Today, Raymond J. Keating, chief economist for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council), released the following statement in response to the May employment data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: "The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to tell a mixed story on jobs and the U.S. economy. "The establishment survey pointed to an increase of only 69,000 in employment for the month of May, far below expectations and where job … [Read more...] about SBE Council Chief Economist on Latest Jobs Data
Council
Candidates Forum Tonight
A Forum with candidates for Flagstaff City Council and Mayor, “Non-profits & the Community”, will be held tonight, Thursday, April 12, 2012, from 5:00 – 8:30 P.M., at the Coconino Center for the Arts in Flagstaff, Arizona. All six candidates for Flagstaff City Council and both Mayoral candidates will attend “Non-profits & the Community”. The Forum will provide voters the opportunity to hear each candidate’s views on a variety of issues relating to non-profit organizations’ impact on … [Read more...] about Candidates Forum Tonight
Upcoming City Council Debate Tonight
This week's debate will feature Flagstaff mayoral and city council candidates at the Raddison Woodlands Hotel from 6:00-8:30. The event is free and sponsored by Coconino County Republicans, Flagstaff Liberty Alliance, Flagstaff Republican Women, Flagstaff Tea Party, NAU Conservatives and Young Americans for Liberty at NAU. The debate can be seen on a live stream at http://www.flagtv.net/ Last week's forum was sponsored by Friends of Flagstaff's Future. More than 100 people attended the … [Read more...] about Upcoming City Council Debate Tonight
Art Babbott Running Board of Supervisors
Art Babbott has declared his candidacy for District 1 Coconino County Board of Supervisors and officially resigned from the Flagstaff City Council. “I look forward to sharing my vision for an innovative, vibrant and sustaining future with District 1 residents. Listening to citizen’s perspectives and priorities is a critical part of formulating good public policy and I welcome input and ideas on creating a more effective and responsive County government. Our creative and entrepreneurial … [Read more...] about Art Babbott Running Board of Supervisors
Top 2011 Small Business Policy Developments
This week SBE Council issued "Top Policy Highlights and Lowlights for Small Business in 2011," a list of significant policy developments this past year for the nation's small business owners and entrepreneurs. SBE Council President & CEO Karen Kerrigan said the list includes a range of issues that will impact the economic and business climate for 2012 and beyond. Small business owners and entrepreneurs played a key role in helping to advance constructive policies on the list. It also … [Read more...] about Top 2011 Small Business Policy Developments
Leveling the Tax Break Playing Field
Should municipal governments offer tax breaks to some? Recently, the Flagstaff City Council turned down a tax incentive proposal for a local car dealer. Scott Baugh, who owns Planet Nissan Subaru Jeep, would have received a four-year tax rebate in exchange for bringing a Chrysler-Dodge dealership back to Flagstaff. Flagstaff Business News asked some experts to address the controversial issue of tax incentives and the role of municipal governments. “Local government does not have a vast … [Read more...] about Leveling the Tax Break Playing Field
Job Opening + Chamber News
The Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce announces an immediate full time opening in membership sales and retention. Successful candidate has strong written and verbal communication skills; proven track record of sales success; is goal and success driven; is able to work in a fast paced environment. Minor special event & business services coordination is also required. Knowledge of local business community is essential. Provide own transportation. $30,000 plus commission. Benefits eligible. Fax … [Read more...] about Job Opening + Chamber News
Helping Steer Flagstaff’s Future
Stephanie McKinney is one of those people who, after talking to her for five minutes, you feel you’ve known forever. Effervescent and energetic might be two other ways to describe this dynamic community leader. Her day job is serving as vice president for business development at the National Bank of Arizona, where she helps fit bank products to best aid businesses, individuals and nonprofit organizations. Her other job – volunteer, of course – is helping promote people and businesses in … [Read more...] about Helping Steer Flagstaff’s Future
Exporting Key to Region’s Economic Improvement
One way to strengthen Northern Arizona's economy is to look to international markets. That's where Export University comes in. Held last month in Flagstaff, Export University was a day-long training with government and industry extolling the benefits of international expansion. It's like learning to ride a bike, says Andy Kruse, who is passionate about exporting. He cofounded Southwest Windpower in the mid-1980s and exports to countries around the world. "At first, it is difficult, but once … [Read more...] about Exporting Key to Region’s Economic Improvement
SBE Council Economist on Latest Inflation Numbers
Raymond J. Keating, chief economist for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council), offered the following statement in reaction to the CPI inflation numbers released this morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Despite the continuing efforts by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke to reassure that everything is under control regarding inflation, the CPI inflation data for August, up 0.4%, and the past year, running at 3.8%, confirm that this is simply not the case. … [Read more...] about SBE Council Economist on Latest Inflation Numbers