Every month, when I hear from the Flagstaff Business News editor that it is time to submit my column, I look back over the emails I have received, or the discussions I’ve had with business leaders, or just something I’ve witnessed in my day-to-day work. For this month’s column, I didn’t need to look beyond my own front door. My two sons, Matt and Ross, both called me to say they had been promoted and received a raise. Matt works at the world headquarters for a major automobile rental … [Read more...] about Do Two Things to Get a Raise or Promotion
Starlite Shining at 60
According to the May 6, 1899 edition of the Coconino Sun, “Flagstaff needs a bowling alley.” Entrepreneurs would heed this advice and over the ensuing decades establish a number of different bowling alleys around Flagstaff. Only one of these – Starlite Lanes – remains today, and 2018 marks its 60th year in operation. Since buying Starlite seven and a half years ago, Ron Getto has made a number of significant changes to the operation, honoring the alley’s first six decades of business while … [Read more...] about Starlite Shining at 60
Defining Arthroscopic, Laparoscopic, Endoscopic
Thirty years ago, many of the modern minimally invasive surgery techniques had yet to become common place in the operating room. When I was an intern in General Surgery in 1986, we were still doing gallbladder removals by cutting large open incisions beneath the rib cage on the right side – a very painful approach, to say the least. Now, the use of small TV cameras has become commonplace and used to treat many medical and surgical disorders revolutionizing the world of medicine. Everyone … [Read more...] about Defining Arthroscopic, Laparoscopic, Endoscopic
MNA Featuring Colorado Plateau Native Cultures
The world’s largest museum exhibition design firm has called the Museum of Northern Arizona’s approach to the curation of their Native Peoples of the Colorado Plateau renovation “revolutionary.” Ralph Appelbaum Associates design firm, with offices in New York City, London, Beijing, Berlin, Moscow and Dubai, should know. The firm worked closely with MNA and 42 members of Colorado Plateau tribes to determine the exhibition’s themes and select the 342 items displayed. MNA’s inclusive approach is … [Read more...] about MNA Featuring Colorado Plateau Native Cultures
Tips for Families Who Have Children with Special Needs
When beginning to build their families, few parents expect to have a child with special needs. However, the experience is surprisingly common and affects millions of people throughout the United States. In fact, current estimates show that approximately one in six children from age three to 17 have at least one developmental disorder. Any parent knows that having a child brings love, satisfaction and busyness. And being a parent of a child with special needs brings new concerns to address, as … [Read more...] about Tips for Families Who Have Children with Special Needs
Bacteria: The Guardians of Health
Microorganisms are the oldest life form on earth. They are everywhere and they are numerous. The weight of all microbial life on earth is 25 times greater than all animal life. Not only have humans evolved in the presence of bacteria, our health is greatly dependent on maintaining harmony and equilibrium with the microorganisms living on us and in us. We interact daily with our bacterial neighbors in many ways. The food we eat, the air we breathe, the lifestyle we choose and the medications … [Read more...] about Bacteria: The Guardians of Health
What is Your Real Estate Love Language?
Love languages. We all have them. The definition of a “love language” is the way we most often express our love to others (or feel loved by others). Real estate is such an emotional and personal experience for buyers (whether a first-time buyer or seasoned investor), that we can talk about “falling in love” with a special piece of real estate. Each buyer has his or her own real estate love language. The key is for your realtor to figure out your love language and find properties that tug on your … [Read more...] about What is Your Real Estate Love Language?
Reviewing a Case of Employee Fraud
She was the perfect employee. She could do it “all.” She was a long-time employee of the company and as time went on, had been given additional responsibilities so the owners wouldn’t have to be inconvenienced to sign checks each time the bills were paid. As the company bookkeeper, she was tasked with handling the payroll and monthly bill pay operations as well as preparing the monthly financial statements and reconciling the bank account. When the owners were out, she had the authority to sign … [Read more...] about Reviewing a Case of Employee Fraud
Cultivating Regional Forest Industries
Catastrophic wildfire and the flooding that often follows a destructive wildfire represent the number one public safety risk for Coconino County’s citizens and communities. Strong community support and regional cooperation exist to move initiatives, such as Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) and the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project (FWPP), forward. However, significant implementation challenges remain. Two critical areas needing attention are: 1) Supporting and expanding forest … [Read more...] about Cultivating Regional Forest Industries
Smoke from Forest Burns Triggering Allergies in Northern Arizona
Smoke from the National Forest Service burning south of Flagstaff and other fires in the Coconino National Forest is increasing the allergy symptoms among Flagstaff residents. While not everyone has the same sensitivity to smoke caused by fire, the added burden of airborne particles, combined with the early bloom of Juniper pollens, are triggering allergy symptoms in many who have never before reported seasonal allergies. Smoke contains fine particles and a complex mixture of gasses that can … [Read more...] about Smoke from Forest Burns Triggering Allergies in Northern Arizona