Under the Affordable Care Act, the government set up certain rules on when individuals can enroll for health insurance. For 2015, the open enrollment period ended on Feb. 15. The only permissible time to enroll outside this period is through a Special Enrollment Period, which are for life events such as marriage, divorce, loss of employer-based coverage and similar major events. Failure to enroll in coverage results in a penalty. For tax year 2014, the penalty was $95 per individual, or one … [Read more...] about One Last Opportunity to Get Health Coverage
Columnists
First Three Things All Business Owners Should Do
As this column develops over time, I will share my thoughts with fellow CEOs, presidents, general managers and business owners based on questions that are submitted to me at [email protected]. For this inaugural column, I’ve decided to address the question I’ve been asked the most over my 30-year career. It usually goes something like this, “What advice do you have for a new business owner (or CEO, president or general manager)?” While that is a very general question, in my mind, they … [Read more...] about First Three Things All Business Owners Should Do
Haute Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2015
There are so many new and exciting design trends in the kitchen and bath industry. The annual Kitchen and Bath Show (KBIS) was held in late January this year in beautiful Las Vegas, Nevada. The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show is the world’s largest tradeshow event dedicated to exhibiting products intended for the kitchen and bath. With this informative show in our own “backyard,” the designers at Mallett Design Works decided to take a road trip to learn more about the latest innovations in the … [Read more...] about Haute Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2015
Peru Harnesses a Career of Helping for United Way Role
Longtime Flagstaff resident Steve Peru has spent most of his career helping people. He will now use that experience – and the relationships he has built – in his new role as president and CEO of United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA). Peru took on the position Feb. 16 and succeeded Carol Dykes, who has served in an interim role since Jill Briggs resigned last October. While previous efforts to fill this position involved a nationwide search, this one had more of a local focus. Past UWNA Board … [Read more...] about Peru Harnesses a Career of Helping for United Way Role
The Importance of Market Research
As fate would have it, the Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NACET) was discussing this new, monthly business column during a recent staff meeting. We’re proud to have this space that you’re reading and, naturally, feel the need to get out of the gate with a relevant, timely piece. With the deadline looming in the background, we were working on our big whiteboard in the foreground. In brightly colored marker, we listed our programs – circled some, underlined others … [Read more...] about The Importance of Market Research
Struggling with Changes in Brain Function: A Difficult Journey
“Where did I put my keys?” “Why did I come into this room?” What is Dementia? Changes in brain function, also known as dementia, come in many shapes and sizes and can be caused by numerous variables. Dementia is different than age-related memory loss. Age-related changes do not affect how a person functions; rather, only the memory is affected. However, as dementia gets worse, day-to-day function is affected. Even with cues or prompts the person may not be able to understand or … [Read more...] about Struggling with Changes in Brain Function: A Difficult Journey
Is it Time to Replace Your Windows?
It’s a snowy Flagstaff day, and you can’t seem to keep your house warm. As you’re looking out your kitchen window, you notice it’s frosted over from the condensation. These are key indicators that it is time to begin thinking about new windows for your home. Choosing and installing new windows is a big undertaking. Between the different style choices and investing a good amount of money, it comes off as an intimidating project. However, this is an investment that will not only enhance your curb … [Read more...] about Is it Time to Replace Your Windows?
How to be Happy: The Virtuous Life
Last month, I described how I was going to undertake the self-improvement method created by Benjamin Franklin. The goal of Franklin’s method was to “arrive at moral perfection” by living in accordance with 13 moral virtues. This brings up the question, “What is virtue?” While I’m certainly no expert in the philosophy of virtue, this month I’ll try to explain how I view the concept of virtue, or excellence. The type of virtues we’re interested in here are what Aristotle referred to as … [Read more...] about How to be Happy: The Virtuous Life
10 Financial Resolutions for 2015
As 2014 has come to a close, it’s time to start thinking about how to make 2015 a success for you and your loved ones. Though there’s little consensus about their origins, we know that Americans have been making New Year’s resolutions since at least the 1770s. In 2013, 54 percent of Americans made resolutions about their finances. Here are 10 financial resolutions to help make 2015 happy, and successful: Set Aside Emergency Savings Emergencies are unpredictable, and a serious illness … [Read more...] about 10 Financial Resolutions for 2015
Pediatric Physical Therapy: A Family Affair
Families that used to have to drive to Phoenix to receive special physical therapy for their little ones no longer have to travel so far. The pediatric section of EntireCare at Flagstaff Medical Center is providing an effective team approach that helps children reach their goals by involving families in therapy activities. “The family is the most important advocate for the child,” said physical therapist Erin Martinez of EntireCare. “We incorporate therapies into play at home. One hour per … [Read more...] about Pediatric Physical Therapy: A Family Affair