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
Business
CCC Training Skilled Nurses
The U.S. Department of Labor is predicting that the employment rate for nurses is expected to grow 26 percent in the decade 2010-2020, faster than the average for all other occupations. It is no surprise that programs destined to train nurses are at a high demand. One such program at Coconino Community College is producing qualified and well-trained nurses to serve the needs of Flagstaff, the surrounding community and state. Don Johnson has been the director of the nursing program at Coconino … [Read more...] about CCC Training Skilled Nurses
Social Businesses Making a Difference Globally
Ever since Kären van der Veer, ND, was a child, she felt called to help people. That’s part of why this naturopathic physician and single mother of two started Karmalicious, a social business that donates 100 percent of its clothing profits to women’s charities abroad. All Karmalicious clothing carries the motto, “You are beautiful and you can change the world.” “When we were young,” Dr. van der Veer said, “few of us had heard of businesses like Newman’s Own or Tom’s Shoes, for-profit … [Read more...] about Social Businesses Making a Difference Globally
Pet Owners Quality Care for Beloved Animals
It is a common dilemma pet owners face: What to do with their animals when they travel. Vacations, family emergencies and other circumstances mean not only separation between animal and owner but a disruption in their daily routine. One solution more than 30 million pet-owners choose annually is to utilize professional boarding services when temporary pet care is needed. While some owners turn care of their animals over to well-meaning but inexperienced neighbors or friends, these … [Read more...] about Pet Owners Quality Care for Beloved Animals
Credit Card Costs
Most consumers choose their credit and debit cards for a reason. Some offer free airline miles, other cards add a percentage to a child’s college account or even have cash refunds. But few consumers know why the businesses they frequent accept, or don’t accept, certain credit and debit cards, what card transactions cost the merchant or why some small businesses are even choosing to take cards with the swipe of a smartphone. Cash Only Business Turney Postlewait, owner of … [Read more...] about Credit Card Costs
Telemedicine Expanding in Northern Arizona
Telemedicine, the use of telecommunication to provide healthcare at a distance, is one of the fastest growing areas of medicine in the country, and Arizona is a leader in the nation for the number and variety of national awards for telemedicine programs. Changing economic incentives for care value, rather than volume, are driving more investment in these programs that provide patient care without the cost and risk of travel and hospital admissions. Remote healthcare is particularly well … [Read more...] about Telemedicine Expanding in Northern Arizona
Tax Deductions for Insurance Premiums
If you are self-employed and paying for medical, dental or long-term care insurance, the CPAs at HintonBurdick want to remind you about a special tax deduction for some insurance premiums paid for you, your spouse, and your dependents. According to Mark Frost, partner with HintonBurdick, “For the tax year 2012, this deduction is no longer allowed on Schedule SE (Form 1040), but can still be taken on Form 1040, line 29.” You must be one of the following to qualify: A self-employed … [Read more...] about Tax Deductions for Insurance Premiums
SBE Council Chief Economist on Latest Jobs Data
Today, Raymond J. Keating, chief economist for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council), released the following statement in response to the May employment data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: "The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to tell a mixed story on jobs and the U.S. economy. "The establishment survey pointed to an increase of only 69,000 in employment for the month of May, far below expectations and where job … [Read more...] about SBE Council Chief Economist on Latest Jobs Data
Streaming–A Game Changer
With the popularity of new technologies like e-readers and smartphones, streaming and downloading entertainment is becoming quite common. As a result, retail entertainment businesses in Flagstaff are making some adjustments. Rock-It-Man Rock-It-Man music storeowner Ben Gersten claims the downloading trend has influenced him to stock fewer CDs and bring in more vinyl. “Young adults are discovering their parents’ LP collections,” said Gersten, “and while they may laugh at first, they also … [Read more...] about Streaming–A Game Changer
Downtown Shop Offering Local History
Jeffrey Bonner says he has a lot of fun teaching today’s high-tech kids how to use the old-fashioned bottle opener affixed to the wall of his store. “We had to teach about 500 kids how to use it. I enjoy teaching them. They think it’s crazy. They get a big kick out of it. They want to do it themselves,” he said. The opener is an important fixture at Bonner’s Route 66 Mini Market because he sells an assortment of about 100 brands of bottled beverages made the original way – with cane sugar … [Read more...] about Downtown Shop Offering Local History