The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services and the Arizona Coalition for Military Families will recognize the City of Tempe during the inaugural Arizona Roadmap to Veteran Employment Summit.

The summit, a collaborative effort of public and private sector partners led by the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services and the Arizona Coalition for Military Families, launches a statewide initiative to connect service members, veterans and their families to employment opportunities, training and resources.

The City of Tempe will be named the first Arizona Veteran Supportive Employer, a designation of the Arizona Roadmap to Veteran Employment for efforts to improve quality of life for veterans and their families. Additionally, Tempe will be announced as a Military/Veteran Resource Network Partner Organization, making it the first city in Arizona to earn this designation, based on the Guidelines for CARE for counties, cities and towns.

“Local veterans and their families sacrifice so much to serve our community. Tempe’s programs and services are a great way to show our gratitude and give back,” said Mayor Mark Mitchell. “Our military service members deserve personal and professional success. Our goal is to ensure they have the tools and support to help them achieve their dreams.”

As part of a multifaceted effort to help improve quality of life for veterans and their families, Tempe joined forces with local veterans and veteran service providers to create the Tempe Military and Veterans Working Group in 2013. The group created a strategic plan with four initiatives: establish a Tempe Veterans Commission; partner with the East Valley Veterans Education Center to establish a center that connects veterans and their families to resources, services and programs; create affordable housing projects for veterans and their families; and earn the Veterans Supportive City designation from the Arizona Coalition of Military Families. Tempe is pleased that much progress is being made on all fronts.

The Tempe City Council unanimously voted to establish the Tempe Veterans Commission on Jan. 8. On Feb. 28, the city formalized the partnership with the East Valley Veterans Education Center through a Community Resource Fair and Celebration. Last month, the City Council adopted a resolution to pursue an affordable housing project for veterans. Additionally, in October, Tempe launched the eighth Veterans Court in Arizona.

For more information on Tempe’s veterans efforts, visit www.tempe.gov/military.

The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) selected the City of Eloy to receive WIFA’s 2014 Drinking Water Project of the Year award. WIFA presented the award at a special presentation during the City of Eloy Council Meeting on Monday night.

The 2014 Drinking Water Project of the Year was for the Houser/Toltec Waterline Improvement Project, a $2 million infrastructure project to address inadequate water distribution infrastructure in the western portion of Eloy. The project included upgrades to the existing booster station and replacement of undersized water mains.

“Through water management planning and investments in water infrastructure improvements like this, the City of Eloy is able to provide a reliable water supply to its residents and the businesses within their community,” said WIFA Board Chairman Henry Darwin, who is also Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

The project was selected for an award based on advances the City of Eloy made to ensure system reliability, their excellent project management and commitment to protecting public health in Arizona through water infrastructure improvement.

“The City of Eloy’s staff did an excellent job managing this project, even through the transition of Public Works Directors,” said WIFA Executive Director, Sandy Sutton. “We’re very pleased to acknowledge their achievements and hard work with this award.”

WIFA is a state agency dedicated to protecting public health and promoting environmental quality through financial assistance for water and wastewater infrastructure. WIFA offers funding for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater projects designed to ensure safe, reliable drinking water and proper wastewater treatment. Over the last 25 years, WIFA has invested over $2 billion in Arizona’s communities.

The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) selected the City of Prescott to receive WIFA’s 2014 Clean Water Project of the Year award. WIFA will present the award during the City of Prescott Council Meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

The 2014 Clean Water Project of the Year was for the Airport Water Reclamation Facility Expansion, a $42 million infrastructure project to expand treatment capacity to accommodate current and near-term needs of the community. Prior to the upgrade, the facility’s technology and design limited the Prescott’s ability to support a higher level of treatment and capacity. The expansion and renovation project began in November 2012 and was recently brought online. The City of Prescott now has the ability to treat increased future wastewater flows and produce more Class A+ reclaimed water.

The WIFA Board of Directors selected the project for award based on Prescott’s focus on fiscal sustainability, exceptional project management, and commitment to improving Arizona’s quality of life through wastewater infrastructure upgrades.

“Treating wastewater to a Class A+ level allows for Prescott to reuse the water for beneficial purposes, such as irrigating sports fields, golf courses, and commercial landscapes, restoring riparian habitats and recharging groundwater aquifers,” said WIFA Board Chairman Henry Darwin, who is also Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. “The City of Prescott is to be commended for successfully completing this project, which protects water quality for Arizonans.”

Planning for such an extensive and important project involved anticipating system users’ future needs and demands, as well as setting user rates appropriately. This foresight and planning allowed Prescott to complete this essential infrastructure improvement project effectively and efficiently.

“City of Prescott staff was exceptionally well-organized and managed this massive project with impressive skill,” said WIFA Executive Director, Sandy Sutton. “We’re very pleased to acknowledge their achievements and hard work with this award.”

WIFA is a state agency dedicated to protecting public health and promoting environmental quality through financial assistance for water and wastewater infrastructure. WIFA offers funding for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater projects designed to ensure safe, reliable drinking water and proper wastewater treatment. Over the last 25 years, WIFA has invested over $2 billion in Arizona’s communities.

Like the fighter who keeps getting knocked down but comes back to fight again, Miami has survived for many years the fluctuations of the copper market and a world economy. But with its picturesque cottages clinging to the hillsides and territorial-era buildings in downtown, Miami is seeing what can only be termed a renaissance.

Miami Bridge

Antique shops and art galleries have sprung up and if it’s a thirst you’re trying to quench, they now have everything from an old-fashioned soda fountain to more grown up beverages in an old West setting. Mexican food is a favorite, so there’s never a shortage of eating places. And as for those cottages on the hillside…many have been purchased by newcomers who are enchanted by Miami’s small town charm.

Picturesque Mine Café
Photo Courtesy Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce

The town, while facing many challenges, has a new wastewater plant designed to carry Miami through the coming decades and the town council is committed to meeting the future needs of residents. Bullion Plaza Museum and Cultural Center, located at the west end of town in a former elementary school, is becoming well known throughout the state as a facility for meetings and conferences. Already this year, they have hosted three major groups. As a museum it is top rate, with displays of memorabilia from former Governor Rose Mofford, an extensive mineral and rock collection, and histories of the various ethnic groups that came to work the copper mines.

Miami Central Building

Miami is a proud reminder of the endurance and courage that early settlers in the mining camps demonstrated. That “we can do it” spirit survives today in Miami.

Superior Business District

Written by Sue McKinney Anderson

Just one hour from Phoenix by car, but a world away in terms of beauty and quaintness, sits Superior.  When the mines closed years ago many people moved on and houses, as well as businesses, sat vacant and fell into a state of disrepair.  Not so today!  In recent years people, many of whom are artists and visionaries,  have been renovating the structures and creating a wonderful assortment of creative and “eclectic” homes and businesses.

Superior Business District

The weather is beautiful and the views are endless.  Each year the Chamber hosts a home and building tour in January that attracts approximately 1,000 people. Art, antiques and the famous Mata Ortiz potters from Mexico are all part of the event.  All go home happy and delighted they came.  Other festivals, including the Apache Leap mining festival, Cinco de Mayo, the Prickly Pear Festival, Noche de Vaquero (Night of the Cowboy) and Miracle on Main St. (Christmas parade and event) make Superior a great place to visit all year round.

Superior Mining Competition Drilling
Photo Courtesy Superior Chamber of Commerce

Soon, your visit won’t be complete without staying at the magnificent Magma Hotel, which is listed on the National Historic Registry, and will be opening shortly.  Bicylists, hikers, rock climbers, ATV lovers and equestrians have endless trails and areas to explore.  Great retail shops, galleries and restaurants will fill your every need.  We’re proud to staff an official Arizona Office of Tourism in Superior and welcome you to start your day at the red caboose on Hwy 60 or the Chamber of Commerce at 165 W Main St.  And of course no trip to this area would be complete without a visit to the beautiful Boyce Thompson Arboretum just two miles West of Downtown Superior.

Superior Mural

Trails galore with fabulous plants, trees, flowers and events. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll help you with your plans. Visit us online at www.superiorarizonachamber.org or better yet, in person.  We hope to see you soon!

Kearny Welcome Sign

Uptown Kearny – Photo Courtesy of Sam Hosler

Kearny, named in honor of General Stephen Watts Kearny, and his dragoons, who camped on the Gila River on their way to California in 1846 was officially established in 1959. When the local Kennecott Mining Company decided to change from underground to open pit mining, the towns of Ray and Sonora had to be moved.  At the same time, Kennecott was building a new smelter in Hayden and homes were being demolished to make room for the expansion.  The need for more housing to accommodate these populations marked the beginning of a new town named Kearny, over 55 years ago.

Pinal County Building and Town Police and Fire Station in Kearny

Kearny is nestled at the base of the Pinal Mountain Range. The location provides prime opportunities for some of the best outdoor recreation in Arizona.  For those that enjoy driving all-terrain vehicles the Mescal Mountains off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area has some of Arizona’s Best developed trails. Mescal Mountains has everything from rolling hills to steep mountains, flat washes and riverbed areas. It is perfect for both novices but also challenging for the experienced trailblazer.  Or for those that prefer a more relaxed day there is always golfing at the Kearny Golf Course or a picnic at Kearny Lake.

Newly Restored Porter Rail Locomotive at the Rail and Copper Park

And make sure to stop by uptown’s Rail and Copper Park to see the red caboose, mining cars and the newly restored Porter air locomotive that was used by Kennecott Copper Corporation in the original underground Ray Copper Mine to haul men, ore and supplies from 1925 to 1955.

Copper Cart in the Rail and Copper Park

Written by Gloria Ruiz

The Town of Winkelman is at an elevation of 2,034 and is located in the southern end of Gila County, at the confluence of the San Pedro and Gila Rivers.  The history of Winkelman dates back to 1877 and 1878 when a large number of farmers migrated to the region.  With the coming of the railroad, a post office was established in 1903 near the ranch of Peter Winkelman.  Winkelman was incorporated in 1914.  However, a few years later the Town dis-incorporated and reincorporated on June 6, 1949.

Much like other cities and towns in the corridor, most of Winkelman’s economic activity is still based on copper.  The community serves primarily as a service center and residential area for families of employees associated with the mining and processing activities.  The principal employer within the Town is the Hayden-Winkelman Unified School District.

Winkelman Luten Arch Bridge

Arizona State Route Highways 77 and 177 provide excellent access to different parts of the state.  Both highways route through Winkelman.

The San Carlos Apache Tribe has approved a second gaming site near the Aravaipa area of Arizona.  The location is approximately seven miles southeast of Winkelman.  This project will bring much needed economic benefits to the tribe and surrounding communities, including Winkelman, by providing 400 plus permanent jobs and millions of dollars of new revenue to the region.

Ore Cart at Roadside Park
Photo Courtesy of Town of Winkelman

The scenery around Winkelman is some of the most spectacular in the state and is part of the Old West Highway route.  The mountain ranges provide the backdrop for the meandering Gila River and such landmarks as Saddleback and Mescal Mountain ranges.

At the gateway to Winkelman stands a roadside park featuring a 115 foot-long adobe wall.  You can walk around, through or meet within it.  The Wall tells the history of the Town by using bits of ranching and mining implements, as well as local geological samples.  The Winkelman Historic Bridge was constructed in 1916 and is one of only two left in the country and is in the National Historic Registry.

Giorsetti Superior Grocery Store

Winkelman is also home to the Giorsetti Superior Grocery Store.  The Giorsetti family has always operated this store since 1911.  While shopping, you can see the old architecture style and meet the two generations of the family members who work there on a daily basis.

An added attraction to Winkelman is the Winkelman Flats Public Park, located adjacent to the Gila River. This park provides RV camping with all utility hook-ups, flushable restrooms with hot and cold showers, dry camping areas, swimming, tubing, canoeing and fishing.  This park has a playground area for children, a softball field and a rodeo arena.  A basketball court, designed by the Phoenix Suns, was obtained through grant funding.

Ribbon Cutting at Roadside Park
Photo Courtesy of Town of Winkelman

Winkelman is a beautiful area to visit if you want to retreat from the city.  You can meet many friendly residents and enjoy the infinite number of starts at night.

Gila River Valley from Luten Arch Bridge

The Town of Hayden is a copper mining town located in southeast Gila and Pinal Counties. Originally founded as a company town, it was shaped by patterns of immigration over many generations.  It is rich in history, and the heritage bond of the community is solid.  Hayden celebrated its centennial in 2009. The local Catholic Church celebrated its centennial in 2013.  ASARCO Copper Mine also celebrated 100 years of operation in the community. The ASARCO mine employs workers from all over the state, and this mine contributes millions of dollars to Arizona’s economy.  The ASARCO mine is one of the last two operating smelters in the United States.

Welcome to Hayden

Hayden Police Department

The Town of Hayden is a warm and welcoming community that attracts individuals to partake in recreational activities. The weather in Hayden is beautiful most of the year, which is ideal for golfing on our nine-hole golf course.  The tree-lined golf course sits off the banks of the Gila River. Around the golf course, you can picnic at one of the ramadas, camp at the RV park, or in the summer, enjoy little league games.

Hayden Golf Course
Photo Courtesy of Gloria Muñoz

The Town of Hayden takes great pride in having a full operating senior center. Our senior center provides meals for the elderly in all our local neighboring communities and activities and social events Monday through Friday.  The senior center is also staffed with vehicles to assist in transporting participants from the outlying communities to our location.  The Town of Hayden provides support in continuing the Meals on Wheels program throughout the Copper Corridor.  The town council understands the need to plan for the future and approved a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant to improve the town’s infrastructure.

Hayden Senior Center

The Town of Hayden is resilient. Its residents continue to practice their heritage and cultural traditions, making it a true Arizona community working to stabilize itself, improve its housing stock and commercial buildings and strive for economic growth and community development.

Downtown Globe

Nestled at the foothills of the Pinal Mountains, the City of Globe has carved out a proud history in Arizona. A powerhouse in the territorial days, Globe was instrumental in Arizona history, sending George W. P. Hunt to serve as the first governor and for several subsequent terms. We also are proud to claim our own Rose Mofford, Arizona’s first woman governor, as one of Globe’s own. Gov. Mofford graduated from Globe High School and on her retirement from public service, she donated her collection of wonderful memorabilia collected over any years to the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts and the Bullion Plaza Museum and Cultural Center.

Globe Historic District

Unlike many small cities and towns that grabbed at the chance to tear down the old and go for the newest in architecture, Globe opted instead to preserve its history, especially in the downtown area which boasts several blocks of gorgeous territorial-era buildings. The Gila County Courthouse was rescued from certain dilapidation by a fine arts guild that has renovated the building back to its stately beginnings. The old jail is a delight to anyone who remembers the Saturday morning westerns. And our oldest building of all is Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park which is rebuilt on an 800-year-old Salado Indian village.

Historic Gila County Courthouse

Globe is at the epicenter of outdoor activities. From hiking and biking in the Pinal Mountains, to walking parks within town, to wonderful downtown streets to stroll, it’s easy to tell we appreciate being in the middle of Arizona’s most beautiful heartland.

Besh Ba Gowah Park
Photo Courtesy of Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce

History resonates in Globe. Ranching, mining and early politics shaped this city that still serves as the county seat. Where once Globe drew miners from around the world, now it attracts visitors who come to enjoy the friendly small town atmosphere, delightful shops and restaurants, and outdoor activities. Copper is still most prized here in Globe, but we’ve found tourism offers new and exciting riches.

Written by Ellen Kretsch

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) of Arizona awarded the City of Tempe the 2015 Community Action Award on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the 11^th Annual HRC Arizona Gala Dinner.

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, is recognizing Tempe for advancing city-wide equality through a city ordinance, a Charter change through a local ballot initiative, and updating policies to be named one of 38 national “All Stars” on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. Tempe earned a perfect score of 100 in the 2014 Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s annual Municipal Equality Index, a gauge of how cities are doing on LGBT equality issues.

“The City of Tempe is honored to receive this recognition,” said Mayor Mark Mitchell. “We have long been an inclusive community and we will continue to work with our community partners to ensure that Tempe is always at the forefront of creating opportunities and taking down barriers.”

Tempe has a history of valuing diversity and taking action to prevent discrimination.

In 1999, the city was one of the first in Arizona to begin providing domestic partner benefits. In February 2014, the City Council unanimously approved an anti-discrimination ordinance that secured broad protections for all community members. In August, Tempe voters resoundingly approved an amendment to the city Charter (more than 68 percent approval) to prohibit discrimination or favor for city positions on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, familial status, age, disability, political affiliation and United States military veteran status, except as such favor may be authorized by law. Protections apply to employment at the city and at businesses in Tempe, as well as to contracts, housing, public places and appointments to city Boards and Commissions.

The Human Rights Campaign of Arizona will also recognize Aiken Schenk Law Firm and Lambda Legal as the Corporate Equality Award recipients, and Bobbi Lancaster as the Individual Equality Award recipient. For more information, visit www.hrcazdinner.org.