Since 1991 The Center for Rural Leadership Spring 2010

UPCOMING UPCOMING UPCOMING UPCOMING

EVENTS…EVENTS…EVENTS…EVENTS…

CRC Friday, April 16, 2010 Dambar Steak House Kingman Contact: Frances Lechner CRC July 16, 2010 Showlow, Pinetop Contact: Lisa Ann James or Cindi Smith ILAC September 28-October 2 Ft. Worth, TX Contact: Carrie Hamstra CRC November 19, 2010 Wickenburg Contact: Cindi Smith CRC January 21, 2011 Prescott Valley Contact: Frank Pratt CRC April 8, 2011 Bisbee Contact: Paul Brierley or Lucia Konrath

Connect in Kingman!!!!Connect in Kingman!!!!Connect in Kingman!!!!Connect in Kingman!!!! Join CENTRL for a luncheon on Friday, April 16th

Imagine: a beautiful drive through the Arizona desert, rich with wildflowers

after all the rain, for a spirited Project CENTRL gathering in Kingman, at the

foot of the Hualapai Mountains. Representative Doris Goodale is the

featured luncheon speaker, with a delicious lunch choice of steak or

margarita chicken at Dambar Steakhouse.

An after-meeting informal tour of Kingman is planned to include some (or

all!) of the following: NUCOR, among the largest steel plants in the US; the

minimum security State Prison, noted for its community involvement

programs; and the spanking new Joan and Diana Hospice Center, started five

years after fundraising for the center began. For those who would like to stay

overnight in the region,

Laughlin, Nevada is a 40 minute

drive across the Colorado River,

and Lake Havasu City, just an hour’s drive south.

In Kingman, the Best Western Kings Inn and the Holiday

Inn Express are recommended.

Best Western Kings Inn

2930 E. Andy Devine Avenue

928-753-6101

$82.44 corporate rate—mention Shay Givans

Holiday Inn Express

3031 E Andy Devine Avenue

928-718-4343 $85 this rate is with discounts such as AARP or AAA

Program and hosted lunch to begin at 11:30 am

Dambar Steak House 1960 E. Andy Devine Blvd

Kingman AZ 86401

RSVP for lunch to CENTRL Office 520-316-0909 or email karen@centrl.org

by April 13 (You’ll need to specify your preference for

steak or chicken; baked potato or fries!)

The rainy weather in Tucson on January 22nd

, didn’t stop approximately 30 alumni and guests from the greater Tucson area from

meeting with the members of Class XX at our January CENTRL Regional Connection at the University of Arizona Ag Research

Center. This CRC was planned to coincide with Class XX’s fourth seminar that focused on Arizona Issues: Recognizing Challenges.

Everyone was treated to dinner and a fantastic presentation by Dr. Lowell Catlett, Dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer

and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University. His presentation centered on economic downturns and how they

are a means for society to re-balance their values and priorities and what new opportunities may be available in the next decade.

His energetic style and ability to rattle off statistics kept the audience engaged throughout the evening.

The CENTRL Alumni Council wishes to thank all of you that supported the Tucson CRC and attended this fun evening.

CENTRL Alumni Come Together

in Tucson

Representative Goodale

820 E. Cottonwood Lane � Bldg C � Casa Grande, AZ 85122 � 520-316-0909 � www.centrl.org

PAUL BRIERLEY, PAST CHAIR paulbrierley@azfb.org

Page 2

Handing Over the Reins… For the past year and a half I’ve been honored to serve as chair of your CENTRL Alumni Council, working with an incredible group of alumni to promote Networking, Recruiting and Support among CENTRL graduates. Thanks to the dedication of these folks, the CENTRL staff, and the involvement of many of you, we’ve accomplished some amazing things. Now it’s time to hand over the leadership reins of this great organization, and I’m excited to

be able to do that to such capable hands as Frank Pratt (Class XVII). Frank has taken his leadership training to the extreme by serving as a State Representative in the Arizona legislature -- and he’ll tell you that he credits his CENTRL skills for winning that seat. Serving on the Council has been a real thrill, and I plan to remain active with CENTRL both on the Alumni Council and on the Executive Board. I encourage any of you who want to take your CENTRL involvement to the next level to get active with the Alumni Council. It is a great group of leaders working on fun and worthwhile activities. Contact any Council member or the CENTRL office to find out more. Lastly, I would ask that you all respond to our Alumni Outreach effort and stay involved with this great organization that we all gained so much from. Remember: Networking, Recruiting and Support. You play a key role in all three!

Hello, fellow CENTRL alumni! I am looking forward to this year to serve as your Chairman. I’d like to thank Paul for his capable leadership over the past year. He has been very supportive in my role as incoming chairman. I would like to continue his vision for this coming year. Our leadership team for 2010-2011 is an outstanding group of individuals and together we hope to provide the communication/networking opportunities and fundraising efforts to strengthen our alumni and ensure that this excellent program continues.

We are in an economy where many are curbing contributions. We must be focused and creative in order to meet our fundraising goals. Cindi Smith will be our new Fund Raising Chair, please give her all the support you can provide. We will be planning some exciting CRCs this year and look forward to reaching out to more alumni from around the state. We hope to gather observations and comments from alumni who we haven’t heard from for awhile. Please plan to join us on these occasions. As I visit these communit ies I hope to meet all of you there.

FRANK PRATT, CHAIR fpratt@azleg.gov

ALUMNI COUNCIL COMMENTS

Council members at Planning Session held on March 13, 2010

NO BULL!! SOMEONE IS TRYING TO REACH YOU

Fellow Alumni, Every year your CENTRL Alumni Council will conduct an Alumni Outreach effort to facilitate expanded networking, class recruitment and on-going support for the program. Currently, a new initiative is in place to reach each alumni “in person”. Arizona has been divided into seven regions with seven teams made up of program alumni. These volunteers will be calling you to set up a meeting soon (if they haven’t already contacted you). We hope that you will find time to meet with them to update your information, share your thoughts about CENTRL and learn about how you can help assure a bright future for the great program we’ve all benefited from - Project CENTRL.

Enjoy your visit We promise no one will twist your tail!

By Carrie Hamstra CENTRL Board Member ILAC Chair carbee@msn.com

ILAC – the International Leadership Alumni Conference happens every year and everyone is welcome to attend. Come join us as we venture to Fort

Worth, Texas September 29-October 2.

Did you know that Texas has 24 million people and 16 million cattle and 1 person out of 7 works in Agriculture?

Registration fees this year will be $250 per person before July 15 and then $300 per person. There will also be a pre conference day planned that will be $75 per person before July 15 and then $100 per person after. There is a room block at the Fort Worth Hilton with a rate of $149 + tax per night.

Please visit their website at www.ilac10.com for more information.

REGIONAL ALUMNI OUTREACH CAMPAIGN

We want to express our thanks to the following alumni that are acting in the capacity of Team Leader for the 2010 Regional Alumni Outreach. Please feel free to contact your regional representative should you have any questions:

Scott Loughead sloughead@altagenetics.com

East Maricopa

Cliff Amator camator@fbfs.com West Maricopa

Don Merrell

lgell85534@yahoo.com Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Santa Cruz

Phil Merrill

philipcmerrill@earthlink.net Yuma, Pima

Pennee Murphree

penneemurphree@yahoo.com Pinal

Trent Swanson

tswanson@westernhunter.info Coconino, La Paz, Mohave, Yavapai

Bill Greenwood

bsgreenwood@frontiernet.net Apache, Gila, Navajo

By: Cindi Smith, Fund Raising Chair Alumni Council

Page 3

Page 4

A little over a year ago, Project CENTRL started researching social networking to keep alumni in touch. The Communications Committee and CENTRL Alumni Council has decided to establish a Project CENTRL Alumni group on Facebook, which seems to be a more popular social networking site. Future alumni communications, announcements, etc. will be posted to Facebook in order to bring additional attention to the CENTRL program, solicit feedback and keep alumni informed. *Only CENTRL alumni members of the group as of midnight, June 30, 2010, will be eligible to win. Alumni joining after June 30, 2010,

current class members and non-alumni will not be eligible.

CENTRL is having a contest! Join the Project CENTRL Alumni group on Facebook

by midnight on June 30, 2010 and you will be entered into a drawing to win

one of two $25 prizes.*

The drawing will be held at the CRC in July 2010.

Eldon Moore, Project CENTRL’s first Director, was a guest speaker at the Alumni Council’s Annual Planning Session on March 13, 2010. Eldon’s role as Director began with Class I and continued until his retirement in 1991 at the mid-point of Class VIII. Eldon continues to actively support Project CENTRL by attending meetings, CRC’s and special events. Eldon emphasized the importance of CENTRL Alumni with the following comments: There are three reasons for the success of Project CENTRL:

• A Committed and Dedicated Board of Directors

• Recruiting Quality Leaders as Participants

• A Strong Alumni Network

Throughout his presentation, Eldon Moore recognized that Alumni are the foundation of Project CENTRL. Alumni are the true story and the integrity of Project CENTRL. Eldon also identified Alumni as the best recruiters for Project CENTRL. Proudly, Eldon shared high expectations for Alumni as future leaders that have a responsible role to play in fund development efforts for the future of Project CENTRL. They are the voice of rural Arizona and agriculture. In closing, Eldon expressed his hopes that one day Arizona’s Governor will be a graduate of Project CENTRL. In recognition of Eldon’s dedicated work in building a solid foundation in the early years of Project CENTRL, our Alumni Council has established an “Eldon Moore Leadership Fund”. If you wish to honor Eldon as you build on a growing legacy of leadership, please send your donation to the CENTRL Office marked “Eldon Moore Leadership Fund”.

FROM THE FIRST DIRECTOR OF PROJECT CENTRL

CENTRL DIRECTOR UPDATE EVERETT RHODES

Page 5

has Sprung!

Much like the frequent winter showers are giving a much needed

boost to Arizona’s landscape, this too is an exciting time of new growth and activity for

Project CENTRL.

We are excited to welcome four Alumni to our Board of Directors: Fred Amator (II), Paul

Brierley (XVI), Matt Eyrich (VII), and Lucia Konrath (XVIII). We also welcome Arizona

Representative Frank Pratt (XVII) to the Board as newly installed Chair of the CENTRL

Alumni Council. The outstanding leadership by the diversely talented members serving on

the Board of Directors is truly what continues to grow Project CENTRL.

Class XX is nearing completion of their first year with next month’s study tour in Sonora,

Mexico. Their final Arizona seminar in Prescott culminated in a series of six excellent team

presentations on health care, education, and employment. Cheryl Goar (IX), Pat Harrington

(IV), Brett Cameron (XVI), Paul Brierley (XVI), Marnie Uhl (XVII), and Sharla Mortimer (XIX)

served on the review panel for class presentations. Proudly, class members used many of the

leadership skills gained from previous seminars in “Making a Difference” on these important

public issues facing rural Arizona.

It was a pleasure to attend a recent Saturday work session of the CENTRL Alumni Council.

Their highly productive meeting gives promise to another active year with many

opportunities for Alumni to stay connected in Project CENTRL.

Amidst the harsh economic climate in Arizona, it is a breath of fresh air to receive much

needed support in Project CENTRL’s fund-raising efforts. A very heartfelt thank you is

extended to all who have helped plan, volunteered their time, and contributed to the success

of the current campaign.

From networking, recruiting, and supporting, this is a good time of the year to “Spring into

Action” with Project CENTRL!

Please join us at a seminar near you.

Here is a list of Seminars:

Seminar 7 Building Communities and Economic Development September 9-11, 2010

Casa Grande

Seminar 8 Managing Natural Resources

October 7-9, 2010 Springerville

Seminar 9

Focusing on Social Issues November 18-20, 2010

Wickenburg

Seminar 10 Border, Labor and Food

Supply Dynamics January 13-15,2011

Yuma

Seminar 11 Arizona Legislature in Action

February 9-11, 2011 Phoenix

Seminar 12

Polishing Leadership Skills March 24-26, 2011

Cottonwood

National Seminar Washington D. C.

April 30 - May 5, 2011

For more information please contact the CENTRL Office

at 520-316-0909

Southeast Arizona Rural ConnectionSoutheast Arizona Rural ConnectionSoutheast Arizona Rural ConnectionSoutheast Arizona Rural Connection New Ideas for Improving your Community and your Operation

Valley Telecom, 752 E. Maley Street, Willcox

Cochise County Farm Bureau

Tuesday, April 13 9:30am - Noon Community and Economic Development Session Noon Lunch Provided by Cochise County Farm Bureau 1:00 – 3:30pm Opportunities for Production Agriculture

Each session will include opportunities for participants to meet one-on-one with

the presenters

Anyone interested in bettering their community or operation won’t want to miss this!!!

RSVP FOR LUNCH BY APRIL 9th TO: Ron Low (520) 766-3276

A few of our accomplishments:

• Secured $3.5 million in funding through the state legislature for

the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

• Developed a 501-c-3 organization, Arizona Sportsmen for

Wildlife Conservation (AZSFWC), whose mission is to educate

and inform the public on issues related to wildlife and wildlife

habitat.

• Created a Political Action Committee and then gained Super

PAC status.

• Made a measurable difference in the outcome of elections in

targeted legislative districts.

• Created a wildlife conservation license plate available to all

Arizona drivers.

This year we continue to push forward in the political arena. We are

sponsoring HB2189 and its companion SB1200, which will create an

Arizona Game and Fish Commission Recommendation Board to assist the

Governor in selection of Commissioners. We are also supporting

HCR2008, which establishes the constitutional right of Arizona citizens to

hunt, fish and harvest wildlife. However, our most noteworthy news

involves a special guest at our annual banquet.

An Evening with Governor Sarah Palin

On May 15th we will host the Second Annual AZSFWC

Sportsmen’s Heritage Banquet & Auction. This year’s

event takes place at the luxurious Desert Ridge Resort

& Spa and features special guest Governor Sarah

Palin. While Governor Palin is clearly one of the most

recognized political figures of our time, we asked her

to join us not as a political representative, but as

clear and prominent voice for sportsmen… and

women! She has proven herself as a hunter, angler,

and strong supporter of sound wildlife management.

The evening activities begin with registration and a silent auction at 4

p.m. and continue with a dinner program and live auction at 5:30 p.m.

Many different sponsorship levels are available, ranging from individual

tickets to sharing a table with Governor Palin and her husband Todd. It

promises to be an exciting event with all proceeds benefiting AZSFWC.

The Evolution Continues

One of the main things I learned from Project CENTRL is that leadership

requires you not only to lead, but follow. You must be aware of changing

conditions and make appropriate decisions. Only by embracing the ideas

of those you represent can you make any real progress. The evolving

nature of my internship has proven this. In the future, I’m sure my

association with AZSFW will continue to evolve as we strive to make a

difference for Arizona’s hunters, anglers, and wildlife!

If anyone is interested in spending an evening with Governor Palin or is

just interested in AZSFW (whether or not you live in Yavapai County)

please visit our website at www.arizonasportsmenforwildlife.org or

contact Trent Swanson (Class XVIII) at 928.636.6326.

Page 6

During the fall of 2005, as I sat in one of my

first Project CENTRL seminars, I thought to

myself, “What in the world am I going to do

for an internship?” I wanted to pick

something interesting that could persist

after my involvement ended. As a lifelong outdoorsman with a

passion for hunting, I decided to incorporate my passion into my

internship…

The Politics of Wildlife

Arizona has a strong history of conserving wildlife. With a very

involved Game & Fish Department and many conservation

organizations, much time and money has been spent improving

habitat, which has ultimately led to larger and healthier wildlife

populations.

Over the past 20 years, the conservation organizations were also

involved in the political process, but only after being forced into it.

Issues such as the trapping ban, state land use proposals,

landowner tags, and nonresident hunting opportunities gave rise to

the need for more political involvement. The

existing organizations were not created for

that purpose and didn’t have the resources

available to adequately address it. For that

reason, Arizona Sportsman for Wildlife

(AZSFW) was created. Designed to represent

hunters, anglers, and wildlife in the political

process, AZSFW allows conservation organizations, community

leaders, businesses, and sportsmen to combine and focus their

resources on promoting and protecting hunting, fishing, and

responsible wildlife management.

My Evolving Internship

About the time I started Project CENTRL I was asked to serve on the

Board of Directors for AZSFW. I knew many of the other board

members after working with them on a wildlife-related campaign in

2000. After discussing a few ideas for my CENTRL internship, I

decided to create the Yavapai County Chapter of AZSFW.

However, since the organization was new, we had no membership

categories. As the Membership Committee Chairman, I helped

design a membership program, and then started on the creation of

the Yavapai County Chapter. I called upon a friend for assistance

and we pursued an avenue that ended up being non-productive.

By the next spring, with very little progress developing any county

chapters, the organization decided to take a different path and

focus on assembling many of the conservation organizations and

regional sportsmen’s clubs already in existence. My participation

with AZSFW evolved from starting a chapter to assisting in

recruitment of conservation organizations, while continuing to help

with our political agenda.

My Involvement with AZSFW

Even though the formation of a Yavapai County Chapter did not

occur, my involvement on the Board of Directors continues to be

very beneficial and ever-evolving. Over the last four years, I learned

much about the political process and helped make many important

decisions. As an organization, we made great strides in promoting

and preserving hunting and sound wildlife management.

Embracing an Evolving Internship By Trent Swanson (Class XVIII)

We feel very honored to be

included in the CENTRL

newsletter. Four members of

our family have had the CENTRL

experience. First was myself,

Fred Amator, (II); following

me were my Daughter, Andrea

(Amator) Lee (XIII); my niece,

April White (XIV); and my son,

Cliff Amator (XVI). By the way,

all four of us are U of A

graduates, GO CATS! My wife,

Jan, has also been involved with

CENTRL as a presenter at

several seminars, most recently

she presented for Class XX.

We learned a great deal from the

seminars and especially from our fellow class members, our

boards, directors and program coordinators. From my Class

II experiences, I felt my whole horizon was expanded. Key

experiences, such as being interviewed by the media,

attending a mock legislative committee meeting,

and receiving testifying experience, were practiced later in

leadership positions. For example, visiting a senior care

facility and sitting in on a city council meeting to name a

few. Fol lowing these seminars, c lass

members would spend hours discussing the issues and

learning from each other. These discussions and other

experiences that we shared formed lasting

friendships. The final seminars at Kellogg’s and Washington

D. C. were trips of a lifetime.

From these experiences I planned my internship, which was

to hold a town hall for the cities of Avondale, Goodyear and

Litchfield Park. We were able to get the cities, the Chamber

of Commerce, local civic clubs and newspapers involved.

Organizations and activities that resulted from that town

hall--such as the regional planning by the cities, the Tri-City

Boys and Girls Club and the New Life Shelter--are still active

today. I was elected to the Goodyear City Council, due to, I

believe, my involvement in the town hall. I served there for

12 years. All of this was possible from my experiences at

Project CENTRL.

My most recent honor was

to be selected for the

CENTRL Board of Directors,

which I hope will give me a

chance to give back to this

great organization.

-------------

Andrea: Yes, I am Fred

Amator’s daughter and,

also, Cliff Amator’s sister. I

graduated from the

University of Arizona in

1992 with a Bachelor of

Science in Agriculture

Economics. Go Wildcats!

I was fortunate to be a part

of Project CENTRL’s lucky

Class Thirteen! I look back on my time as an active

member of a Project CENTRL class and remember all of

the friendships that were made. Although we may have

lost touch over the years, I know to this day I can reach

out to anyone of my classmates to assist me with any

issue or endeavor I may have.

For me, the experiences and learnings I gained from

Project CENTRL reinforced the importance of each

individual being an active part in their community.

Although each one of us has different challenges in our

community, many are similar in nature. We can learn

from each others’ achievements and experiences while

also appreciating our diversities. This proved true

whether it was within the state of Arizona or on our class

trip through Florida.

Currently, I am a pharmaceutical representative for

Intendis. My husband is Dale Lee, and we have a

daughter, Macy, who is seven. I use my skills gained from

Project CENTRL every day with work and negotiating with

a seven year old. While these activities are my current

priority, I look forward to giving back to my community

and supporting the purpose of Project CENTRL.

Continued on page 8……..

Left to right: Andrea Amator Lee, April White, Cliff Amator, Fred Amator

ALUMNI IN A

CTION

Shay Givans, Realtor, Class X Shay Givans, Project CENTRL Graduate of Class X, was one

of 11 winners of Kingman’s annual Women Making History awards this year. Shay’s Civic

Leadership Award was presented during the 26th

ceremony of this collaborative effort of Kingman’s

women’s organizations which recognizes women who make a difference.

Shay has been a Kingman resident for close to Fifty years and has a number of professional and

civic contributions under her belt, including serving as President for the Kingman-Golden Valley

Association of Realtors and Director of the Arizona Association of Realtors. In 2008, she was

recognized for her "extraordinary contributions to the success of the organization" by the Kingman-

Golden Valley Realtor affiliates.

Givans was also President of the Soroptimist International of Kingman from 2006 to 2007 and has also served on the

Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Andy Awards Committee. She received her own Andy Award

in 1999 as Citizen of the Year.

Givans is described as a mentor by her peers and someone who is always looking to spread a positive attitude. Of Givans,

one of her co-workers said, "She understands that none of us can do anything if we lack self-confidence, and so she always

strives to make sure we have plenty of confidence, not only in the project, but in ourselves."

The Civic Leadership Award seems a most appropriate extension of Shay’s leadership training with Project CENTRL.

Congratulations, Shay!

April: I’ve been lucky enough to be blessed with a fun,

loving and civic-minded family! I can remember looking

up to Andrea since I was a little girl, and she was always

adventurous and willing to drag me along…which is

basically how I ended up at Project CENTRL. I was in Class

XIV and remember how lucky I felt getting to see all these

facets of local, county and state government as up close

and personal as anyone can who doesn’t work there. For

lack of better explanation CENTRL turned the world from a

food chain into a food web…and I don’t just mean in a this

one eats that one kind of way…I mean that it connected all

the dots (and then some) for me. Although I’m still not

real sure where I fit in that food web, I do know that as an

average, everyday citizen I have access to the agencies and

people who keep our world spinning so our ‘web’ can

maintain and in the best of times grow and improve.

I have been teaching agricultural education and been an

FFA advisor to city kids in Phoenix for the past 15 years. I

have Andrea and Uncle Fred to thank for getting me on

that road too. Uncle Fred taught Ag a few moons ago and

always made it sound like such a fun and fulfilling job; and

Andrea helped me set my roots in FFA. We showed steers

and took Agua Fria FFA by storm. It was only natural then

that I find a way to help agricultural education statewide

so for my Project CENTRL internship, I teamed up with

Brian McEntire to do a golf tournament to benefit the

Arizona FFA Foundation. I’m happy to say today the

Arizona Agricultural Education & FFA Foundation are going

strong thanks to many people who see that we have an

opportunity to help so many more kids learn the best of

what America has to offer through Ag and FFA.

I have really enjoyed visiting with Cliff and my friend Kacie

as they’ve gone through Project CENTRL-- reminding me of

how those long days left your mind spinning and your

heart racing to get out there and make a difference.

(Continued from page 7)

Cliff: —I am a graduate of Project CENTRL Class XVI, and

the fourth person in my family to have gone through the

program. As a 4th

generation Arizonan, I am proud to say

my family has been in and around agriculture and rural

Arizona for over 100 years. I grew up in 4-H, was

involved in FFA at Agua Fria High School and showed

steers and swine at the Arizona National and Maricopa

County Fair. I went on to receive my Bachelors of

Science Degree in Agricultural Technology Management

from the University of Arizona in 1999. In early 2000, I

began working for Farm Bureau Financial Services as one

of their agents and have been with them ever since.

Four members of my family were active in the FFA,

graduates of the University of Arizona and graduates of

Project CENTRL. I believe each of these were building

blocks and steps to help get to the next level. Each of

these programs has given me so much and has helped

me hone my leadership skills, as well as my knowledge

and confidence. The Project CENTRL program stands out

amongst the rest in terms of its ongoing effects and

attributes it has given me. In addition to helping my

understanding of local, state and federal governments, it

was an eye opener to the importance of networking,

politics, and how things really get done. It was one of

the most memorable, influential and educational

programs I have ever had the fortune to experience.

Many classmates as well as other alumni of CENTRL are

almost like family to me. The friendships and networks I

have gained from CENTRL are immense and lifelong. I

tell many fellow alumni and friends considering the

program that I wish I could only go through it again, as it

was an experience of a lifetime. It is crucial that we as

alumni make sure this program is sustained for future

leaders of Arizona and the values it characterizes--that of

rural life.

Page 8

Seminar 5 entitled “Arizona Issues: Exploring

Opportunities” was held in Sierra Vista on February 18th

–

20th

. Tim Bee, Director from the Governor’s Southern

Office, provided the class with the State’s budget update.

We gained perspectives on how today’s economy is

impacting education, health care, and employment.

On Friday, class participants sharpened their

communication skills during class exercises in

extemporaneous speaking. We held a forum on Health

Care Policy led by Alberto Olivas, Director of Center for

Civic Participation at Maricopa Community Colleges.

Tara Jackson, President of Arizona Town Hall and Judy

Gignac, Past President of Arizona Board of Regents,

helped us gain more appreciation on how Arizona Town

Hall brings diverse perspectives together to forge

solutions and focus on improving public education. The

evening couldn’t have been better. We were entertained

by our very own Benny Young and the Desert Sons at

University of Arizona South Folklore Preserve in Hereford.

T h e L i a i s o n

C o m m i t t e e

coordinated a

surprise baby

shower for Kacie

Tomerlin. She will

welcome her new

baby with the beginnings of

a children’s library.

Saturday morning was our

preliminary round of the

discussion meet. Our four

groups were selected to

discuss “How can we bring more jobs to rural Arizona”.

Our judges Paul Brierley, Rep. David Gowan, Rep. David

Stevens, Mark Apel and Mary Ann Black selected Renee

Hamstra-Pew, Mary Taylor, Tanya Baker, and Kimberly

Lunt to participate in the final discussion meet. Mary

Taylor was recognized for her contributions during the

discussion concerning “How can we solve Arizona’s

budget crisis”.

Class XX participants are continuing experiences in pooling our knowledge, building consensus and finding solutions in order to make a positive difference in our communities.

Page 9

Seminar 5 - Arizona Issues: Exploring Opportunities

February 18 - 20, 2010

By Diane Junion

Seminar 4 - Arizona Issues: Recognizing Challenges

January 21 - 23, 2010

By Rusty Van Leuven

Class XX gathered in the foothills of Tucson on January 21-

23 for Seminar 4-Arizona Issues: Recognizing Challenges.

This is the first of a three-part seminar experience, leading

up to Seminar 6-Making a Difference.

The seminar started on Thursday night with an eye-opening

presentation by The Honorable Paula Aboud (Arizona State

Senator, District 28) on the education system and the

financial burdens faced by the state legislature to finance

education. The evening ended with

extemporaneous speaking exercises

and each class member sharing their

internship proposal.

Friday’s session was held

at the University of

Arizona Controlled

E n v i r o n m e n t a l

Agriculture Center,

where we had the

pleasure of a tour of the

facility. The day was full

of presentations with

i n f o r m a t i o n o n

education in Arizona,

issues and answers on healthcare reform, and issues and

answers on employment. The class even became engaged

in a heated debate with a representative of U.S. Rep.

Gabriella Giffords Office on healthcare reform. The day

ended with the Centrl Regional Connection (CRC) dinner

and keynote speaker Dr. Lowell Catlett. Dr. Catlett’s

presentation was a very light hearted and optimistic look at

the economy and how we will survive and eventually thrive

from this recession.

On Saturday we heard again from Dr. Catlett on the issues

of education, healthcare reform, and employment. He

educated us on ways of thinking outside the box for

possible answers to these issues.

This seminar laid the foundation for engaging the class in

the next seminar on the issues of education, healthcare

reform, and employment.

The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation UA College of Ag & Life Sciences - Cooperative Extension

Arizona Public Service United Dairymen of Arizona

Salt River Project Arizona Farm Bureau

Yuma County Farm Bureau Arizona Grain Research and Promotion Council

Farm Credit Services Southwest Gary Pasquinelli Family

Maricopa County Farm Bureau Navajo County Farm Bureau Western Growers Association

Tim Dunn Farms

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT TO CENTRL

Board Members

Bas Aja

Fred Amator

Paul Brierley

Eddie Browning

Brett Cameron

Jim Christenson

Con Englehorn

Matt Eyrich

Gail Griffin

Carrie Hamstra

Jim Klinker

Lucia Konrath

Glenna McCollum-Cloud

Paul Rovey

George Seperich

Erik Swanson

Linda Vensel

Don Walker

Heather Walker

Officers

G. T. Bohmfalk, President

Cheryl Goar, Vice President

Pat Harrington, Treasurer

Jim Webb, Secretary

Frank Pratt, Alumni Chair

Project CENTRL Board of Directors CENTRL Alumni Council

Fund Raising Chair Cindi Smith (XIX) 928-231-2678 cindilandes@earthlink.net Council Members Lucia Konrath (XVIII) 520-465-8849 Lucia_bond@yahoo.com Pennee Murphree (V) 520-898-7513 penneemurphree@yahoo.com Marnie Uhl (XVII) 928-830-9434 marnie@pvchamber.org

Chair Frank Pratt (XVII) 520-560-6372 fpratt@azleg.gov Vice-Chair Frances Lechner (XVIII) 623-256-5125 flechner@uda.coop Secretary Tiffany Ground (XIX) 602-909-9696 tground@cox.net

Treasurer

Brett Cameron (XVI) 602-542-0984 bcameron@azda.gov Reporter Lisa Ann James (XIX) 602-510-4770 ljames@azda.gov Past Chair Paul Brierley (XVI) 480-323-6832 paulbrierley@azfb.org

Class XX Representatives Diane Junion 928-965-4604 diane.junion@azstcu.org George McNeely 602-561-0909 georgem@xlrenewables.com

Project CENTRL Mission Statement: Project CENTRL Mission Statement: Project CENTRL Mission Statement: Project CENTRL Mission Statement: To assist highly motivated leaders To assist highly motivated leaders To assist highly motivated leaders To assist highly motivated leaders improve and expand their leadership skills to become more effective and improve and expand their leadership skills to become more effective and improve and expand their leadership skills to become more effective and improve and expand their leadership skills to become more effective and responsive in meeting the needs of rural people.responsive in meeting the needs of rural people.responsive in meeting the needs of rural people.responsive in meeting the needs of rural people.

Our sincere condolences are extended to Our sincere condolences are extended to Our sincere condolences are extended to Our sincere condolences are extended to the Krentz Family for the recent the Krentz Family for the recent the Krentz Family for the recent the Krentz Family for the recent

death of Rob Krentz (VIII)death of Rob Krentz (VIII)death of Rob Krentz (VIII)death of Rob Krentz (VIII) in the Douglas area.in the Douglas area.in the Douglas area.in the Douglas area.

Rob leaves his wife Sue (X) and three Rob leaves his wife Sue (X) and three Rob leaves his wife Sue (X) and three Rob leaves his wife Sue (X) and three children: Andy, Frank (XX) and Kyle.children: Andy, Frank (XX) and Kyle.children: Andy, Frank (XX) and Kyle.children: Andy, Frank (XX) and Kyle.

A Sincere Thanks From

Pennee! Let me introduce you to your new Reporter, Lisa

James, Class XIX.

When Paul Brierley ask me if I would continue to

be the Reporter while he was Chair I said I would

on the condition that we find someone who would

agree to work with us and become the next

Reporter. Lisa has certainly filled that roll well as

she has taken on more and more responsibility.

The Communications Committee under Lisa’s

guidance has continued to make the newsletter

better and has explored other avenues of

communication, including social media. Project

CENTRL is now on Facebook and Linked-in. We see

great potential for these new avenues of

communication.

I sincerely wish to thank Lisa, the members of the

Alumni Council, the Project CENTRL Board and the

many Alumni who have gone above and beyond

the call of duty when it comes to writing an article,

organizing the planning sheet, updating the email

list and positively supporting the newsletter.

You can join our efforts in improving

communication to and between Alumni by joining

us in our desire to keep Alumni informed. Please

help us by keeping your addresses current, reading

the newsletter, writing an article for us, checking

out Facebook or Linked-in and giving us feedback.

Last but not least I want to let you know how much

I appreciate Karen Vanderheyden. Thanks Karen

for making my job easy.

Sincerely, Pennee Murphree