As the demand for transportation fuels has plummeted at an unprecedented rate in the last month because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Northern Arizona University atmospheric scientist says the dramatic decrease in local air pollution and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels above cities is significant, measurable, and could be historic, depending on how long commuters and other drivers stay off the road. Professor Kevin Gurney of NAU’s School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems measures … [Read more...] about Carbon Dioxide Emissions Dropping to Unprecedented Levels during COVID-19 Outbreak
Feature
Taking a Liking to Takeout
Messages promoting restaurant takeout orders have swept the country during the shuttering of restaurant dining rooms. Already reaching more than 117 million people nationwide, The Great American Takeout marketing campaign uses social media to spread the word. Promoters encourage Americans to order takeout, snap photos and then post them on Twitter with #TheGreatAmericanTakeout and @TheGATakeout for chances to win prizes. On Instagram, users tag photos with @thegreatamericantakeout. Weekly … [Read more...] about Taking a Liking to Takeout
Quiet Canyon
The usual lineup of cars at the main entrance to the Grand Canyon is now replaced with rows of orange traffic cones and a large sign that reads, “The Grand Canyon is Closed.” With the cessation of services during the COVID-19 crisis, school closures and the inevitable unemployment, agencies and businesses in the Grand Canyon Village along with the nearby Town of Tusayan have become a living chronicle of loving your neighbor as yourself. “So many people and businesses have stepped up to … [Read more...] about Quiet Canyon
Mask Maker
Amy Peterson-Millis, RN PPACU, works in the recovery room at Flagstaff Medical Center. This is where patients wake up after being intubated for surgery. They are often coughing. “This puts us at a high risk for droplet transmission,” she explained. Her co-worker Jamie Reisner, RN, BSN, CCRN, is the interim clinical manager of the pediatric intensive care unit. “Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, healthcare workers were used to wearing masks; however, very seldom would we need to wear them for … [Read more...] about Mask Maker
Businesswoman Goes Virtual with Entrepreneurship Talks
Local entrepreneur, author and speaker Lori Anna Harrison is sharing her secret to success on a global scale. Originally planning to travel the world and deliver her program in person, Harrison has adapted her presentation to an online format amidst travel and health concerns surrounding the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus. On April 14, Harrison led a virtual program at the American Center Cairo (ACC), part of the U.S. Embassy in Egypt that focuses on outreach to Egyptian … [Read more...] about Businesswoman Goes Virtual with Entrepreneurship Talks
Picture Perfect Pitch
Moonshot at NACET, which for 20 years has used in-person mentoring, pitch contests and conferences to inspire and mentor budding entrepreneurs in Flagstaff and beyond, is now pivoting to provide that guidance and support in the era of social distancing. The non-profit is launching Mission Control Startup Pitch, a free service connecting new entrepreneurs with “moonshot” ideas to a panel of successful business leaders via teleconferencing. “Just like astronauts need Mission Control to … [Read more...] about Picture Perfect Pitch
Public Enemy No. 1: COVID-19 Continues to Spread
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise above 1,200 in Arizona, Governor Doug Ducey has issued a “Stay home, Stay healthy, Stay connected” policy that promotes physical distancing, while also encouraging social connectedness. Under the Executive Order, Arizonans are to limit their time away from their place of residence or property, except for essential activities and jobs, plus residents can still go outside. “Keeping Arizonans safe and healthy as we slow the spread of COVID-19 … [Read more...] about Public Enemy No. 1: COVID-19 Continues to Spread
Surviving the Season of COVID-19
The City of Flagstaff Economic Development Offices have in the past contributed to the Flagstaff Business News with articles about programs, events, partners and partnering agencies, and opportunities. This month, the Economic Development staff is providing reminders of behaviors that contribute positively to an individual, a family, a neighborhood, a community and a country. First, here are some behaviors that everyone may practice every day that will help in good times and bad: Wash your … [Read more...] about Surviving the Season of COVID-19
Huppy Bars Send River Runner on an Entrepreneurial Adventure
Marathon hours of river running and hiking in the Grand Canyon can stir up more than just endorphins. For field biologist and outdoorswoman Lyndsay Hupp, sweltering heat and canyon sweat inspired her to create a nutrition bar that is making a lot of people happy. The epiphany for nutritional fuel came when “I was out boating on the Colorado River and my trail mix melted into a clump. So, I started adjusting the recipe and friends liked it so much they named them ‘Huppy Bars,’” she … [Read more...] about Huppy Bars Send River Runner on an Entrepreneurial Adventure
Snowbowl Preparing for Arizona’s First Combination Lift
After a 12-month environmental assessment process, Coconino National Forest approved the replacement of Arizona Snowbowl’s Agassiz Chairlift. Approval couldn’t come at a better time. Amid challenges with the Agassiz Lift this season, Arizona Snowbowl announced the authorization and that they would begin construction on the new lift system. The new lift combines detachable chairs interspersed with gondolas. Similar state-of-the-art lift systems are in place in Austria, Italy and … [Read more...] about Snowbowl Preparing for Arizona’s First Combination Lift