Arizona’s real estate market remains “ridiculously hot,” says Arizona Association of Realtors President Gary Nelson. “We are seeing tremendous increases in home values in the last two years, increasing about 25% year over year in localized markets and about a 12% to 13% per-year increase in median home prices.” A lack of inventory, Millennials and investors are playing a huge role in the home-buying frenzy, say the experts, especially in scenic tourism destinations. Flagstaff, Sedona, … [Read more...] about Housing Market Expected to Remain Strong for Years
Business
Getting Back to Full Fitness
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for Flagstaff’s gyms, but at least three Flagstaff businesses are very positive about the outlook for the future, forecasting an exciting and re-energized time ahead for the fitness industry. The combination of closure, then re-opening with restrictions, took a big toll, said Brian Schmitz. A partner in Summit Health and Fitness since 2009, Schmitz took over as manager a year and a half ago. He says the facility was pleased with how it was … [Read more...] about Getting Back to Full Fitness
Colleen Biggs Bets on Women to Lead
Colleen Biggs grew up like a lot of little girls, imagining the life she thought she was supposed to live, including a prince, a big Disney-esque wedding and a happily ever after. But with her parents’ divorce, she watched her mom’s world fall apart. For 12-year-old Colleen and her mom, life was a struggle. They survived on food stamps in rural Chandler in the 1970s. “It was interesting because it was a horse town then. People would ride their horses to grocery stores. You would smell manure … [Read more...] about Colleen Biggs Bets on Women to Lead
CCC Students Gain Experience Building While Helping Habitat for Humanity
Circular saws whir and cut. Nail guns go “PSHHT!” Sawdust floats in the air. Safety glasses hang firmly in place, and all conversations are yelled. “Nail it there,” bellows Carrie Oakason over the noise. She’s a student in Coconino Community College’s Construction Technology Management program and is a project leader on the construction of panels for a new “Starter Home” for Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona. “I feel like I’m really lucky to have found CCC,” Oakason said. “The … [Read more...] about CCC Students Gain Experience Building While Helping Habitat for Humanity
Contractors Frustrated with Forest Thinning Process
Ten years of the Four Forests Restoration (4FRI) Phase I ends across Northern Arizona in May. After a decade of missed targets, frustration increased among local forest thinning contractors when 4FRI’s two-year Phase II Request for Proposals process was canceled last fall. “It was decided to change the approach to a blended one. Instead of awarding one big contract to a single company (NewLife Forestry), the new 4FRI Phase II will leverage funding with partner organizations and timber … [Read more...] about Contractors Frustrated with Forest Thinning Process
Mill Golf Offers Indoor Facility for Year-Round Practice
Winters in Flagstaff can be challenging for golfers who want to keep their swing consistent and their handicap low, as golf courses typically close between October and March. For Steve and Kyle Palmer, an epiphany they had during Christmas dinner led them to open Mill Golf, an indoor simulation golf course using state-of-the-art software. “My dad and I were discussing the dormancy of golf during the winters in Flagstaff and the challenge of practicing and keeping our game on track,” said … [Read more...] about Mill Golf Offers Indoor Facility for Year-Round Practice
Celebrating Positive Economic Activity
Economic Development Week 2022 is upon us! The week of May 9-13 is a time to celebrate the efforts of many community members and partners that work to enhance economic prosperity for individuals and businesses alike; and who doesn’t like a celebration? Perhaps you wonder what economic development is anyway; after all, doesn’t the economy take care of itself? So, let us begin by answering the questions of what economic development is and how we celebrate it. Economics are known generally to be … [Read more...] about Celebrating Positive Economic Activity
Sure Signs You Have a Solid Concept for Your Business
Creating a business concept and seeing it through to its full fruition is one of the most rewarding professional experiences. But knowing if your idea is solid enough to stand on its own two feet is challenging if you’re unsure of what makes a business viable in the first place. Fortunately, we’re here to help you figure it out with these simple signs that your concept has what it takes to be successful. It Solves a Problem Businesses find the most success when their offerings solve an issue. … [Read more...] about Sure Signs You Have a Solid Concept for Your Business
Why Packaging Matters in Marketing Your Brand
Although you may not think much about the packaging of your products, it can make a huge difference. Learn why packaging matters in marketing your brand here. With this information, you can find greater success with your Arizona business. The Right Packaging Protects Your Product After all the trouble you’ve taken to perfect it by adding decorative details and creating a unique design, your product deserves to arrive to the consumer in perfect condition. With online sales soaring, you likely … [Read more...] about Why Packaging Matters in Marketing Your Brand
5 Ways Shipping Containers Are Used for Business
Shipping containers are more than just large vessels to carry freight. Learn the many ways shipping containers can be used for business and improve your business with these creative shipping container ideas. Trade Shows There are many reasons to invest in a shipping container for your trade show in Arizona. Shipping containers can be eye-catching enclosures for your trade show setup. Shipping containers are also incredibly customizable, so you can design a space that sets the right tone for … [Read more...] about 5 Ways Shipping Containers Are Used for Business
