Sluggish, stagnant and anemic are words being used to describe Flagstaff and Coconino County’s projected job growth for the New Year; however, city and county officials remain hopeful. Meantime, economists continue to expect no big surprises in 2014. “The unemployment rate will not improve dramatically,” said Northern Arizona University Economics Professor Dennis Foster. In November, Arizona’s unemployment rate dropped four-tenths of a percentage point, from 8.2 percent in October to 7.8 … [Read more...] about 2014 Job Growth – Slow but Improving
NAU Impacting Flagstaff’s Economy
In 2010, the Rural Policy Institute at Northern Arizona University completed a detailed and thorough economic impact study that showed NAU’s annual economic impact on the State of Arizona was $1.46 billion and that one of eight jobs exist in Coconino County because of the presence of NAU. Under President John Haeger’s leadership, NAU has grown its annual economic impact by more than $600 million annually and has set the foundation for even faster and greater economic growth in Flagstaff, … [Read more...] about NAU Impacting Flagstaff’s Economy
The Picky Bar Life
I laced up my running shoes and ran out the door for a 14-mile run on a brisk winter’s morning. In the past, I have made the mistake of not eating breakfast before a long run because of a sensitive stomach, resulting in fatigue and a lack of electrolytes by the end of a run. However, this run was going to be different. Rejuvenated with a boost of energy, the 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio of an energy bar kept me fueled and the delicious taste of coffee and hazelnut kept me content the … [Read more...] about The Picky Bar Life
The Trinity of Hearing
This is part three of a three-part series on hearing loss and the relationship of the three primary elements, or the Trinity of players, involved in facilitating hearing as efficiently as possible. This Trinity includes the family, the hearing- impaired person and the hearing health-care provider. “Blindness cuts us off from things; deafness cuts us off from people.” Helen Keller The Audiologist What is the Big Deal about Hearing Loss? Most humans need to communicate … [Read more...] about The Trinity of Hearing
Business Retention and Expansion
Economic development in general is comprised of five different practices: Business Retention and Expansion, Business Attraction, Workforce Development, Redevelopment and Infill Development. These practices ideally work together to improve the economic environment locally and regionally. Specifically, Business Retention and Expansion is all about retaining and expanding existing businesses. The main focus of the City of Flagstaff’s BR&E Program is to connect existing primary sector … [Read more...] about Business Retention and Expansion
NAH Welcoming New VP
With more than 30 years of management consulting and healthcare industry experience, Craig Jensen, MBA, is joining Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) as vice president of strategic planning and business development. In this position, Jensen will help identify key changes and trends within the health care environment and provide a roadmap for the future growth of NAH. Jensen is respected in the industry for his ability to think conceptually and to develop and implement creative ideas. His … [Read more...] about NAH Welcoming New VP
Lawmakers Focusing on 2014 Wish Lists
Editor’s note: With the New Year underway, Flagstaff Business News decided to reach out to area lawmakers to learn more about their plans for 2014. Local representatives in Washington D.C. have a lot on their legislative plates this year; upcoming sessions will include discussions on budgets, health care, jobs, and immigration reform, among others. District One’s Congresswoman, Ann Kirkpatrick, is focused on economic development for the year ahead. “District One is large and … [Read more...] about Lawmakers Focusing on 2014 Wish Lists
Flagstaff Man Promoted to GM of Red Lobster
Red Lobster is proud to announce the promotion of Alejandro Chavira to General Manager of the restaurant’s Flagstaff location. A Red Lobster veteran of seven years, Chavira started his career with Red Lobster as a manager-in-training and most recently held the position of Staffing and Training Manager at the Flagstaff location. In his new role, he oversees all aspects of the restaurant’s operations, including managing more than 60 team members. This promotion is the result of … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Man Promoted to GM of Red Lobster
Decision in 30-Year Behavioral Health Case
Governor Jan Brewer today announced a final agreement has been reached in the Arnold v. Sarn case regarding care and services for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). Litigation that commenced in 1981, the settlement ends a more than three-decade long lawsuit against the state and establishes a blueprint for a successful community-based behavioral health system in Arizona. “This is a landmark day for our state, particularly for the thousands of Arizonans living with … [Read more...] about Decision in 30-Year Behavioral Health Case
Legislation Improving Care for Veterans
VA CORE, the bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz., to help tackle the massive claims backlog at the Department of Veterans Affairs, is now a law. It was included as an amendment in the Department of Defense reauthorization bill signed by the president at the end of 2013. The passage is a key victory from Kirkpatrick’s work in the 113th Congress on behalf of veterans, and it builds on her veterans-related accomplishments from the 111th Congress. She … [Read more...] about Legislation Improving Care for Veterans