Over the past few weeks, I’ve been facing a number of challenges, both personally and professionally. These challenges led to much reflection about how to deal with times of difficulty. It comes to no surprise for regular readers, but I have some thoughts on the topic. Not surprisingly, my favorite philosophers, the Stoics, give us guidance. A core tenant of Stoicism is also the key to dealing with troubling times. As Epictetus (a slave for much of his life) began his book, “The Enchiridion … [Read more...] about Leading NAU’s Business College During All Seasons
Fortune Finds Opportunity in Mobile Bridal Suite
Trailer becomes Barbie’s Dream House on wheels for destination weddings It happened to her one too many times. Fortune Brandel, a stylist who specializes in weddings, found herself at a venue with two electric outlets and two hours to prepare 10 bridesmaids for a wedding. There had to be a better way. She thought it over and began looking for a trailer with floor space and a kitchen that she could take with her to any venue. Now, the bride and her bridesmaids can spend the hours leading … [Read more...] about Fortune Finds Opportunity in Mobile Bridal Suite
Need to Purchase Insurance Through the Marketplace?
As of Sunday, Nov. 1, individuals were able to begin enrolling in health insurance plans for 2016 through the Health Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. Open enrollment dates are Nov.1 through Jan. 31, 2016. Those who do not enroll before Jan. 31 will not be able to enroll in a health insurance plan unless they have a qualifying life event. Those who are required to purchase health insurance coverage for 2016 and do not purchase insurance through the Marketplace, employer or … [Read more...] about Need to Purchase Insurance Through the Marketplace?
City Council Drowning in Water Issues
We have started into a series of public meetings about our water rates and whether they need to be raised. That question has brought up many more questions. With houses, we charge more per gallon as you use more gallons. This is done to get you to conserve water. Should we also charge commercial and manufacturing on a sliding scale like that? My position is no. If a manufacturer is using more water, that means more production, more money into Flagstaff, more jobs. If a hotel is using more … [Read more...] about City Council Drowning in Water Issues
Vista Hospice: New Name, Return to Mission
Northland Hospice and Palliative Care changed its name to Vista Hospice after a thoughtful and lengthy rebranding process. The name change has been confusing for some Flagstaff residents who thought that perhaps the local, well-known Northland Hospice was purchased by a larger, national organization. “No one has bought us out,” the organization’s CEO Trish Bartholomew emphasized. “We will not be ‘for-profit’ – that’s in our founding papers with the Arizona Corporation Commission.” The … [Read more...] about Vista Hospice: New Name, Return to Mission
Apps Helping Northern Arizona Businesses Perform
Chances are that by now, you have a smartphone, tablet, laptop and/or computer. And, chances are you never leave home or go to work without one or more of them. While much attention is given to the coolest personal apps, the rise of business apps is a trend that cannot be overlooked. The number of smartphones and mobile technology in businesses of all sizes has exploded in the last few years with apps that help you do your job and run your business better. According to statista.com, in … [Read more...] about Apps Helping Northern Arizona Businesses Perform
Meteorologists, Ski Businesses, Tourism Industry, Locals Welcoming El Niño
If a collective focus can make it happen, the Northland is in for a snowy winter as outdoor sports enthusiasts and snow play operators look to the heavens with hope and expectation. But if not, there is always science. Meteorologists say a very strong El Niño is brewing and forecast to continue through fall and winter. In fact, it is on track to become one of the strongest El Niños on record. “All expectations are that this El Niño will be one of the strongest we've seen, and as such, is likely … [Read more...] about Meteorologists, Ski Businesses, Tourism Industry, Locals Welcoming El Niño
Basic Business Empowerment Program Revamped
One look at Flagstaff’s bustling downtown on each First Friday of the month, and I am reminded how small businesses contribute to personal wealth and job creation. Looking statewide, according to the latest U.S. Census data, small businesses in Arizona employed over two-fifths of the state’s private workforce in 2012, or 955,194 workers. This is one of the reasons Coconino County Community Services Department, a Community Action Agency, launched the Basic Business Empowerment Program in spring … [Read more...] about Basic Business Empowerment Program Revamped
Putting an End to High Blood Pressure
When people hear the term “high blood pressure,” most associate it with old age. However, this is not always the case. High blood pressure can occur at any age. According to the National Institutes of Health, 19 percent of young adults have high blood pressure. While high blood pressure is more common in ages 60 or older, it is a health concern for individuals of all ages. High blood pressure is often known as “the silent killer,” due to the fact it exhibits no symptoms. However, managing … [Read more...] about Putting an End to High Blood Pressure
Walking the Walk in our STEM City
As hopefully most readers know, Flagstaff declared itself as America’s first STEM Community in 2012. STEM (the ubiquitous acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) is commonly discussed in our schools, in academia and in workforce development as a goal for literacy in the 21st Century. In Flagstaff, we have a wealth of STEM resources in our businesses (e.g., Gore & Associates, Senestech, Machine Solutions, Northern Arizona Healthcare, etc.) and research institutions (e.g., … [Read more...] about Walking the Walk in our STEM City