JANUARY 2019 | VOL 5, ISSUE 1
By The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
BECAUSE A
HEALTHY BUSINESS CLIMATE AND A
THRIVING COMMUNITY ARE INSEPARABLE
RICKY MOLINA
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF REHABILITATION HOSPITAL OF NORTHERN ARIZONA
FLAG TAG AZ
BEHIND THE SCENES
BUSINESS ADVOCACY
STATEWIDE AGENDA
CONTENTS
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
New Member C nnection Presented by:
Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce 101 W Rte 66, Flagstaff
Wednesday, Jan 16th 9:00 - 10:00 am
RICKY MOLINA
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOR RHNA IS OUR COVER STORY IN @7000FT PAGE 8
FLAG TAG AZ
LASER TAG & GAME EMPORIUM PAGE 10
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FITNESS AND WELLNESS NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS EVERY MEMBER COUNTS LEADERSHIP @7000ft RHNA
BUSINESS ADVOCACY ARIZONA CHAMBER LEGISLATIVE AGENDA PAGE 12
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FUN AT FLAG TAG AZ
Sponsored by:
Arizona Daily Sun & Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
ADVOCATES FOR BUSINESS FYP & PARADE RECAP
Twin Arrows Casino Resort 22181 Resort Blvd, Flagstaff
BE COOL, BE CHAMBER
Thursday, Jan 24th 5:30 - 7:30 pm GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JANUARY 2019 | VOL 5, ISSUE 1 |
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INTRODUCTION
The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and Northern Arizona Healthcare Foundation Cordially Invites You to
THE 30TH ANNUAL ATHENA AWARDS & CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING The ATHENA Awards celebrate the ATHENA mission of supporting, developing, and honoring women leaders, inspiring women to achieve their full potential - creating balance in leadership worldwide. The ATHENA Award honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and forge paths of leadership for other women to follow. Likewise, the Young Professional Award recognizes emerging female leaders for the same leadership qualities.
The Athena & Young Professional nomination forms can be found at www.flagstaffchamber.com Call the Chamber for more information and nominations today.
Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation Friday, February 8th, 2019 High Country Conference Center 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
101 W. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 774-4505 info@flagstaffchamber.com flagstaffchamber.com
CHAMBER LEADERSHIP Officers
Directors
Chair Brenda Hazlett APS
Monica Attridge Hozhoni Foundation
Walter Crutchfield Vintage Partners
Treasurer Jennifer Nordstrom Nordstrom & Associates PC Immediate Past Chairman Randon Cupp Foothills Bank
Silver Sponsor:
7000ft | JANUARY 2019 | VOL 5, ISSUE 1 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Mark Harris Terry Marxen Chevrolet Cadillac Jacquie Kellogg West USA Realty Cecily Maniaci Toasted Owl Pete Muscarella Straightline Builders Patrick Nackard Nackard Companies Fred Reese Little America Lindie Rodgers Superior Propane
Colonel Ray Garcia Camp Navajo
Richard Sanchez State Farm Insurance
Joanne Keene Northern Arizona University Dr. Colleen Smith Coconino Community College
.fla www ber.com/ m a h s c event
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Guillermo Cortes Shephard-Wesnitzer, Inc.
3rd Vice Chair Clay McCauslin KAFF/KMGN Radio
e ebsit See w lendar for cavents of e gstaff
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Doug Bonate BBVA Compass Bank
1st Vice Chair Mark Love Massage Envy
Ex-Officio
Purchase tickets today at www.flagstaffchamber.com
Gold Sponsors:
Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
2nd Vice Chair Joe Pozar, Jr. Joy Cone Co.
NOMINATE TODAY
Platinum Sponsors:
@7000ft is published monthly by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce with revenue from member dues, advertising and sponsorships. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents of this publication, by any method or purpose whatsoever, without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Only Chamber members can advertise in @7000ft. To place advertising contact the Chamber.
Cassity Smith Flagstaff Young Professionals Flo Spyrow Northern Arizona Healthcare John Stigmon ECoNA Kelly Tulloss Sutcliffe Floral Bryce Warren Twin Arrows Casino Resort
Cover Photo Credit: Tom Brownold Feature Photos: Barbara Sherman
BUSINESS INFLUENCERS
SUMMIT FITNESS AND WELLNESS IN THE NEW YEAR Julie Pastrick, President + CEO of the Flagstaff Chamber, is pleased to spotlight Tony Giustina, managing owner of Summit Fitness and Mountain Heart Wellness. For more information on how to get started on a fitness program or to schedule a tour call (928) 774-3476. You can visit Summit Fitness at 1301 W. University Ave. or on the web www.thesummitflagstaff.com. “Move it or Lose it”, we have all heard that phrase. But what does it really mean as it relates to lifelong health? If you don't move your body you will slowly lose it, presumably because exercise helps stimulate blood circulation to every part of the body, helping to nourish it. Depending on which study you read only about 10-23% of adults are meeting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-tovigorous physical activity each week. To break it down, what are the effective ways of moving our body? Web MD posed this question to four fitness experts and compiled a list of their favorites. Now keep in mind this was their top exercises, other fitness experts I’m sure have their favorites too.
VINTAGE PARTNERS
Walking - This is a cardio vascular exercise, which strengthens the heart and burns calories. A brisk walk can burn up 300 - 500 calories an hour. The American Council of Exercise says beginners should start walking 5-10 minutes at a time, gradually moving up to 30 minutes per session. It is better to lengthen your walks before boosting your speed or incline. This can be done outside or in a fitness facility on various pieces of cardio equipment. Interval Training - The way to do it (with any exercise) is to push the intensity or pace for a minute or two, then back off for anywhere from 2-10 minutes. Continue doing this throughout the workout.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY, GROW YOUR BUSINESS, CONNECT & ENGAGE
Push-ups - If done correctly the push-up can strengthen the chest, shoulder, triceps, and even the core trunk muscles, all at one time. In fitness facilities there are various machines and free weights to work all of these areas in more of an isolated and weight bearing movement. Abdominal Crunches - Crunches work the ab muscles that act as an anchor for muscles of the mid and lower back. If your abs are weak it forces the back muscles to work harder to support your middle. Crunches also can improve your posture by helping prop up your spine so it feels more natural to stand tall with your arms and legs in alignment. Bent Over Rows - This exercise works all the major muscles of the upper back, as well as the biceps.
Squats - They give you the most bang for the buck because squats use the most muscle groups at once. These can be done on a chair or in the fitness facility in the squat rack. Lunges - Like squats lunges work all the major muscles of the lower body: glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. Lunges are a bit more advanced then squats, helping to improve your balance as well. Balance is very important, especially as we get older.
Tony Giustina
Managing Owner of Summit Fitness and Mountain Heart Wellness
These seven exercises are excellent, efficient choices, the experts say. But with just about any strength or resistant exercise the question is not so much whether the exercise works as how you execute them. So especially if you are a beginner, it’s a good idea to seek the advice of a fitness trainer, to be sure you are doing it correctly and safely. January is always a great time to start a fitness program… START THE YEAR OUT RIGHT! Remember… Exercise not Extra Fries.
Become a member today! Visit our website flagstaffchamber.com or call Kat Ross, VP of Investor Relations at (928) 774-4505
GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JANUARY 2019 | VOL 5, ISSUE 1 |
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CHAMBER BUSINESS INSIGHTS RADIO SHOW Tune in to our show every Saturday at 11 AM on KAFF Country Legends 93.5FM and AM930 Listen to the latest interviews at flagstaffchamber.com/media
Here are some of the latest interviews you can listen to on our website:
Marge McPeak - Olive the Best Olive the Best offers all of the best and healthiest olive oils and vinegars! The olive oils are cold pressed, and the olives are crushed within two hours of picking. Every batch is tested in order to meet Olive the Best’s quality standards. Olive oil has a lot of health benefits, and contains many antioxidants which doctors recommend for a healthy living. Their balsamic vinegars are all from Italy, and were aged in wooden barrels. They have a thick, rich balsamic vinegar that contains no additives or sugar and many different eccentric flavors such as pineapple, coconut, and peach. Olive the Best offers samples for everything in store, which includes over 50 varieties of vinegars and olive oils. They are open from 10am-6pm Monday through Saturday, and 12-5pm on Sunday. You can shop and learn more at: www.olivethebestoilsandvinegars.com Aired 11/10/2018
Johanna Klomann - CPA Johanna Klomann is a Flagstaff native who began working in the public accounting field 15 years ago. As a CPA she provides individual accounting, payroll, and tax services to small businesses and nonprofits. Johanna Klomann CPA does not do audits, but her team does help with all of the pre-audit work. She is very excited about the 199A Qualified Business Income Deduction, as it is a part of the tax return which will affect small businesses by saving them money. Johanna wants everyone to make sure to tax plan, as it is the best thing you can do so that you have no tax surprises on April 15th. As the tax season is quickly approaching, give Johanna Klomann a call at (928) 774-8995, or check out her website: www.johannaklomann.com Aired Air 11/10/18
NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS
JR Murray - Snowbowl JR Murray is gearing up for an exciting skiing and snowboarding season at Arizona Snowbowl! In the past few years they have been going through major expansions and improvements, including the new chair lifts. Their new, faster chairlifts have increased uphill capacity by 84%. No more long lines! Since 2012 Snowbowl has been making their own snow to aid reliability in the winter economy of Flagstaff. There are free public buses running from downtown to take you up to the slopes, that AZ Snowbowl is paying for to relieve congestion on Highway 180. Also, with every all-day ticket purchased the individual will receive one free ski lesson. Snowbowl offers a complimentary season pass for children 10 and under to help get the family skiing and reduce costs to families. To learn more you can visit their website: www.snowbowl.ski Aired 11/24/18
Welcome to the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
UNIVERSAL R E SERVICES 2501 N 4th St Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (602) 935-1330 www.universalreservices.com
FOOTHILLS BANK 5200 Cortland Blvd Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928) 856-0618 www.foothillsbank.com
OFFICE MAX 4601 E Railhead Avenue Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928) 714-9633 www.officedepot.com
ASCEND THERAPEUTIC SERVICES 223 N San Francisco St Suite #105 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (253) 250-6030 www.ascendmfr.com
LIA LEAF TEA SHOP 601 E Piccadilly Dr Suite #10 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 440-5386 www.lialeaf.com
ACE AUTOMOTIVE 800 W Route 66, Suite #1 Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928) 774-3281 www.aceautomotivecenteraz.com
FIX IT MOBILE 901 N San Francisco St Suite #1 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 606-1222 www.fixitmobile.com
PAYCHEX 16404 N Black Canyon Hwy Suite #140 Phoenix, AZ 85053 (602) 653-4913 www.paychex.com
BEHMER ROOFING 1710 E Arrowhead Ave Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928) 856-0618 www.behmerroofingflagstaff.com
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ELEMENTARY ENERGY Flagstaff, AZ YULOFF CREATIVE MARKETING SOLUTIONS 2370 W SR89A Suite #447 Sedona, AZ 86336 (800) 705-4265 www.yuloffcreative.com
WELCOME & CONGRATS
Congratulations to our members on their anniversaries and ribbon cuttings
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1. Courtyard by Marriott - 10 Year Anniversary 2. Burger King (E Route 66) - 20 Year Anniversary 3. Outback Steakhouse - 20 Year Anniversary 4. Straightline Builders - 20 Year Anniversary 5. Sonic (4th Street) - 15 Year Anniversary 6. Heath's Auto Service Inc. - 10 Year Anniversary 7. Collins Irish Pub & Grill - 20 Year Anniversary 8. Walmart (Woodlands) - 10 Year Anniversary 9. Moving Management Moving and Storage - 40 Year Anniversary
REFER A FRIEND
Refer a new member to the Chamber and receive your choice of the following: • FREE CARWASH from Speedi Carwash & Fuel • FREE CUP OF COFFEE from Dutch Brothers • FREE SANDWICH from Chick-Fil-A Contact Kat Ross, kross@flagstaffchamber.com, to send your referrals today! GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JANUARY 2019 | VOL 5, ISSUE 1 |
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LEADERSHIP @
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Advancing a Strong Community
In this issue of @7000ft we were able to chat with Ricky Molina, Chief Executive Officer of Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona, who was a part of the hospital's opening in February of 2018. He prides himself on being in the business of helping people, and attributes the people around him to his success. In the field of healthcare, Ricky most enjoys being able to make an impact on someone's life and supporting their recovery.
Photo Credit: Barbara Sherman
RICKY MOLINA WHY ARE YOU IN YOUR BUSINESS OR PROFESSION? It’s a consistent challenge to prepare a hospital and a team to be able to help a variety of people and injuries. Healthcare is still a growing industry, and the pace is incredible. To be able to make an impact on someone’s life in some small way, and support their recovery, is something me and our team are proud of. HOW LONG HAS YOUR COMPANY BEEN IN BUSINESS OR HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THIS PROFESSION? Our hospital has been open since Feb 28, 2018 when we took our very first patient in Flagstaff. It is part of Ernest Health. I have been with Ernest Health for almost 4 years now, and have been in Flagstaff since August 2017 while the hospital was still under construction. We have a sister hospital called Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital located in Prescott Valley, AZ. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR PROFESSIONAL PATH? IF SO, HOW? Of course…I’d be playing baseball in the Major Leagues! But since that didn’t work out, healthcare has been beyond rewarding. Helping someone recover during some of their worst times is enough to make the day worth it. Perspective is a word that comes to mind when I think of what people in healthcare do every day. FROM WHOM DO YOU SEEK BUSINESS ADVICE? Anyone who has an idea. We’ve said things amongst our team like “don’t fight to be right, fight to get it right.” Some of the best business advice I’ve gotten from anyone is from the customer perspective. It’s eye-opening to try and walk our talk every day, especially after you’ve been told that you had done something that didn’t help. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN YOUR PROFESSION? Buckle up! This is a planned reaction business. What I mean by that is that
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOR REHABILITATION HOSPITAL OF NORTHERN ARIZONA
1851 N Gemini Dr. Flagstaff, AZ 86001 rhna.ernesthealth.com | (928) 774-7070
no matter the planning, there is a function of reaction that is needed. We’re in the business of helping people, and that could mean any number of things to that person. Be adaptable, nimble, what some people refer to as a change agent. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL BRAND? PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW YOU DRIVE YOUR BRAND IN DAILY BUSINESS. Whatever the approach, it has to be genuine. I believe strongly that a connection with someone, no matter the reason, is best when there is some skin in the game. Ownership of the outcome, good or bad, is a part of my every day. I just try to get it right. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? Be outside! I’m learning how to ski right now, and it may take longer than I thought. Big sports fan, and enjoy playing basketball, football, and baseball. Looking forward to traveling around the region, and white water rafting at some point. A big fan of a good movie too. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? My parents. We grew up in a pretty humble situation, and my parents – Virgie and Adolfo – were amazing at keeping us focused on being kids. I didn’t know we struggled as bad as we did until I was a bit older. They let us get in kid trouble, challenged me and my brothers in school, and helped us all to try and find whatever path we wanted. We did without a lot, and we didn’t even know it.
people around me, and people who challenge me. I enjoy finding out how to mix business with pleasure, and I think that the people around me are a huge part of that. WHAT IS WORSE THAN FAILURE? I suppose feeling as if you didn’t make the effort to even try. I’ve failed multiple times, at multiple things, and I don’t believe for a second that it won’t happen again. But without an effort, I would think that that regret could possibly be worse. WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU TODAY THAN IT WAS 10 YEARS AGO? Time! In that famed ‘blink of an eye', I've skipped a decade, and I remember most of it. Time today is a thing that helps me appreciate the moments within it. WHAT MANTRA OR RULE DO YOU STRIVE TO LIVE BY? I have always appreciated a couple of sayings like “begin with the end in mind,” and “tough times don’t last, tough people do.” My mom always gave me books with quotes and sayings, so I like plagiarizing those who said it right!
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO LIVE AND STAY IN FLAGSTAFF? I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors, and Flagstaff offers every part of the outdoors I could want. I grew up in a smaller community in Roswell, NM, and enjoy more rural living. TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS? The people around me – no doubt. I’ve been fortunate to have smart, dependable, and innovative
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FLAG TAG AZ Under new ownership with lots of upgrades to the existing space, Flag Tag AZ has something for everyone. Seeking fun, new and exciting entertainment in a warm, open indoor setting? Experience Flag Tag AZ, the only Northern Arizona laser tag and game emporium in Flagstaff, Arizona! We serve guests young at heart from five years old to one hundred and five years young! There are a multitude of games to choose from at Flag Tag AZ! Let's start with Laser Tag. Singles and teams of players can experience over forty modern programmed laser tag bouts, as well as brand new, high tech laser guns and vests, in an updated arena. Grab some friends, or show up and walk onto an existing group game and watch your score flash up on a scoreboard and take bragging rights! Games are titled, Zombies, Gladiators, Delta Tag, Free For All, Sharpshooter, Juggernaut, Backstabber, Agents, and more. Earn points to modify your phaser adding specialty weapons and shields. Inquire about Tag memberships. Flag Tag AZ hosts can get you in an archery set up including bow and foam-tipped arrows wearing specialized Archery Tag helmets to play Archery Tag with your friends and family. Archery Tag is a frenzy of running, reloading your bow and aiming for your opponent across an indoor field of obstacles all the while listening to top music hits. If it has been awhile since shooting an arrow or never having shot one, we have an indoor archery range to acquire or polish skills. Our friendly coaches have experience teaching even the most rookie shooter how to fire a bow. If that isn’t enough, you’ll want to try your hand at axe throwing which is similar to a dart game with a hatchet and a “thump”! Axe throwing leagues are starting this
winter. Finesse at throwing an axe and hitting areas of large wooden wall targets takes concentration to a new level. Flag Tag AZ has joined the World Axe Throwing League (WATL) allowing throwers to compete at a national level. On December 15th, the WATL championships were held in Toronto and aired on ESPN. Don’t know how to throw, no problem, our experienced coaches can guide everyone through "sticking" an axe. Experienced throwers can bring their own axes as long as they abide by the WATL rules and pass inspection.
Couple axe throwing at the target
For our youngest guests, we have nearly twenty arcade games, a climbing wall, giant Connect Four, checkers, a basketball game, skee ball, cards and NERF tag! In our newly remodeled kitchen we offer fresh to order pizza, beer & wine, fountain drinks, smoothies and snacks available for hungry stomachs.
You choose to come in and play, or plan an event and play! We create great events! Looking to spice things up at work? Flag Tag AZ hosts a multitude of corporate events for interactive staff parties, and three party “cabin” rooms are available for celebrations of all kinds including birthday parties, bachelor parties, or any event needing a private space. Each includes a chalk wall allowing for planning, drawing, chalk art, and custom messages for each group. Group sizes can be up to 150 with a full facility rental.
We offer discounts for groups, non-profits, a service discount for military and first responders. Join us at Flag Tag AZ, the new game in town, at 1801 E Route 66, Flagstaff, Arizona. (928) 707-9824 www.flagtagaz.com
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Hatchet stuck in the target
Team member Netanya welcoming guests into the facility
Overview of the arena as seen from the 2nd floor
Archer unleashing her skills
HOME AGAIN:
Chamber Board and Staff Welcomes Joe Galli back! Lauren Bradley, Flagstaff Chamber Intern, sat down with Joe Galli, who recently returned to the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. Joe served the Flagstaff Chamber as Vice President, Government Affairs from April 2005 through December 2011 before relocating to Phoenix to lead the North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce. Joe returned to the Flagstaff Chamber this fall as Senior Advisor, Public Policy. LB: What brought you back to Flagstaff? JG: I like to tell people I was just on a brief sabbatical. Truthfully, I spent many weekends visiting friends in town when I was away. The local business community faces many challenges, and we need to be present to assist. LB: You were gone for 5+years. What appears different to you in town, and what’s never changed? JG: There’s an acute sensitivity to growth these days. That certainly has been heightened.
Sadly, the tension surrounding growth is palpable. Many of the community’s key leaders are still around and engaged, which can be an asset. A few have retired, and moved on. There are a handful of new faces, too, hopefully providing new perspectives. LB: What’s different at the Chamber? JG: The Chamber is still the big dog in town, which is important for Flagstaff’s business community. What’s cool is the Chamber’s expanded role now representing the region, thus, “The Greater Flagstaff Chamber” and it has established NAMAC – Northern Arizona Military Affairs Council, NAMP – Northern Arizona Manufacturing Partnership and FYP – Flagstaff Young Professionals. There’s a lot of excitement with those entities that benefit the community. LB: What challenges do you feel the business community faces moving forward into the next decade beginning 2020? JG: The pace of life is slower here than in the
big city, and that’s great, but a slower pace of life is not always conducive to adaptation. Communities are ever-changing, and for business to be successful anticipating and adapting to change on time is crucial. Long term, the community always seems to have a healthy debate on priorities, which will continue to shape Flagstaff in the next decade. LB: What are some of the Chamber’s business advocacy priorities for 2019? JG: We’re always concerned about the cost to do business in town. Tax and fee hikes and unfunded mandates from state and federal governments are always a concern. There are some good projects on the front burner, including getting a new City Courthouse built, making strong headway on the Rio de Flag construction project, widening Fourth Street over I-40 – all very present, super-important community needs. We want to see economic development opportunities improve out at Camp Navajo, as well. A few hurdles in place there, but we’re working on those.
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ADVOCATES FOR BUSINESS 2019 ARIZONA CHAMBER EXECUTIVES STATEWIDE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR ARIZONA BUSINESS STATE BUSINESS EDUCATION
• Advocate for new and increased financial resources with accountability measures for K-12 education and public higher education programs to ensure Arizona has the qualified workforce it needs in the 21st Century. • Support a modernization and simplification of the state’s K-12 funding system, with an emphasis on encouraging the replication of high performing educational models, especially those in low-income areas and rural areas. • Support funding and policies that ensure Arizona students and job creators have robust career and workforce pipeline options.
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE • Oppose sweeps from the Highway User Revenue Fund, the State Lake Improvement Fund, the Aviation Fund, the lottery and other dedicated transportation funds into the general fund. • Support infrastructure projects that maximize job creation and investment in Arizona’s statewide interstate system and ports of entry. • Support statewide and regional transportation solutions to address transportation funding challenges that focus on a “user pays” model that incorporates long-term, forward-thinking and sustainable funding streams. • Advocate for legislation, regulation and policies that recognize the electric power grid and all other natural resources and utility infrastructure delivery systems as assets requiring consistent maintenance, improvement and support through investments by all users.
TAXATION • Support tax, fee and fiscal policies that will attract new investments and bring jobs to Arizona. • Support a reduction in business property taxes to help spur investment. • Work with interested parties to come up with continued reforms to Arizona’s public pension systems to reduce unfunded liabilities. • Conform to federal income tax changes by January 31st of each year. • Support a statutory clarification regarding the taxation of digital goods and services to provide taxpayer clarity and certainty.
LEGAL & REGULATORY AFFAIRS • Oppose government intrusion into private workplace management. • Maintain a competitive regulatory environment that provides timeliness and certainty for businesses without unduly burden some regulations on business owners. • Support legislation that protects businesses from frivolous lawsuits. • Support Arizona’s national image through sound legislation including modernizing policies to recognize Arizona’s diverse community and population. • Continue to advocate for a fair and transparent initiative process that reflects the will of all Arizonans while respecting the constitutional authority and duties of the Legislature. • Oppose efforts to legalize recreational marijuana. • Protect the business community’s ability to engage in political speech.
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY • Support efforts to brand Arizona as a favorable environment for tourism, business location, expansion, and job creation, including film and multimedia production. • Strengthen Arizona’s economy by encouraging increased public-private partnerships. • Increase the current funding level for tourism promotion via the Arizona Office of Tourism. • Advocate for policies that encourage economic development throughout all of Arizona.
FEDERAL ISSUES REGULATORY
• Oppose regulatory efforts by the federal government that disparately and disproportionately impact Arizona, while supporting efforts to streamline regulations and ensure that Arizona’s distinctive characteristics are reflected. • Preserve a business owner’s ability to manage their workplace and workforce without expanded federal intrusion. • Advocate for the finalization of the federal tax code by November 30th of that tax year. • Promote policies that support trade that protect Arizona’s competitive interests. • Advocate for health care legislation that removes mandates on small business, provides stability and certainty for the individual insurance marketplace and hospital systems, protects the low-income and vulnerable, and does not cost shift expenses to the state or businesses.
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MILITARY ASSETS • Work with Arizona’s congressional delegation and business community to promote Arizona’s military installations and emphasize the ability of these installations to take on new missions and expand economic development.
NATURAL RESOURCES • Support legislation that would require the federal government to enter an agreement with the state or any municipality that offers non-federal funds to reopen and temporarily operate public lands including national parks, national monuments and national recreation areas during a government shutdown. • Support comprehensive state and federal solutions that protect Arizona’s present and future water supply for sustained economic development for all affected industries. • Support the Northern Arizona Forest Fund (NAFF) and National Forest Foundation (NFF) to help protect the state’s forests and water supply through programs designed to improve forest health and water quality in the Salt and Verde River watersheds. • Support allocating a percentage of funds currently marked for suppression of forest fires to prevention of forest fires. • Oppose efforts to designate land as national monuments. • Support policies that ensure the Colorado River remains accessible for recreational watercraft.
IMMIGRATION • Continue to support comprehensive federal immigration reform that encourages economic growth. • Support a dialogue with the Mexican government to expand and modernize U.S.-Mexico ports of entry.
TAXATION • Support a federal taxation system that is globally competitive, fair, consistent, easily administered and equitable.
The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce endorses these broad legislative principles created by a statewide network of Chamber executives.
MEMBERS
END OF YEAR RECAP Flagstaff Young Professionals (FYP) is a Chamber initiative that serves local leaders between the ages of 21 and 39 years old. Its purpose is to engage individuals who want to develop and advance their careers, to make a positive impact on our community, and to boost their leadership potential on boards and commissions. FYP strives to bring young professionals together to connect, create community, and thrive through career development, service projects, and relationship building. FYP toasted the holiday season with an evening of networking with friends and food at Whisk and Whisky last week. The dynamic and diverse group got to reminisce on a successful first year of FYP, ending with just under 100 new members. With 25 events throughout the 2018 year, FYP made a substantial impact by contributing to seven different non-profits for their philanthropic pillar, hosted eight educational seminars
for career advancement, and created 10 networking mixers for members to connect and interact with like-minded individuals. The most successful event of the year was the Leadership Mentoring in September connecting 75 Young Professionals with empowering mentors in the local community. FYP continues to grow its leaders through professional and personal development and has exciting new plans for the 2019 year, including new Board Members! Do you know a Young Professional that can benefit from this group in the new year? Visit their site at www.flagstaffyoungprofessionals.org or email Cassity Smith at csmith@flagstaffchamber.com for more information. From FYP to you, have a wonderful holiday and we look forward to connecting next year!
2018 VORA FINANCIAL HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS Countless Smiles, Millions of Lights, Thousands of Spectators, 58 Floats, 30 Chamber Volunteers, 9 Street Closures, One and Only Santa Claus
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BE COOL, BE CHAMBER Behind the scenes of local, small businesses
Olive the Best
Sutcliffe Floral
Kingdom Kids Preschool & Play Center 14 @7000ft | JANUARY 2019 | VOL 5, ISSUE 1 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
NOW
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If you’re looking for a rehabilitation hospital for you or your loved one, we hope you will
consider Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona. We provide specialized rehabilitative services to patients throughout Northern Arizona and surrounding areas who are
recovering from disabilities caused by injuries, illnesses, or chronic medical conditions. We provide inpatient rehabilitation services to people recovering from disabling injuries or living with chronic illness, such as Stroke • Brain Injuries • Spinal Cord Injuries • Orthopedic Injuries Including Hip Fractures Major Multiple Trauma • ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) • Multiple Sclerosis Parkinson’s Disease • Guillain-Barré Syndrome
1851 N Gemini Drive • Flagstaff, AZ 86001 rhna.ernesthealth.com • 928.774.7070 GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JANUARY 2019 | VOL 5, ISSUE 1 |
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