The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce’s 36th Annual Meeting and ATHENA Awards brought together more than 500 business leaders on Feb. 21 at the High Country Conference Center. The business gathering included a fireside chat with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and an instructive speech by Northern Arizona University Director of Career Development John Gartin. The ATHENA Awards capped the program that also included recognition of the past year’s Chamber honorees and volunteers. Stateside Chat … [Read more...] about Business Community Recognizes Outstanding Women, Green Initiatives, Volunteers
Driven to Succeed: How Car Buff Taylor Decker Built a Thriving Auto Glass and Tint Business
Taylor Decker’s passion for cars has turned into the thriving Archie’s Auto Glass and Tint in Flagstaff. The business is open to anyone, but his biggest customers are Findlay Auto and the Chevrolet dealership. “It started with a vision in my little garage, and it took off from there,” he said. “The idea was to bring a new style of window tint to Flagstaff.” Decker says he has modernized the tinting business and offers a bright environment for guests. He plans to add murals as well. “We use … [Read more...] about Driven to Succeed: How Car Buff Taylor Decker Built a Thriving Auto Glass and Tint Business
High-Tech Avian Detection System Becomes Golden Eagle Conservation Tool
Babbitt Ranches and its nonprofit research arm, Landsward Foundation, have long considered the golden eagle a sensitive species and have been monitoring the SP Crater area in particular for decades as an important golden eagle territory. In collaboration with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, they have been focused on protecting the eagles from human disturbances during the critical breeding and nesting period occurring now, from January through May. Meanwhile, Babbitt Ranches began … [Read more...] about High-Tech Avian Detection System Becomes Golden Eagle Conservation Tool
Hopi Councilmember Cliff Balenquah Sees Economic Potential, Pushes for Smart Growth
Hopi Tribal Councilmember Cliff Balenquah says the Hopi Tribe has a lot of potential for economic development, but it has to overcome obstacles to reach that goal. Balenquah, who has served on the council on and off for the past 12 years, said the recent purchase of a hotel in Clarkdale was a positive step forward. He said other economic development opportunities include developing land between Flagstaff and Winslow just off I-40, which the tribe owns, and maybe purchasing Hank’s Trading Post, … [Read more...] about Hopi Councilmember Cliff Balenquah Sees Economic Potential, Pushes for Smart Growth
Striking a Chord with Musicians and Students
Turning her passion for playing and teaching piano into her profession is exactly what Infusing Music Studios owner Clara McDonald set out to do. Since opening her studio in east Flagstaff, McDonald is fine tuning her spacious studio to teach lessons in piano, voice, ukulele, guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, flute, clarinet, trumpet and percussion. “My previous location consisted of two small studios next to each other. Now I have three employees and rent space to six other music … [Read more...] about Striking a Chord with Musicians and Students
Flagstaff Surgeon Completes Groundbreaking Surgery for Compressed Spines
A spine surgeon at Northern Arizona Orthopaedics (NAO) is now offering a groundbreaking procedure that could revolutionize the way spinal stenosis surgeries are performed. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Dr. Fady Hijji recently completed his third dual portal endoscopic spine surgery, a revolutionary procedure that targets and decompresses the nerves in the spinal canal through two microscopic incisions. This new and innovative surgery is only offered by a handful of specialized medical centers … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Surgeon Completes Groundbreaking Surgery for Compressed Spines
Getting Uncomfortable Can Lead to Mental and Physical Toughness
Growth hurts. Remember those growing pains you had as a teenager when the ache reached deep into your bones? Imagine how former Houston Rockets center Yao Ming felt as a kid, inching his way up to 7’6” – Yao-ouch! But I bet he would tell you, his growing pains paid off! It does seem ironic, doesn’t it, when you strive all these years to get to a place where you can be “comfortable” and then you read a leadership book that encourages you to get out of that comfort zone because it’s good for … [Read more...] about Getting Uncomfortable Can Lead to Mental and Physical Toughness
Career, Technical Education: The Lifeblood of Our Communities
As industries adapt to new technologies and shifting workforce demands, building a pipeline of skilled professionals has become essential for business success and economic resilience. One of the most critical yet often overlooked components of this development is Career and Technical Education (CTE). CTE programs provide the specialized training necessary to build a strong workforce, ensuring that businesses in Northern Arizona have access to skilled professionals in high-demand industries. CTE … [Read more...] about Career, Technical Education: The Lifeblood of Our Communities
Five Questions to Ask When Looking for a Rehab Facility
Having a loved one come to you asking for help from their addiction can be a stressful and worrisome situation. Finding an addiction treatment center is often the first thing people decide to do to help their family member or friend in this moment. For most people, this is the first time they have ever had to go through this experience, so finding the right place can be difficult. Knowing the right questions to ask facility leaders can help ease a lot of stress if you are prepared to do so. Here … [Read more...] about Five Questions to Ask When Looking for a Rehab Facility
Why Choosing a Mortgage Broker Can Save You Time and Money
Several months ago, after working for a retail mortgage bank for more than 15 years, I made a change from retail mortgage and became a mortgage broker. This move has been incredibly positive for my clients and for me. The following are some of the advantages I have found in using a mortgage broker, rather than a retail mortgage company, for your mortgage needs. 1. Access to a Diverse Range of Lenders and Products Mortgage brokers act as intermediaries between borrowers and multiple lending … [Read more...] about Why Choosing a Mortgage Broker Can Save You Time and Money