Higher education was the topic of a survey of northern Coconino County communities by Coconino Community College, and the Arizona Hospitality Resource and Research Center at Northern Arizona University. The survey was conducted as part of the college's three-year Strategic Plan, to gather information about the college's image and community expectations for the college. A similar survey was conducted last year at the Grand Canyon, Tusayan, Williams areas, and other western Coconino County … [Read more...] about County Residents Want Higher Education Opportunities
Business
Andy Tobin Named Speaker of the House
Andy Tobin, R. Paulden, is the new Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives. FBN caught up with Mr. Tobin to talk about his appointment and the year ahead for Arizona businesses. “I am truly honored to have the support of the members of the House of Representatives as we continue to address some of the most difficult challenges Arizona has ever faced. To do that we intend to stay on the winning path Kirk Adams set this last session. The voters sent us here to make Arizona a better … [Read more...] about Andy Tobin Named Speaker of the House
Business Continually Working to Improve Sustainability
Every day, many people drive by a Flagstaff business that epitomizes being green. It has earned rankings as one of the most sustainable corporations in the world. SCA Tissue, on Butler Avenue (across the street from HomCo Ace Hardware), has a nondescript storefront. But behind its doors, an impressive recycling process is underway most days of the year, providing material for tissue and hand towels. SCA is an acronym for Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget, which translates to Swedish Cellulose … [Read more...] about Business Continually Working to Improve Sustainability
SCA in Flagstaff Honors Employee
A new tree is taking root outside the SCA Flagstaff plant. Employees planted two Fantasy Maple trees to honor Darron Smith, a 17 year employee who died earlier this year. Smith was heavily involved in the facility's safety and environmental programs including the wastewater treament program. He was recently certified to perform internal audits for ISO 14001 environmental certification at the facility. The tree planting ceremony was attended by about a dozen SCA employees and … [Read more...] about SCA in Flagstaff Honors Employee
A Sustainable and Native Livelihood
When the idea of using xeriscape landscaping in yards became popular, most people resigned themselves that to save water, they had to settle for what Nigel Sparks calls a “gravelscape” – nothing fancy or colorful, just efficient. “I think that is what people came to see and that was not the intention when xeriscaping started,” he said. Sparks, the owner of Flagstaff Native Plant and Seed, would like to propose something different for your yard. You can have a shaded patio and beautiful, … [Read more...] about A Sustainable and Native Livelihood
Paul Kulpinski Running for Mayor
Longtime businessman Paul Kulpinski has filed paperwork for 2012 Mayoral Election. Organizers filed an Arizona Political Committee Statement of Organization at Flagstaff’s City Hall with the name Paul Kulpinski for Mayor. With this filing, Kulpinski becomes the first candidate for Mayor in the 2012 election. Kulpinski has lived in Flagstaff for 21 years and currently serves the community as an elected member of the Flagstaff Unified School District Governing Board. He was elected to the … [Read more...] about Paul Kulpinski Running for Mayor
Arizonans Uncertain About Future Healthcare Options
Healthcare is a significant part of the economy in Northern Arizona and one of the few areas with continued growth during the recent recession. But continuing uncertainties about Medicaid cuts are a big headache for local hospitals and health centers across the region. “None of the proposals look good,” said Bill Bradel, president and CEO of Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC), where 30 percent of patients are currently on Medicaid. Partly due to large numbers of small employers who don’t provide … [Read more...] about Arizonans Uncertain About Future Healthcare Options
Tax Revenues Up Significantly
Arizona's Department of Revenue is reporting increases in sales for the past month with collections of sales tax at more than $3.6 billion. The ADR's Elaine Smith tells Flagstaff Business News the figures are a healthy increase from the previous year. Significant gains were reported in car sales and general retail merchandise. MARCH 2011 Transaction Privilege and Use Tax Collections1 Major Categories March 2011 $369,860,450 March 2010 $345,549,254 (Smith says last year's figure … [Read more...] about Tax Revenues Up Significantly
Business Students at Upcoming Research Symposium
Over the past few semesters, Northern Arizona University (NAU) senior Tereas Bermensolo-Cutler has been working on not one, but two research projects – projects she has been preparing for presentation at this month’s NAU Undergraduate Symposium. Bermensolo-Cutler is analyzing the organizational structure of a global-financial services firm (Lehman Brothers) to see if its makeup played a role in bankrupting the company. In addition, she will be taking part in a group presentation. Last fall, … [Read more...] about Business Students at Upcoming Research Symposium
Government Shutdown Averted
U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) issued the following statement in response to the passage of the short-term/the continuing resolution: “I voted for this continuing resolution H.R. 1463 so we can continue to fund our brave men and women fighting overseas to defend our freedom. However, I am very disappointed in the lack of leadership from the Senate and the Administration and their unwillingness to make serious spending cuts. I look forward to continuing the fight against this … [Read more...] about Government Shutdown Averted