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
Tourism
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