During Valentine’s week, consumers will buy more than 58 million pounds of chocolate candy, ringing up $345 million in sales. That will account for 5.1 percent of total annual sales of chocolate, according to Nielsen, a company measuring customer behavior. But what do Valentine’s Day and love have to do with chocolate? According to Jenny Waer, owner of Chocolatree Organic Eatery in Sedona, chocolate has long been associated with passion, romance and divine love. “Raw chocolate contains two … [Read more...] about Chocolate–What’s Love Got to Do With It?
Impact of Snow on Economy
Businesses are among the many Northern Arizonans preparing for a series of storms. The first one is expected to bring about a foot of snow this weekend. This time last year, many were still digging themselves out after a record snowstorm. Snow-related businesses could barely keep up with demand. This year, Northern Arizona businesses are reflecting a mixed bag in regards to weather. “Last year at this time, we had a ton of snow and our numbers were astronomical,” said Steve Chatinski, … [Read more...] about Impact of Snow on Economy
Next Steps for Construction at Arizona Snowbowl
After a decade of planning and years of being on hold, Arizona Snowbowl is moving forward with snowmaking. On Dec. 1, the Federal District Court ruled that the U.S. Forest Service adequately considered the safety of reclaimed water in regards to snowmaking at the ski area. Flagstaff Business News conducted an exclusive interview with General Manager J.R. Murray on Dec. 20 to learn Arizona Snowbowl’s next steps. "We started planning for the project in 2001. In order to submit a detailed proposal … [Read more...] about Next Steps for Construction at Arizona Snowbowl
Businesses Focused on 2011
According to 43Things.com, the most popular 2011 New Year’s resolutions are lose weight, be happy and save money. But what about people’s business New Year’s resolutions? A survey of some Northern Arizona businesspeople reveals some of the most popular resolutions. “Our resolution, because we’ve been so successful, is to pay it forward,” said Bob Geile of Pawn Management Group-Arizona Franchises. Geile, a managing member of … [Read more...] about Businesses Focused on 2011
Classic European Chef Integrating Local Foods
There is a good deal of buzz around the Southwest about Chef John Sharpe of the Turquoise Room Restaurant in Winslow. Located inside La Posada, the magnificent 1930 hacienda- style inn on a remote stretch of historic Route 66, the restaurant has been reborn by Chef Sharpe and his sumptuous holiday meals. For the past 10 years, Chef Sharpe has mixed the holiday traditions of the south- west with those of his home country of England. “Christmas Eve is like the evening in Santa Fe – we deck the … [Read more...] about Classic European Chef Integrating Local Foods
With Record Low Temperatures-Keep Chimneys Safe
With Santa Claus' recent trip to town and the new year's record setting temperatures well below zero, it is time for Northern Arizonans who heat their homes with wood, to clean out the chimney. “The biggest reason to clean your chimney is the health and safety of your home and family,” said Troy Baker of Flagstaff Hearth and Home. Baker not only sells wood stoves and fireplace inserts, but for the past two years, has provided chimney sweep … [Read more...] about With Record Low Temperatures-Keep Chimneys Safe
Footwear Innovators Building Global Lifestyle Brands from Flagstaff
According to Deckers Outdoor Corporation’s third quarter report, the Flagstaff-based e-commerce division handled $8.7 million worth of sales. The Flagstaff office conducts e-commerce services for the international outdoor and casual footwear company, including web design, Internet marketing, returns processing, human resources and a full service call center. “I am responsible for Deckers web- sites globally,” explained vice … [Read more...] about Footwear Innovators Building Global Lifestyle Brands from Flagstaff
Lean, Green, Exhaust-Fighting Machines
Automotive acronyms like 4x4, SUV and FWD readily roll off the tongues of most Northern Arizona consumers. But when a new generation of electric vehicles rolls off assembly lines later this year, auto aficionados will be speaking a new acronymic language. For instance, EV translates to electric vehicle. Simple enough. Add an H and get HEV -- short for hybrid electric vehicle, while PHV means plug-in hybrid vehicle. Both the Nissan LEAF and Chevrolet Volt are expected to be available for … [Read more...] about Lean, Green, Exhaust-Fighting Machines
Economists – Slow Recovery
While it is a difficult time financially for many people, the hardships during this economic period are not unusual. That was part of the consensus among economists during the recent Flagstaff Economic Outlook Conference. The annual conference was sponsored by Chase, Northern Arizona University W.A. Franke College of Business and Flagstaff Business News. Since 1976, the conference has drawn local businesspeople eager to hear annual forecasts by prominent economists. Keynote … [Read more...] about Economists – Slow Recovery
Beer Lovers Choose Cans and Keep Microbreweries Hopping
The original concept about beers in cans was ‘cheap, watered-down rice beer,’ right?” said Grand Canyon Brewing Company owner John Peasley, smiling in his Williams, Ariz. brewery. “Colorado beer manufacturer Oskar Blues turned that around; those guys only do cans.” Award-winning Oskar Blue revolutionized the microbrewery world by canning handcrafted beers in back 2002. “So now there is consumer drive, because they know that good … [Read more...] about Beer Lovers Choose Cans and Keep Microbreweries Hopping