Using Partnerships to Help Build a Stronger Community

2010 California Workforce ConferenceNewport Beach, CA

WHAT IS INNOVATION FRONTIER ARIZONA?

A partnership of industry, workforce, education and economic development entities working together to achieve 3 goals:

1. TALENT2. ENTREPRENEURSHIP3. COLLABORATION

3 KEY INGREDIENTS

• Economic Development• Education• Workforce Development

4 COUNTIES

IFA PROJECTS…

• Engage multiple systems • Involve multiple jurisdictions• Attract larger, long-term

investments• Spur systemic change and

alignment

BORDER COUNTIES

• Each county has border communities• Survey businesses to identify needs• Customized workplace literacy

programs for incumbent workers • Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Pre-academy• Developing talent within our

communities

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?• Global competition is about

economic regions• Talent is the key • Regional economic

development supports the development of industry clusters

Benefits of Regional Growth• Brings people together to think

creatively and cooperatively• Raises the economic vision• Jointly articulate regional needs• Builds trust which enables other projects• Creates opportunities for sharing of

expertise and experience• Encourages peer networking among

businesses to build relationships on similar issues

Yuma Manufacturing Association

• Collaboration of industry, economic development, workforce development and education entities

• Regional resource network for manufacturers

• Seeks to identify & share best production management and human resource practices

• Encourages interface between industry leadership in the region.

Yuma Manufacturing Association

• Expand the regions Industrial Manufacturing base

• Business Retention/Expansion efforts allow for the creation of targeted training programs

• Partnerships with K-12 & Yuma’s Arizona Western College create a pipeline of talent that meets the needs of Industry

• Positive industry outcomes as touted by companies such as Johnson Controls, Shaw Industries and Bose Corporation

WHAT DO WE GAIN?

• Grant funding• Business retention and

expansion• New collaborative partnerships• Business attraction• Pooled resources• Diversification

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Get to know your local Economic Development and Educational Entities

• Hold a regional forum• Do a SWOT analysis• List any special initiatives already in

progress and see how you might be able to leverage program revenues

THANKS!

Patricia RomantYuma Private Industry Council

promant@ypic.com928-329-0990

Mercedes MendivilYuma Private Industry Council

mmendivil@ypic.com928-329-0990

Greg LaVannGreater Yuma Economic

Development

glavann@greateryuma.org

928-782-7774