August 2017

Yavapai College Small Business Development Center Honored
by State, Federal Organizations

Prescott, AZ (May 25, 2017) – The Yavapai College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) was honored at the 24^th Annual Enterprise Business Awards Luncheon on May 18 for the "hard work, great ideas and dedication" of the SBDC's mission: serving as an educational resource to small businesses.

"As such a vital resource for small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout Yavapai County, our Small Business Development Center is grateful for the recognition," said Yavapai College President Dr. Wills, who accepted the award. "It validates the important work we do to provide local businesses with the tools they need to succeed."

Hosted by the Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Enterprise Business Awards recognize the previous year's exceptional accomplishments in the small business administration lending arena.

The SBDC at Yavapai College provides services and training to small businesses in Yavapai County, including a resource library, workshops, seminars, networking opportunities and more. Its value to local businesses and strength of economic impact is revealed in recent metrics: 149 new jobs, 24 jobs retrained, 52 new business starts and $9.6 million in capital formation loans obtained with SBDC assistance.

For more information about the SBDC, call 928-776-2008 or go online to yc.edu/sbdc.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR 6^TH ANNUAL MILE HIGH BREWFEST

PRESCOTT (May 24, 2017) – The 6^th Annual Mile High Brewfest will take place on August 12 in Downtown Prescott from 4pm to 8pm. Participants can sample the best regional brews and wines in the Southwest while  listening to the band Southbound. Many brewers have already signed up and last year over 50 breweries participated. “We hope to have at least the same amount of breweries as last year, if not more,” said Kristen Kerns, Development Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona.

Tickets sales are limited to 2,000 and are available at www.milehighbrewfest.com. For $25, guests will receive 15 tasting tickets and a souvenir pint glass. The event is sponsored by Universal Homes at Granville and Park Plaza Liquor and Deli. Sponsorships are available and all proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona. Contact Kristen Kerns, 928-776-8686 if interested in sponsoring this event. 

Date:    Saturday, August 12

Location:    Downtown Prescott, Cortez Street between Gurley and Goodwin

Time:    4pm – 8pm

Cost to enter:  Tickets - $25 (includes souvenir pint glass and 15 tasting tickets)

•     Designated driver - Free

Yavapai College News
May 17, 2017
Contact: Kim Kapin, Marketing and Communications Director, 928-776-2323, kim.kapin@yc.edu

YC alumna, veteran educator earns Verde campus associate dean position

Yavapai College alumna and veteran faculty member, Dr. Barbara Waak, has been named associate dean of the YC Verde Valley campus in Clarkdale.

Dr. James Perey, Executive Dean of the Verde Valley campus, announced Waak’s new position Tuesday saying, “Dr. Waak’s passion and commitment to faculty and student success make her a great fit for the Verde Valley campus associate dean’s position. I look forward to working with her to advance the College’s mission of providing quality educational programming and opportunities.”

Waak said she was both thrilled and honored to be entrusted with the position after serving as interim associate dean for the last year. “I look forward to helping with new and ongoing projects and with curriculum development for student success.  It’s also very exciting to work with Dr. Perey on new program development such as the Culinary and Hospitality programs.  Of course, the best part is supporting the academics -- both faculty and students.”

A 1977 honors graduate of YC, Waak went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in secondary education and English/Linguistics from Northern Arizona University. She earned a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Capella University in 2005.

Waak launched her teaching career as an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor in elementary and secondary classrooms. She taught middle school English and Coconino Community College classes in Williams before joining the YC English Department, initially as an adjunct instructor. During her 22 years of instruction at YC, she served as YC Faculty Senate President and as Dual Enrollment Liaison for the English Department.

Waak estimates that since she started teaching at YC, more than 6,000 students have come through her classroom door. “I am asked everyday if I miss teaching English at the college level.  My answer is always no.  But, I sure miss my students.  After teaching for so many years, stepping into an administrative position feels fresh and innovative,” she said.

YC earns 17^th consecutive top financial reporting award

For the 17^th consecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has recognized the Yavapai County Community College District with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

During its May 9 regular monthly meeting, the Yavapai College Governing Board (DGB) acknowledged YC financial officers Dr. Clint Ewell, Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, Controller Frank D’Angelo, and Budget Manager Duane Ransom for their preparation of the college’s most recent comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). 

The College’s CAFR was judged by the GFOA to demonstrate a “spirit of full disclosure” and clearly communicates the college’s financial story.  “It takes a great deal of energy to put together the reports that go into that final report,” said DGB Chairman Ray Sigafoos.  “I applaud the audit staff and division for their efforts.” 

In addition, the GFOA presented YC’s financial officers with an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement.

According to a GFOA press release, the award represents “the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.”

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY HAS AWARDED A GRANT

TO THE ARIZONA PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS’ ADVISORY COUNCIL

TO ENHANCE DUI / IMPAIRED DRIVING TRAINING AND EDUCATION

The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (“GOHS”) has awarded a $15,000 grant to the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council (“APAAC”) to enhance DUI /Impaired Driving Training and Education statewide. APAAC is composed of twenty-three (23) Council members, including the Attorney General, the fifteen elected county attorneys, five chief municipal prosecutors, a representative of the Administrative Office of the Arizona Supreme Court, and the dean of one of the state’s law schools. The primary mission of APAAC is to train state, county, and municipal prosecutors across Arizona.  APAAC receives no state general fund revenues and depends on a continuing appropriation through the Criminal Justice Enhancement Fund to provide the necessary training and education of public prosecutors. APAAC’s training courses are attended by nearly 2,000 people each year, for an annual average of 198 continuing legal education (CLE) hours.  GOHS recognizes that DUI-related offenses pose a significant threat to the community, and APAAC training will provide prosecutors with training to address the accompanying complex legal issues. With the $15,000 grant received from GOHS, APAAC will host approximately 28 prosecutors from across the state at an Advanced DUI Training Course in Phoenix, Arizona, from September 20-22, 2017. APAAC is grateful for the opportunity to partner with GOHS in support of APAAC’s mission statement of        “Empowering Arizona’s prosecutors through training and advocacy to serve as Ministers of Justice.”

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