High school students as entrepreneurs; is that possible? Maybe a lot of people don't think so, but when you talk with anyone who is involved in the YES (Young Entrepreneurial Scholars) program sponsored by NACET and the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, you get a whole different picture. This innovative program for high school sophomores, juniors, seniors or students who have just graduated, is now in its third year attracting students who are creative, innovative and determined to put those ideas … [Read more...] about Cultivating Young Entrepreneurs
Employees Rewarded for Healthy Choice
Rather than focusing on treating illnesses, the healthcare industry is shifting more toward prevention and wellness and rewarding employees who participate in such programs. Starting next year, the healthcare reform law allows employers to reward employees who participate in workplace wellness programs with subsidies equal to 30 percent of the cost of insurance premiums, or some $1,620 annually per worker, according to MedCity News. However, some employers already reward employees with lower … [Read more...] about Employees Rewarded for Healthy Choice
Amy Kerr Leading Nestle Purina
After 36 years with Nestle Purina Pet Care Co., the last 17 with the Purina plant in Flagstaff, Bill Calloway has retired, leaving some big shoes to fill both in the plant and in the Flagstaff community. This might be a bit intimidating for some, but not so for the new plant manager, Amy Kerr. "Bill did leave big shoes to fill, but he also made it easy for the person who followed him and I am very grateful for that." Flagstaff is new to Kerr in so many ways. Born in Illinois and raised on a … [Read more...] about Amy Kerr Leading Nestle Purina
Building Solid Leaders with Soft Skills
To lead, you must have followers. To have followers, you must persuade. To persuade, you must understand. To understand, you must listen. This is the foundation of the Business Leadership Program (BLP) at W.A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University. This innovative program is near the completion of its pilot year. As a result of its success, it will keep growing and developing. College of Business Interim Dean Mason Garrity had seen similar programs, according to Scott … [Read more...] about Building Solid Leaders with Soft Skills
Merger Bringing Change in the Wind
UPDATE: American Airlines has won bankruptcy court approval to combine with US Airways; this merger will create the world’s biggest airline. American filed for Chapter 11 in 2011. For the merger to move forward, The U.S. Department of Justice antitrust regulators and shareholders with US Airways need to approve the agreement. The following story recently appeared in Flagstaff Business News' print edition. On Thursday, Feb. 14, US Airways and American … [Read more...] about Merger Bringing Change in the Wind
Spring Fever Hitting Flagstaff
Spring has officially started with the Spring Equinox. However, planning for Spring and all that it entails has been underway for some time at the nurseries in Flagstaff. Warner's Nursery and Landscape Company is, according to Misti Warner-Andersen, "constantly getting ready for the growing season." Warner-Andersen, the store manager, says that throughout the Fall she goes to shows to find new and interesting products for her retail shop and as it nears the start of Spring, she is having … [Read more...] about Spring Fever Hitting Flagstaff
Flying into the Future
Ideas that grow into something real and wonderful often come from the most unexpected places. Ask Eric Savage how he got the idea for his company, First Flight Education, and he will tell you that it happened on a Saturday when he was doing research at a university with pilots in a flight simulator. His wife, a principal at the time, came in and was so taken aback by what she saw that she planted the seed for a new business: "Make these simulators mobile so that you can get them into the … [Read more...] about Flying into the Future
Business Predictions for the New Year
A New Year brings a sense of renewed energy and hope for things to come. It also brings predictions for what to expect from the New Year. You can find predictions about who will win the Super Bowl, the rise of Apple TV, the growing power of Social Media, and the economy. Kiplinger has provided some predictions for the Economic Outlook in 2013: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will show about two percent growth – same as 2012. Interest rates will show little to no increase for short-term rates. … [Read more...] about Business Predictions for the New Year
Investment by Shopping Local
'Tis the season for shopping, and according to the National Retail Association, over 247 million shoppers visited stores and websites over the four-day Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. Moran Henn, development and programs director of Friends of Flagstaff's Future, (F 3) is hoping that some of the shopping done by Flagstaff residents was done locally. For the past three years, she has been the driving force for the Shop Local Campaign in Flagstaff. Henn is passionate when asked why she has worked … [Read more...] about Investment by Shopping Local
Local Restauranteurs Heading South
In the May 16th, 2012, edition of Inc., Darren Dahl identified the 11 best business opportunities by industry, one of which is full service restaurants. Derrick Widmark and Paul Moir may not have read that article, but they are taking their restaurant experiences in Flagstaff and heading south to Tucson to open three new places. Moir is the owner of Criollo and Brix in Flagstaff, and he is opening a new restaurant in Tucson named "Proper" in the downtown area across the street from the Hotel … [Read more...] about Local Restauranteurs Heading South
