Greenlee County board hears Southeastern Arizona @ Work update and adopts women-owned business proclamation; fair drew nearly 9,000

Vada Phelps, executive director of Southeastern Arizona @ Work, updated the Greenlee County Board of Supervisors on the organization’s annual performance and finances, reporting a seven-year record of clean audits and saying the program has met or exceeded many performance metrics. Phelps told the board that federal funding formulas that distribute money in part based on local unemployment rates have reduced funding for the program as unemployment has fallen, and she described an uncertain funding outlook tied to the recent federal legislative package she referenced as the 'Big Beautiful Bill.' The board thanked her for the organization’s service to the county.

Torey Cranford, Certified Business Analyst with the Eastern Arizona College Small Business Development Center and representative of the Greenlee County Small Businesswomen of the Year Committee, presented a proclamation recognizing National Women’s Small Business Month and underscored the economic contributions of women-owned businesses in the area. Chairman David Gomez read the proclamation; Supervisor Ron Campbell moved to adopt it, Supervisor William Wearne seconded the motion, and the board adopted the proclamation.

Justine Holguin, Fair and Events Director, reported on the 2025 Greenlee County Fair, saying almost 9,000 people attended. Holguin told the board that the carnival and the college rodeo were particularly successful, exhibit entries were up, and several operational changes contributed to the fair’s improved turnout; she outlined additional changes planned to build on this year’s success.

The board did not take further action on these agenda items and proceeded to other business. The public-health and flood-control district consent items and the general consent agenda were considered later in the meeting.