2025 Annual Meeting Report
More Than Just Events:
VVCC Forges Lasting Community Ties
The Verde Village Community Connection (VVCC), in its Annual Meeting March 1, 2025, highlighted a year of significant strategic changes and unwavering commitment to the community. People gathered to connect and chat after the meeting while enjoying cupcakes and coffee.
“This year has been about building a foundation for the future,” says Aislinn Maldonado, VVCC Board President. “We’ve embraced change, fostered new connections, and laid the groundwork for a sustainable and thriving community.”
Expanding Connections & Community Engagement:
- The VVCC has seen its board expand from 12 to 17 members, reflecting a growing dedication to community leadership.
- Over 1,500 connections were forged through volunteer efforts, events, and facility rentals, demonstrating the organization’s expanding reach.
- Popular community events like the Easter Egg Hunt, Luau, Trunk or Treat, and the reimagined Variety Show were a resounding success.
- Entering a float in the Cottonwood Christmas Parade brought an added layer of community spirit.
- You can see it all in full color on the webpage 2024-events
Strategic Shifts & Financial Resilience:
In September of 2024, the Board President Aislinn attended the ASU Loadstar Nonprofit Board Governance Training. This has led to making several connections and has brought a new level of insight into what this Board of Directors could become.
While facing financial hurdles, including a substantial increase in liability insurance costs, the VVCC strategically focused on developing alternative revenue streams and business partnerships. This was a shift from solely soliciting memberships since they have been in decline and for most of the year the VVCC was without a Membership Chair.
“We intentionally shifted our focus to build robust partnerships and diversify our income,” explains Aislinn. “As we continue to grow, our vision is to create a community-driven space where people connect, share experiences, and support one another.“
The VVCC’s pursuit of a business loan or line of credit to invest in the Community Hall hit a wall after engaging more than a dozen financial institutions due to not showing sufficient revenue and being an unfavorable type of non-profit.
Transforming for the Future:
A significant strategic move is the exploration of changing the VVCC’s non-profit status from 501(c)(4) to 501(c)(3).
“Transitioning to a 501(c)(3) will open doors for greater community support and allow us to expand our services,” says Aislinn.
Forging Vital Partnerships:
The VVCC is actively building partnerships with local organizations, including
- Friends of the Verde River
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yavapai County
- Yavapai County Adult Probation Community Restitution
- Yavapai County Sheriff’s Neighborhood Watch
These collaborations promise exciting new programs and initiatives, such as
- a potential River Center
- joint Variety Show performances
- community restitution projects
- establishment of local Neighborhood Watch groups.
Investing in Community Spaces:
The Community Hall remains a central hub, hosting over 50 events and serving as a home for local school, hula, and business meeting groups.
A $15,000 renovation is underway to enhance this vital space.
The Del Rio Pond and Nature Preserve are also receiving attention, with efforts to secure long-term sustainability and responsible stewardship.
Looking Ahead:
The VVCC is committed to further investing in facilities, strengthening partnerships, and expanding community programs.
The vision is to create a dynamic, inclusive space where people connect and thrive. “We are here because we care,” says Aislinn Maldonado. “We invite everyone to join us in building a vibrant future for Verde Village, connecting neighbors with neighbors.”
The full Verde Village Annual Report as well as financial reports can be accessed on our website here.
