In the chef world, the James Beard is the equivalent of an Academy Award. John Sharpe of Winslow's the Turquoise Room is on the short list of finalists. The Turquoise Room is part of the historic La Posada hotel. Sharpe began his career 50 years ago while still a teen. He was an apprentice chef at the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate, England, the only 5 star hotel in the northern part of the country. He has been earning accolades since then, in cities around the world. In Winslow, … [Read more...] about No. AZ Chef Finalist for James Beard Award
Local News
Impact of Snow on Economy
Businesses are among the many Northern Arizonans preparing for a series of storms. The first one is expected to bring about a foot of snow this weekend. This time last year, many were still digging themselves out after a record snowstorm. Snow-related businesses could barely keep up with demand. This year, Northern Arizona businesses are reflecting a mixed bag in regards to weather. “Last year at this time, we had a ton of snow and our numbers were astronomical,” said Steve Chatinski, … [Read more...] about Impact of Snow on Economy
Update On Schultz Flood Mitigation Efforts
At their Regular Board meeting, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors listened to presentations by County staff on current Schultz Flood mitigation efforts. The development of the Drainage Master Plan, specifically for the Schultz Flood area, continues to be a top priority, along with the development of a supporting funding plan and an update of the existing emergency response plan for the affected area. On February 3, engineers and scientists gathered in Flagstaff to analyze and discuss … [Read more...] about Update On Schultz Flood Mitigation Efforts
Governor Announces Economic Competitiveness Package
PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today called the Legislature into Special Session for the consideration of a comprehensive plan to put Arizona back to work. Known as the Arizona Competitiveness Package, the proposal includes a mix of targeted business incentives and broad tax reforms designed to rev the Arizona economy. “The Competitiveness Package will make Arizona a magnet for business expansion, relocation, capital formation and investment,” said Governor Brewer. “This is our roadmap for … [Read more...] about Governor Announces Economic Competitiveness Package
City’s Land Trust Gets First Buyer
The City of Flagstaff is excited to announce that the first land trust home in its Izabel Homes development successfully closed escrow on January 24, 2011. The new homeowner, an Army veteran and long time Flagstaff resident, was thrilled to move into her new construction, highly energy-efficient home built through the City of Flagstaff Community Land Trust Program. As the first land trust home to be financed through the Veterans Administration in Flagstaff, all those involved with the … [Read more...] about City’s Land Trust Gets First Buyer
Arizona Consumer Confidence Rising
In January, consumer confidence in Arizona rose to its highest level (62.8) since May 2008 (73.4) and planned consumer spending is up in three of five consumer durable goods categories. The latest poll by the Behavior Research Center, Inc., found renewed confidence regarding consumer assessment of the current economic situation. More consumers seem to believer the economy will grow in the coming six months. Thus the Expectations Index rose to 85.5 in January from 77.0 in October and only 65.8 … [Read more...] about Arizona Consumer Confidence Rising
AZ Bioscience Jobs Grew During Recession
During the recessionary years of 2008-09, bioscience jobs in Arizona grew by 7 percent while Arizona’s overall private sector lost 11 percent of its jobs, according to a new performance analysis of Arizona’s bioscience sector, commissioned by the Flinn Foundation. The annual study by the Battelle Technology Partnership Practice found that Arizona continues to outpace the nation in generating bioscience jobs and firms, and the state has reached an all-time high in grants awarded by the … [Read more...] about AZ Bioscience Jobs Grew During Recession
Proposed Forest Restoration
Applauding Forest Service efforts, the Four Forest Restoration Initiative stakeholders’ groups is calling the latest step toward restoring northern Arizona’s ponderosa pine ecosystem significant and historic. Currently available for public comment, the Forest Service proposal or Proposed Action for the Four Forest Restoration Initiative outlines a restoration strategy within a 750-thousand acre analysis area on the Mogollon Plateau of the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests. Stakeholders … [Read more...] about Proposed Forest Restoration
Sign of Changing Economy?
The city of Flagstaff just wrapped up two days of a budget retreat. Staff still faces tough decisions about budget cuts in the upcoming fiscal year. However, one positive sign of long term recovery may be reflected in the latest report of taxable sales. City of Flagstaff taxable business activity for the month of November 2010 shows an increase of 6.9% over November of 2009. Construction is up 17.7%. Auto sales are up 42.8. BBB is slightly down by 0.2%. General Merchandise … [Read more...] about Sign of Changing Economy?
President Haeger Discusses University Budget Cuts
The university must prepare for a culture shift of immense proportions as it braces for another round of funding cuts from the state, NAU President John Haeger said during a forum on Tuesday. “Dependence on the state is over in a sense,” he said. “What we need to be looking at is how we are going to run a high-quality university in the future with the state being a minority partner.” More than 400 people crowded into the High Country Conference Center to participate in the forum, with … [Read more...] about President Haeger Discusses University Budget Cuts