Proper estate management is critical when working toward a more sound and stable financial life. From your wills to beneficiaries and beyond, estates require thoughtful strategies. Yet, many Americans still haven’t protected themselves in the ways they should. In fact, only 40 percent of adults have a will or living trust. If you don’t have documentation in place to direct your wishes, the courts may decide what to do with your estate when you pass away. Preparing for the future and … [Read more...] about Ways to Protect Your Estate and Prepare for Your Future
Loven Contracting Recognized for Exceeding Safety Standards
Mike Loven, founder of one of the largest construction companies in Northern Arizona, has recently received one of the most valued safety awards in the Southwest. Loven Contracting was recognized by the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star Award, a very high safety standard earned through the Arizona Industrial Commission and OSHA. “This is very significant for us,” said Loven, who started the contracting company in 1984. “The VPP standard is very hard to obtain and takes a lot of … [Read more...] about Loven Contracting Recognized for Exceeding Safety Standards
Eating Nuts Reduces More Than Just Your Waistline
Food scientists and medical researchers are calling nuts the latest superfood for their ability to reduce the risk of a number of diseases. From cancer and heart disease to diabetes and obesity, studies indicate consuming nuts prevents disease and promotes a healthy metabolism. Studies in the United States and Europe have shown a higher consumption of nuts and seeds significantly reduces the risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Heart disease was reduced by 30 percent when nuts were … [Read more...] about Eating Nuts Reduces More Than Just Your Waistline
New AZ COBRA Law Coming for Small Businesses
Beginning Jan. 1, small employers offering certain employee benefits such as group medical, dental and vision insurance will be required to offer continuation of coverage for 18 months to employees separating employment under the new law. This sounds very similar to Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) that employers with 20 or more employees must follow. The Arizona law will require small businesses with one or more covered employee to follow almost the same rules. … [Read more...] about New AZ COBRA Law Coming for Small Businesses
Offering a ‘Crate of Delights’ to Support Student Artists
Coconino Community College student Sara Jansen offered her painting, “Crate of Delights,” to be auctioned at the school’s annual Palette to Palate spring fundraising event. CCC Marketing Director Brian Harris reported that more than $30,000 was brought in to support classroom improvements and offer enriching field trip experiences to students. “Local artists and restaurants were incredibly generous with their time, work and talent to create one of Flagstaff’s most anticipated evenings of the … [Read more...] about Offering a ‘Crate of Delights’ to Support Student Artists
County Presents Five Free Services for Employers
Northern Arizona employers gathered at Little America in Flagstaff recently for a learning session presented by The ARIZONA@WORK Coconino County Business Services Team. Hot topics such as “Minimum Wage Expectations and Enforcement in Flagstaff,” and “Internships, Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training Opportunities for Employers – How You Can Get Paid to Employ People,” and “The Latest Economic Vitality Information from the City of Flagstaff” were discussed. More than 50 people attended, … [Read more...] about County Presents Five Free Services for Employers
Ask the CEO: Exceptional Customer Service
Most of my columns are based on experiences I’ve had with my former companies. Most of my organizations were in business-to-business selling, so my experience with retail is relatively limited to personal buying experiences. That being said, I think many of the practices I used still apply to today’s small business, or any retail business. Recently, I was shopping around for a very specific watch, and my experiences are what gave me the idea for this month’s column. Between driving to local … [Read more...] about Ask the CEO: Exceptional Customer Service
Making the Most of Monsoon Season
Last month, we talked about ways of being “water-wise” in our dry climate, such as using drip irrigation systems and selecting drought-resistant plants for your garden. Now, as the monsoon season starts, we thought we should examine how you can take advantage of these naturally wetter months by practicing rainwater harvesting. When you read “rainwater harvesting” just now, I bet the first thing you thought of was rainwater barrels. And, yes, they are an important part of this story and we … [Read more...] about Making the Most of Monsoon Season
Arizona’s Water-Safety Weatherman Sharing Stories of a Colorful Life
With his familiar voice, schoolboy enthusiasm and mischievous smile, Dave Munsey has been riding the Arizona airwaves longer than anyone else in the broadcast news business: 42 years. Never at a loss for words, a friendly greeting or a funny joke, the Arizona Hall of Famer and Emmy-award winning weatherman still has a lot to say and has poured a life of excitement, celebrity, lessons and luck into his deeply human book, “Munsey Business.” The Jamestown, North Dakota native has been working … [Read more...] about Arizona’s Water-Safety Weatherman Sharing Stories of a Colorful Life
Flagstaff’s Lunar Legacy Celebrating the First Moon Landing
Experience Flagstaff's scientific role in the Apollo Moon missions and the Flagstaff Lunar Legacy 18-month celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the first Moon landing. Mark your calendar for the Flagstaff lunar legacy launch event on Friday, July 20. Enjoy a free concert, kids activities, special guests and presentations at the Orpheum Theater. Doors open at 5 p.m. with program liftoff at 5:30 p.m. When Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Moon on July 20, 1969, he at once met the audacious … [Read more...] about Flagstaff’s Lunar Legacy Celebrating the First Moon Landing