Since high school, Allison Wiltfong has known she wants to work in the hotel industry. She is now about to graduate from Northern Arizona University (NAU) with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) and live her dream. After working in restaurants during high school to make extra money, Wiltfong was instantly drawn to the industry. She came to NAU specifically for its HRM program because it is looked upon so highly. “I just chose the school for the HRM program,” Wiltfong said. … [Read more...] about Students Linking NAU and Tourism Economy
recession
Traditional Roofing was started about a decade ago by Matt Behmer. Despite challenges related to the recession, Behmer's company has experienced success in part because of a strong work ethic. Traditional Roofing has also been supported by local contractors who are committed to using Flagstaff businesses. Traditional Roofing has been working on some high profile projects recently (including the Amtrak Train Station's re-roofing) and the company has also been selected to work on a public … [Read more...] about
Fuel Prices Creating Bottom Line Challenges
The owner of Red Rock Cafe in Sedona is frustrated by the high price of gasoline. Jeff Wetmore says he made forecasts for 2011 based on positive upward trends he saw during the last quarter of 2010. "We thought our business would move up 10-12 percent over last year, but it is flat or even slightly down." Wetmore blames gas prices for keeping tourists at home. "There is a definite impact on my business and I think it is true of all restaurants and probably true of hotels and lodging … [Read more...] about Fuel Prices Creating Bottom Line Challenges
Cementing Hopes for Regional and National Economic Growth
Drake Cement’s nearly-complete $310 million production plant is located within Yavapai County in Paulden, Arizona – once a historic ghost town and about 60 miles southwest of Flagstaff. Bringing Drake to the region is expected to employ approximately 550 people in construction projects and provide 90 full-time jobs within the plant. Local and Regional Development Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Ab Jackson envisions Drake as a critical first step in expanding regional … [Read more...] about Cementing Hopes for Regional and National Economic Growth
From Coffee to Construction: Are We Saving or Spending?
In turbulent times, what is our survival strategy? Are things getting better or worse? Should we save, spend, or chuck it all and run for the Peaks? Reading today’s economy is not easy. Perpetual ups and downs, sometimes in the same week, demonstrate that the roller coaster has not stopped, even if these days it is more of a kiddie ride than the White- Knuckle Gigacoaster. As recently as August, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported a 0.5 percent increase in personal income in the … [Read more...] about From Coffee to Construction: Are We Saving or Spending?