At the Local First Arizona Rural Policy Forum, Birdman sits down with Tori Cranford and Vance Bryce to explore how collaboration is driving economic growth across rural Arizona.

Representing the Eastern Arizona College Small Business Development Center and the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, Tori and Vance share how Graham County has embraced a regional approach to economic development by bringing together local governments, schools, healthcare providers, businesses, and community organizations to pursue grants, solve problems, and create new opportunities.

The conversation highlights the unique challenges rural communities face—from transportation and infrastructure to childcare shortages and workforce development—and why those challenges require innovative public-private partnerships instead of one-size-fits-all solutions.

Tori discusses how the DreamBuilder program is helping entrepreneurs and small business owners develop the financial skills needed to launch and sustain successful businesses, while also tackling one of rural Arizona's biggest workforce barriers: the lack of accessible childcare facilities.

Vance shares Graham County's vision for the future, including downtown revitalization, the Chamber's centennial renovation, mining heritage exhibits, tourism growth, and why investing in community assets creates long-term economic momentum.

If you're passionate about rural economic development, entrepreneurship, workforce solutions, tourism, or community leadership, this episode offers practical examples of how local collaboration can create lasting change across Arizona.

#RuralBuilds #RuralArizona #EconomicDevelopment #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #GrahamCounty #CommunityLeadership #WorkforceDevelopment #ChildCare #Tourism #ArizonaBusiness #LocalFirstArizona

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Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation