What is NACOG?  We’ve all heard of it.  Most of us can’t seem to remember what it stands for.  But after this episode of the Prescott Woman Podcast, you will know and remember, thanks to Teri Drew, the smart and savvy director of the Economic/WorkForce wing of NACOG, the Northern Arizona Council of Governments.  They are doing the hard and important work of economic development, community support, early childhood education, and so much more.  They coordinate with local and county governments across Apache, Coconino, Navajo, and Yavapai counties here in Northern Arizona to make life better for all of us. Teri is with us today to talk about the work she has done for over 40 years to lift individuals out of poverty via career development and at the same time, support local businesses in building effective, sustainable workforces.

We hope you will come away from this talk feeling as hopeful and inspired as we did that we have such devoted, competent people working to make our communities function well for all of us.  If you, or someone you know, are struggling with job loss amidst this economic apocalypse, look up NACOG – their link is in the show notes – and find out what they can do to help.

This episode is the companion piece to the story in the current issue of Prescott Woman Magazine. For more on Teri Drew and NACOG, pick up the August/September issue available now, or click here.

Guest Bio: Teri Drew has worked in economic and workforce development for over 40 years and is the Regional Director for the Northern Arizona Council of Governments, Economic Workforce Development Division. Her area of responsibility includes 24 communities in the four-county Economic Development District of Apache, Navajo, Coconino, and Yavapai counties. Teri currently serves as Chair of the Arizona Workforce Association (AWA), and was recently appointed to the United States Workforce Association (USWA). She was active on the Board of Directors for the Greater Prescott Regional Economic Development Partnership until 2017. Teri was appointed by Arizona Governor Brewer to serve on the Digital Arizona Council (DAC) from 2012 – 2014, and has served several terms on the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board (WDB) including the Executive Committee. She served on the Arizona Association of Economic Development (AAED) Board of Directors from 2003 – 2014, serving as President of AAED 2012-2013 and Past President 2013-2014. Teri received the AAED Workforce Practitioner of the Year Award in 2008. In 2018 she was honored with the inaugural Prescott Chamber Excellence in Economic Development Award, U.S. Congressional Recognition, and a City of Prescott Certificate of Recognition. Some of Teri’s accomplishments include Prescott Area Leadership’s Woman of the Year 2012 and served on several boards and councils locally, statewide, and nationally. Teri is a Promise Maker sponsor of Yavapai County Big Brothers Big Sisters. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute, Teri is committed to economic and workforce development and has been the recipient of numerous regional, state, and federal innovation awards.

References:

●    www.nacog.org

●    The Launch Pad Teen Center

Music Credits: Local Musician “Rachel Plays Guitar”