As the federal government shutdown continues to affect many Northern Arizonans, economists are mixed on the effects of the shutdown on the post-recession recovery. When Ryan Nichols donned a cap and gown in 2009, he joined the masses of fellow graduates looking for jobs in a dismal economy. He moved his boxes from Florida to his parents’ home in Sedona and worked odd jobs, from video production to retail. Increasingly, Nichols found himself repairing people’s computers, and because people … [Read more...] about Trudging the Economic Recovery Road
President – Leading from the Heart
Growing up as a cost-conscious child, Leah Bornstein, Ph.D., learned to cut paper napkins in half to make them last twice as long. It is a lesson she called on when Coconino Community College was studying efficiencies and ways to cut money from the budget. Bathroom paper towels were replaced with hand blowers for a $14,000 annual savings. As President of CCC, Bornstein utilizes her many life skills, including her knowledge that there is always light at the end of dark tunnels. Bornstein’s … [Read more...] about President – Leading from the Heart
Envisioning Flagstaff in 2030
Every decade, by law, Flagstaff voters are asked to weigh in on the regional plan. The next vote is scheduled for May 20, 2014. The Flagstaff Regional Plan 2030 process spanned five years, with a Citizens’ Advisory Council and more than 700 public comments. Earlier this year, 55 public forums were held, where residents were invited to offer input. One concern brought up at each of the public forums was the fact that county residents are not a part of the city’s voting process. Flagstaff … [Read more...] about Envisioning Flagstaff in 2030
Balancing Growth and Open Space
For many Northern Arizona residents, talk about building something on their favorite area of open space and you’re bound to get an emotional reaction. Members of Flagstaff’s City Council and the Open Spaces Commission likely already knew this truism, but were recently reminded of it again. The discussion began when some Flagstaff City Council members began investigating options to pay for a new municipal courthouse building and parking structure. In November 2010, voters defeated a bond … [Read more...] about Balancing Growth and Open Space
Embracing the Unexpected
Rhonda Brose has a lot of experience being one of the guys. That experience has served her well, both professionally and personally. As chief executive officer of Four Corners Environmental, Brose has a background of digging in the dirt. “Basically, I love being in nature and geology. I call it the natural sciences. I was able to put together a lot of understanding going from physics to chemistry to looking at a mountain and seeing why it exists,” said Brose. On the first day of her … [Read more...] about Embracing the Unexpected
Economy Showing Signs of Improvement
The trucking industry is just one measure of the economy, and local changes in that industry show things are improving in Northern Arizona. North Carolina based Old Dominion Freight Line recently opened a site near the Flagstaff auto park to serve customers in Northern Arizona. Gerry Mendoza, Old Dominion’s service center manager at the new Flagstaff facility, says the economic indicators are positive. “Most of the customers in our business are manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, and … [Read more...] about Economy Showing Signs of Improvement
Tourism Key to Quality of Life
The hospitality and tourism industry is a significant economic driver for Flagstaff and Northern Arizona, generating more than 5,400 jobs and delivering nearly $390 million in direct spending annually. The Flagstaff CVB promotes the city as a premier travel destination through marketing, sales and public relations efforts in both domestic and international markets. This section also provides professional visitor services and manages the Flagstaff Visitor Center. In 2012, the Visitor Center … [Read more...] about Tourism Key to Quality of Life
Flagstaff Working to Strengthen Business
In the past few years, the City of Flagstaff has captured nearly $300,000 for local business expansion. The most recent grant has been secured for Joy Cone, a Flagstaff-based ice cream cone manufacturer. The $100,000 Arizona Commerce Authority Rural Economic Development Grant will assist Joy Cone in expanding its operations, a project that could cost as much as $1.2 million. When the expansion is complete and Joy Cone has a second mixing room, production could increase by 50 percent. The … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Working to Strengthen Business
‘Tis the Season for Public-Private Partnerships
This month, Fort Tuthill is the scene of wide-eyed wonder, as believers take in the bustling excitement of Santa’s workshop. The North Pole Experience is open for its first season in Flagstaff after moving from Greer earlier this year. Along with being a quicker car ride for families traveling from the Valley, Santa, Mrs. Claus and the many elves are happier to have 250 percent more space for making magic For Scott Pace, the move is a Christmas dream come true. As owner of North Pole … [Read more...] about ‘Tis the Season for Public-Private Partnerships
Protecting South Flagstaff From Wildfire
James Perkins has lived in Williams for 46 years. He and fellow residents are well aware that a large wildfire could destroy the city. And structures spared by fire could be washed away in the flooding aftermath. Perkins thinks about these things and the many residents of Northern Arizona as his company, Perkins Timber Harvesting, thins forests in the region. One of the numerous projects on which he has been working this year is Rogers Lake Natural Area, a county owned property about six … [Read more...] about Protecting South Flagstaff From Wildfire
