.”

Now that Verde Valley has been designated an American Viticulture Area (AVA), the Town of Camp Verde has racked up another achievement: Bottling more than 150 different wines, more than any other Arizona municipality.

Town of Camp Verde Economic Development Specialist Crisi Clark has validated this claim. “After researching several avenues in the viticulture industry, I was delighted to discover that Camp Verde bottles more wine than any other township in Arizona. We are grateful for the winemakers that have not only created employment for our town but have allowed Camp Verde to play a small part in this growing industry.”

Camp Verde Economic Development Director Steve Ayers says most wineries in Arizona are in unincorporated areas, not in cities or towns. “We did an analysis of where wines were bottled and where wineries were located and realized that Camp Verde clearly had the most bottling facilities within a municipal boundary. It was surprising for us and a distinction that we’re proud of.”

Camp Verde is a strategically important location with a large concentration of seasoned winemakers, said Arizona Stronghold Winery winemaker Jason McCluskey. “With a lot of grapes grown in the Wilcox area, Camp Verde is a great destination and shipping route for bottling grapes.”

“Our primary production facility is rather small and not conducive to a full-scale bottling operation,” said Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards National Sales Director Calvin Arnold. “The Camp Verde location allows us the space to house our bottling line and cased goods storage. This facility currently bottles wines produced under the Caduceus Cellars, Merkin Vineyards, Four Eight Wineworks, and Puscifer: Queen B labels.”

The verdant region of Camp Verde currently has three locally owned wineries, Alcantara Vineyards and Winery, Salt Mine Wine and Clear Creek Vineyard and Winery, which was the first to break ground in 1998 with its innovative sustainable organic methods of grape growing.

Each Camp Verde winery bottles its own wine.

Alcantara Vineyards and Winery was annexed into the Town of Camp Verde in 2020 and bottles 23 different wines at their winery. “We have 17 wines grown on our 87 acres,” said winemaker Ron Brumley. “Single varietal, merlot, cabernet and several blends. Aside from the 150 wines bottled here in Camp Verde, two-thirds of our wines are Verde Valley AVA.”

The small family-owned vineyard and winery Salt Mine Wine is located in a historic farming area of Camp Verde and specializes in growing Italian varietals such as Malvasia Bianca and Sangiovese.

As documented in the book, “Images of America Camp Verde,” by Steve Ayers and the Camp Verde Historical Society, the earliest pioneers came to the region in 1865. “Drawn by the promise of ample water, rich bottomland and lush grassland, a party of 17 men and two women left Prescott, Arizona heading east into the Verde Valley. The party established a farming and ranching community near the confluence of West Clear Creek and the Verde River. Over the next 35 years the settlement thrived and became known as Camp Verde.” QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

For more information about Camp Verde Wineries, visit visitcampverde.com.

Gabriela’s Taco Shop Serves Travelers, Locals Authentic Mexican Food

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Gabriela Goodman began her business selling burritos door-to-door.

With culinary generational ties originating from her hometown of Chihuahua, Mexico, Gabriela’s Taco Shop owner Gabriela Goodman learned early in life that hard work is the key to success.

As a single mother of six, Gabriela’s business began with selling burritos door-to-door in her Camp Verde neighborhood on Hollamon Street. “As sales grew, we then opened a tiny restaurant in our home and my mom, my sister, some friends and all six of my children helped with the business,” said Goldman, who works 12 to 14 hours a day.

As the oldest of 10 siblings, Goodman’s traditional family recipes were inspired by her mother and her grandmother, whom she calls “Nana.” Keeping with her native fare, Goodman has also taken steps to include a health-conscious menu for special diets. “I offer gluten free, vegetarian, Keto and vegan entrees,” she said. “My beans and rice are vegetarian with no fat or flour.”

As her business grew, Goldman moved her restaurant to downtown Camp Verde at the Montezuma Inn. “We then relocated to the Bashas’ shopping center and then to the I-17 and Highway 260 Interchange. We were at one location here for 10 years before shifting over to where we are now.”

Located among gas stations and franchised fast food restaurants, Gabriela’s Taco Shop was the only individually owned business at the interchange until recently.

“We really like where we are now,” said Goodman.  “We have good visibility and the drive-thru is really nice. Customers like the convenience.”

The small business owner says it’s important to have faith in what you do and have a plan. “I have a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly and five-year plan.”

Camp Verde resident Cindy Anthony has known Goodman since 1992 and has followed her through all her locations. “I think she has some of the best Mexican food in Camp Verde. I especially love her salsa. She uses fresh tomatillo, cilantro, cumin – so flavorful. My kids sometimes like to go to another Mexican food restaurant in another town and I will ask them to stop by Gabriela’s to get some of her salsa to take with us.”

Cheryl Sourdif has worked as a server for Gabriela’s Taco Shop for six months. “This is the first time I’ve worked in a Mexican food restaurant and learning about food from someone who actually cooks their ancestors’ recipes has been really fun and customers really enjoy it.”

Goodman’s daughter, Daphne, 17, has helped in the restaurant since she was 9.  “Working here has taught me a lot and has given me ambition to go out and make a better life for myself. I’ve developed good communication skills and this job has helped me to overcome my shyness,” she said. “I’m very proud of my mom.  She’s worked so hard and has never depended on anyone or any entity. When times would get tough, she found ways to make it through.”

Finding time away from the business is challenging for Goodman, but she does take Sundays off for church and to visit her children in Phoenix. She also has written several short stories for her eight grandchildren.

Gabriela’s Taco Shop and Authentic Mexican Food is located at 1580 State Route 260 at the Hwy I-17 and 260 interchange. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. For more information, call 928-567-2120 or visit gabrielasmexicanfood.com. QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Community Rallies to Support Animal Sanctuary

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The sanctuary is home to nearly 100 senior, special needs and hospice animals, the majority of which are livestock.

Animal Guardian Network (AGN), a 22-acre 501(c)(3) non-profit senior animal sanctuary located in Camp Verde, has received some help from the community.

It was discovered that an essential piece of equipment for the organization, a John Deere Gator, had disappeared. AGN representatives say word of the loss spread quickly through the area, which sparked outrage at the thought of a non-profit being robbed.

“People offered to help in different ways, like lending or donating equipment, offering rewards leading to an arrest and pitching in to help distribute bales of hay,” said AGN Founder and President Carrie Singer.

Three days after the equipment went missing, the Gator was found, although in barely-operable condition. According to Singer, an individual reached out to John Deere CEO John May, in hopes of assistance.

“The letter reached a top executive, who felt compelled to help,” she said. “Arizona Stotz Equipment dealers came together and each contributed to provide AGN with a 2019 HPX615E Gator, retail value of $12,000, for a total purchase price of $3,000.”

Hector Albarran, consumer products sales manager for Stotz Equipment, a family-owned John Deere dealership, was instrumental in coordinating efforts to facilitate a replacement. Hector, along with several other Stotz employees, worked together with the eight Arizona stores, each sharing in the donation of a HPX615E Gator. Tim and Genevieve Manatt of Cedar Falls, Iowa, generously donated the money to pay for the unplanned expense.

The sanctuary is home to nearly 100 senior, special needs and hospice animals, the majority of which are livestock. The theft created a hardship in the ability to distribute more than eight bales of hay a day to feed the animals.

“Stotz Equipment is dedicated to creating a better life for our families, communities and those connected to the land,” said Singer. “This upstanding and remarkable company sure lived up to their purpose, enabling a charitable organization to not only continue providing for the animals in their care but doing it efficiently with John Deere equipment.”

AGN is located in a serene setting along the Verde River. The sanctuary is staffed around the clock. For more information or to donate, visit animalguardiannetwork.org or contact Singer at 602-568-5636 or carrie@animalguardiannetwork.org. QCBN