Downtown Flagstaff businesses are decking the halls – and their windows – with festive flair this holiday season as they compete in the annual Downtown Flagstaff Window Decorating Contest. From beer-themed puns to tastefully designed winter wonderlands, the historic district has become a dazzling show of creativity and holiday cheer. Beaver Street Brewery has embraced the season with its playful “Hoppy Holidays” scene with multi-colored Christmas trees, while Lumberyard Brewing Company’s window … [Read more...] about ‘Hoppy’ Holidays: Downtown Flagstaff Lights Up with Window Decorating Contest
Business
Route 66 By Design
The City of Flagstaff is enhancing its curb appeal to commemorate the Route 66 Centennial celebration in 2026. Mural Mice, the artists who created the original artwork seven years ago and who have been commissioned to refurbish it, have been working to refresh the iconic street mural painted on the pavement at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. “The mural is such a popular photo opportunity among the city’s five million annual visitors that the artists at times were asked by travelers to stop … [Read more...] about Route 66 By Design
Partnership Expands Access to Capital for Northern Arizona’s Emerging Small Businesses
In a move to reshape the economic landscape for small businesses across Northern Arizona, Growth Partners Arizona (GPAz), Moonshot AZ, and Local First Arizona have united to expand access to capital. This collaborative effort is part of a broader initiative launched by the State of Arizona, aiming to drive economic development, job creation and sustainability through the groundbreaking Microbusiness Loan Program. As a tangible demonstration of this commitment, GPAz recently announced the … [Read more...] about Partnership Expands Access to Capital for Northern Arizona’s Emerging Small Businesses
Puzzle Rides Turns Sightseers into Wild West Crime Solvers and Pirates
What began as a golf cart taxi service that merely broke even has evolved into an award-winning and profitable guided tour adventure that invites Wild West bank robbers, pirates and ghosts along for the journey. And this has Puzzle Rides founder Katie Dufort thrilled. On Friday, Aug. 2, Dufort won the grand prize of $10,000 in the statewide Moonshot Rural Pitch Tour Competition in Cottonwood. She says the award will help her expand the hours of current staff members and hire more tour guides at … [Read more...] about Puzzle Rides Turns Sightseers into Wild West Crime Solvers and Pirates
Lessons from a Meteor
Some 50,000 years ago, a momentous and earthshaking event occurred in Northern Arizona. A giant fireball of rock, hurling through space at about 26,000 miles per hour, collided with our planet, and left behind a huge hole – 550 feet deep and nearly a mile across. Scientists and visitors have studied Meteor Crater for decades. However, today, the educational possibilities are expanding with a new nonprofit organization. In mid-April, the Barringer Crater Company Board of Directors and Meteor … [Read more...] about Lessons from a Meteor
Building, Maintaining Business Relationships through Connections
It probably happened around Valentine’s Day in first grade for many of us – we became more aware of the people in our world – our family and our classroom – and we were prompted to send them a nice card, a valentine. For Relationship Marketing Specialist Janice Porter, every day is Valentine’s Day. She has made a business out of showing busy professionals how to build and grow a network efficiently by cultivating and nurturing relationships, which has translated into more business success for … [Read more...] about Building, Maintaining Business Relationships through Connections
Called to the Stage
Stage actress Robyn Allen has spent more than 30 years in the entertainment industry, but says she had to overcome her shyness to perform. “I was always very shy,” she said, “but if I had written a poem, I would just stand up and recite it in front of my relatives. I think that’s how they tricked me into auditioning for plays in school.” Soon she found her own trick, which was to become completely immersed in the character and stay focused. Allen shared her story with more than 100 … [Read more...] about Called to the Stage
The Importance of the Age-Old Business Card
Business cards are important for people in business. Don’t make the mistake of poo-pooing them as old school and outdated. Cards are a seemingly small piece of the business puzzle, but a key ingredient to successful business networking. Many young people view the business card as a relic from the past and unnecessary. Others know the value of cards but forget to carry them. Before going out, reload your wallet with as many as you can fit. Business cards are an extension of you and your … [Read more...] about The Importance of the Age-Old Business Card
A Match Made for Hollywood
Making movies and commercials is not for the physically or mentally weak, says Sedona-based freelance production manager, producer and assistant director Margaret Knight. “Every job is different,” said Knight. “The film business is a formula, and when the formula works, it flows – and it’s a great sensation to be a part of it. As in anything, when you feel the energy and synchronicity, it gives you a satisfying, rewarding, why-you-do-this-for-a-living kind of feeling.” Once Knight is … [Read more...] about A Match Made for Hollywood
Hissing is Never a Good Sound
I once had dinner with a rattlesnake. It was an uninvited guest, but nonetheless, it showed up at suppertime while I was grilling. I did what any courageous Arizonan should do who doesn’t have a long-handled shovel or a pair of snake tongs. I called the fire department – which I’ve heard is the No. 1 reason people make emergency calls to Scottsdale firefighters. I’ve also heard it’s the No. 1 call they hate. Knowing this, I called anyway. The dispatcher explained that this particular evening … [Read more...] about Hissing is Never a Good Sound
