Writing about the organizational use of Lean necessitates the use of lean principles, since there’s so much to be said about this popular waste reduction and quality improvement system. What do FBN’s readers most want to know about Lean? (or, what is of value to my customer?) How should I cut out unnecessary words (time) in the writing of the article? How is it possible to write efficiently about such a complicated subject without losing value to our readers (where can I streamline my process … [Read more...] about Lean Systems Gaining Strength
Gov. Deciding Key Component of Obamacare
Many individuals still wonder how healthcare reform will affect them personally. If the legislation remains, Health Benefit Exchanges (called HBEs or Exchanges) will be organizations with the most direct contact with many middle- and low-income consumers, as well as small business owners. Under the current Affordable Care Act (ACA), otherwise known as “Obamacare,” exchanges are required to be fully operational in every state by Jan. 1, 2014, when the individual mandate takes effect. The … [Read more...] about Gov. Deciding Key Component of Obamacare
Little America’s Holiday Traditions Going Strong
Little America Hotel in Flagstaff began working on its Christmas spirit back in August, and they are still at it. For the 18th year in a row, the hotel is hosting a Holiday Lights event that has become a Flagstaff tradition. On Nov. 24, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, a lucky “junior master of ceremonies,” chosen from FUSD, will be flipping on the one million lights they have been stringing since summer. The Holiday Lights event, which runs from 4-8 p.m., is free and open to the public. The … [Read more...] about Little America’s Holiday Traditions Going Strong
Businesses Pinning it Down
Since Pinterest launched in September 2010, it has gained over 11 million followers and is currently the fastest growing social networking site. With more visitors than LinkedIn and Google +, some business owners are taking notice. Pinterest is a virtual pin board of images. Users can “pin” images from the web, upload their own images or re-pin images from other users. When registered, users can create a profile, customize their own pin boards, follow other users’ boards and comment on and … [Read more...] about Businesses Pinning it Down
New Plastic Surgeon Joining PSNA
Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, including Stephen F. Lex M.D. and Jack Quigley M.D., has recently welcomed a new surgeon to its practice. Adam Boettcher, M.D., joined the practice from Grand Rapids, Mich. where he was completing his residency at the Michigan State University combined plastic surgery program – one of the top clinical training programs in the country for integrated-model plastic surgery. Dr. Boettcher told Flagstaff Business News that both the town of Flagstaff and … [Read more...] about New Plastic Surgeon Joining PSNA
New Dean of NAU Business School Aims to Partner with Local Business
Craig Van Slyke, Ph.D., just celebrated his one-month anniversary as the new dean of the Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University (NAU). Dean Van Slyke believes the college should develop existing partnerships between the business community and the college and work on creating more connections. “I want the Franke College of Business to be thought of as the hub of the business community in this region,” said Van Slyke. “I want people to think of the college when they think of … [Read more...] about New Dean of NAU Business School Aims to Partner with Local Business
Social Businesses Making a Difference Globally
Ever since Kären van der Veer, ND, was a child, she felt called to help people. That’s part of why this naturopathic physician and single mother of two started Karmalicious, a social business that donates 100 percent of its clothing profits to women’s charities abroad. All Karmalicious clothing carries the motto, “You are beautiful and you can change the world.” “When we were young,” Dr. van der Veer said, “few of us had heard of businesses like Newman’s Own or Tom’s Shoes, for-profit … [Read more...] about Social Businesses Making a Difference Globally
Credit Card Costs
Most consumers choose their credit and debit cards for a reason. Some offer free airline miles, other cards add a percentage to a child’s college account or even have cash refunds. But few consumers know why the businesses they frequent accept, or don’t accept, certain credit and debit cards, what card transactions cost the merchant or why some small businesses are even choosing to take cards with the swipe of a smartphone. Cash Only Business Turney Postlewait, owner of … [Read more...] about Credit Card Costs
Telemedicine Expanding in Northern Arizona
Telemedicine, the use of telecommunication to provide healthcare at a distance, is one of the fastest growing areas of medicine in the country, and Arizona is a leader in the nation for the number and variety of national awards for telemedicine programs. Changing economic incentives for care value, rather than volume, are driving more investment in these programs that provide patient care without the cost and risk of travel and hospital admissions. Remote healthcare is particularly well … [Read more...] about Telemedicine Expanding in Northern Arizona
Streaming–A Game Changer
With the popularity of new technologies like e-readers and smartphones, streaming and downloading entertainment is becoming quite common. As a result, retail entertainment businesses in Flagstaff are making some adjustments. Rock-It-Man Rock-It-Man music storeowner Ben Gersten claims the downloading trend has influenced him to stock fewer CDs and bring in more vinyl. “Young adults are discovering their parents’ LP collections,” said Gersten, “and while they may laugh at first, they also … [Read more...] about Streaming–A Game Changer
