FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 2
BECAUSE A
HEALTHY BUSINESS CLIMATE AND A
THRIVING COMMUNITY ARE INSEPARABLE
Nate Watson
Crumbl Cookies of Flagstaff
Fostering the Relationship Between Arizona and Mexico by Jorge Mendoza Yescas
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By the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
Bus i n ess I nflue n c er s
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@7000ft | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 2 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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LEADERSHIP @7000ft: CRUMBL COOKIE'S NATE WATSON
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FOSTERING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MEXICO AND ARIZONA
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE EVERY MEMBER COUNTS CHAMBER BIZZ BUZZ NORTHERN ARIZONA MANUFACTURING PARTNERSHIP
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RESPOND, PLAN, RETURN STRONGER BUSINESS ADVOCACY BE COOL, BE CHAMBER
GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 2 |
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Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
@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 Treasurer Michael Horton Suddenlink Immediate Past Chair: Clay McCauslin Great Circle Media/ KAFF
DIRECTORS
Monica Attridge Hozhoni Foundation Colleen Brady Arizona Daily Sun Walter Crutchfield Vintage Partners Trent Olson Flagstaff Nissan Subaru Cecily Maniaci Toasted Owl Tyler Mark Wespac Construction
Palmer Nackard Nackard Companies Fred Reese Little America Hotel
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@7000ft | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 2 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Brenda Carter APS
Flo Spyrow Northern Arizona Healthcare Kelly Tulloss Sutcliffe Floral Randon Cupp Foothills Bank Jeff Springborn Nestlé Purina PetCare Company Emily Giralt, MBA Benefit & Financial Strategies Stephen Thompson Glazer Hammond, PLLC
EX-OFFICIO
Dr. Colleen Smith President, Coconino Community College Josh Maher Community Relations Associate Vice President Office of the President NAU
VIEW FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK
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s we usher in 2022 not many things excite me as much as the Greater Flagstaff Chamber Annual Meeting and ATHENA AWARDS. What an impressive way to gather together and kick off a business year ahead by celebrating where we are and forward momentum! What a great opportunity to honor and celebrate female leaders from all types of professional careers for their excellence in their chosen fields, their mentorship of others to climb their career ladders and their commitment to community service. Before I go on, we are immensely grateful to Governor Doug Ducey and to Dr. Jeffrey Trent, Founder, TGen for joining the community as our keynote speakers. For 33 years the Greater Flagstaff Chamber has chosen to invest in the spirit of the ATHENA awards as a way to recognize individuals that might President + CEO otherwise go unnoticed for the passion and dedication they bring to the workplace and community at large. The awards were founded by Martha Mertz, then at the Lansing Michigan Chamber of Commerce to not only honor the accomplishments of individuals but the traits that help make them effective and stand out personas. So, along with visible recognition the spirit of the awards is actually based on leadership tenets which through the years have become the foundation of enlightened and successful leadership.
Julie Pastrick
They are: Live Authentically, Learn Constantly, Advocate Fiercely, Act Courageously, Foster Collaboration, Build Relationships, Give Back, and Celebrate. I’m sure that you will agree that one or more of these best practices really resonate with you and how you live your life. They certainly inspire me to be all I can be in this crazy world. Through the past fifteen years I have had the deep honor of reviewing and getting acquainted with hundreds of the nominee forms for both the ATHENA and ATHENA Young Professional award. Little did I know how moving and impressive the process of selecting a recipient could be. Little did I know that each year, I could hardly wait to read about the accomplishments and impressions these ladies are all about. This year is no different and I encourage you to take some time to read the biographies of those nominated in 2021 which is published by the Arizona Daily Sun as a special section to make this process complete. Today hundreds of cities in the US and dozens of foreign countries are engaged in ATHENA largely due to the efforts of Martha Mertz and her team traveling the globe to help female leaders earn respect and recognition in a way that is gentle and impressive. For those efforts and for the community of Flagstaff embracing this leadership model, we are forever grateful at the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. The recipients will be named at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on Friday, February 18, 2022 at the High Country Conference Center. Thank you to all who invest in the Greater Flagstaff Chamber. Together we impact our region and help businesses be successful since 1891
President Cheif Executive Officer GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 2 |
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EVERY MEMBER COUNTS
New Chamber Members T
Dark Sky Brewing Company
hrive Community Management provides management service to personal, HOA, condominium associations, single-family and masterplanned communities in the Greater Flagstaff Area. They offer long-standing partnerships with the best contractors, outstanding customer service and support, strategic alliances and industry knowledge.
Thrive Community Management
https://www.thrivewithus.us image courtesy thrivecommunitymanagement.com
image courtesy darkskybrewing.com
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ince 2014 Dark Sky Brewing Company has been crafting beer in their historic downtown location. Their tap selections range from traditional recipes to experimental brews made with exotic ingredients. Coming in 2022, DSB is expanding their facilities to include the Atmosphere Kitchen, rentable space for private events and an outdoor beer garden. 117 N Beaver St Flagstaff, AZ 86001 https://www.darkskybrewing.com
AZ IV Medics
image courtesy shiftflg.com
rizona IV Medics is a mobile IV therapy provider serving the Phoenix and Tucson areas and has recently expanded to the Flagstaff area. they hire only the best RNs, including nurses with emergency room or SWAT experience, certified emergency nurses, flight nurses, nurse paramedics and critical care nurses. AZ IV Medics strives to make the entire experience as easy & painless as possible, from call to drip! https://www.azivmedics.com/
image courtesy azivmedics.com
S Shift Kitchen and Bar
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hift FLG, located on San Fransisco Street in Historic downtown Flagstaff is an American, shared plates restaurant where food is meant to be served family-stlye. Shift focuses on bold flavors, a locally driven menu and artfully composed plates served amongst a casual, approachable ambiance. Check out their Sunday Supper Club which offers curated meals to go every third Sunday of the month. 107 N San Francisco St STE #2 Flagstaff, Arizona 86001 http://www.shiftflg.com
Elara at the Sawmill
image courtesy elaraflagstaff.com
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oming in fall of 2022, Elara at the Sawmill is Flagstaff's newest luxury community. Amenities include a plethora of co-working space, fully-equipped two story gym, resort-style pool, private courtyard, bouldering infrastructure and more. Elara also participates in the Flagstaff Housing Authoritiy (FHA) Affordable Housing Program and makes living spaces at the Sawmill available to low and moderate income households. https://www.elaraflagstaff.com
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Member Anniversaries
e would like to recognize the following organizations in reaching significant milestones in their membership with the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to working together towards the future success of your organizations.
Cardon Development Group 2121 W Chandler Blvd #106, Chandler, AZ 85224
www.cardoncevelopment.com
ZenBusiness 5511 Parkcrest Dr Suite 103, Austin, TX 78731 www.zenbusiness.com
Northern Arizona Healthcare Medical Group 107 E Oak Ave #201, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 www.nahealth.com
Allstate Insurance The Hallstead Agency
Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club, LLC
4 S San Francisco St Ste 6, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
3850 Lariat Loop, Flagstaff, AZ 86005
https://agents.allstate.com/ becky-halstead-flagstaff
www.flagstaffranch.com
Sportsman's Bar & Grill
Coconino Community College
1000 N Humphreys St, Flagstaff, AZ 86002
2800 S Lone Tree Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86005
www.sportosflagstaff.com
www.coconino.edu
Coconino Community College celebrates 30 years with the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. Thank you CCC for your enduring relationship with the Chamber and your many contributions to the Flagstaff community.
GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 2 |
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CHAMBER CHAMBEREVENTS EVENTS Friday, February 18th
Annual Awards Meeting 11:30am to 2pm High Country Conference Center 4960 E Marketplace Dr. Flagstaff, AZ 86001 www.flagstaffchamber.com/athena-awards/
Thursday, March 3rd
Good Morning Flagstaff 7:30am to 9:30am Little America Hotel 2515 E Butler Ave. Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Wednesday, March 9th
Ribbon Cutting: KMI Wealth Management 3:30pm to 5:30am KDI Wealth Management 809 W Riordan Rd, Suite 206 Flagstaff, AZ 86001
JOIN LOWELL OBSERVATORY FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL
Pluto-Themed Art
Science Talks
Axe -Throwing
BBQ Truck
Science Demos
Custom Craft Beer
Feb 12-21, 2022 | iheartpluto.org
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@7000ft | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 2 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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or more than seven years KAFF Radio and the Greater Flagstaff Chamber have been getting the word out about local businesses and nonprofits. Shows highlight the leaders and the story behind their business ventures and air on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:05a.m. on KAFF Legends, 93.5FM. Host Julie Pastrick, President of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber spins the ins
and outs of the uniqueness each business brings to the community and elevates brand awareness. Past shows are archived on our website. Below are some of the latest businesses and nonprofits to have been featured on the show. Tune in, listen up and learn more about these and other members of the Chamber community at https://www. flagstaffchamber.com/business-buzz/
Go to our website to tune in and learn more about these and other great businesses and non-profits
GET TO KNOW THE CHAMBER
Local Makers
Northern Arizona Manufacturing Partnership
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he Northern Arizona Manufacturing Partnership is an initiative of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce whose mission is to direct policy in support of the manufacturing industry for betterment of the economy and workforce of Northern Arizona. Members of NAMP range from producers of life-saving medical devices to aerospace technology to award winning breweries. Flagstaff boasts a variety of innovative and environmentally conscious businesses that reflect local values, produce high-paying jobs and serve the planet. This month we feature Novakinetics Aerosystems, a core member of Flagstaff's manufacturing business community.
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ovakinetics Aerosystems was founded by Jim Corning in 1996 in Fort Worth Texas. After 5 years in Texas, Jim was inspired to move to the mountains, and Flagstaff seemed like the perfect location to call home. So, in 2001 he found a place to rent on Huntington Drive, where he reamins to this day, along with a larger manufacturing facility on North Highway 89. Jim worked for a long time as an engineer and an engineering consultant for many companies in the aviation world, but was always attracted to creating and developing new products. Jim followed his passion for invention, stating: “It has been a very satisfying journey, especially being able to create with composites and ballistic protection materials.” As the market changes, Novakinetics Aerosystems continues to evolve. At their facility on North Highway 89, Novakinetics Aerosystems develops wet layup, carbon
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fiber, and epoxy parts, which are primarily used for engine cowlings, wingtips, and fairing for aircraft. They also have an autoclave at the facility, which is a strong heated container used for chemical reactions and other processes, using high pressures and temperatures. This allows them to cure carbon fiber parts that are accurate to within a few thousandths of an inch of what the designer intends. Flagstaff is blessed to have such industry prominence in the engineering and manufacturing field. Leading industries like Novakinetics Aerosystems and Kinetic Defense, are paving the way for young inventors that have a passion for engineering and product development.
@7000ft | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 2 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BUSINESS RESOURCES
Respond > Plan > Return Stronger The Arizona Commerce Authority and Local First Arizona — supported by a dynamic group of community partners — have launched a statewide initiative to help Arizona’s small businesses respond to the immediate impacts of COVID-19, plan for the future and return stronger than before. Over the course of a few months, local business leaders and subject matter experts will provide real-time support and available resources across Arizona in live, virtual sessions to help small businesses return stronger than they entered. Go to https://www.azcommerce.com/small-business-boot-camp/ for more information and to register for webinars.
TUESDAY - FEBURARY 1 | 9:00 AM
TUESDAY - FEBURARY 15 | 9:00 AM
Actionable Ideas for Business Owners Part 1 Leadership, Planning & Culture
Marketing Strategy: Positioning to Win
Tune in for the first of the two-part series designed to help grow your businesses. In this first session, you will learn about the importance of business leadership, planning for the future and creating a culture that inspires your team.
Learn about a critical aspect of marketing strategy, positioning, and its importance on early stage companies' success. Join startup marketing leader Tim Manning from GrowthShift to learn the practical framework for positioning and how to develop and apply it to your startup.
TUESDAY - FEBURARY 8 | 9:00 AM
TUESDAY - FEBURARY 22 | 9:00 AM
Actionable Ideas for Business Owners Part 2 Marketing, Productivity & Customer Service Join us for the second session of the two-part series designed to help business owners improve and grow their business. This webinar will explore the importance of a marketing plan, review best practices for maximizing productivity, and discuss customer service's role in helping your business grow.
Marketing 101: Start 2022 Off on the Right Foot Discover the latest digital marketing tips and trend predictions for 2022. Join us for a session focused on website, social media and video marketing best practices. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about your business and what you can do to succeed in the new year.
GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 2 |
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LEADERSHIP @ 7000FT
CRUMBL COOKIES OF FLAGSTAFF
Nate Watson Managing Partner
How did you come to be in this profession? I was introduced to the Crumbl concept by my bro-in-law, my partner Aaron Wagner. One of his buddies is the Co-Founder and CEO of Crumbl corporate and he called me up and said do you want to open a Crumbl in Flag? Initially I was apprehensive, since we are such a healthy town but once I tried the cookies and learned about the digital bakery concept, I was sold and never looked back, it’s been an excellent investment.
ventures). I have been blessed to love what I do in the business world, and now to participate in Crumbl, the fastest growing franchise in America has been fulfilling.
Where do you see the biggest growth potential for your practice? Crumbl Cookies is for everyone – families: adults & kids-teens, professionals, businesses but especially young adults. One of the biggest draws to bringing Crumbl to Flag was to appeal to the college How long have you been in student population, both NAU and practice? CCC. They love the cookies, the I’ve been in the business world rotating menu (over 100 amazing for over 20 years but started flavors) that you can follow on this Crumbl venture in 2019. We social media – IG, Facebook, even opened Dec 2019, so been at it for TikTok. I think another big growth a couple of years. People ask me potential is catering to businesses what I do for a living, I say I’m an and events in town. Many peeps International Insurance Exec by day don’t know about our mini cookies (work for NFP, global broker based we can make for functions likes in NYC) and a serial entrepreneur weddings and parties; all we need is by night (Crumbl and other biz a few days’ notice. 12
@7000ft | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 2 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
319 Regent St #203, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 235-2500 crumblcookies.com
What has been your biggest workplace thrill or accomplishment? Besides bringing this hot, exciting brand to Flagstaff, I would say creating good paying jobs for a bunch of local folks & students. Every high performing business is driven by human capital, quality people that are willing to be part of something greater than themselves. How do your services enrich the quality of life for your customers or the community? Coming to our store and trying the cookies should make you happy, add some good vibes to your day. Whether it’s the smell of fresh baked cookies, upbeat music playing, or just a positive interaction with our Crumbl crew… we want the Crumbl experience to help make your day even better. If it’s not this way for you please let me know (for real, shoot me an email nate@wagscapital.com).
What’s worse to you than failure? Failure and losing is pretty bad, but something worse would be letting the people that love you and trust you down. I take pride in being there for my people, so they know they can count on me anywhere, anytime, anyplace – and when I’m not I don’t like that.
my business investments have the same day all spring, c’mon something to do with tech and that’s amazing. If you know, automation, Crumbl is no different. you know when it comes to the 928. What do you do for fun? I like to travel with my wife: Alaska, To what do you attribute your Hawaii and Mexico are our recent business success? destinations of choice. I also love What a loaded question, to sports – I am sports junky. Right summarize I would say take action, now, I am all about my kids’ sports be proactive every single day to (two of our four sons are still in progress in your job or business – From whom do you seek high school and play sports yearyou are either moving forward or business advice? round), when they don’t have going backwards. Doesn’t have I have been fortunate over the sports, I like to watch sports, play to be exhausting heavy lifting all years to have some experienced, golf, go on hikes, or do hot yoga. day, every day but it does have to expert mentors that I can tap be consistent, active action to be into any time I need, but also my If you could have one successful. The most successful business network has grown to superpower, what would it be? people I know, work consistently where I can text or call some very Tell us why that ranks #1. hard and just get stuff done. Also, reputable, successful, influential Love the question. As I kid, I would I would say all my life experiences peeps whenever I need to – it’s have said fly. Now I would say never have helped me out: up-bringing, reciprocal, they can call me too. I die, live forever. I don’t like the church mission, education, college also have very business minded notion of getting old, I wish I could b-ball, family, work experiences, family members, so we like to talk press pause and enjoy my relative travel and of course my wife all business any chance we get. youth forever. Maybe that’s why I have contributed to my success. do yoga, hang out with horses, and What advice would you give to spend tons of time outside. What is more important for someone just starting out in you today than 10 years ago? your profession? What inspires you? I would say my health, 10 years Work your tail off, give more than My family and my faith: my wife ago I thought I could work all day, you take, and be consistent every and kids mean the world to me. I not take care of myself without day. The saying goes “the number do what I do, making moves in all consequence – now I have one skill in life is never giving up.” my different business ventures so realized it is important to take Whether you are just starting they can have all that they need time for myself, whether mentally, a business or are more mature and want and so we can enjoy life. emotionally, and of course in your life cycle, I would say be I also get inspiration from my faith, physically. You can’t pour from an consistent in all that you do – Isaiah 40:31 says, “They that wait empty cup, take care of yourself operations, service, sales, strategy, upon the Lord shall renew their first. growth, execution doesn’t matter strength: they shall mount up with just stay at it, achieve progress. wings as eagles.” My faith in the My number one rule when Lord allows me to spread my wings striving to be greater is… How would you describe your and reach my potential. Don’t get too comfortable, growth personal brand? Please explain mostly comes from outside our how you drive your brand in daily What about Flagstaff makes it comfort zones but at the same business. the best place for you to live? time try to maintain a reasonable I am known as a diverse, I could write pages on why work-life balance. Work hard, play connected, digitally minded Flagstaff is the spot. When I hard mentality. person. In this Crumbl biz and in graduated from NAU with my MBA my other businesses, its all about years ago we didn’t know we would In 10 years, I hope to be... leveraging your expertise and your stay indefinitely but here we are I am sure I will still be making network. Crumbl, as a high quality, 20 years later. It is a great place to business moves of some kind, it’s national brand can source the raise a family – the mild climate, just part of my DNA but I better best, highest quality ingredients the clean air, and the outdoors. be working less and golfing more, to make fresh baked cookies Phoenix and Sedona are just down laying on the beach, hiking in and as a digital bakery we can the hill, and of course the Grand Alaska and playing with our future promote brand and product via Canyon and Powell are just up the Grandkids. technological means. Most of road. Play golf andsnowboard in GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 2 |
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BUSINESS ADVOCACY
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oin the Greater Flagstaff Chamber and business leaders from the Chambers of Commerce throughout Arizona at the Arizona State Capitol, Tuesday, February 22nd from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm for "Chamber Day at the Legislature." Meet Arizona's elected officials and key staff members in person. Learn the Legislature's business agenda, and interact on behalf of business interests with your state elected officials! Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 8:30a.m. (program time: 9a.m. - 2p.m.) Arizona Capitol Museum - Historic Supreme Court 1700 w. Washington St. Phoenix, Arizona 85007 $35 registration fee - includes lunch Call (928) 774-4505 for more information and to reserve your space.
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Fostering the Relationship Between Mexico and Arizona by Jorge Mendoza Yescas
Julie Pastrick, Chamber President and CEO is a board member of the Arizona-Mexico Commission
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epresentations of Mexico Abroad, such as the Consulate General of Mexico in Phoenix, have among their responsibilities to coordinate work visits to Arizona of high-level Mexican officials from the federal, state and local level. In 2021, we hosted visits from the Ambassador of Mexico to the United States, the Governor of Sonora, officials from the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and federal senators. The most recent visit to Arizona from a Mexican official was from the Governor of Sonora, Francisco Alfonso Durazo Montaño, on December 17th and 18th. Since he was sworn in as governor on September 13th of 2021, it has been a priority for him to build a strong relationship with Arizona through the support of strong leaders in the Arizona-Sonora Megaregion. This visit started with a meeting with representatives of the private sector at the facilities of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), where Governor Durazo presented the main competitive advantages of the state and his government's strategic investment projects. He also talked about public and private investment proposals for the construction of roads, highways, land ports and maritime ports in Sonora. The Governor held a dinner with representatives from the Arizona-Mexico Commission, in which he pointed out the infrastructure programs and projects of his administration. He emphasized on the development of the maritime port in the city of Guaymas, which has the purpose of speeding up trade between Mexico and the rest of the world. He also highlighted the tourism development plan
for Puerto Peñasco or Rocky Point. In addition to infrastructure projects, he mentioned the following two initiatives aimed at the development of renewable energies: the construction of a large-scale solar park in Puerto Peñasco and the development of an electromobility ecosystem with a strategic scheme to take advantage of the graphite and lithium deposits in Sonora. Finally, he held a meeting with Mexican small and medium-sized entrepreneurs to announce the creation of a Social Development Bank, a proposal aimed at facilitating the financing of public, private and social investment projects with the viability of being executed in the most vulnerable economic zones of the state. The new administration in Sonora is committed to collaborate with private and public sectors in Arizona to advance projects that benefit the region. We look forward to more collaboration opportunities between Mexico and Arizona. Jorge Mendoza Yescas is a member of the Mexican Foreign Service. On March 5, 2019 he was appointed by the President of Mexico as Consul General of Mexico in Phoenix, Arizona. Prior to his posting as Consul General of Mexico in Phoenix, Consul Mendoza served as Consul for Legal Affairs and Documentation at the Consulate General of Mexico in Vancouver, British Columbia (2015-2019); Vice-Consul for Administration at the Consulate of Mexico in Presidio, Texas (2013-2015); and Consular Officer in the protection department at the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson, Arizona (20042013).
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BE COOL, BE CHAMBER Behind the scenes of local, small businesses
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Majestic Marketplace