One of Northern Arizona’s longest running businesses just celebrated a milestone. Arizona Snowbowl observed its 75th anniversary with 10 days of festivities around the ski area and historic downtown Flagstaff last month. The birthday party kicked off with a torchlight ski parade viewed from Hart Prairie Lodge on Feb. 1. Seventy-five torches representing birthday candles carried by skiers and boarders zigzagged down the mountain to the delight of the crowd. Arizona Snowbowl, which was just … [Read more...] about Celebrating 75 years of Snow Play
Snow Sports Downtown Drawing Tourists
Skiers and snowboarders will ride again at the Dew Downtown Flagstaff, Urban Ski & Snowboard Festival on Feb. 9 and 10. Festivities are expanded this year to include Heritage Square and night festivities. Many Northern Arizona businesses are involved, including the main sponsors, the City of Flagstaff, Suddenlink and Mountain Dew. Last year, the family-friendly, free event earned the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association’s “2012 Community/Neighborhood Special Event Award for … [Read more...] about Snow Sports Downtown Drawing Tourists
United Way Stimulating Local Economy
According to a recent Arizona Rural Policy Institute study, the economic impact of the United Way of Northern Arizona on Northern Arizona is approximately $4.5 million in total output and 50 full-time-equivalent jobs. The Institute, part of the award-winning W.A. Franke College of Business of Northern Arizona University, stated, “In addition to aid provided to regional non-profit agencies, the United Way’s operations stimulate economic activity and employment.” “We’ve set up systems to … [Read more...] about United Way Stimulating Local Economy
Brewing Sign Code Controversy
According to the International Sign Association (ISA), signage is the least expensive and most effective form of advertising. Signs can account for 50 percent of a business’s customers. “I was so surprised to get so much response from the signs, compared to other advertising I’ve done,” said one new business owner who asked to remain anonymous. “I felt like it was a real blessing.” In three short weeks, her A-frame sign placed on private property near a high-traffic corridor netted … [Read more...] about Brewing Sign Code Controversy
Management Styles Making Workplace Great
Effective personnel management is key to employee satisfaction and productivity. Some Flagstaff businesses use unique management philosophies to transform a good workplace into a great place. Three Flagstaff businesses that embrace such management styles are PuroClean, True North Dentistry and W. L. Gore & Associates. W. L. Gore & Associates appears on every list of Fortune Magazine’s "100 Best Companies to Work For" since the rankings debuted 30 years ago. But what makes Gore and … [Read more...] about Management Styles Making Workplace Great
Employing Unique Management Styles
Effective personnel management is key to employee satisfaction and productivity. Some Flagstaff businesses use unique management philosophies to transform a good workplace into a great place. Three Flagstaff businesses that embrace such management styles are PuroClean, True North Dentistry and W. L. Gore & Associates. W. L. Gore & Associates appears on every list of Fortune Magazine’s "100 Best Companies to Work For" since the rankings debuted 30 years ago. But what makes Gore and … [Read more...] about Employing Unique Management Styles
New NAU VP of Athletics Reaching Out to Businesses
Fans passionate about sports teams can bring communities together in ways that only sports can. Dr. Lisa Campos, Northern Arizona University’s new vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics saw that to be true at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where she previously served as senior associate athletic director for over a decade. “El Paso is very much a college town – there are no professional sports teams – so it is similar to Flagstaff. College athletics was very supported by … [Read more...] about New NAU VP of Athletics Reaching Out to Businesses
Businesses Using Freelancers to Fill in the Blanks
The national trend of businesses delegating via outsourcing has not skipped over Northern Arizona. When help is needed with new tools like Facebook, Survey Monkey and Google Analytics, local businesses look to freelancers who have mastered those skill sets. Many businesses continue to lean on freelance writers, graphic designers and web developers for support with traditional media. The Avenues Company headquartered in Flagstaff is a business that relies on freelancers located in Flagstaff, … [Read more...] about Businesses Using Freelancers to Fill in the Blanks
Agritourism Expanding in McGuireville
Within 30 to 45 days, drivers on I-17 will see the earth being turned in preparation for 20-25 acres of grapevines to be planted near the McGuireville exit. According to Kelly Cathcart of SMC Operations LLC, the hillside vineyards will be planted by the end of June. Cathcart and partner Bernadette Selna are managing an agritourism business that they hope will attract visitors to Northern Arizona, create jobs in McGuireville and lead to self-sustaining agricultural communities in the Verde … [Read more...] about Agritourism Expanding in McGuireville
Competitors Joining Forces for Frothy Tour
When Michael Marquess and Urs Riner of Mother Road Brewing Company wrote their business plan, one goal was to reach out to other Flagstaff brewers to form a guild and offer a walking tour of Flagstaff breweries. “We knew this was essential," Marquess said. “So, when Geoff came in to recruit us for Flagstaff Ale Trail we were like, ‘Check that sucker off the list!’” Geoff Barnard, former Grand Canyon Trust president, was back in town with a new idea that he picked up in Bend, Ore. The … [Read more...] about Competitors Joining Forces for Frothy Tour