COTTONWOOD ARIZONA
2022 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE
Inspiring a Vibrant Community www.growcottonwoodaz.com
WELCOME FROM THE MAYOR
COTTONWOOD, ARIZONA
‘THE HEART OF ARIZONA WINE COUNTRY’
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ottonwood is nestled in the beautiful upper Verde Valley of Northern Arizona with the free-flowing Verde River winding through the center of town. Framed on the east by the Red Rocks and to the west by majestic Mingus Mountain, Cottonwood is a stunning community with activities year round. Initially founded as an agricultural community, Cottonwood later served as the commercial hub for all mining activity in the region. Today, we are proud to remain the commercial center of the Verde Valley and pride ourselves on the familyowned businesses that thrive here. Recent revitalization of our commercial Old Town Historic District has accelerated growth in the wine industry, which follows our community tagline ‘Heart of Arizona Wine Country.’ This burgeoning industry attracts people from around the globe and is supported in partnership with our local Yavapai Community College through its enology and viticulture programs. There is great potential for growth in the tourism sector, as we are becoming known as a recreation destination for the active traveler.
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We are proud to have an airport within our city and a large commercial and industrial airpark complex that surrounds our airport property. Developed and undeveloped land is available for lease to suit a variety of business needs in multiple sectors. We are easy to access by air, as well as by land only 20 miles away from the I-17 corridor, which provides quick entry to the Phoenix metropolitan area (1 ½ hours away) and the Northern Arizona I-40 corridor of Flagstaff (1 hour and 15 minutes from Cottonwood). We are proud of our small-town charm and work hard to attract visitors and residents who appreciate our natural resources and quality of life. Our council is forward thinking and our city staff is always focused on efficiency and the betterment of our community. In Cottonwood, we are open for business, and you are welcome here.
Tim Elinski Tim Elinski Mayor, City of Cottonwwod
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
COTTONWOOD Economic Development
Vol. 1
Tourism & Economic Development Office 827 N. Main St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Tourism and Economic Development Director Tricia Lewis 928.340.2729 | tlewis@cottonwoodaz.gov
Produced & Published in collaboration with ROX Media, LLC 844.729.9769 rox-media.com
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Welcome Located in Arizona’s Verde Valley, Cottonwood is an ideal place to live, work and play
Economic Profile
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Verde Valley Wine Trail
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About Cottonwood
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The ‘Heart of Arizona Wine Country’
Cottonwood has a rich and lengthy history
Community Resources The resources available provide a strong, more resilient community
Recreation
Bea Lueck, General Manager Julie Turetzky, Project Manager Jacey Bailey, Executive Sales & Marketing Assistant
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Friends of the Verde River
520.426.2074 | info@roxco.com
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Health Care
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Education
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Housing
Proximity Map As the commercial hub of the Verde Valley, Cottonwood is situated ideally for business, residents and tourists
Cottonwood Municipal Airport and the Verde Shuttle
Laurie Fisher, Associate Publisher
Shannon Price, Graphic Designer
Vineyards in Verde Valley grow more than 40 wine grape varieties
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Transportation
Cottonwood offers endless outdoor recreation and activities
Information & Demographics
American Viticultural Area (AVA)
Elaine Earle, Publisher
Photography Blushing Cactus Photography
Friends of the Verde River has deep roots in Cottonwood reaching back to the spring of 2007
Cottonwood provides the highest quality of care for families throughout the Verde Valley
Cottonwood offers quality education for K-12, and Yavapai College offers learning options for all lifestyles
Housing information for Cottonwood and the Verde Valley
Every effort is made to make this publication as accurate as possible. The City of Cottonwood and ROX Media LLC & affiliated companies (collectively, the “publishers”) will assume no responsibility for errors, changes, representations or omissions. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any way without the express, written permission of the publishers. Users of this publication are encouraged to verify all data and information of material interest to the user. The publishers make no endorsement, representation or warranty regarding any goods or services advertised in this publication. Unless otherwise noted, all images are courtesy of the City of Cottonwood. Advertisements are provided by the subject companies and the publishers shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or infringement of any third party’s rights therein, or for personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.
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WELCOME
YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!
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ocated in Arizona’s Verde Valley, this charming community is home to approximately 12,600 residents and serves a greater Verde Valley population of about 40,000. Its 3,300-foot-elevation, mild climate and natural amenities such as the Verde River combine to make Cottonwood an ideal place to live, work and play. Located in the “heart” of Arizona and the heart of wine country, Cottonwood is ideally situated above the heat of the desert and below the cooler temperatures of Arizona’s high country. Surrounded by the red rocks of Sedona to the north east and Mingus Mountain to the south west, its lower elevation makes it a perfect spot for your next Arizona adventure. We know you’ll find something for everyone, and in Cottonwood you are welcome! Cottonwood is the vibrant commercial trade center of the Verde Valley and is a thriving community boasting awardwinning wineries and tasting rooms, a wonderful year-round climate, a superior quality of life, ample outdoor attractions and a level of convenience with sophistication others dream about. The City of Cottonwood created the Tourism and Economic Development
Department to promote the local economy while advancing local and regional tourism initiatives. Our focus is to enhance economic vitality and engagement between the City’s new tourism/economic development team and the business community. This department is a resource for information about business attraction, relocation, retention/ expansion, community development and/or redevelopment. It is our goal to be the first stop for those seeking to do business within Cottonwood city limits. With this focus, we are knowledgeable about the business culture and the community and strive to engage proactively with entrepreneurs seeking vital economic data specific to Cottonwood. Our team is focused on promoting Cottonwood as a tourism and business destination and is skilled in developing and maintaining effective resources and relationships throughout the community. Our team is friendly, approachable, resourceful and focused on creating a successful partnership with the business community in Cottonwood. You are welcome here!
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ECONOMIC PROFILE
COTTONWOOD
INFORMATION & DEMOGRAPHICS POPULATION:
12,180
EMPLOYMENT SECTORS In 2021, the leading industries in Cottonwood were Health Care and Social Services, Retail, Accommodation and Food Services, and Education.
LABOR FORCE:
5,758
TRANSPORTATION Average commute:
18 minutes 2 miles to freight rail
1 airport in the community (+5 within 50 miles)
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME:
$48,829 EDUCATION
28.66% with at least some college or post-secondary
TOP OCCUPATIONS
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AGRICULTURE
OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
BIOTECH/BIOSCIENCES
13.5%
HEALTHCARE SUPPORT
8.9%
FOOD PREPARATION, SERVING
in the community
7.95%
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EXECUTIVE, MANAGERS, AND ADMINISTRATORS
within 50 miles
Total Sales in Milllions
SALES
11.96%
COLLEGES OFFERING ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE
INDUSTRIES
7.68%
$4.04M
$26.02M
HEALTH CARE
$28.84M
HIGH-TECH MANUFACTURING
$2.72M
LOGISTICS
$5.48M
Source: www.arizonaprospector.com W W W.G R O W C O T T O N W O O D A Z .C O M
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THE WINE TRAIL
AMERICAN
VITICULTURAL AREA (AVA)
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he U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau named the Verde Valley an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2021. This prized designation identifies the unique geography, topography, soils and climate of the Verde Valley as a federally recognized grape-growing region.
Vineyards in the Verde Valley AVA grow more than 40 wine grape varieties, including the white grape varieties malvasia bianca, viognier, chardonnay, vermentino, seyval blanc and picpoul blanc. Red grape varieties include syrah, petite sirah, cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese, tannat and barbera.
Designating the Verde Valley AVA gives vintners the opportunity to describe the origin of the grapes used to make their wines to consumers alongside Arizona’s first two AVAs, Sonoita and Willcox.
Yavapai College is located within the AVA and offers classes, certificates and an associate degree in viticulture (the study of grapes) and enology (the study of wine and winemaking). The college operates a commercial, licensed and bonded teaching winery, a teaching vineyard and a tasting room collectively known as the Southwest Wine Center in Clarkdale.
In the geographic center of Arizona, the Verde Valley AVA covers 219 square miles in northeastern Yavapai County centered on the junction of Oak Creek and the Verde River. Approximately 79 square miles (36%) of the AVA is privately owned land. The Verde Valley AVA includes 19 commercial vineyards farming more than 136 acres of wine grapes. Twenty-four more acres are planned within the next three years. The region boasts 25 tasting rooms.
Enrollment in these programs has risen steadily since its inception in 2009. Many of the school’s alumni are now working in the Verde Valley wine industry. For more information visit www.verdevalleyava.org.
VERDE VALLEY WINE TRAIL
THE ‘HEART OF ARIZONA WINE COUNTRY’
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ottonwood loves wine — a very particular kind of wine. One that speaks to its roots while lending itself to food. Wine with high-quality grapes sourced from lowyielding vineyards throughout the Verde Valley, grown by individuals who value meticulous farming practices that allow Mother Nature to speak. Be it grown in Cottonwood or in a neighboring town, we can say we create world-class wines that reflect the stories of the people and the places with which we work in harmony. The Verde Valley Wine Consortium promotes, enhances and connects every part of the wine community in the Verde Valley. We assist in creating, nurturing and advancing the Verde Valley as a significant and important wine region — locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
We chose Cottonwood for our home because it is fast becoming known as the ‘Heart of Arizona’s Wine Country.’ Being at the center of a vibrant, wellestablished tourist industry that invites visitors to explore the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Jerome, we capitalize on a strong infrastructure of tasting rooms, restaurants and outdoor adventures. Establishing our base of operations in the center of this economic growth allows us to promote one of our core objectives — to market the wine industry for all stakeholders. The consortium supports numerous events hosted by the City of Cottonwood. Notably, we will continue to support and promote the Verde Valley Wine Trail in cooperation with the City of Cottonwood.
Verde Valley Wine Trail
www.vvwinetrail.com Located in beautiful Northern Arizona, the Verde Valley Wine Trail invites wine enthusiasts to experience a destination rich in history, beauty and the production of exquisite Arizona wines. There are many wineries and tasting rooms on the trail offering a variety of skillfully crafted wines to satisfy any wine taster’s palate. Each has a unique personality and distinct wines for visitors to discover along the Wine Trail.
For more on the Verde Valley Wine Consortium visit www.verdevalleywine.org. W W W.G R O W C O T T O N W O O D A Z .C O M
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ABOUT
COTTONWOOD
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ottonwood’s roots began during the 1870s when soldiers from nearby Camp Verde were stationed at what is now the City of Cottonwood. As settlers began to move into the area, the community expanded and Cottonwood was founded in 1879.
and a public library. Cottonwood offers community facilities including a swimming pool, civic center, recreation center, sports fields and community parks, and a trails system that continues to expand. The City also operates and maintains water and wastewater utility, a cemetery, and a municipal airport.
Between 1915 and 1917, Cottonwood began building their town and by March of 1917 Cottonwood began booming. By the 1920s, there was not another town in the United States that could boast of so many business houses for a population of about 1,000. For many years, Cottonwood was called the “biggest little town in Arizona.”
The City of Cottonwood has grown to a size of 27.4 square miles and a population of over 12,000 within its city limits.
On November 14, 1960 the community incorporated as the Town of Cottonwood and John Garrett was elected as the first mayor. In 1987, voters approved a name change to the City of Cottonwood. The City of Cottonwood provides a full range of municipal services, including law enforcement and fire suppression. Other services include road maintenance, park and recreational services, regulation of building and zoning codes, animal control,
Today, the incorporated City of Cottonwood stands as the commercial hub of the Verde Valley and serves a regional population of approximately 55,000. Old Town Cottonwood has become a primary tourist destination in the area and attracts visitors from across the globe to enjoy local wine, art, music, shopping, cafes, and restaurants. The wine industry in Cottonwood has consistently grown and has inspired the City’s branding of “The Heart of Arizona Wine Country.” With its moderate climate, prized natural resources, small town charm, combined with all the amenities often found in larger cities, Cottonwood is on a path of steady growth.
The Verde Valley Region The Verde Valley includes about 714 square miles in the geographic center of Arizona, about 100 miles north of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Verde River runs through the valley from northwest to southeast and is augmented by flows from Sycamore Canyon, Oak Creek, Beaver Creek and West Clear Creek. The area is unsurpassed in its variety of physical beauty with the red rocks and Mogollon Rim to the north and east and the Black Hills and Mingus Mountain dominating the western and southern portions of the valley. The City of Cottonwood is adjacent to the Verde River at elevations ranging from 3,300 feet to 3,900 feet above sea level and experiences a temperate climate which, together with its proximity to an abundance of natural amenities such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Tuzigoot National Monument and the historic mining communities of Cottonwood, Clarkdale and Jerome, continues to attract steady growth and tourism.
PROXIMITY MAP
Grand Canyon National Park
Las Vegas
Kingman
Flagstaff Sedona
Cottonwood Los Angeles
Albuquerque
Laughlin
Prescott
Camp Verde
100 miles
Phoenix
San Diego
200 miles
Yuma Tucson
300 miles
Cottonwood’s location is beyond ideal It boasts the benefits of all four seasons because of its proximity between the desert and the high country. Small-town charm meets the sophistication of the wine industry, and Old Town teems with dynamic restaurants, shops and award-winning tasting rooms. As the commercial hub of the Verde Valley, Cottonwood offers something for everyone. Many would praise the affordability, accessibility and ease of getting through town without congestion, and reflect on an experience that is life-changing.
Cottonwood Distance in Miles
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104 MILES from the Phoenix metropolitan area (1-hour, 42-minute drive) 16 MILES to Interstate 17 from Cottonwood/Camp Verde (25-minute drive) 19 MILES to Sedona (25-minute drive) 43 MILES to Prescott (1-hour, 9-minute drive) 64 MILES to Flagstaff (1-hour, 7-minute drive) 143 MILES to the Grand Canyon (2-hour, 16-minute drive) 282 MILES to Las Vegas (4-hour, 5-minute drive)
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OLD TOWN COTTONWOOD
COMMUNITY RESOURCES Old Town Association www.oldtown.org The Old Town Association exists to create and promote community events along Historic 89A in Old Town Cottonwood. We hope to encourage the growth of tourism for the economic development of entrepreneurs and a return to Main Street America. Old Town Cottonwood is ideally situated near the Verde River, offering a variety of recreational activities that include camping, picnicking, horseback riding and fishing. With nearby RV parks, a multitude of wineries and vineyards, year-round community events and surrounding attractions including Dead Horse Ranch State Park and the Tuzigoot Indian Ruins, visiting Old Town provides a spectrum of activities to please everyone. Greater Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce www.cottonwoodchamber.org The Greater Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce is a member-focused organization and community partner that fosters a sustainable, healthy and vibrant economic environment through business promotion, advocacy education and services.
The Chamber’s core objectives are:
⁃ Creating a strong local economy ⁃ Promoting the local community ⁃ Providing networking opportunities
The list of amenities our facility offers is long, but here are a few noteworthy ones:
⁃ World-class fitness center
Cottonwood Recreation Center The mission of the Cottonwood Recreation Center is to “Inspire a Vibrant Community” through engaging event programs and connection opportunities.
⁃ Full-service multiuse gymnasium
We believe an engaged and involved community is the catalyst for success. We are proud to connect with our citizens and create a sense of community through our program offerings and opportunities.
⁃ Other fitness and recreation areas
The Cottonwood Recreation Center is a multigenerational facility in the heart of Arizona’s Wine Country. The facility is a host for many large-scale community events such as Toys for Tots, Operation Graduation and our New Year’s Eve Grape (balloon) Drop. Our 53,000-square-foot facility
Our mission: To promote a vibrant business community, serve as the voice for commerce and enhance the quality of life in Cottonwood. The Chamber exists to be a 3C organization: Catalyst for business growth; Convener of leaders and influencers who make things happen; and Champion for a stronger community.
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serves our community in many capacities and is its crowning jewel.
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with basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts
⁃ 60,000 gallon indoor water park including aerobics rooms, a rock wall, game room and party rooms
⁃ Three conference rooms and a fullservice catering kitchen
Cottonwood Public Library www.ctwpl.info Adjacent to the Cottonwood Recreation Center and Garrison Park, Cottonwood Public Library is the ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.
Library cont. We provide a large area for adults and a spacious and separate area for youth and families. Our library offers free-to-use computers, free Wi-Fi and low-cost printing to everyone who needs it. We proudly cultivate a diverse collection of books and movies available in English and Spanish with monthly additions of popular new releases. Cottonwood Public Library
hosts a wide variety of weekly groups and classes for all ages, including yoga for adults and programs such as Chess Club and Comic Book Club for youth. Discover something new at the Cottonwood Public Library today. Cottonwood Library offers services including:
⁃ Free meeting room and study spaces ⁃ Copy/scan/fax services ⁃ Public notary ⁃ Free job search and resume printing ⁃ Basic technical support for
cellphones, tablets and laptops
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TRANSPORTATION
COTTONWOOD
TRANSPORTATION Cottonwood Airport Cottonwood Airport is designated as a General Aviation Airport and covers approximately 210 acres at an elevation of 3,560 feet above mean sea level (MSL). The single runway is 4,250 feet long and 75 feet wide, capable of supporting recreational flying, flight training, medical transport, corporate/business flights, wildland helicopter firefighting activities, and aerial sightseeing tours. A 2021 Arizona Aviation Economic Impact Study estimated the airport generates an annual economic impact of $6.7 million and employs an estimated 107 full and part-time jobs between the airport and associated airpark. The airport is a popular destination for pilots and passengers who are drawn by local wineries, recreational opportunities along the Verde River, the bars, eating establishments, and shops of downtown Cottonwood, and other local area destinations in Jerome and Sedona. Verde Shuttle In July of 2021, the Cities of Cottonwood and Sedona launched the newly rebranded Verde Shuttle – a public transit service connecting the two communities. Cottonwood is the hub of the
Key Airport Players
The Cottonwood Municipal Airport provides access and partnerships with these pilot training programs. ⁃ Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ⁃ Guidance Aviation ⁃ Leighnor Aircraft ⁃ North-Aire Aviation ⁃ TacAero ⁃ Universal Helicopters
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workforce community and is the largest commercial base in the Verde Valley. Verde Shuttle is a revamp of the Verde Lynx service that has been in operation since 2009. Verde Shuttle will feature brand new buses, a new user-focused website, low fares and a schedule designed to meet the travel needs of Sedona visitors and the needs of hospitality workers who commute between Cottonwood and Sedona. Verde Shuttle operates 362 days a year, with buses running every 45 minutes on the five busiest days of the week. One-way fare is $2 between Cottonwood and Sedona, and trips within Sedona are $1. Half fares for seniors, veterans and students and monthly passes make trips even more affordable. The shuttle picks up and drops off at the Cottonwood Public Library seven days a week and serves signed bus stops throughout West Sedona, Uptown, Tlaquepaque, Hillside and south to Poco Diablo Resort. Please check website for the latest shuttle schedule. www.verdeshuttle.com
Cottonwood Area Transit (CAT) is a local bus service that connects Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Bridgeport, and Verde Village. CAT is the quick and affordable way to get around town! Verde Shuttle is a service of Cottonwood Area Transit (CAT), connecting central Cottonwood with West Sedona, Uptown Sedona, and northern portions of SR 179.
It’s just that easy.
verdeshuttle.com | ride-cat.com
THINGS TO DO
RECREATION
OUTDOOR & TOURIST VENUES, HOSPITALITY Old Town Center for the Arts www.oldtowncenter.org The Old Town Center for the Arts is the best theater for live music and entertainment in the Verde Valley of Northern Arizona. It is Old Town Cottonwood’s premier concert venue with performances and entertainment in music, theater, comedy and the performing arts. Arts and culture boost local economies in many ways by attracting visitors; creating jobs and developing skills; attracting and retaining businesses to revitalize places; generating new employment opportunities; and developing talent. A study by the Americans for the Arts found the average event attendee spends more than $30 beyond the price of admission per event. Dead Horse Ranch State Park www.azstateparks.com/dead-horse Camping, Fishing, Trails, Experience The Outdoors! This state park is located in Cottonwood, within the Verde River Valley corridor. The spacious campgrounds give quick access to most of the park features such as trails, playground, lakes and the Verde River.
Arrive in plenty of time before dinner to enjoy the Western town featuring a museum, old-time photo studio, shooting gallery, roping lessons, tractor pull, saloon and Western shops that line the boardwalk. Wine Tasting Rooms In Old Town www.vvwinetrail.com
The rustic cabins are within a shaded mesquite bosque in a quiet corner of the park near the river. Dead Horse Ranch is a great place to stay while you explore the natural beauty and rich history of this popular Arizona region. CAMP VERDE
CLEAR CREEK WINERY
Blazin’ M ALCANTARA Ranch VINEYARDS & WINERY www.blazinm.com CLARKDALE SALT MINE WINE
SOUTHWEST WINE CENTER BODEGA PIERCE
JEROME
CABAL CELLARS THE ORIGINAL JEROME WINERY CADUCEUS CELLARS FOUR EIGHT WINE WORKS • ODDITY WINE COLLECTIVE • HEART WOOD CELLARS • EPICENTER • INIQUUS CELLARS • NAJAR CELLARS
PASSION CELLARS
COTTONWOOD
FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS…COVEThe MESA VINEYARD CHATEAU TUMBLEWEED VINEYARDS Blazin’ M Ranch has providedMERKIN a Wild CARLSON CREEK Travel the trail! WINERY 101 West Country experience visitors to PILLSBURY WINE COMPANY Arizona won’t forget! Featuring a mouthARIZONA STRONGHOLD BURNING TREE CELLARS watering barbecue chicken and ribs TANTRUM WINE chuckwagon supper followedDAby a toeVINES PROVISIONER WINES tappin’, knee-slappin’, hour-long Western PAGE SPRINGS stage production by award-winning PAGE SPRINGS CELLARS OAK CREEK VINEYARDS musicians, it is a must-do attraction JAVELINA LEAP DA RANCH during your visit to the Sedona/Verde SEDONA Valley region. WINERY 1912 Visit 10 Locations along the Trail, have it stamped by the wineries you visit, and mail it back or upload to our website so you can be entered into our QUARTERLY Drawing! You will automatically be entered into the Yearly Grand Prize Drawing!
Download a printable passport and stop at each of the wineries in Old Town for a stamp. Complete the card and upload to be entered in the Verde Valley Wine Trail quarterly drawing.
The Heart of The Wine Trail
VVWINETRAIL.COM SEASONAL EVENTS SPRING VERDE VALLEY WINEFEST CAMP VERDE PECAN & WINE FESTIVAL COTTONWOOD VINTAGE 2022 HALF MARATHON EMERGING WINE MAKERS COMPETITION
summer
FANTASTIC 4TH OF JULY
fall SEDONA WINEFEST WALKIN’ ON MAIN VIP CHOCOLATE WALK WINE AND DINE IN THE VINES
winter
SEDONA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
your official guide through the verde valley american viticultural area
NAME
TM
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE, ZIP
VERDEVALLEYWINES.ORG
PHONE NUMBER
Return your Stamped Passport to: Verde Valley Wine Trail/Cottonwood Visitor’s Center 849 Cove Parkway, Cottonwood, AZ 86326
VISITCOTTONWOODAZ.ORG
vvwinetrail.com Verdevalleyava.org
Accommodations
Cottonwood has several fine options for accommodations, ranging from charming boutique hotels to locations by established national hospitality organizations:
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⁃ Tavern Hotel
⁃ The View Motel
⁃ Best Western Cottonwood Inn
⁃ Pines Inn and Suites
⁃ Lux Verde Hotel
⁃ Springhill Suites
⁃ Iron Horse Inn
⁃ Cottonwood Hotel
⁃ Little Daisy
⁃ Verde Valley Inn
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Check website for more information: www.visitcottonwoodaz.org
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e’re dedicated to bringing the best in arts, entertainment, cultural and community events to the Verde Valley. Since 2008 we’ve presented over 600 concerts and events, bringing performing artists, musicians, dancers, comedians and theater artists from around the world to ‘Old Town’. We also support local and regional talent, and host educational, sustainable, community events and festivals throughout the year. In 2020 we began an ongoing partnership with the Sedona International Film Festival to initiate the “Monday, Movies, on Main” film offerings in our newly upgraded theater. Visit our website and follow us on Facebook for more upcoming events and performances.
633 North 5th Street • Cottonwood, Arizona • 928-634-0940 • oldtowncenter.org
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THE VERDE RIVER
FRIENDS OF THE VERDE RIVER
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riends of the Verde River has deep roots in Cottonwood reaching back to the spring of 2007. A group of volunteer river activists wanted to take a more hands-on approach to protect the Verde River and create river access points. At the time, Arizona State Parks was seeking a nongovernmental partner to support the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area. Friends of Verde River Greenway emerged, committing to river restoration and enhancement. The group grew and incorporated in December 2011 as a 501(c)3, taking on a leadership role within the Verde Watershed Restoration Coalition (VWRC), a public/private collaborative charged with implementing invasive plant control and other habitat restoration activities. In 2017 Friends merged with the Verde River Basin Partnership and the Verde River Valley Nature Organization, changing its name to Friends of the Verde River. A new strategic plan expanded the programs to the areas of protecting habitat, sustaining flows and promoting community stewardship. Today, Friends envisions a healthy, flowing Verde River and tributaries that support our particular environment, vibrant economy and quality of life for generations to come. We consider ourselves a key part of the Verde Valley community, running events such as the annual Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival, the Verde River Runoff, Fiesta de la Garza, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, Verde Valley Bioblitz and many more.
Photo provided by Friends of the Verde River
We have funded projects such as signage on the Old Town Cottonwood’s Jail Trail river walk, serve as a member and fiscal sponsor of the Verde Front, and lead the Verde Watershed Restoration Coalition, which has restored habitat in the Greenway and other areas of the watershed. Our work directly benefits the City of Cottonwood and we are proud to be headquartered here. www.verderiver.org
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Photo provided by Friends of the Verde River
‘RIVER FRIENDLY LIVING’ Certifications Now Available
Show your love for the Verde River by certifying your home or business as ‘River Friendly’ today. Learn more at RiverFriendlyLiving.org
Maxwell Wilson
Sustaining Flows Program Manager MaxwellW@verderiver.org | VerdeRiver.org
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HEALTHCARE
HEALTH CARE
NORTHERN ARIZONA HEALTH CARE Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) Services in Cottonwood NAH, focuses on quality, providing the highest quality of care to patients and their family. NAH has established a strong presence in the city of Cottonwood and is dedicated to providing exceptional care while transforming the health of the community. NAH is the largest healthcare organization in northern Arizona, encompassing more than 50,000 square miles. Verde Valley Medical Center (VVMC) 928.634.2251 Part of NAH, VVMC is a 99-bed, full-service hospital serving Cottonwood and surrounding areas in the Verde Valley. VVMC is a standout regional hospital distinguished by diverse, high-quality care and services including a 24-hour, Level IV emergency department; imaging and nuclear medicine; laboratory; comprehensive surgical services; physical therapy; orthopedic and cardiology services.
ing t p e Acc New s ient t a INTEGRATED P
We Provide... Primary Care Family Healthcare Behavioral Health Psychiatry and so much more!
CALL TODAY!
877-634-7333 Locations in Cottonwood & Camp Verde
Between June 2020 and July 2021, VVMC served over 130,000 patients and has been recognized at the national level for quality and patient satisfaction. Northern Arizona Healthcare Medical Group (NAHMG) – Cottonwood 928.634.5551 NAHMG services are designed to improve health by giving individuals and their families easy access to integrated care in five communities including Cottonwood, Camp Verde, Flagstaff, Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. NAHMG provides a multidisciplinary primary care approach to help people stay healthy. The newly renovated medical office building offers a variety of services and delivers affordable outpatient care in one convenient location. NAH represents one of several health care options in Cottonwood.
CARE, FOCUSED ON YOU!
EDUCATION
EDUCATION IN COTTONWOOD
Cottonwood Oak Creek School District Oak Creek School (OCS) is a STEMcertified school centrally located in Cornville, AZ, serving preschool through eighth grade. OCS learning encompasses the intellectual, emotional and social development of children. Learning opportunities include counseling support, technology classes, a fully equipped science lab, land lab, Advance Learner Program, Student Council, project-based learning, and after-school programs. www.ocs.cocsd.us
Yavapai Community College Yavapai Community College (YC) serves Yavapai County by providing educational, economic development, a technical school education and cultural enrichment opportunities and resources at six campuses, including the Verde Valley location near Cottonwood. www.yc.edu
Mingus Union High School Mingus Union High School serves students in ninth through 12th grades in the Verde Valley from partner schools in the Cottonwood/Oak Creek School District, Beaver Creek Elementary School District and Clarkdale/Jerome School District.
The Regional Economic Development center at YC is the premiere regional resource center for rural economic growth through policy analysis, workforce development, research and education. www.yc.edu/redc
Mingus Union High School believes that the best education engages the whole person – mind, body and the spirit of the community and brings all of these elements together. www.mingusunion.com
Protect What Matters Most • Business • Home • Rentals • Auto • Recreational • Life • Retirement Vehicles
Call our team today.
Binkley & Associates, LLC ~ an Allstate Agency
928-772-0322
Robin Binkley W W W.G R O W C O T T O N W O O D A Z .C O M
19
VERDE VALLEY
SKILLED TRADES CENTER
The Skilled Trades Center at Yavapai College will focus on training students in career and technical education trade programs that lead to essential jobs in the Verde Valley and throughout Yavapai County. CERTIFICATIONS OFFERED AT THE SKILLED TRADES CENTER: • • • •
Residential Trades/Construction Certificate Residential Electrical Technician Certificate Residential HVAC Technician Certificate Residential Plumbing Certificate
Employers in Yavapai County are looking for construction workers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and plumbers. Get your certificate at Yavapai College and employment awaits you!
www.yc.edu/stc | (928) 634-7501 | 601 Black Hills Dr, Clarkdale, AZ 86324
YC 189-21
HOUSING
HOUSING IN
COTTONWOOD
A
vailability of high-quality, affordable housing is a pressing issue in many rural areas of the U.S., particularly when much of the economic activity relies on tourism including the Verde Valley. The City of Cottonwood and the other incorporated Verde Valley communities collaborated with Yavapai County and regional organizations on a housing needs assessment produced by Elliot D. Pollack & Company in 2021. This study reported there are almost 6,000 housing units within the city; 89% occupied. It also had the largest proportion of apartment units of any Verde Valley community at 14.4%, or 846 units.
The City is focused on carrying out the five-year action plan recommended by the study, which includes:
1. Establish a regional, collaborative
approach to the affordable housing issue for the entire Verde Valley.
2. Encourage development of
affordable housing units that meet the needs of low and moderate income households.
3. Actively recruit housing
developers to the Verde Valley, including affordable as well as market-rate developers.
4. Incentivize the inclusion of affordable units in private development.
5. Increase resources to support
production of affordable housing.
6. Monitor the increase in demand and loss of affordable housing units in the community.
In addition, Cottonwood recently hired a housing manager to proactively address the housing needs in Cottonwood and the Verde Valley. A new program has been initiated called the Cottonwood Homeownership Program (CHP) which can provide up to $20,000 in down payment assistance to homebuyers that work for an employer within the geographic area of the city of Cottonwood. For information on housing assistance programs please visit: www.cottonwoodaz.gov/776/housing
