When Arizona lawmakers passed SB1070 – legislation designed to give the state tools to reduce illegal immigration – outcry, and threats by several cities to boycott Arizona, followed. SB1070, also known as Support our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act, makes the failure to carry immigration documents a state crime and gives the police broad power to detain anyone suspected of being an illegal immigrant. When police have stopped someone for unlawful activity … [Read more...] about Visitors to Arizona Mixed on Immigration Law
Tourism
Encouraging Feedback on Region’s Tourism
With cooler temperatures on the rise and the departure of the Arizona Cardinals, Flagstaff’s busiest season for tourists may be slowing. However, Flagstaff may have fared better than most cities statewide when it comes to this year’s tourism season. According to Heather Ainardi, director of the Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), “For the first time since January 2008, Flagstaff is reporting three consecutive months of positive increases in hotel occupancy rates. Amid statewide … [Read more...] about Encouraging Feedback on Region’s Tourism
Council Rejects Fresh Water Option for Snowmaking
The Flagstaff City Council has decided to move forward with plans to sell reclaimed water to the Arizona Snowbowl. The council decided against selling drinking water to the ski resort, a move that would have facilitated plans for snowmaking on the San Francisco Peaks, by expediting construction of a pipeline. Snowmaking at Snowbowl has been challenged in court in a lawsuit which made it to the U.S. Supreme Court; that body denied the tribes' appeal, giving the green light to … [Read more...] about Council Rejects Fresh Water Option for Snowmaking
City Council Scheduled to Vote on Water for Snowmaking
Flagstaff City Council is set to vote on the sale of water for Arizona Snowbowl's snowmaking plan August 30th. Early last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Coconino National Forest released the permit authorizing the Arizona Snowbowl to move forward with upgrade plans. In late July, Flagstaff's Water Commission voted to recommend the sale of water to Snowbowl. Now, the Flagstaff City Council will decide which step is next for the city and whether reclaimed water or potable … [Read more...] about City Council Scheduled to Vote on Water for Snowmaking
Arizona Cardinals Boosting Flagstaff Economy
With the ink still drying on a recently renewed three-year contract between the Arizona Cardinals and Northern Arizona University (NAU) to host the team’s annual training camp, many Flagstaff hotels, restaurants and businesses are prepping for the red, white and black clad fans. Although training camp didn’t officially begin until Friday, July 30, many local hotels and businesses are projecting optimism when it comes to the number of visitors Flagstaff will see and the … [Read more...] about Arizona Cardinals Boosting Flagstaff Economy
Hunting and Fishing Businesses Boost Local Economy
People in Flagstaff don’t realize how much impact we have on the local economy,” said taxidermist and sports- man Steve Favour. Indeed, activities such as hunting, fishing, and birding provide significant financial support for the local economy. “Hunters out in the field still come into town for a hot meal, gasoline, and groceries. A lot of times, when a guy drives in from Louisiana, he will spend his first and last night in a hotel,” Favour added. Locals might believe that national forest … [Read more...] about Hunting and Fishing Businesses Boost Local Economy
Entrepreneurial Tribes Cashing in on Ideas
Many Northern Arizona Indian tribes have found innovative ways to generate increased tour- ism and revenues. Despite the economy, the tribes continue to move forward with new projects. One of the newest projects is the Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites, which opened in the last sixty days. The first hotel to be built on Hopi tribal land in 50 years, it was the inspiration of the Elders of the Upper Village of Moenkopi. “The Hopi Elders’ vision for develop- ment was to … [Read more...] about Entrepreneurial Tribes Cashing in on Ideas
Jeep Tour Companies Find Niche in Northern Arizona
Although storefronts of jeep tour companies dot the main drag through downtown Sedona, visitors to Flagstaff are hard-pressed to find a jeep tour storefront. That is, until recently. Last month, Grand Canyon Jeep Tours opened a retail store on Aspen Avenue, across the street from Heritage Square. “The reason we came to Flagstaff is that we could see a huge void,” said Bret Koohns, owner of Grand Canyon Jeep Tours. Koohns, a commercial helicopter pilot, has lived and worked in the … [Read more...] about Jeep Tour Companies Find Niche in Northern Arizona
Local Economy Boosted by Wine
A proven marketing model is helping the Verde Valley ride out the economic tide on a wave of wine. “We have seen the sales of wine at local vineyards double over previous years’ sales,” said Lana Tolleson, president/CEO of the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce. “No other business has achieved that kind of success.” “In a troubled economy, consumers start looking closer to home for their products. We see [the wine industry] as a magnet,” said Tom … [Read more...] about Local Economy Boosted by Wine
Organization Bolsters Local Economy by $10 Million
One of the largest tourism organizations in Northern Arizona has been undercover since 1983. The obscure entity brought 90,000 clients to the region in the past 27 years. Currently, an average of 5,300 visitors per year come because of this unseen promoter of Northern Arizona. Every year, they stealthily book 16,000 hotel rooms and 70,000 meals in our area. Their direct revenues (over $4 million in fiscal year 2009) certainly impact our local economy. Why is a business that provides services to … [Read more...] about Organization Bolsters Local Economy by $10 Million
