@7000ft December 2022

Page 1

DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 BECAUSE A HEALTHY BUSINESS CLIMATE AND A THRIVING COMMUNITY ARE INSEPARABLE Business Advocacy Member Spotlights High Country Motor Lodge Route 66 Coin and Collectibles Leadership @7000ft Bonnie Bouschet General Manager, Flagstaff Mall
By the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER EVENTS BUSINESS INFLUENCERS Good Morning Flagstaff - Power Networking Breakfast Flagstaff Young Professionals Holiday Party 2022 Annual Meeting Luncheon and Awards Ceremony Mingle Bells Holiday Mixer Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce 2022 Holiday Lights Parade Friday, February 10, 2023 11:30 PM – 1:30 PM High Country Conference Center 201 W Butler Dr. Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Saturday December 10, 2022 6:00 PM Downtown Flagstaff Thursday, December 8, 2022 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM DoubleTree by Hilton 1175 W Route 66 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Wednesday, December 7, 2022 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery 1800 S Milton Rd Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Thursday, December 15, 2022 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Flagstaff Nissan Subaru 4960 E Marketplace Dr Flagstaff, AZ 86004 Thank you for your leadership. 2 @7000ft | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 6 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CONTENTS 14 18 05 06 07 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE CHAMBER NEWS FLAGSTAFF YOUNG PROFESSIONALS MEMBER MILESTONES
Scan the code and
head over to www.flagstaffchamber.com
Download the certification checklist
Follow and check off the steps in the process
Submit the form and $25 Here’s how to do it Here’s what you get
A strorefront & web decal to display at your place of business
Your
accredited
company name listed as an
Green Business on www.Flagstaffchamber.com
social media
GREEN BUSINESS CERTIFIED 10 12 14 MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS MEMBER NEWS 3 GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 6 | @7000ft LEADERSHIP @7000ft: Bonnie Bouschet Flagstaff Mall
• Recognition in our bi-monthly newsletter, @7000ft magazine &
channels.

@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 inquire about advertising please contact the Chamber.

Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce 101 W. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 774-4505 info@flagstaffchamber.com flagstaffchamber.com

CHAMBER LEADERSHIP

OFFICERS

Chair: Misti Warner Warner's Nursery & Landscaping Co.

Vice Chair: Guillermo Cortes Shephard-Wesnitzer, Inc.

Vice Chair: Bonnie Bouschet Flagstaff Mall Randon Cupp Foothills Bank

Immediate Past Chair: Clay McCauslin Great Circle Media/ KAFF DIRECTORS

Monica Attridge Hozhoni Foundation Colleen Brady Arizona Daily Sun Trent Olson Flagstaff Nissan Subaru Cecily Maniaci Toasted Owl Tyler Mark Wespac Construction Palmer Nackard Nackard Companies Fred Reese Little America Hotel Brenda Carter APS

Kelly Tulloss Sutcliffe Floral Jeff Springborn Nestlé Purina PetCare Company Bianca Chavez, MBA Benefit & Financial Strategies Stephen Thompson Glazer Hammond, PLLC

EX-OFFICIO Josh Maher Community Relations Associate NAU

Reserve Your Table Today To register visit https://www.flagstaffchamber.com/events or scan the code below e 2023 Annual Meeting & Award Luncheon e Greater Flagsta Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce: Greater Flagsta Chamber of Commerce 550 Full Table (8 guests) 275 Half Table (4 guests) 65 Individual Ticket High Country Conference Center Friday, F ebruary 10th, 2023 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Featuring the ATHENA® & ATHENA® Young Professional Awards
Greater Flagsta Chamber of Commerce

WELCOME TO THE DECEMBER ISSUE OF @7,000FT!

We are so pleased to bring you easy reading in this important issue highlighting our amazing Chamber members doing great work in our community. A quick note on important events this month: Don’t miss the Annual Greater Flagstaff Chamber/Vora Financial Holiday Lights Parade Saturday, December 10 at 6 PM in downtown. We are lucky to also have supporting sponsors including Desert Financial Credit Union and APS alongside Warner's Nursery and Landscaping, Waste Management, KAFF Radio, Optimum, Aspire Transitional Care, Weatherford Hotel, The Bluffs, Indian bible College, The Peaks, The Weatherford Hotel and Restoration Forest Products. Without them, we couldn't bring one of the most treasured evenings of the holiday season.

After the Chamber parade you have an opportunity to mix and convene with businesses you know and many you will meet for the first time at the Greater Flagstaff Chamber's Annual Holiday Mixer, "Mingle Bells". Join hosts Trent and Gwen Olson and their crew at Planet Nissan Subaru on Thursday, December 15. Doors open at 5:30 for great music, beverages, wine tasting by Oeno Wine Bar, catering by Mama Kim's and more. This is a holiday gathering that many people choose because of it's uber atmosphere and great connections we can make just before Christmas.

December and the holiday season mark the end of the calendar year which gives us time to reflect and to look forward. Together, the Chamber community has accomplished much for Flagstaff businesses this past year via our Business Advocacy Division, our Education Division, economic development, convening events around important issues, boosting business building opportunities, workforce development initiatives and many more facets of our daily work. We are your Convener, Catalyst and Champion for northern Arizona businesses. Our board of directors led by Misti Warner, Warner's Nursery, has been focused on issues that present opportunities for your business to grow and succeed.

The coming year, 2023, provides us much opportunity to improve our local

business conditions and grow our local economy collaboratively. Mark your calendar for the 35th Annual Meeting and ATHENA Awards celebration taking place at the High Country Conference Center on Friday, February 10, 2023. ATHENA and Young Professional nominations are now open! Please visit the Chamber’s website www. flagstaffchamber.com for more information. At the Annual Meeting we will celebrate our second annual Green Business Awardee, and nominations are also currently open for this award. Be active and make nominations that are important to you and your business and help our business recognize outstanding leadership.

Lastly, and certainly not least, it is important to remember our local Flagstaff retailers and service providers heavily rely on your local shopping during the holiday season. Now more than ever it is important to SHOP LOCAL. Be sure to Live Local, Love Local and Buy Local throughout the holidays so that many jobs are retained and our small businesses can thrive.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for your investment in the Greater Flagstaff Chamber community. You make a difference because we believe that "A HEALTHY BUSINESS CLIMATE AND A VIBRANT COMMUNITY ARE INSEPARABLE."

From the team at the Greater Flagstaff Chamber: Joe Galli, CT MCMurry, Anita Word, Kenneth Anderson, Jake Warren, Donna Eastman,Tara Tatus and me, please enjoy the holiday season.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK 5 GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | @7000ft

2023 Annual Meeting Award Nominations Open

The ATHENA & ATHENA Young Professional Awards honor female leaders in the business community and is one of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber's most valued initiatives. Both awards are presented at the Chamber's premier event of the year, the Annual Meeting Luncheon. The 34th Annual Meeting & Award Ceremony will be held Friday, February 10th, 2023. Nominations for the award are now open. To nominate a candidate for either award please complete a nomination form available at our website, or reach out to Julie Pastrick at jpastrick@flagstaffchamber.com

2022 ATHENA Award recipients

northernarizonamanufacturingpartnership.com. The purpose of the website is to recognize the major role that manufacturing plays in the regional economy and to serve as a hub for manufacturing related new on local, regional and national levels.

Chamber Launches Northern Arizona Manufacturing Partnership Website

The Northern Arizona Manufacturing Partnership is a Chamber Initiative that seeks to create an environment supportive of the regions's manufacturing industry. Through education and workforce development alongside organizations such as Coconino Community College, the Chamber builds relationships between manufacturers and qualified employees that align with local needs. As part of National Manufacturing month the Chamber launched

Northern Arizona Manufacturing by the Numbers

Flagstaff Metro Area:

Overall ranking: 15th of 378 metro areas analyzed

• Percentage of workforce in manufacturing: 10.75%

• Three-year job growth: 13.37%

• One-year job growth: 21.51%

• Three-year income growth: 11.31%

• One-year income growth: 11.69%

• Housing costs as a percentage of average income for manufacturing workers: 8.75%

• Unemployment rate: 5%

Source: https://smartasset.com/data-studies/bestplaces-to-work-in-manufacturing-2022

HOW CHILDCARE IMPACTS ARIZONA'S WORKFORCE PRODUCTIVITY AND THE STATE ECONOMY
CHAMBER NEWS
ATHENA® Amanda Guay Northcountry HealthCare
6 @7000ft | DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ATHENA® Young Professional Holly Lauridson W. L. Gore & Associates

Chamber of Commerce Lobbies to Avert National Rail Strike - Congress Takes Action

On Monday, November 28, 2022 the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce co-signed an important letter addressed to U.S. Congressional leadership in late November with more than 400 business associations urging Congress to impose a new labor agreement and avert a national rail strike.

Twelve rail labor organizations had been negotiating a new labor agreement for workers with the six leading rail providers for more than a year. Earlier this year a labor agreement was agreed upon and then approved in September 2022 by all twelve labor union leaders. The new deal for workers included a 24% pay increase, $5,000.00 lump sum bonuses and comprehensive long-term paid sick benefits. The agreement was then sent to workers for approval and eight of the twelve unions agreed to the deal, while four opposed. All twelve unions would have to approve the deal without Congressional action, or the entire twelve unions would strike as soon as December 9, 2022.

A national rail strike would cost the economy an estimated $2B a day as an estimated 765,000 workers would be put out of work.

The United States Congress took action this week to impose the new labor agreement with the U.S. House passing House Joint Resolution 100 on Wednesday, and today, December 1, 2022 the U.S. Senate voted 85-15 passing the same resolution sending it to the President’s desk for signature.

Since the Railway Labor Act of 1926, Congress has stepped in to enforce rail labor agreements a total of 18 times.

City of Flagstaff Mayor & Council Pause $80+M Stormwater Rate Hike and Reset

Vote for January 2023

At the November 15, 2022 Council Meeting, which was led by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet in Mayor Deasy’s absence, the City Council voted to pause implementation of a new stormwater utility rate hike seeking $88M in new funds for maintenance and operations and capital expenditures.

The City stormwater utility staff estimates they will need more than $40M in new funds over the next five years to address flood mitigation due to the catastrophic wildfires. The Chamber counseled against the rate hike due to ongoing inflation, the new $16.40+ per hour minimum wage, and other aspects, including the potential for state and federal funding to address the flood mitigation needs.

A rate hike of this nature is extremely costly to the community as the stormwater utility fee is assessed on all impervious surface in the city, including sidewalks, parking lots and rooftops, and assessed on a per-unit basis. Residents would pay the higher fees at home on their water bill and again at the grocery store and other retail and service centers as commercial entities seek to recoup the higher fees via higher prices. The next public hearing on the proposed rate hike will be January 31, 2023 at City Hall.

ADVOCACY 7 GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | @7000ft
BUSINESS

LEADERSHIP @7000FT

Bonnie Bouschet

General Manager Flagstaff Mall

Our December Leadership is focused on Bonnie Bouschet, General Manager, Flagstaff Mall. Bonnie joined the Chamber in 2008 while working with Best Buy and became an ambassador in 2009. Bonnie was highly involved in her role as ambassador, receiving the ambassador of the year award in 2016 and retaining the role until she was nominated to the Chamber's Board of Directors in April of 2021.

Bonnie has long been active in the Flagstaff community, serving as a blood drive coordinator for Vitalint, for which she has received the Hero Award (now referred to as the Impact Award) every year since 2012. Bonnie is more likely to be seen on the viewfinder end of a camera and her photo work captures the best moments of the Chamber's Golf Tournament and Parade events. You can find some of Bonnie's images of the community on a facebook page that she created called Flagstaff Foto Fun.

How did you come to be in this profession?

It was a total coincidence; I received a call from a headhunter and the rest is history. I never thought about managing a mall or having my Real Estate license, but I love what I do and have never looked back.

How long have you been in practice?

I have been in the retail industry for many years and have been managing the Flagstaff Mall for 9 years.

Where do you see the biggest growth potential for your practice?

Getting consumers excited about shopping in person again and supporting our community. Many people resorted to purchasing online during COVID, and we need to change their mindset. Shopping in our community is supporting the people that live and work in Flagstaff.

What has been your biggest workplace thrill or accomplishment?

Seeing Flagstaff Mall transform. We had many vacancies when I took over the mall and we now only have two. We added entertainment and other non-traditional uses to the center. Our newest addition, Bowlski’s was a challenge as we had to work through COVID hardships. We are excited that it is now open for Bowling, Restaurant, and Bar, adding a new venue to the East side of town.

How do your services enrich the quality of life for your customers and the community?

In-person shopping and entertainment add to our local community. We also have a free indoor playground for kids, it is used yearround, but we get a ton of comments

8 @7000ft | DEEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

and thank you’s during the winter as kids can come in a play in a safe, warm environment. We also open early for mall walkers. We have many regulars that come into exercise in a safe, warm environment too!

What’s worse to you than failure?

Disappointing someone. If I make a commitment to someone or something I always try to follow through 100%.

From whom do you seek business advice?

I have many friends and business partners in the community. I find that sharing ideas is the best way to get advice. It could be at a meeting or lunch when spending a few extra minutes talking about business usually leads to great ideas.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your profession?

Celebrate the wins/successes and never give up. I have found that nothing happens overnight; some roads are very long, but if you stick with it great things can happen.

How would you describe your personal brand?

Pay it forward! I strongly believe in the power of giving back. I love our community and enjoy finding ways to enrich it.

What do you do for fun?

Photography! I love taking pictures and spending time with my family. Being a grandmother brings me so much joy!

If you could have one super power what would it be? Tell us why that ranks #1.

I would have to say being able to time travel. I have found that I can’t be in two places at once, but time travel would allow me to do this!

What inspires you?

My family, co-worker and friends I love to see people succeed and if I can help in any way, it brings me happiness.

What about Flagstaff makes it the best place for you to live?

Our community is amazing! I love the outdoors and the people that live here. People often comment that Flagstaff is poverty with a view. I think everywhere you look has beauty; you just need to open your eyes.

To what do you attribute your business success?

My passion and perseverance, never-give-up-attitude. Times are challenging; you need to adapt and learn from challenges and change, not quit.

What is more important for you today than 10 years ago?

Learning that business isn’t all about numbers, it’s about the people behind them. If you take care of your customers and people around you, they will be loyal, and the rest will fall into place.

My number one rule when striving to be greater is…

Life is like a camera; focus on what is important. Capture the good times. Develop from the negative. If things don’t work out, take another shot! If you use this philosophy, you will also have success.

In 10 years, I hope to be...

Retired and enjoy traveling with my family!

9 GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | @7000ft

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

High Country Motor Lodge

Boutique Motel Makes a Splash

Inspired by Flagstaff’s natural beauty, four seasons and mountain charm, High Country Motor Lodge (H.C.M.L.) has created a boutique hotel complete with a Nordic Spa Experience. Phoenix-based Classic Hotels & Resorts acquired the property in January 2020 and has undertaken a $13 million renovation project to transform the former Days Inn into a stylish northland retreat.

“Our Plunge Pool is part of the Nordic Spa experience,” said H.C.M.L. General Manager Tara Lehr. “Hydrotherapy, the process of going from a hot environment and plunging into a cold pool has great health benefits. It oxygenates the blood, bringing it to the surface, and when you plunge into the cold pool, it pushes all that new oxygenated blood into the organs to help revitalize and recalibrate the body.”

At 80,000 gallons, Lehr believes that the H.C.M.L. Plunge

Pool is the largest in Northern Arizona and says it is open year-round. Included in the Nordic Spa Experience are two saunas and an oversized hot tub.

The 123-room hotel offers three private cottage suites, two junior suites, almost 4,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, and a restaurant with an indoor/outdoor bar called The General Store. The game room has a pool table and a collection of board games.

"The idea behind The General Store is to offer provisions and food that is healthy, such as our house-made oats with fresh berries, locally-sourced granola, breakfast items and healthy refreshments such as adaptogenic drinks that help to elevate and relax,” said Lehr.

Beer and wine also are offered at The General Store. “We feel that Flagstaff is a beer-centric community and we want to support local breweries, so selections on our tap are really important,” said Lehr. “Our Pinsa is a Roman artisan-style hand-pressed pizza, called Elevated Pizza. The dough is flown in from Rome. There are no GMOs and a lot of our gluten-free / gluten-sensitive guests have been able to enjoy it.”

All produce is sourced locally.

The General Store also sells outdoor gear, hats, shirts, sweatshirts, soaps and their signature coffee, Copper Cow, a Vietnamese pour-over coffee that is also offered as a room amenity.

Partnering with Lehr, Assistant General Manager Andrew Tyler joined the H.C.M.L. team in January. “I graduated from NAU eight years ago and was looking for an excuse to move back, as

Photo Courtesy: FBN and V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography
10 @7000ft | DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

I love Northern Arizona.

This project is amazing. It’s a communal space where people can come and have a fun adventure, relax and recalibrate. I like Tara’s description of our property: ‘Rugged Luxury.’”

Catering to locals as well as visitors is important to management. “We are implementing a Mug Club, which will be for our local ambassadors,” said Lehr. “Each guest will have their own mug that will be assigned and numbered so when they visit us they will be able to enjoy discounts on their food and beverages.” Seventy mugs are offered, and there is a waiting list.

“I recently met with friends for a drink in the cocktail lounge at High Country Motor Lodge and we were oohing and ahhing over the unique space they created,” said International Minute Press owner and Greater Flagstaff Chamber Ambassador Traci Hansen. “It has this really cool blend of vintage and modern that is unlike anywhere else in town. They’ve put a lot of attention into the details that make it feel rich and inviting and I can see it becoming a popular gathering place for locals and visitors.”

The outdoor patio and dining area includes firepits adjacent to the lawn area, where activities like movie nights, lawn games and celestial views take place. The team responsible for H.C.M.L. includes San Francisco-based Adean Studios, local architect firm Synectic Design and Charleston, South Carolina-based Stitch Design Co. (SDCO) Partners that crafted the hotel’s branding and played an important role in the property’s vision and programming.

“The brand development for H.C.M.L. was born of the awe-inspiring beauty of the high country desert of Flagstaff and the irreverent spirit of restless ramblers everywhere,” said Stitch Design Co. Creative Director and Founding Partner Amy Pastre. “Nestled between the Grand Canyon and Meteor Crater, H.C.M.L. is at once both celestial and earthly, and the designs honor both.”

“One of our pillars for the hotel is the Cosmos, and we work closely with Lowell Observatory to have star parties where we can educate our guests about the importance of the dark sky ordinances in Flagstaff as well as education for our guests about the planets and the galaxies,” said Lehr. The first such star party was launched this past November and the partnership plans to hold more in 2023.

Phoenix couple Kevin Peterson and his fiancée, Patty Lu, stayed at H.C.M.L. for the first time and were impressed. “There isn’t anything else like this in Flagstaff,” said Lu. “It is so well thought-out and so well-designed; it really is a great addition to the area. The pizza is really good, too.”

Classic Hotels & Resorts is a family-owned hospitality and management company based in Phoenix. Founded by Sam and Peggy Grossman, other properties include The Scott Resort & Spa, Arizona Grand Resort & Spa, Laguna Beach House, The Inn at Laguna Beach, La Playa Carmel, Hotel Carmel, and a recent acquisition, El Chorro Lodge in Paradise Valley.

High Country Motor Lodge is located at 1000 W. Route 66. For more information, call 928-774-5221 or visit: https://highcountrymotorlodge.com/.

11 GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | @7000ft
Image courtesy of High Country Motor Lodge

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Route 66 Coin and Collectibles

At the end of 2020, I decided to end my thirtyyear career as a certified senior human resource professional. In my last role, I served for twelve years as North Country HealthCare’s Human Resource Director here in Flagstaff. While the opportunity there was rewarding in many ways, I chose to pursue my true passion, which is investing in precious metals and collecting rare coins. It had been a long-term interest of mine.

For six years prior to this transition, I spent most of my Saturdays at American Bullion and Coin. The owner, David Tackett, offered to mentor and educate me in exchange for my assistance. In time, I gradually learned the business. It was difficult, with so much to learn, but truly enjoyable. One day, David showed me a property he was considering purchasing. It was an old retro-style building located on Route 66. Originally, in 1962, it was a Denny’s. Recently, it was Sammy’s Auto Parts. The structure needed major renovation, but the opportunity was perfect. We sat and counted cars one day and were amazed at the amount of traffic and potential customers.

Soon after, I formed Route 66 Coin and Collectibles,

LLC. He bought the property and we worked day and night for six months to complete the project. Our goal was to make a professional, family-friendly space, but retain as much of the nostalgic look as possible. The big move came in May of 2021. He closed the old location and together we opened the new one. What he built at American Bullion and Coin, the extensive knowledge and existing client base, made the transition seamless.

Route 66 Coin and Collectibles, LLC is now proudly educating and assisting clients all over northern Arizona with precious metals and rare coin investing. Whether you are an investor or collector, we have the expertise to support you. Clear, candid communication and advice that help investors become better informed and more successful. This has been the key to both our success and that of our clients.

We believe that the unprecedented developments in today's economy will have a significant impact on your financial future. Throughout history, civilizations

12 @7000ft | DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

have stored value in precious metals. This almost universal recognition of value makes gold and silver a great long-term investment. Investing in precious metals provides protection against the current economic uncertainty and record high inflation.

Route 66 Coin and Collectibles, LLC takes pride in offering fair prices for quality precious metal investments. We offer a wide selection of gold and silver coins. Most importantly, Route 66 Coin and Collectibles, LLC offers professional consultation to help educate you to best manage your important decisions. We work to build lasting partnerships with our clients in order to understand everyone’s unique objectives and develop strategies to achieve their wealth management goals. We are most proud of our exceptional Google reviews. The positive feedback we are receiving is gratifying.

It has been a year and a half now and we are happy to say that it has been an overwhelming triumph. Sales have been robust and we are quickly becoming profitable. Come visit our showroom, check out the full inventory of gold and silver bullion and coins, and avoid the high cost of the online retailers. Our pricing is competitive nationally, so why go elsewhere. We even offer safe, convenient, and cost- effective storage options with our new safe deposit boxes.

Route 66 Coin and Collectibles is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Our address is 1996 East Route 66. You may also contact us at (928) 527-0047 or at rt66coins@gmail.com.

13 GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | @7000ft

Avenues of the World Receives Michelle Morgan Leadership Award

Monika Leuenberger awarded at Signature Travel Network’s 2022 Conference.

Flagstaff, AZ (November 14, 2022) – Monika Leuenberger of Avenues of the World Travel, Flagstaff, Arizona, was awarded the Michelle Morgan Leadership Award at Signature Travel Network’s 2022 Conference.

In 2013, Signature Travel Network’s board of directors chose to create a Michelle Morgan Leadership Award as a way to honor the memory and work of Michelle and to recognize other travel industry professionals who embody the qualities that made her successful in both her professional and personal life.

Award-winner Monika Leuenberger states, “I am so honored to receive the Michelle Morgan Leadership Award. Growing our business for almost 30 years has been fun, challenging and life changing! 2020 and 2021 were difficult, but with the loyalty and dedication of our team, and incredible support from Signature and fellow members, we got through it, and 2022 is shaping up to be our best year ever.” Alisa Morgan Prestie, Michelle Morgan’s daughter and Signature’s project director of technology, states, “Monika Leuenberger perfectly embodies the

Michelle Morgan Leadership Award. Her humility and strength are evident in her leadership, which drives her successful business and fosters incredible growth for her colleagues. The award selection committee is proud to recognize Monika as a shining example of the same special qualities shared by my mother.”

Michelle Morgan led Signature Travel Network from $30 million in agency sales to over $5 billion in sales during her 22 years of service, and did it with grace and humility, always putting the members first. She developed personal relationships with everyone in the industry from travel agency owners, travel advisors, and preferred partners, knowing that building strong, meaningful relationships was a key to good business and success.

About Avenues of the World Inc.:

Our award winning Travel Consultants look forward to help arrange your next vacation. We are your liaisons, guides, destination specialists, concierge and more. Let us craft the perfect vacation tailored to your individual wants, needs, and desires. Our consultants are happy to guide you through the planning stages. We take the anxiety and stress out of travel. Collaborate with the best and let our expertise transforms your life through travel!

Orpheum Theater Celebrates 20 years of Producing Live Music

From The Orpheum Theater

Flagstaff, Ariz. - The Orpheum Presents, operator of the Orpheum Theater, celebrates 20 years of bringing live music to Flagstaff and the greater Northern Arizona region. The year-long celebration will kick-off this December with a variety of special events, merchandise, and news releases on the next 20-years of the business. The Orpheum Presents, LLC was founded by Chris Scully, Art Babbott, Turney Postlewait, and Neil Nepksy in 2002 after a three year closure of the theater. Over the years, the production has hosted iconic artists and bands such as Arlo Guthrie, Lucinda Williams, Edward Sharp & The

MEMBER NEWS 14 @7000ft |DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Magnetic Zeros, Blues Traveler, Crash Test Dummies, RATATAT, Modest Mouse and most recently Guster, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, and The Shins.

Longtime Flagstaff family medicine physician Charles Smith formally came into the partnership in 2009 and now is the only remaining member of the production company. Chris Scully remains a close friend of the business and co-owner of the 105-year-old building.

“It has been the greatest of honors to bring quality music and live entertainment to the community for the past 20 years” said Charles Smith, current owner and operator of The Orpheum Presents. “It is time not just to reflect on our past successes, triumphs and challenges we've faced, but also a great opportunity to think about the next 20 years. Despite the unprecedented challenges of the past few years, we remain, at our core, wholly optimistic and look forward to the future of live music in Flagstaff.”

The Orpheum is no stranger to adversity. The movie house that took the place of an old chicken farm, was rebuilt after a snowstorm dumped 5 feet of snow on the theater, collapsing the roof.

By 1916, under the management of brother and sister John and Mary Costigan, the theater expanded to hosting theatrical plays, musical performances, fundraisers, war bond sales, and community-centered activities. When John’s health failed, Mary took over as the main talent buyer and promoter. She also broadcast Flagstaff’s first radio program out of the theater, making her the first female licensed radio broadcaster in Arizona.

“The Orpheum Presents, past and present, has been a community leader in music, arts and culture,” said General Manager Susan Walter. “We always strive to be an open house for our community, and our business model has always been about inclusivity. As an all ages venue, we also open our doors to host various fundraisers, local film premiers, family friendly movie nights, and educational events.”

MEMBER NEWS 15 GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | @7000ft

Having weathered the pandemic with minimal closure, we are excited to continue bringing live concerts, films, and other events and to continue working alongside our promoter partners at Greenhouse Productions, Culture Shock, Luckyman

Thank you to our generous sponsors Hensley Beverage Company, Nackard Pepsi, Findlay Toyota Flagstaff, and our newest sponsor Desert Financial. For more information on the history of The Orpheum Theater and upcoming events please reach out to the media contact listed below or visit orpheumflagstaff.com.

The Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff is independently owned and operated, and is open yearround to host live music, film screenings and community events. Built in 1917, the Orpheum operated for much of the 20th Century as a movie theater, closing in the late 1990s as more modern theaters opened in town. The Orpheum was remodeled and reopened as a live music venue on New Year’s Eve 2002 by a group of local investors. The current Public Address system was also manufactured by Eastern Acoustic Works in the mid1990s, purchased secondhand and installed at The Orpheum in 2006.

Foothills Bank Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Foothills Bank is proud to be celebrating 25 years as Arizona’s leading community bank. It all began when local developer, Hank Schechert, created a new neighborhood East of Yuma and wanted to form a bank based on the same sense of community, friendly service, and down-to-earth attitude.

Opening on November 3, 1997, Foothills Bank began operations in a small, temporary structure while the main office on Foothills Blvd was being constructed. Over the following fourteen years, Foothills Bank expanded its Arizona operations to Prescott and Casa Grande. In 2017, Foothills Bank was invited to join the Glacier Bank family, enabling it to continue serving local communities with the same personal, friendly attention

and the added resources of a much larger bank. In 2020, State Bank of Arizona and its Mohave State Bank and Country Bank brands joined Foothills Bank, which more than doubled its footprint throughout Arizona. Foothills Bank operates fifteen locations in Arizona: two in Yuma, two in Prescott, two in Kingman, two in Lake Havasu City, and one in Casa Grande, Prescott Valley, Tucson, Flagstaff, Bullhead City, Cottonwood, and Phoenix.

"We are very proud of the positive impact that Foothills Bank has had on our communities over the last 25 years and excited to see what the future holds. We are thankful to our outstanding team of bankers, communities, customers, and business partners that help make Arizona one of the best states to live and do business in." Brian Riley, President, and CEO of Foothills Bank.

Since its inception, Foothills Bank owes its success to friendly and dedicated customer service. When it comes to service, there's nothing small-town about Foothills Bank. At Foothills Bank they like to say “Looking for a true partner who’s also a good neighbor. Consider it done!”

Does your organization have news that you would like to get to the Chamber membership? Please reach out to Jacob Warren at jwarren@flagstaffchamber.com
MEMBER NEWS 16 @7000ft | DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Mingle Bells a Holiday Mixer Thu day, December 15th 5:30–8:00 pm Flagstaff Ni an Subaru - 4960 E Marketplace Dr $25 for membe | $30 for propsective membe 17 GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | @7000ft
Spooky Nights Fall Fundraiser Ribbon Cutting: Go F.A.R Flagstaff Airstream Renovations Ribbon Cutting & Grand Re-Opening: Walmart New Member Connection Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening: Mayan Winds Coffee
& Grand Opening : Next Step Prosthetics
Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening: Teatro Italian Food & Wine Ribbon Cutting
18 @7000ft | DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ribbon Cutting: Highlands Floor Coverings

FLAGSTAFF YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

FYP Wraps Up 2022 and Looks toward the New Year

2022 saw Flagstaff Young Professionals continuing to grow its membership and organize community building events. The organization's leadership made some changes with the head of the Steering Committee, Emily Giralt stepping down and Bianca Chavez of Benefit and Financial Strategies taking over the role.

One key aspect of FYP's mission is community service. This past August, members gathered together to clean up Columbia Street as part of their role with the City of Flagstaff's Adopt an Avenue program In October, FYP members met at local non-profit Thrift for Goodness Sake to help sort donations and assist with store inventory.

Building a professional community around its membership is a huge part of FYP's mission. Several times throughout the year the organization meets to network, exchange ideas and experiences, while enjoying a drink together. In September, members met at Oeno Wine Lounge for the groups seasonal Midweek Mixer. In October, FYP held its Coffee Connection mixer at Rendezvous.

Throughout the year FYP holds events that aim to help members grow their professional acumen. Their most recent Professional Development event was led by NAU Professor Emeritus, Dr. Phoebe Morgan, and dealt with conflict management. In August, FYP held its Leadership Mentoring Summit at the Flagstaff Elks Lodge. The summit brought together local business leaders and young professionals for round table discussions. Members were given the opportunity to gather valuable insights into the lessons learned by seasoned mentors.

In the upcoming year FYP will continue to work toward building a community that fosters professional development while providing aspiring individuals with the support and guidance needed to achieve success. Stay tuned for upcoming Flagstaff Young Professional events in 2023

Flagstaff Young Professionals (FYP) is a Chamber initiative that serves local leaders between the ages of 21 and 39 years of age. Its purpose is to engage individuals who want to develop and advance their careers, 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, community service and relationship building. For more information on joining Flagstaff Young Professionals visit: https://www. flagstaffchamber.com/flagstaff-young-professionals/

19 GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | @7000ft

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS GREEN CERTIFIED BUSINESSES

Flag Stamp & Engraving, LLC

2534 E. Seventh Ave. Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928) 526-2053 Website

Aspen Place at The Sawmill

320 S. Regent St. Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (303) 551-7750 Website

Double J's Installation, Inc.

2710 N. Steves Blvd. Ste 8 Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928) 525-4892 Website

Lancaster Leadership (928) 607-2041 Website

Jitters Lunchbox

3504 E Route 66 Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928) 526-3277 Website

SIMS Business Systems

Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (480) 345-4000 Website

Kirkham Mediation

809 W Riordan Rd. Ste 100 - 240 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 606-7005 Website

Hwy 89 Car Wash 6450 US-89 Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928) 224-1414 Website

Hyatt Place Flagstaff

397 S Malpai Lane Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 433-6930 Website

AZ High Country Locksmith, LLC Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 863-8567 Website Teatro Italian Food & Wine

16 N San Francisco St. Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 440-4519 Website Gateway Mortgage Group

Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (602) 380-4722

Website Mayan Winds Legacy, LLC

2144 N 4th St. Flagstaff, AZ 86004 Website

Chocolita Chocolate Cafe

2710 N Steves Blvd. Ste 22 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 288-2232

Website

Farm Bureau Financial Service

22601 N 19th Ave Ste 106 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (602) 540-7088 Website

Gunfighter Canyon

718 N Humphries Street Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 606-0292 Website

Synergy Flagstaff 709 N Humphreys Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 440-4524 Website

Flagstaff Stargazing Adventures

Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (267) 410-7325 Website Education Forward Arizona

4747 N. 32nd Street, Ste 150 Phoenix, AZ 85108 (928) 208-5679 Website

Haymaker Studios

Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (480) 516-7435 Website

Oeno Wine Lounge

22 E Birch Street Suite 1 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 266-0330 Website

SHIFT Kitchen & Bar 107 North San Francisco St Suite 2 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 440-5135 Website

20 @7000ft | DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEMBER MILESTONES

Sharp

Mary Monday - RE/MAX Fine Properties

Canyon Exploration Canyon Expedition

Olsen's

La Quinta Inn & Suites 121 PRO Lori Matthews for Flagstaff City Council
Thrive Community Management Your Investment Solutions
Sunstate Technology Group ABC Supply Company, Inc. Flagstaff Law Group Thin Air Physical Therapy Gold Soul Hair Studio Elara at the Sawmill Dark Sky Brewing Co. Adobe Paleta Bar Oeno Wine Lounge SHIFT Kitchen and Bar Boricua Luna Caribbean Cuisine Equilibrium–Medically Driected Comfort
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
Business Systems Pato Thai Cuisine Home Vault Property Management Residence Inn Flagstaff Arizona Nordic Village Coconino Humane Association
BASIS of Flagstaff Walmart Super Center Vora Financial Group, PLLC
21 GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 7 | @7000ft
Grain, Inc. - Flagstaff Waste Management Continental Country Club Sign-A-Rama Sutcliffe Floral The Salvation Army Thank you KNAU for 30 years of membership with the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Greater Flagsta Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Appreciation
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.