Cleaning hotel rooms, working at the front desk and serving as a hostess and cashier is not typical for most nine-year old girls, but for Ann Serna, it was a way of life and perhaps the boost that landed her in the role she has today as owner and general manager of the Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel. “My father, Franz Rutter, worked for Fred Harvey in Chicago and was responsible for turning six restaurants around so they were profitable,” said Serna. “They were impressed with his work and in 1968, … [Read more...] about Tusayan Hotelier Carrying on Family Tradition
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Prescott Ebike Adding Zip to Downtown
On the heels of visioning and marketing efforts aimed at bringing new life and energy to downtown Prescott, Tony Carcoba has rolled in with his electric bike business with encouragement from city leaders and local businesses. Tony Carcoba, 43, opened Prescott Ebike Rentals and Tours on July 4, with a Prescott Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony on the lot next to the Chamber office with a silver bike trailer and an orange tarp. For $25 an hour or $40 for two hours, riders can rent … [Read more...] about Prescott Ebike Adding Zip to Downtown
Green Builder Kinney Construction Celebrating 20 Years
Kinney Construction Services, Inc. is celebrating its 20th year as a business. In two decades, the Flagstaff company has grown to employ more than 70 people and has completed over eight LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) projects. Under the leadership of Tim Kinney, a graduate of the College of Engineering at Northern Arizona University, the award-winning firm performs work nationwide. As one of the first LEED Accredited Professionals in Northern Arizona, Kinney led his … [Read more...] about Green Builder Kinney Construction Celebrating 20 Years
Festivals Flowing with Music, Discovery, Dark Skies, Fun
Legendary Flagstaff philanthropist Frances McAllister fell in love with Flagstaff in 1935 while traveling by train from Los Angeles to New York. In the 1990s, when she was making a case to local leaders about the need for Heritage Square, a civic centerpiece that defines the downtown and brings people together, her face lit up as she announced, “Flagstaff is a festival.” Almost every non-profit educational, science and art organization in town has received support in one form or another from … [Read more...] about Festivals Flowing with Music, Discovery, Dark Skies, Fun
Rapid Response Credited for Containing Museum Fire
Firefighters poised for action, the rapid response of air support and strategic fire operations were part of the success of firefighting efforts on this summer’s 1,961-acre Museum Fire. Aircraft from around the Southwest filled Flagstaff’s skies, dumping water and retardant on the fire within hours of initial reports. “The arrival of air support was quick – as quick as it could be,” said Coconino National Forest Flagstaff Ranger District Battalion Chief True Brown. “Everyone knew the gravity … [Read more...] about Rapid Response Credited for Containing Museum Fire
Moonshot Mentors Bringing Expertise to Local Startups
One manufactures the next generation of outdoor gear to protect camping and backpacking provisions from being ransacked by rodents, birds and other critters. Another is a band of self-described “renegade recyclers” addressing the problems of plastic waste products. A third is giving the time-honored task of tutoring a facelift with technology. While the products and services provided by these companies are quite different, they have some notable similarities.They are Flagstaff-based … [Read more...] about Moonshot Mentors Bringing Expertise to Local Startups
Wild Ability
Men, women and young people of all abilities have been beating the desert heat this summer by exploring favorite high country trails like the two-and-a-half mile loop at Buffalo Park. Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center in Phoenix, with support from organizations such as Daring Adventures, Barrows Neurological Institute and the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association, coordinates outdoor adventures, provides equipment like the rugged Terrain Hopper, and arranges transportation. “Getting … [Read more...] about Wild Ability
World-Standard Astronomy Education Vision Coming into Focus
Observatory has received a $14.5 million grant to build the Astronomy Discovery Center (ADC), a new visitor facility that will accommodate the observatory’s ever-increasing number of guests while offering a state-of-the-art visitor experience. The funding comes on the heels of record visitation to the observatory and Lowell’s celebration of its 125th anniversary. The grant from the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation covers half of the $29 million price tag for the new facility, which is … [Read more...] about World-Standard Astronomy Education Vision Coming into Focus
McCullough Insurance Honors One Hundred Years Serving Northern Arizona
In 1919, T.E. McCullough opened his insurance business in the building that now houses Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters on the corner of Aspen Avenue and San Francisco Street. Fast-forward a century, McCullough Insurance, also known now as NFP Flagstaff, continues to serve the community. In honor of its 100th anniversary, the family business is hosting the McCullough Centennial Open House Celebration, from 3-6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, at the office, located at 420 N. Humphreys. “The business … [Read more...] about McCullough Insurance Honors One Hundred Years Serving Northern Arizona
Creating Balance
Whether someone is facing a career transition, a physical or health condition or a family transition or crisis, Sheryl Dawson, CEO of Dawson Consulting Group, can help navigate through the challenging times. Her Whole Life Profile is a simple way for people to identify their blind spots, recognize their strengths and weaknesses and find the motivators to help them improve in all areas, including their relationships, careers or spiritual lives. The process includes taking an assessment … [Read more...] about Creating Balance