FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 2
Dr. Cruz Rivera
BECAUSE A
HEALTHY BUSINESS CLIMATE
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THRIVING COMMUNITY ARE INSEPARABLE
President Northern Arizona University
Education and Workforce Division 2022 Annual Meeting TITLE
Business Advocacy: Public Policy Update
By the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
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@7000ft | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 2 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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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 ALLO Fiber 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
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 NAU
VIEW FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK Dear Member Investors: It's been a rocky start in the first couple months of 2022 but at this writing we are coming out strong from the pandemic and member investors have really enjoyed seeing each other again and mixing and mingling in person! Our Annual Meeting and ATHENA Awards is covered in this magazine and it was just an extraordinary event. More than 500 people gathered to look ahead to a strong and sound 2022. Good Morning Flagstaff also debuted in March for the year and 90 small businesses networked and exchanged business cards to boost their customer portfolios. We couldn't be happier and are looking ahead to our 4th of July Parade and of course the Chamber Golf Classic, which is sold out already! Today just a bit more conversation about Flagstaff Young Professionals seems appropriate. According to their leadership chair, Emily Giralt,the President + CEO goal is to help young people find sustainable employment and their true footing in building community together. FYP is the Chamber's resource for emerging professionals and existing young leaders to make meaningful connections, get engaged in community service, and learn from structured professional development gatherings.
Julie Pastrick
FYP helps visionary young adults who are working in diverse industries to play a role and be engaged in shaping the way for Flagstaff 's future success and growth. Sometimes something as simple as a nudge, meeting the right person or just talking about individual experiences can create positive change. More information can be found by calling the Chamber at 928-774-4505. Before I end, please enjoy our profile of one of Flagstaff 's most visible new leaders, Dr. Jose Cruz Rivera, President, NAU. We are so happy to go behind the scenes with him to help you get to know him better and learn his background. Thank you for your financial investment in the Greater Flagstaff Chamber and please know you are valued and we are here for you!
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
American Trailer Company
Angel's Care Home Health
11850 N US HWY 89 Flagstaff, AZ 86004
1030 N San Francisco St STE 110 Flagstaff, AZ 86001
www.darkskybrewing.com
www.atriarestaurant.com
AZ IV Medics
Bespoke Inn Flagstaff
CPR Solutions
Dark Sky Community
15690 West Glenrosa Ave Goodyear, AZ 85395
410 N Leroux St Flagstaff, AZ 86001
12425 W. Bell Rd #111 Suprise, AZ 85378 www.cprsolutionsaz.com
117 N Beaver St. Flagstaff, AZ 86001
www.DSCfundraising.org
Dentists of Flagstaff
Energy Fuels Resources
Golliher for Flagstaff
High Caliber Construction
www.americantraileraz.com
www.azivmedics.com
4620 N Hwy 89 STE 1 Flagstaff, AZ 86001
www.bespokeinn.com
www.dentistsofflagstaff.com
I-40 Realtor
IHOP
165 Yuma Dr Flagstaff, AZ 86047
2654 E Historic Route 66 Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Liberty Plumbing 2532 N 4th St. STE 627 Flagstaff, AZ 86004
www.libertyplumbingandsolar. com
www.energyfuels.com
https://restaurants.ihop.com
Mountain House Recovery 400 W Tombstone Ave, #1 Flagstaff, AZ 86004 www.mountainhouserecovery. com
Revitalize Ketamine Clinic
Timberline Short Nine Golf & Events
1800 S Milton Flagstaff, AZ 86001
5621 E Old Walnut Canyon Rd Flagstaff, AZ 86004
www.revitalizeketamine.com
Atria Restaurant
103 W Birch St Flagstaff, AZ 86001
4103 N Leroux St Flagstaff, AZ 86001
https://angelscarehealth.com
Hwy 64 Mile Marker 226 Tusayan, AZ 86023
www.charlestupperrealtor.com/ i40realtor
Atmosphere Kitchen
www.timberlineflag.com
(928) 606-9743 Flagstaff, AZ
Golliherforflagstaff@gmail.com
5200 E Cortland Blvd Ste D6 Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Journey to Health Fitness
Levitate Adventure Park
(928) 607-0659 Flagstaff, AZ
4601 E Marketplace Dr Flagstaff, AZ, 86004
Outback Steakhouse
Plantae
2600 E. Lucky Lane Flagstaff, AZ 86004
112 E Route 66 Flagstaff, AZ 86001
www.journeytohealthwithpriya. com
https://outback.com
Threaded Together 2710 N Steves Blvd Flagstaff, AZ 86004
www.threadedtogether.org
www.hcnaz.com
www.levitate.fun
www.plantaeflagstaff.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.
Sheridan House Inn 460 E Sheridan Ave Williams, AZ 86046
www.sheridanhouseinn.com
Flagstaff Lock and Key Shop 2717 N. Steves Blvd. #3 Flagstaff, AZ 86004
www.flagstafflocksmith.com
Planet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT of Flagstaff 5190 N. Test Drive Flagstaff, AZ 86004 www.driveplanet.com
Special Olympics Arizona
Mozelle's Downtown Bakery
Empire West Title Agency
2455 N. Citrus Rd Goodyear, AZ 85395
6 E. Aspen Avenue Flagstaff, AZ 86001
403 N. Agassiz Street Ste 2 Flagstaff, AZ 86001
specialolympicsarizona.org
www.mozellesdowntownbakery. com
Flagstaff Neurosurgery 823 N San Francisco Street Flagstaff, AZ 86001
www.flagstaffneurosurgery.com
www.ewtaz.com
Team Run Flagstaff P.O. Box 1801 Flagstaff, AZ 86002
www.teamrunflagstaff.com
McDonald's Milton Road 1401 S. Milton Road Flagstaff, AZ 86001
GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 2 |
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CHAMBER CHAMBEREVENTS EVENTS Tuesday, Mar 29th
FYP: Professional Development Event Celebrating Women's History Month 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Alpine Room at the Peaks 3150 N Winding Brook Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Register
Thursday, March 31st
Business After 5: Networking Mixer 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Highgate Senior Living 1831 North Jasper Drive Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Food, Entertainment, Leads Wednesday, April 6th
New Member Connection 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce 101 W Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Register
Friday, May, 13th
2022 Flagstaff Chamber/Coca Cola Golf Classic 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Flagstaff Ranch 3850 S. Lariat Loop. Flagstaff, AZ 86005
Sold Out
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CHAMBER INITIATIVES
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Education and Workforce Development Division
he Chamber's Education and Workforce Development Division has a goal of ensuring that members of our community have the skills needed to pursue successful careers and that Northern Arizona employers have access to a highly qualified workers. In partnership with Coconino Community College, businesses and non-profits, the Division develops diverse education and training opportunities for people of all ages. Coconino Community College workforce training offers value-based accredited and nonaccredited programs both online and in-person. Courses offered range from CDL training, CPR first aid and EMT refresher courses, maintenance technician training and OSHA General Industry and Construction certifications. CCC also partners with local businesses and non-profit organizations to offer internship programs for workplace transition and college credit. With sponsorship funding from the Helios Education Foundation, the Chamber operates the award winning Skills for Workplace Success initiative. Workplace Success brings classrooms and businesses together to expose students to potential careers in medicine, science, hotel and restaurant management, engineering, technology, photography, digital media, fashion design and merchandise, construction, finance, business management and more fields of work. After temporary suspension due to COVID, the Chamber and its partners are excited to continue to provide education and skill development coursework through its STEM program. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. STEM Camp
provides learning experiences through fun, engaging programming that encourages local youth to explore their sense of wonder. Students are taught the meaning of persistence, team work as well as strengthening their reading, writing, math and computer literacy skills. Hiringflagstaff.com is an free online platform for employers to post positions and for job and internship seekers to find opportunities in the greater Flagstaff area. The process is simple, userfriendly and open to the community. The Education and Workforce Division will continue to build and grow initiatives that educate, develop talent and promote the growth of individuals so that the citizens of our community have every opportunity they need to succeed. It is thereby ensured that Northern Arizona has a skilled and resilient workforce and will continue to thrive. To learn more about these and other education and workforce programs visit: https://www.flagstaffchamber.com/skills-forworkplace-success/ https://www.coconino.edu/ccc2work https://hiringflagstaff.com/
Skills For Workplace Success GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL 8, ISSUE 2 |
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LEADERSHIP @ 7000FT
NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera President How did you come to be in this profession? I was fortunate to have parents who stressed “education is the one thing no one can take away from you,” to have had the benefit of affordable, high-quality public higher education, and to have had faculty and staff who all along the way helped me reach higher. I pursued a doctoral degree in electrical engineering at Georgia Tech and then committed to paying it forward through a life in academia.
26 years, including service as Executive Vice Chancellor and University Provost of CUNY, President of Lehman College CUNY), Provost of California State University, Fullerton, and Vice President for Higher Education Policy and Practice at The Education Trust, among other roles.
Where do you see the biggest growth potential for your practice? Leveraging the 122-year history and large statewide footprint of How long have you been in NAU to position the university practice? as Arizona’s leading engine I’ve been President of NAU for nine of opportunity and driver of months and in higher education economic mobility for the students 10
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it serves and the communities they represent. What has been your biggest workplace thrill or accomplishment? Too many to list! In my short time at NAU, I’d say one of the top moments was our December commencement—my first at NAU and the first time our Lumberjacks gathered for in-person commencement since December 2019. That moment represents why I’m here: the culmination of our students’ efforts and achievements and the support of our dedicated faculty and staff to positively impact lives.
How do your services enrich the quality of life for your students or the community? A college degree brings with it incredible potential for social and economic mobility and wellbeing for students and their communities. At NAU, we are committed to ensuring that the invaluable possibilities opened by postsecondary education are accessible for all so they can What’s worse to you than failure? Nurturing the status quo, out of convenience, when it is clearly failing to advance the cause one believes in. From whom do you seek business advice? From as many thought leaders and stake holders connected to an issue as possible given the time available for decisive action. The one constant in the equation is my spouse Dr. Rima Brusi with
whom I share children, pets, values, aspirations, and an affinity to push forward even when faced with the most difficult challenges. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your profession? The best advice I can give to a new higher ed leader is to be yourself and let those around be themselves. The best way to inform decision-making is to have a diverse team from which to draw perspectives, experiences, out-of-left-field ideas to make your work not only productive but reflective of where your stakeholders would want to invest their time, talent, and energy.
of work, I enjoy texting my 5 children in the hope they will text back, being Rima’s first-reader on her prodigious literary and research writing, trying to domesticate our two high-maintenance dachshunds, Louie and Leia, striving to beat Rima in our daily Wordle competition, marveling at the beauty of Northern Arizona, and bingeing TV shows. What inspires you? I am inspired by knowing talent is equally distributed across social and economically diverse peoples and those of us in higher ed are well positioned to ensuring said talent can be fully developed, if we are willing to do the hard work required to remedy the fact that much of this talent is shortchanged by structural failures that limit their ability to meet their full potential.
What do you do for fun? I must confess that the work I do is a lot of fun – it’s intellectually challenging and presents opportunities for short-term Continued on following page wins that add up to long-term transformative outcomes. Outside
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What is more important for you today than 10 years ago? I have spent my life engaged in the work of eradicating disparities in educational access and attainment, seeking to facilitate and drive the generational change that a higher education can provide. I’ve realized it in my own life, I’ve seen it in the lives of my children, and I’ve been privileged to help countless students— as a faculty member and administrator—write new futures for themselves as a result of postsecondary education.
on the quality of life of my children, extended family, and thousands of stakeholders we have been privileged to interact with.
In your first 9 months, what has been very gratifying about making the move and working with the NAU student body? Rima and I were eager to start What was it about NAU that our NAU journey. We have been stood out and attracted your welcomed and supported by attention to its Presidency? students, faculty, staff and this NAU attracted me because of community. We could feel it in the opportunity to truly make our first visits to NAU before I a difference. The institution’s became president and after our mission of serving students, first few months here we realized regional connectedness, and that we really are part of a caring impact at the local, regional, community. We have come to statewide and national levels drew learn and admire the fact that me. NAU is truly living our mission, NAU offers a great educational we are doing great work, and experience and Flagstaff and the In 10 years, I hope to be... the opportunities before us are nature around us represents a proud of the way in which my boundless. On the personal side, great laboratory for learning. It is family and I have met challenges after visiting this area 17 years ago, gratifying to me that NAU students and seized the opportunities, my wife Rima and I vowed that have entrusted us with their Proud of the contributions made we would one day be back – and educational journey, and that they to advance the issues we feel I am so thankful the Universe have an entire community here for passionate about, and happy about conspired to make this a reality! them, assisting them, and cheering the impact this work will have had them on every step of the way.
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2022 ANNUAL MEETING
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2022 ANNUAL MEETING ATHENA & ATHENA Young Professional Awards
t's safe to say that the 2022 Annual Meeting exceeded all expectations. After a virtual program in 2021 and with the uncertainty of COVID-19, only best hopes and a determination to move forward allowed for the coalescence of what turned out to be a huge success for both the Chamber and the Greater Flagstaff business community. With over 500 attendees including officials from the city, county, state and federal levels, the High Country Conference Center was filled with a crowd eager to gather to hear from speakers and to celebrate the achievements of the incredible field of ATHENA and ATHENA Young Professional nominees. The ceremony commenced with Chamber of Commerce business; the Passing of the Gavel saw Chairwoman Misti Warner sworn to office and recognized the service of previous Chair Clay McCauslin. Awards were given to Bonnie Bouschet of Flagstaff Mall for Volunteer of the Year and Kelly Culbertson for Ambassador of the Year. Presented for it's inaugural year was the Green Business Award. Nominees for the award included Capstone Homes, Mother Road Brewing Co. and DoubleTree by Hilton, with the award given to Mother Road. A state-ofthe-state presentation was given by Governor Doug Ducey which highlighted current successes, outlined key challenges and presented solutions and initiatives ahead. A fascinating keynote was given by Dr. Jeffrey Trent, Founder and Lead Researcher of non-profit genomics researcher, TGEN.
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2022ANNUAL ANNUALMEETING MEETING 2022
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Amanda Guay 2022 ATHENA
manda holds a master’s in public health Promotion and Education as well as a Master’s in Business Administration. Her vast knowledge has allowed her to create wonderful opportunities for our community in her professional position as well as her personal time. Amanda embodies the personality traits seen in a strong leader and initiator of change in our community. As the Community Health Director with Northern Arizona Healthcare, she has been invaluable to our community initiating and bringing in federal grants for resource assistance throughout our community. An advocate for public health and the needs of vulnerable populations across northern Arizona she has started healthcare initiatives for the homeless population. Admired by so many people in her field and throughout the community, she is insightful and supportive in all endeavors of life. When Amanda is not at the hospital, she is volunteering her time across the community, her favorite organization to work with is Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona. Creating affordable housing for the lowincome households is one of her biggest passions. She strives to create equal access to resources and support systems so our entire community to be safe and healthy. Always bringing a warm presence to the workplace, her coworkers say that even underneath the mask you see her smile. Being the one people turned to for support during the pandemic fellow leaders, coworkers, and employees sing thanks for Amanda and the role she plays within the Northern Arizona Healthcare organization. Serving our community for over two decades it is an honor to have her as part of our community.
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Holly Lauridsen 2022 ATHENA Young Professional
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olly works as a Product Specialist with W. L. Gore and Associates leading a team that oversees new product development, commercial strategy, and product launches. She is described by her coworkers and the team she manages as the captain who shows up early to practice, gives 110% effort in training, and then stays late as part of clean-up crew. Holly genuinely is an inspiration around her organization. Showing how dedication, teamwork, and mentorship of new members really has an impact in your community. In addition to advocating for patient access to healthcare, Holly is an advocate for ensuring access to higher education and fostering student interest in science. The following list provides a summary of specific actions Holly has taken within her communities to further these interests: Currently serves as a mentor for international youth looking to attend higher education institutions in the United States. Her mentorship efforts are centered around mentee needs, and often include help with the university application process or teaching of the English language. Helped found a branch of ManyMentors, an organization focused on increasing involvement of local high school student in STEM. The emphasis of this work was to provide underrepresented minorities access to high-quality science facilities and education. Coordinated and volunteered at several science-outreach events, engaging students in a broad array of topics ranging from moleculargastronomy to coding. From the next generation to her fellow peers in the workplace and community, Holly inspires hard work, enthusiasm, and the love for science all around her. Breaking ground professionally and using her position to work for and serve the community around her.
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he ceremony culminated in the ATHENA and ATHENA Young Professional Award presentation. The field this year represented the pinnacle of professional achievement, with women who have brought excellence to their respective fields and to the Flagstaff community as a whole. Nominees for the ATHENA Young Professional Award included: Dara Wong, Shift Kitchen and Oeno Wine Lounge (formerly Vino Loco); Dina Ross, NAMI Flagstaff; Holly Lauridsen, W. L. Gore & Associates; and Emily Giralt, Benefit & Financial Strategies. Nominees for the ATHENA Award were: Virginia Watahomigie, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth; Katrina Collins Hernandez, Kinsey Elementary School; Amanda Guay, North Country HealthCare; Larami Sandlin, Dark Sky Brewing Co.; Jodi Keogh, K4 Marketing; Tyffany Laurano Sweeney, Northern Arizona Healthcare; Teresa Bertsch, the NARBHA Institute; Becky Russo, Flagstaff Nissan Subaru; and Gillian Bleeker, Bleeker’s Boxes/Landscape Connection. With such an outstanding field it was a challenge to choose a recipient for the awards but in the end the ATHENA Young Professional Award was given
to Holly Lauridsen and the ATHENA Award was presented to Amanda Guay. It is with great pleasure that we recognize these remarkable women and all the nominees for their work and accomplishments. Deep gratitude to our Title Sponsor: Suddenlink, our Platinum Sponsors: Warner's Nursery, Foothills Bank, Desert Financial Credit Union, Northern Arizona Healthcare, Northern Arizona University and our Gold Sponsors: APS, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Twin Arrows Casino, OneAZ Credit Union, the NARBHA Institute, Nackard Pepsi, and Nordstrom & Associates. A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers that contributed their time and energy to make the event happen, we couldn't have done it without you!
Lydia Smith-Hemphill Tracie Hansen Heather Ainardi Megan Roach Wil Hernandez Ellen Jiminez Scott Sawyer Amanda Filipi Lydia Smith-Hemphill Kelly Culbertson
Motion Olsen Lauren Brooks Breanna Brewer Isabel Duran Lila Oiegar Rebekah Martinovich Megan GrauffHollenkamp Hanna Garcia
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ARIZONA BEER WEEK
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ebruary 17th through the 27th marked the 11th annual Arizona Beer Week. With over 300 events spread throughout the 10 day span, AZ Beer Week celebrates craft beer and brewers across the state. We at the Flagstaff Chamber would like to use this occasion to recognize the brew crafters in our community and to thank them for the culture and commerce that they bring to Northern Arizona. So get out there, enjoy a tasty beverage made right here in your own backyard and support our artisan brewers.
Dark Sky Brewing Company
Courtesy of darkskybrewing..com
Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery
Grand Canyon Brewing laid down roots in Williams, Arizona and set out to pay homage to the adventurous lifestyle and beautiful scenery of the area, especially the Grand Canyon. 2019 saw the opening of their Flagstaff location and a 5-barrel brew house which allowed their team to expand on their creativity. Coming in spring of 2022 is the opening of Grand Canyon Brewing's third location in Page and will feature an impressive 15-barrel Bohemian Monobloc brewing system. Space features will include a large outdoor patio and roll up glass garage doors to enjoy the beautiful weather and scenic views.
Creativity has been brewing at Dark Sky since 2014. With homage paid to Flagstaff's status as the first internationally recognized dark sky community, DSB brews up a selection of beverages as unique and diverse as the night sky. Their tap room sports comfy vibes set amongst oaken barrels and nouveauindustrial lighting. In 2022, Dark Sky is expanding their facilities with the opening of an outdoor beer garden and Atmosphere Kitchen which will feature rentable space for private gatherings. Their Beaver Street taproom and in-house Pizzicletta location will continue to serve up the same great offerings. Courtesy of grandcanyonbrewery.com
Historic Brewing Company & Barrel House
Courtesy of historicbrewingcompany.com
Historic has been bringing quality craft beers to the community since 2013. With three locations, Historic serves upcraft brew at their Williams, downtown and east side Flagstaff taprooms. Their downtown location features a cocktail space in conjunction with their traditional taproom, and outdoor dog-friendly patio. The east side location is where Historic houses their brewing facilities and the recently reopened taproom features 16 beers on tap as well as space to host private events. Historic's Williams location offers their same great beer selection as well as fast casual, family friendly fare at their in-house restaurant.
Mother Road Brewing Company
Named for historic route 66, the "Mother Road", Mother Road Brewing Company has been a Flagstaff favorite since 2011. With a mission is to brew distinguished beers and build community, Mother Road has grown to be the third largest independent craft brewery in Arizona. Their tasting room and dog-friendly patio also hosts the"Roadside Stove" a food trailer venture in collaboration with Satchmo's Cajun and BBQ. In addition to serving up great beers and vibes, Mother Road supports Arizona charities and organizations that help conserve the state's 800 wildlife species.
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BUSINESS ADVOCACY
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Public Policy – UPDATE – March 10, 2022
he Greater Flagstaff Chamber Business Advocacy Division tracks public policy, and governmental activity at the local, state and federal levels. We advocate for policies that positively impact business, and oppose policies that negatively impact our employers. We have signed on in support or opposition to a number of bills at the Arizona Legislature this session, so visit our website at flagstaffchamber.com/advocacy to see where we stand for business! Funding Requests The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce has signed on to two important appropriation bills at the Arizona Legislature. House Bill 2576, sponsored by LD6 Representative Walt Blackman, seeks to provide $6M in General Fund monies to ADOT, and then on to the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority for capital costs of the Flagstaff downtown connection center. The project is currently underfunded due to rising material costs over the last several years. An additional funding appropriation request was made to the Arizona Legislature via Senate Bill 1029, sponsored by LD6 Senator Wendy Rogers. SB1029 would appropriate $19.6M to Lowell Observatory via ARPA fund monies designated to the executive branch of government under Governor Doug Ducey. There is widespread support for this funding in the legislature and the Flagstaff community, as funds would be used to complete Lowell’s Astronomy Discovery Center (ADC). Employer Liability Bills Last session, Arizona’s chambers of commerce united to support and assist with passing Sen. Vince Leach’s employer liability protection bill, SB1377. Governor Ducey signed this bill into law in early April 2021 providing Arizona employers, schools, religious organizations and healthcare workers protection from excessive litigation amid the COVID19 pandemic. In 2022, a number of bills popped-up in the Arizona House and Senate that would penalize employers for certain business protocols related to vaccines, including religious exemptions, and expose Arizona employers to potential frivolous lawsuits. These bills would undue much of the protections put in place by last year’s SB1377. Additionally, as a right-to-work state, Arizona employers have always had the ability to provide employees with guideline necessary for employment. The Arizona Chamber of Commerce, the Arizona Chamber Executives (ACE) organization, and chambers across Arizona opposethese new bills which create great exposure for Arizona’s employers.
Tax Relief In recent years our Chamber has joined business associations statewide in supporting lower commercial property tax assessment ratios, and the results of these efforts have seen the ratio reduced from an all-time high of 25+% in the late 1990’s, to now 17.5%. The ration reduces 0.5% per year until it reaches 16%. As the economy continues to grow throughout Arizona, our business associations have pushed for even greater parity in the commercial property tax assessment ratio, seeking to bring the level closer to that of residential. To that end, the Greater Flagstaff Chamber has joined chambers and business associations statewide in support of Senate Bill 1093, sponsored by LD17 Senator J.D. Mesnard to further reduce the commercial property tax assessment ratio from 16% to 15% beginning in tax year 2026. Workforce Training Nearly three quarters of a million Arizonans (720,000) lack a high school diploma leading to tremendous costs on the State of Arizona. Low earnings, fewer employment opportunities and higher dependence on public assistance, including Arizona’s Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCS), add up to millions in state spending each year. There’s good news, though, for this very high population of Arizona adults. House bill 2122 seeks to shift that landscape in favor of these adult workers by providing “adult high schools” modeled after the Excel Center schools operated by Goodwill across the U.S. Excel Centers allow adult learners to earn a high school diploma & workforce credentials. Experienced adult education providers and non-profits with workforce development experience would provide through the Continuing High School & Workforce Training program: • Instruction leading to a high school diploma from an Arizona public school. • Workforce training for industry credentials and/or college credits for in-demand fields, at no cost to the student. • Life coaching and job counseling that assists students in getting a good-paying job. • Free on-site childcare and transportation assistance. The importance of Excel Centers elsewhere in the U.S. cannot be understated. Research of Excel Centers has shown a $12,000 average wage increase for Excel Center graduates who went directly into the workforce (Univ. of Notre Dame, LEO). We look forward to the impact this program will have on our adult population in need of a critical lift.
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Chamber Chamber Bizz Buzz highlights local business and non-profit leaders and the story behind their ventures and airs on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:05 AM on KAFF Legends, 93.5FM. In addition to show archives on our website, we are pleased to announce that Bizz Buzz is now streaming as a podcast. Listed below are shows and highlights from February of 2022.. Click below to tune in and start listening, and to stay up to date with the latest episodes remember to follow us on our Spotify channel.
Tune in
DONOR NETWORK OF ARIZONA
ELECTRIC BIKES OF FLAGSTAFF
JOURNEY TO HEALTH FITNESS Priya Dass, Owner
Julia Young, Business Specialist
Caleb Howland, Co-Owner
Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) is the state’s federally designated, nonprofit organ procurement organization and manages the registry of 3rd party registrants for organ, eye and tissue donation. "Eight lives can be saved by a single donation" Learn more about Donor Network of Arizona's mission and how donation can save and improve the quality of life for others.
E-bikes use battery power to provide variable-levels of assistance to the rider's pedal stroke. Not only are E-bikes a ton of fun and a great way to get around the landscape of Flagstaff and environs, E-bikes are a great entry for folks that are trying to get into cycling, getting into shape, who have limited mobility, are aged or rehabilitating after surgery or injury.
NORTHERN ARIZONA CARDIOLOGY AND SLEEP CENTER
DARK SKY BREWERY
NAMI OF FLAGSTAFF
Dr. Andrew Atiemo, board certified interventional cardiologist
Stephanie Tanke, Marketing Manager
Dina Ross, President of the Flagstaff Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness
Dr. Atiemo studied at Harvard Medical School and finished his cardiology training at Jons Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Learn about Dr. Atiemo and his work, the NAH Cardiology Department and the other comprehensive services offered by Northern Arizona Healthcare.
The Chamber's Senior Advisor to Public Policy, Joe Galli, sits down with Dark Sky Breweries Marketing Manager, Stephanie Tank to discuss to the exciting upcoming expansion of DSB's facilities and the opening of their latest concept: Atmosphere Kitchen. Tune in to learn more.
ACSM Clinical Exercise certified Physiologist Priya Dass has a mission to help everyday people. Her focus is on providing coaching to women in their 50's that would like to lose stubborn body fat, increase energy levels and reduce chronic pain. Priya's coaching provides the guidance, instruction motivation, and accountability to help her clients reach their goals.
NAMI is the nation's largest grass roots mental health organization. Their mission is to provide advocacy, education, support and to raise public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.