Why don’t we have an In-n-Out Burger, Trader Joe’s or a Costco yet? That is the most commonly asked question that I receive. These types of businesses are considered retail businesses and are providing specific products direct to the consumer. The retail sector tends to get the most publicity because that’s what most consumers interact directly with, but that is not the only sector that the city’s Business Attraction program directs their efforts toward. Ensuring that there are high wage jobs … [Read more...] about What Does Business Attraction Mean for Flagstaff?
economy
Economy Showing Signs of Improvement
The trucking industry is just one measure of the economy, and local changes in that industry show things are improving in Northern Arizona. North Carolina based Old Dominion Freight Line recently opened a site near the Flagstaff auto park to serve customers in Northern Arizona. Gerry Mendoza, Old Dominion’s service center manager at the new Flagstaff facility, says the economic indicators are positive. “Most of the customers in our business are manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, and … [Read more...] about Economy Showing Signs of Improvement
Economy Showing Signs of Recovery
Government officials say the unemployment rate is evidence of a stronger economic recovery. The jobless rate dropped to 7.7 percent last month, the lowest level since President Barack Obama was elected. The jobless rate improvement and an increase in hiring of 236,000 jobs in the United States has many thinking the economy is moving forward. Still, White House economist Alan Krueger noted in a statement that the new unemployment rate was measured before $85 billion in automatic budget … [Read more...] about Economy Showing Signs of Recovery
United Way Stimulating Local Economy
According to a recent Arizona Rural Policy Institute study, the economic impact of the United Way of Northern Arizona on Northern Arizona is approximately $4.5 million in total output and 50 full-time-equivalent jobs. The Institute, part of the award-winning W.A. Franke College of Business of Northern Arizona University, stated, “In addition to aid provided to regional non-profit agencies, the United Way’s operations stimulate economic activity and employment.” “We’ve set up systems to … [Read more...] about United Way Stimulating Local Economy
Study Shows Arts Boosting Local Economy
The non-profit arts, culture and sciences industries generate $73 million in annual economic activity in the City of Flagstaff, supporting 2,497 full-time equivalent jobs and generating $7.6 million in local and state government revenues, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity IV national economic impact study. Flagstaff Cultural Partners (FCP) recently unveiled the Flagstaff portion of the study in local presentations to the Boards of Directors of FCP and the Flagstaff Chamber of … [Read more...] about Study Shows Arts Boosting Local Economy
Strengthening Education for Economic Development in Flagstaff
Arizona is currently working on improving its education system in order to attract more businesses to the state and retain existing ones. Making the state more business friendly is a collaborative effort between the government, school districts, and families. Craig Barrett, former CEO of Intel Corp., is the head of Arizona’s education reform plan and chairman of BASIS Schools Inc. He said that American children are not being educated to compete and work in society’s competitive market. … [Read more...] about Strengthening Education for Economic Development in Flagstaff
Economy Could See Boost from Potash Mining
During the 1960s and 1970s, two companies called Arkla Exploration and the Duval Corporation explored Northern Arizona for potash in the Holbrook Basin by drilling over 100 holes. The Holbrook Salt Basin is a project area that rests approximately seven miles east of Holbrook, Arizona. A report was released with compelling evidence that the location held a substantial amount of potash. Potash is a material that is mined and typically used by farmers for fertilizer. In just 2007 alone, farmers … [Read more...] about Economy Could See Boost from Potash Mining
Winterfest and Growing Winter Tourism and Recreation Economy
Northern Arizona’s high-elevation winters have long been desert havens for snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and even dogsled racing. A growing number of visitors have been choosing Northern Arizona as their wintertime destination for more simple pleasures – enjoying local shops and restaurants and recreating at newly-opened snow play areas like Wing Mountain and Fort Tuthill. The recent growth in Flagstaff's wintertime tourism economy is no coincidence, according to Jacki … [Read more...] about Winterfest and Growing Winter Tourism and Recreation Economy
What are Northern Arizonans Predicting for 2012?
January always brings customary predictions for what the New Year will hold. While some laugh at Doomsday prophesies based on Mayan calendars, others are concerned about the election year, the economy or business opportunities. One thing is for sure, 2012 offers an abundance of events ripe for prognostication. Flagstaff Business News asked Northern Arizonans what was on their minds as they pondered the coming year. “There will be more Biomedical Engineers living and working in … [Read more...] about What are Northern Arizonans Predicting for 2012?
Mixed Reactions to Ban on New Uranium Mining
Conservation groups are applauding the Obama administration’s final decision this week, protecting 1 million acres of public land around Grand Canyon National Park from new uranium mining. Today’s Interior Department “record of decision” establishes a 20-year ban on new uranium mining and mining of current claims without valid permits across 1 million acres (more than 1,500 square miles). The ban will protect Grand Canyon’s springs and creeks, as well as imperiled species like the humpback chub, … [Read more...] about Mixed Reactions to Ban on New Uranium Mining