As we let the notes of Auld Lang Syne fade away into a happy memory, the dawn of a new business year breaks. At the time this article was being written, effects of an increased state minimum wage and a related mandatory sick time rule and the additional Flagstaff minimum wage hike stacked on top were being seriously debated – especially by owners of small businesses in town. Those chips are going to fall where they may, and a future article will have to address all of those issues. Yes, the … [Read more...] about Getting Tax Documents in Order
Having a Plan For Pets
Pets have always been a part of the fabric of our lives, keeping us company and providing us with steadfast, loyal devotion. When the decision is made to transition your loved one to an assisted living community, the issue of what to do with their beloved pet can become a major concern. This became reality for me when my dad needed to move into an assisted living facility, but refused to do so unless he could bring his beloved cat, Max. Having worked in health care for more than 20 years, I … [Read more...] about Having a Plan For Pets
Start the New Year Out Right: Plan a Mission Trip
As a physician specializing in primary care and anesthesiology, I have been fortunate to be able to use my expertise to care for numerous people in the United States, Mexico, the Yucatan, Guatemala, Haiti and other locations around the world. Going on mission trips within and outside of our country allows me to care for people in need of assistance in meeting the very basic requirements of life, such as water, food, housing and medical care. One of the many ironies that becomes apparent in … [Read more...] about Start the New Year Out Right: Plan a Mission Trip
Make It a Point in 2017 to Ask, ‘Are You Doing Okay?’
Early in my career, I worked for Will Keiper. Will was one of my first managers and in many ways, he taught me how to be a manager. He knew the fine balance of being a friend and also a tough manager. In the late ‘80s, I left the company where I worked for Will to work for Compaq Computer in Houston. I had been working for Compaq for two years when Will let me know he would be attending a meeting at our office and wanted to catch up. As I walked into the room to say hello, Will remarked, … [Read more...] about Make It a Point in 2017 to Ask, ‘Are You Doing Okay?’
Flying First Class in Flagstaff
We have always known that Flagstaff is a First Class Community, but now our air service is, too! On Nov. 30, American Airlines replaced the Bombardier CRJ-200 with the larger bombardier CRJ-700. The larger CRJ-700 has 70 seats, compared to the 50-seat CRJ-200. Best of all, it has a first class section. This means if you book a first class flight from Flagstaff to London on American Airlines, you will be first class all the way! In just a few years, we have seen quite a steady growth in the … [Read more...] about Flying First Class in Flagstaff
Where Has 2016 Left the Real Estate Market?
After the sun set on 2016, many of us are looking back, reflecting on what the year brought us. Professionally. Personally. Typical hustle and bustle of the holiday season, paired with the reality of winter may leave buying or selling a home way in the back of your mind. Real estate quiets slightly around this time of year, but will be back with a vengeance in 2017. If you’re contemplating a move, this is what you should know going forward. Was 2016 a buyer’s market? A seller’s market? … [Read more...] about Where Has 2016 Left the Real Estate Market?
Investing in Education and Success
At the start of a new year, good intentions and goals are plentiful. Resolutions form a path for optimism and the promise of success is in the air. At NAU, we are optimistic – but our confidence is not limited to specific dates on the calendar. We enter each new day with excitement for what we will accomplish for our students, our team and our community, and we build our plans on the success we have seen thus far. Our ambitions are not random. We follow clear metrics of success that we shaped … [Read more...] about Investing in Education and Success
Little, Bright Space Rock Gives Astronomers Practice
Details about one of the smallest and brightest asteroids ever found are now being released, but perhaps the most significant discovery is how fast astronomers could get “on sky” with telescopes to observe a near-Earth asteroid and assess its impact risk. 2015 TC25, as it is known, hurled past our planet last fall. It was discovered in the night sky by a telescope near Tucson through a project called the Catalina Sky Survey. Within 24 hours, telescopes in New Mexico, Arizona and Hawaii were … [Read more...] about Little, Bright Space Rock Gives Astronomers Practice
Ensuring Financial Stability, Maintaining Services for Coconino County
The Arizona State Legislature convened on Jan. 9, which began the 2017 Legislative Session. At the top of the legislature’s and governor’s agenda will be crafting a budget that meets the needs of the state’s 6.8 million residents. Coconino County has been there at the session since day one, advocating and respectfully asking the lawmakers not to balance the books on the backs of county taxpayers. We have good reason to be concerned. After the recession began in late 2008, Arizona legislators … [Read more...] about Ensuring Financial Stability, Maintaining Services for Coconino County
First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide
Purchasing a home is complex and requires practicality, honesty, organization and trust. Although no two people or situations are the same, there is a general process that you can follow in order to make this big decision as smooth as possible. Reality Check and Research It might sound simple or silly, but you’ll need to determine why you want to buy a home before you make the decision. For instance, is it a financial decision or a status decision? If you’re looking to own a … [Read more...] about First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide