Sharing experience and knowledge on display at Rural Policy Forum

The Gila/Bonita room at Eastern Arizona College starts to fill up for the panel on unlocking the economic power of small businesses and entrepreneurs during the Rural Policy Forum on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. - David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Posted By: David Bell August 8, 2025

THATCHER — The topic “Building Local Power” brought 325 people from across the state to the Gila Valley this week.

Local First Arizona hosted its annual Rural Policy Forum at Eastern Arizona College on Thursday and Friday, although activity started Wednesday, with early arrivers being taken on an economic tour of Graham County by the Chamber of Commerce.

“Overall, people are wowed. This region has a lot of wonderful things going on,” said Kimber Lanning, founder of Local First Arizona.

Local First Arizona founder Kimber Lanning, left, talks with Dell Morris about the development of his new business, Retrograde Brewery, in Downtown Safford, during an economic tour as part of Local First’s Rural Policy Forum.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Thursday and Friday were spent in sessions covering a number of issues concerning the rural portions of the state, including:

  • Infrastructure financing
  • Expanding health care
  • Recycling
  • Access to capital
  • Housing
  • History as an economic engine

“Full days of sessions, learning about what people are doing around the state, how can we share, networking, creating agreements, creating relationships; it’s my favorite conference every year,” said Vance Bryce, executive director of the Graham County Chamber of Commerce.

From left, Jenn Daniels, of Gilbert; Megan Schmitz, of Phoenix; and MIkayla Baker, of Chino Valley; get to know one another during the Rural Policy Forum’s networking dinner at The Venue and Vignette on Main in Safford on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Thursday evening found a portion of Safford’s Main Street closed for a dinner at the Venue and Vignette on Main, and a special musical performance at the Safford Theatre by Zaylie Windsor, who competed on “American Idol” this year.

Zaylie Windsor takes to the stage of the Safford Theatre for a free concert during the Rural Policy Forum on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

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