Details about one of the smallest and brightest asteroids ever found are now being released, but perhaps the most significant discovery is how fast astronomers could get “on sky” with telescopes to observe a near-Earth asteroid and assess its impact risk. 2015 TC25, as it is known, hurled past our planet last fall. It was discovered in the night sky by a telescope near Tucson through a project called the Catalina Sky Survey. Within 24 hours, telescopes in New Mexico, Arizona and Hawaii were … [Read more...] about Little, Bright Space Rock Gives Astronomers Practice
Feature
Snowbowl’s New Chairlift Offering Views, Speed
“This is the biggest lift of all the projects we’ve done in North America this year. And that includes Vail and Jackson Hole,” said Jon Mauch from Leitner-Poma of America at last month’s celebration of the opening of Arizona Snowbowl’s latest new lift. “The Grand Canyon Express is largest in terms of length, vertical, slope length and horsepower,” Mauch, sales and marketing director of the Grand Junction, Colorado-based firm detailed later in an interview with Flagstaff Business News. The … [Read more...] about Snowbowl’s New Chairlift Offering Views, Speed
Serving Up Coffee and Tech Service
Flagstaff is a coffee town. “At 10 a.m. on any weekday morning, all the coffee shops are filled and you can’t find a seat,” said Nicole Edgington, commercial director of The 109, a new coffee shop with a twist that is opening in downtown. Far removed from the traditional phone business where customers walk in, get what they need and walk out, at The 109 customers may not walk out right away. They may linger. “We are going to make this a very local, friendly kind of gathering space where … [Read more...] about Serving Up Coffee and Tech Service
Dining Trends for 2017
Every year, Baum+Whiteman, International food and restaurant consultants, publish a “Hottest Food & Beverage Trends” forecast for the nation. We at Flagstaff Business News wanted to see how Northern Arizona restaurants stack up to the national trends. Here are a few of the consultant’s forecasts: Cauliflower Marches On Baum+Whiteman says vegetables will extend their domination of the dinner plate. Evidence of Flagstaff’s veg-centric dining can be seen at Shift Kitchen + Bar … [Read more...] about Dining Trends for 2017
Creating the Optimal 2017
Now that the holiday madness is over, business consultants suggest taking some time to get organized and set goals for the New Year, both for your business and yourself. Suggestions include budgeting, journaling and helping employees help the company. Identify the Budget When asked what the single most important thing to do when making plans for the New Year, T. Paul Thomas, a veteran CEO, business leader and professor at Northern Arizona University, says it is putting in … [Read more...] about Creating the Optimal 2017
Small Businesses in Small Spaces Brings Big Success
Walking the streets and sidewalks of downtown Flagstaff, you are sure to find small businesses occupying small spaces. There are numerous businesses, apartments and homes tucked into nearly every storefront and alley in the downtown area. Paths, patios and side doors connect businesses and homes, which often makes it difficult to distinguish a place of business from someone’s home. (As I found out when I entered what I thought was the patio of a small tea shop to join other customers; rather, it … [Read more...] about Small Businesses in Small Spaces Brings Big Success
Give a Slice of Flagstaff this Holiday Season
When people ask where you live and you tell them “Flagstaff” or “Northern Arizona,” how often have you heard in response, “Oh, you’re livin’ the dream!” So many of our friends and relatives who don’t live in Northern Arizona are envious of our lives here in the High Country. Those are the folks who would be especially appreciative if you gave them a slice of Flagstaff life this holiday season. Here are three personal or corporate gift-giving ideas that have roots in our mountain town. Buying … [Read more...] about Give a Slice of Flagstaff this Holiday Season
Granny’s Closet Closes the Door
Long-time residents and visitors were used to cheerful messages on the neon marquee in front of the uniquely Flagstaff restaurant that welcomed Cardinals football players, offered skiers a discount and served as a reminder about the “best wings in town.” But on a post-election November day, a distinct sign of change caught the attention of drivers on Milton Road. Rick Lopez was one of them. “It said something about ‘if you are interested in this property,’” said Lopez, a realtor with RE/MAX. … [Read more...] about Granny’s Closet Closes the Door
Economists are Cautiously Optimistic for the New Year
“What a crappy recovery this has been!” exclaimed economist Elliot Pollock at the 41st Annual Economic Outlook Conference in Flagstaff last month. The conference’s reputation for dicey –and humorous – interactions between economic experts packed the house at the High Country Conference Center. “This recovery is getting old – 88 months old,” said the expert. As if not wanting to complain without bringing some solutions to the table, the economist spelled out five ways to spur the economy: … [Read more...] about Economists are Cautiously Optimistic for the New Year
Flagstaff Just Keeps Getting Sweeter
Thanks to the good taste of local entrepreneurs, Flagstaff residents and visitors are indulging in the rich, warm, decadent goodness of pies, cakes and pastries, and considering some sweet ideas for holiday gifts. Jacqueline Rose Cakery This cake-centered bakery is a dream come true for owner Jacqueline Caughey, who says she is both an artist and a baker who decided to mix her two passions. “I chose cake as a medium for my creations because the possibilities are endless – and … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Just Keeps Getting Sweeter