The U.S. Supreme Court today upheld Arizona's law that revokes the business licenses of businesses and corporations hiring illegal immigrants. The 5-3 vote was a rejection of challenges to the law by a coalition of business people and civil rights organizations. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer is calling the decision a victory: “I could not be more gratified by today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the legality of the Legal Arizona Workers Act and the principle of federalism, … [Read more...] about Supreme Court Upholds Employer Sanctions Law
Business
Coconino County Budgeting Process Recognized
Coconino County was recently awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the fiscal year 2011 budget. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors officially presented the award to the Finance Department’s Budget Division on May 23, 2011. The award represents a significant achievement for Coconino County and reflects the county’s commitment to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the … [Read more...] about Coconino County Budgeting Process Recognized
Three Decades of Serving His Community
About a year after he left his job as assistant dean at Northern Arizona University to open his own business as a financial advisor, Bill Babb had serious second thoughts. “I thought maybe this was a bad decision,“ he said. It was too late to return to the university. They had already replaced him. He had no choice but to move forward. “So, I made the cut of the life boat and decided to just go for it and not turn back,” he said. And along the way, he learned something valuable. “The … [Read more...] about Three Decades of Serving His Community
Sedona Energy Labs Wins Innovation Challenge
Recognized for its advances in solar tracking systems and algorithms, Sedona Energy Labs (SEL) was awarded one of eight grants in the Arizona Commerce Authority's Arizona Innovation Challenge. SEL won for its InteliTrack™ Solar Tracking System that generates up to 40% more power from a solar array and for its MaxxTRAK™ Solar Controller, a microchip-based unit that controls a solar tracker. "We are extremely pleased to be recognized by the ACA," said Mark Scanlon, CEO, "This grant helps us … [Read more...] about Sedona Energy Labs Wins Innovation Challenge
Construction Beginning Along Snowbowl Road
Construction is expected to begin this month along a segment of Snowbowl Road (Forest Road 516), as crews clear trees and build the snowmaking infrastructure for the ski resort. More than six miles of water pipeline needs to be installed so the reclaimed water can be transported up the mountain. Construction will be adjacent to Snowbowl Road from Highway 180 to Arizona Snowbowl Ski Area. Snowbowl Road will remain open; however, delays and temporary closures will occur throughout the duration … [Read more...] about Construction Beginning Along Snowbowl Road
Entrepreneurs Launch Frugal Flagstaff
Two entrepreneurs are launching FrugalFlagstaff.com, a website filled with coupons and discount deals that provides area businesses profitable and cost-effective online marketing. FrugalFlagstaff.com arrives at a time when online coupon sites are very popular; but, with the focus shifted to local and small businesses, they have found a new niche. FrugalFlagstaff.com has already gained momentum, even prior to today’s official launch. “As small business owners in Flagstaff we noticed the need … [Read more...] about Entrepreneurs Launch Frugal Flagstaff
Sustainability in Business: A Case Study
Moving businesses towards sustainability – balancing social, economic, environmental considerations to meet our needs and those of future generations – is something that has always been a charged subject, especially when government takes the initiative. In the current state of our polarized political environment, the government’s ability to act as the motivator for many issues has been largely handicapped from driving progress. There are strategies emerging at the local government level that … [Read more...] about Sustainability in Business: A Case Study
Securing Flagstaff’s Water Future
Flagstaff City Council narrowly approved a $1.8 million contract earlier this year to begin drilling six wells at a city-owned property – Red Gap Ranch – approximately 40 miles east of Flagstaff. The 8,500-acre property was acquired in 2004 through city bond money approved by voters with hopes of securing Flagstaff’s long-term water supply. Many believe this is good news for Flagstaff businesses and developers looking to the future. Brad Hill, Flagstaff’s water utilities manager, spoke … [Read more...] about Securing Flagstaff’s Water Future
Motor Excellence Expanding in Flagstaff
When Motor Excellence, an innovative clean technology company in Flagstaff designing high efficiency electric motors, received a $962,000 grant from the 21st Century Grant Program coordinated by the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) in 2009, it hired five new workers the next day. The grant program is designed to utilize federal stimulus funds to invest in and promote energy efficient and renewable energy products manufactured in Arizona. Motor Excellence planned to leverage the grant funding … [Read more...] about Motor Excellence Expanding in Flagstaff
Leaders Recognize National Small Business Week
Each of the past 48 years, the U.S. President has proclaimed this: National Small Business Week. The contributions of small business owners are also recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration. President of the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, Julie Pastrick, called small business the backbone and character of every community. "Some feel that big business dominates the landscape but in general, across all of America, small businesses are the lifeblood of every community. In … [Read more...] about Leaders Recognize National Small Business Week