Stretching across miles of historic grazing land, 53 wind turbines are being lifted into place on Babbitt Ranches north of Flagstaff. They are scheduled to be operating in early 2024, delivering enough wind-generated electricity to power 40,000 Arizona homes. For Babbitt Ranches Community members on a recent trip to the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center, standing next to the 220-foot blades was surreal. “When I think back to the enthusiasm we had about the first anemometer being set up on Babbitt … [Read more...] about Standing for Renewable Energy
Business
Getting Their Hands Dirty for the Environment
Art Babbott feels good. For at least two decades, he’s been mulling over the challenge of what to do with low-value forest products – branches and woody biomass – left over from thinning projects designed to improve forest health and protect the Flagstaff community from wildfire. Today, Babbott and business partners David Hayward and Chris Lloyd are confident they have solved a small piece of the forest restoration puzzle with their new business, Restoration Soils, which also can keep much of … [Read more...] about Getting Their Hands Dirty for the Environment
Restaurant Reputations Rise Along with Operating Costs
Flagstaff’s budding restaurant scene is at a crossroads. A number of local restaurants and chefs are gaining national acclaim at the same time economic conditions — inflation, higher wages and prices — are creating headwinds for operators. “People are paying more for their food than they ever have and they’re not happy about it,” said John Conley, owner of Salsa Brava and Fat Olives. “It is the most challenging time ever,” said Conley, who started Salsa Brava 36 years ago when he left … [Read more...] about Restaurant Reputations Rise Along with Operating Costs
Flagstaff Considers its Transportation Future Part Two: Onward or Upward?
On June 15, 2021, a Carbon Neutrality Plan was adopted by the Flagstaff City Council in response to its declaration of a climate emergency in 2020. Forty percent of Flagstaff’s carbon emissions come from the transportation sector – mostly from vehicle emissions. The total distance traveled per day by Flagstaff area residents (21 miles per person) is shorter than the national average (36 miles), with walking and biking mostly reserved for shorter trips – an average of one mile for walking and 1.8 … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Considers its Transportation Future Part Two: Onward or Upward?
Sandy Adams is the Georgian Behind Painless Peach Pain Care
According to the great philosopher Aristotle, “The aim of the wise is not to secure pleasure, but to avoid pain.” As many of us may well know, just going about daily activities can cause soreness, discomfort and pain, and finding relief can be challenging. However, Painless Peach Pain Care owner Sandy Adams has devoted her career to helping people live pain free. “Keeping people living their best life, that’s my goal,” said Adams, whose business name is a reminder of her home state, … [Read more...] about Sandy Adams is the Georgian Behind Painless Peach Pain Care
Carmen Frederic Receives ATHENA Award in Prescott
An invisible, yet powerful, thread of overcoming adversity to achieve long-held dreams wove its way through the audience of more than 100 attendees during the 4th Annual Quad Cities Leadership Awards as women came together to honor and celebrate each other Sunday, Sept. 24, at Starting Point in the Prescott Gateway Mall. As Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine and Prescott College President Dr. Barbara Morris shared deeply personal stories of their own challenges, women could empathize … [Read more...] about Carmen Frederic Receives ATHENA Award in Prescott
Getting Chili
As fall descends upon Flagstaff, changing leaves and cooler temperatures denote signs of the season, but, as many locals are aware, there’s another hint of the season that has them excited: roasted Hatch green chilies. For almost 19 years, this spicy ingredient to savory dishes has been sold annually by Got Chili owner Mario Cruz. “It’s hard to say, but I sell about 6,000 pounds during the season,” said Cruz, who also sells them frozen throughout the year. “I know many people in the … [Read more...] about Getting Chili
Growing Up in Flagstaff with Mountain Sports: Eight Life Lessons for Business Success from My Dad
Let’s face it: Dads are chock-full of fast facts and the kind of advice that sticks with you forever. I have had the privilege of working alongside my father, Mark Lamberson, each day at Mountain Sports Flagstaff for nearly 20 years. And, as a member of the second generation and owner of the family business, I recognize this 50th anniversary year as a time of reflection and deep gratitude. Here are what I have come to celebrate as his top eight principles for half a century of retail … [Read more...] about Growing Up in Flagstaff with Mountain Sports: Eight Life Lessons for Business Success from My Dad
Ned Ledoux, RaeLynn Headlining at Big Sting Country Music Festival
With the risk of a heart attack for first responders 300% higher than the average person, organizers of the Big Sting country music festival and campout are hoping to raise $200,000 so they can continue to support health screenings and patients in need through money raised at the 9th annual event, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13 and 14 at Watson Lake. “We invite everyone to come on out, bring your RV, pitch a tent and enjoy the natural beauty while listening to your favorite … [Read more...] about Ned Ledoux, RaeLynn Headlining at Big Sting Country Music Festival
Purina Donates $20,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff
Nestlé Purina PetCare has announced a donation of $20,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff to fund the renovation of the main gymnasium and school-aged youth health and wellness programs. Each day, the location engages more than 350 youth and teens in a variety of health-promoting activities. The Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff was founded to provide a safe environment for school-aged youth and to help them develop the skills they need to become confident and productive adults. … [Read more...] about Purina Donates $20,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff