The notion of an asteroid hurtling toward earth and wreaking havoc on our planet might seem like the plot in a Hollywood movie, but to scientists attending the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Conference on Planetary Defense, the idea isn’t so far-fetched. “A recent impact air burst near Chelyabinsk, Russia, reminded the world that near-Earth asteroids are a serious hazard,” said Dr. David Kring of the Center for Lunar Science & Exploration in Houston. The impact Dr. Kring … [Read more...] about Scientists Gather for Cosmic Impact
Music Setting the Party Mood
In the steady stream of details that go into planning a dream wedding, picking the music sometimes gets pushed to the back of the list. This can be a big mistake, since having the right music at a wedding often means the difference between a ho-hum event and a truly unforgettable occasion. In an effort to make soon-to-be brides' lives a little easier, we talked to some of Northern Arizona’s own music providers to get their take on all things musical for your big day. One of the first … [Read more...] about Music Setting the Party Mood
Pet Owners Quality Care for Beloved Animals
It is a common dilemma pet owners face: What to do with their animals when they travel. Vacations, family emergencies and other circumstances mean not only separation between animal and owner but a disruption in their daily routine. One solution more than 30 million pet-owners choose annually is to utilize professional boarding services when temporary pet care is needed. While some owners turn care of their animals over to well-meaning but inexperienced neighbors or friends, these … [Read more...] about Pet Owners Quality Care for Beloved Animals
Northern Arizona Becoming the Hot Spot for Tying the Knot
Much like relationships, the wedding industry can be fickle, strongly influenced by economic ups and downs. In recent years, the wedding industry, like many others, has been hit hard by the recession. Factors such as high unemployment rates, coupled with increased debt for many, has resulted in smaller wedding budgets or postponed nuptials all together. Analysts predict that while this billion-dollar industry may not experience the huge rebound wedding specialists are hoping for, a small … [Read more...] about Northern Arizona Becoming the Hot Spot for Tying the Knot
Northern Arizonans Keeping it Fresh
With the New Year upon us, resolutions abound. Topping the list each year is often a health, fitness or weight-loss related goal. For many, meeting this goal means signing up at a gym come January, the busiest month for fitness clubs. Gym memberships have been consistently growing over the past decade, reaching an overall number of more than 40 million in 2010, according to a recent IBISWorld report. With gym attendance at an all-time high, fitness professionals and their facilities must keep … [Read more...] about Northern Arizonans Keeping it Fresh
Good Business Plan Includes Preparing For Disaster
One quarter of all businesses that close because of a disaster never reopen, according to the Institute of Business and Home Safety. Statistics like this demonstrate the importance for business owners to evaluate their potential risk of damage and take steps to lessen that risk ahead of time. “Whether the disaster comes in the form of a weather occurrence, technological break-down, or scandal,” said Gene Munger, a crisis communication consultant based in Flagstaff, suggesting that contingency … [Read more...] about Good Business Plan Includes Preparing For Disaster
Partnerships Creating Successful Business Models
As Northern Arizona University prepares for a new semester, partnerships continue to play a big role in the campus progress. It is no secret that many public sector organizations are facing challenging financial issues and looking for ways to augment their budgets. Public-private partnerships are one solution that is now being used in a wide range of public agency projects to lessen financial constraints and enhance shared resources. According to The National Council for Public-Private … [Read more...] about Partnerships Creating Successful Business Models
Startups Investing in Southside
On a cramped corner just south of the tracks, Phoenix Ave. and Mikes Pike to be exact, sits a large brick industrial building. The Milum Building, once home to a textile mill, now has three new budding businesses, continuing the trend of redevelopment for Flagstaff’s Southside. “We wanted to be in Southside from the earliest days of planning the brewery,” said Michael Marquess, chief beer officer of Mother Road Brewing Company, one of the three business owners in the building. “Southside has … [Read more...] about Startups Investing in Southside
USGS Bringing Millions to Flagstaff Economy
The Flagstaff Science Campus (FSC) of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has played an integral part in scientific research as a training hub for moon-bound astronauts since its beginnings in the early 1960s. While the FSC has moved into more diversified fields of study, it remains a vital part of Flagstaff’s economy and of advanced natural science research on a local, regional and national level. “The FSC is comprised of five separate centers,” said Bob Hart, scientist in charge … [Read more...] about USGS Bringing Millions to Flagstaff Economy
More Women Taking the Helm
Women across the country mean business. In Arizona alone, there are an estimated 140,100 women-owned businesses, employing hundreds of thousands and creating a boost in both the state’s and nation’s economies. According to American Express OPEN State of Women-Owned Business, a detailed report analyzing December 2010-released data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the numbers of women-owned firms are on the rise. “The way I see it, the numbers can only go up from here,” said Deborah Sweeney, a … [Read more...] about More Women Taking the Helm
