Water is essential to life, but when it comes in the form of a flood, it can inflict severe financial damage and even render a home unlivable. You can alleviate that risk with flood insurance, but it is important to understand its terms and conditions. You might think you are at greater risk from fire than flooding. But did you know that 90 percent of all natural disasters in the United States. involve flooding? Floods and flash floods happen in all 50 states. Some overlooked causes of … [Read more...] about Don’t Ignore Risk of Flooding
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Several Factors Contributing to Mixed Tourism Figures
Tourism seems to be picking up across the country and in the state of Arizona, following a 2009 crash related to the economy. But some aspects of Flagstaff’s tourism appear a bit slower to catch up. Nationally, according to the Arizona Office of Tourism, hotels are doing a little better than they did last year. Occupancy went up about five percent across the country. Those numbers held true regionally, statewide and for the Phoenix metro area. But in Flagstaff, occupancy rates went down a … [Read more...] about Several Factors Contributing to Mixed Tourism Figures
Phoenix Forbes Ranking Good for Northern Arizona
Phoenix is likely to become one of this country’s next boomtowns, according to Forbes Magazine and Joel Kotkin’s article, “What Cities Are Best Positioned to Grow and Prosper in the Coming Decade?” Out of 52 of the largest metro areas in the United States that were evaluated and assessed, Phoenix ranked ninth. Being included on such an elite list is very promising for not only the city of Phoenix, but the Flagstaff area and the entire state of Arizona. “Proportionally, when Phoenix grows, … [Read more...] about Phoenix Forbes Ranking Good for Northern Arizona
Refinancing While Under Water
In many cases, you can lower your interest rate even if you owe more on your home than it's worth. As low as they may be, I still don't think jumping into an adjustable rate mortgage makes sense. But, getting a six-percent rate or even a high-five-percent rate down into the four percent range DOES make sense. Don't let the fact that your home is "underwater" hold you back from exploring the possibility. Do your calculations carefully. No doubt you will be adding … [Read more...] about Refinancing While Under Water
Several Factors Contributing to Mixed Tourism Figures
Tourism seems to be picking up across the country and in the state of Arizona, following a 2009 crash related to the economy. But some aspects of Flagstaff’s tourism appear a bit slower to catch up. Nationally, according to the Arizona Office of Tourism, hotels are doing a little better than they did last year. Occupancy went up about five percent across the country. Those numbers held true regionally, statewide and for the Phoenix metro area. But in Flagstaff, occupancy rates went down a … [Read more...] about Several Factors Contributing to Mixed Tourism Figures
Bond Sale Providing City Best Interest Rate
The City of Flagstaff sold $15.86 million in general obligation bonds today to fund voter approved projects including the final fire station, the emergency communication radio system, and a portion of the street/utility projects. In light of the excellent credit ratings from Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s (AA and Aa2, respectively), the City was able to get a 2.12% interest cost. This is the best rate the City has achieved on any general obligation bond. “This is fantastic news for our … [Read more...] about Bond Sale Providing City Best Interest Rate
Supreme Court Sides with AZ’s Plans to Cut Medicaid
State Prevails on Proposition 204 Litigation. Governor's Statement. “I applaud the Superior Court today for its ruling regarding the State of Arizona’s Medicaid Reform Plan. This ruling ensures that elected officials maintain their authority to make difficult financial decisions on behalf of the State of Arizona. “I don’t take lightly the Medicaid reforms we’ve implemented. The human impacts are real. But I and members of the Legislature were elected to make difficult … [Read more...] about Supreme Court Sides with AZ’s Plans to Cut Medicaid
Steps to Improving Your Company’s Cashflow
No one can control the ups and downs of the economy. As a business owner, chances are you’re already doing what you can to control your costs and boost your revenue. Yet there’s another area where you may be able to improve your financial performance: Streamlining your incoming and outgoing payments to improve your cash flow. According to a 2010 Visa® small business cash management survey, 35 percent of respondents ranked cash flow as their top concern, followed by 29 percent who cited … [Read more...] about Steps to Improving Your Company’s Cashflow
17 Graduate from NGS Program
Seventeen Navajo men and women graduated last week from the most intense entry training program in the energy industry to become regular employees at the Navajo Generating Station. The seven week long Power Plant Fundamentals School, an updated version of the program NGS originated 40 years ago to train its operators, instructs each new employee in every phase of the power plant’s technical operation, procedures and safety. “It’s a tough school and you all should be very proud that you … [Read more...] about 17 Graduate from NGS Program
SBE Responding to Low Job Numbers
The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) issued the following statement on June's employment data, which showed an anemic 18,000 jobs gain. The U.S. Department of Labor also reported a downward revision (-44,000) in the job numbers for April and May. "The jobs numbers are not surprising given low business confidence, increased government costs, increased health coverage and energy costs and the fact that small business owners are not generating enough new or sustained … [Read more...] about SBE Responding to Low Job Numbers