Tucked just off Old Route 66 in downtown Flagstaff is a new business, smelling of fresh paint and profes- sional hair products. McSweeny is a salon, located near Mama Burger and Just Wireless. Longtime hairdressers Don McKenzie and Marc Potter just opened the salon, moving from The Shop, another hair establishment in the historic downtown region. Economic indicators are not a big concern in this line of work, says Potter, who has been a stylist for 35 … [Read more...] about Looking Good – Recession Resistant
Local News
Women Owned Businesses Tackling Environmental Issues
Recent reports proclaim that the dome, which will house the Discovery Channel Telescope 40 miles southeast of Flagstaff on the National Forest Service (NFS) lands, is 99 percent done. It will be the fifth largest telescope in the continental United States once completed. But not much is said of the environmental impact that such a large facility has on public lands. One reason for the lack of controversy is the meticulous environmental assessment done by woman-owned EnviroSystems Management … [Read more...] about Women Owned Businesses Tackling Environmental Issues
Williams Residents Love Their Healthcare Options
In June, voters overwhelmingly ap- proved to continue the tax to maintain hours and services at the Williams Healthcare Center. Because $35 per household is a small price to pay to have a professionally staffed and well-equipped clinic, it is no surprise that 81 percent of the voters gave it their okay. The reason this past election was so vital is because it almost did not happen, said Dr. Jim Wurgler, a retired physician who is on the board of the Chamber of Commerce. Had the … [Read more...] about Williams Residents Love Their Healthcare Options
Homeowners Choosing Green Construction
Homeowners are being careful with how they spend their money. Like the rest of the country, Flagstaff has been hit hard by the economic down- turn. Single family home permits dropped from 217 in 2006 to 17 in 2009. Permits for remodeling have remained relatively stable, dropping from 202 permits in 2002 to 138 permits in 2009. These days, homeowners want to increase the value of their home and many are turning to green building options. “Over half of all remodels involve an upgrade to the home’s … [Read more...] about Homeowners Choosing Green Construction
Help Coming For the Trailing Spouse
Longtime residents of Flagstaff are familiar with the trailing spouse dilemma: one partner lands a good job and the other struggles to find employment in his/her field. It is a problem for employ- ers when their top choice for a job vacancy turns the position down or when turnover is high because employees’ loved ones lack career options. The City of Flagstaff has a plan to make a dent in the problem. The city was just awarded a grant for a new Website geared at helping the professional … [Read more...] about Help Coming For the Trailing Spouse
NAU Monetizing Research
The word “incubator” brings to mind a bunch of fluffy, yellow baby chicks that are kept warm and nurtured until they are grown up enough to fend for themselves. Actually, it is not a far stretch to call the Northern Arizona Center for Emerging Technolo- gies an “incubator.” It too keeps new ideas and inventions and their creators under its wing until they are able to take care of themselves. In fact, NACET calls itself an “incubator program” that helps people … [Read more...] about NAU Monetizing Research
Local Economy Boosted by Wine
A proven marketing model is helping the Verde Valley ride out the economic tide on a wave of wine. “We have seen the sales of wine at local vineyards double over previous years’ sales,” said Lana Tolleson, president/CEO of the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce. “No other business has achieved that kind of success.” “In a troubled economy, consumers start looking closer to home for their products. We see [the wine industry] as a magnet,” said Tom … [Read more...] about Local Economy Boosted by Wine
Flagstaff Business Rockin’ Local Manufacturing
Bruce Zinky operates a “cantankerously independent” manufacturing company in Flagstaff. He describes Zinky Electronics LLC as a “strange anomaly,” as compared to other Northern Arizona businesses. “Manufacturing and assembly are an anomaly in an area that has noted ‘tourism’ as the leading industry in recent years. Not putting the knock on tourism, but diversifying the economic mix is necessary to long-term growth … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Business Rockin’ Local Manufacturing
Staying on Top of Your Game: The Business of Fitness
Sure, reports on the economy remain dismal and you still have to worry about losing your job. But, at least you’re in good physical shape. Or, if not, you should be. In today’s economy, staying fit has implications that go beyond a trim waist and a naturally-induced positive outlook. Despite the economy, the business of staying fit offers everyone, no matter his job status, a way to ward off illness, stress, and depression, while maintaining a healthy attitude. Perhaps that explains … [Read more...] about Staying on Top of Your Game: The Business of Fitness
Flagstaff City Council Candidates Share Ideas on Supporting Business
The contenders for Flagstaff City Council agree: supporting local business is good for the economy. Of the six people on the ballot, Scott Overton is the only incumbent, although Art Babbott served on the Council from 2002-06. The election on May 18 will fill the three vacancies on the Flagstaff City Council. Overton calls himself an advocate for business who has worked to keep fees and taxes reasonable. “I see a role in the city assisting individuals in attaining quality … [Read more...] about Flagstaff City Council Candidates Share Ideas on Supporting Business