INSIDE THE FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE: Breweries Prepare for Arizona Brew Week p. 3
Relationships Mean Business for Janice Porter p. 9
Boricua Luna to Offer Flavors of the Caribbean p. 4
Robyn Burtell Welcomes Valentine’s Day with Fruit Creations p. 10
Calling All Entrepreneurs for the Moonshot Pitch p. 8
Camp Verde Business Processes Malt with a Mission p. 13
With Ridership Up, Rail Advocates lag F Push for Passenger Train Routes Hops Linking Cities to Phoenix
A LeAding Craft Beer City
and
Enjoy 8-award winning local breweriEs
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By Peter Corbett, FBN
surge in Amtrak ridership and $66 billion in federal funding for passenger rail has sparked optimism in Arizona for new routes serving the state.
South Central Arizona could get a long-sought passenger rail connection between Tucson and Phoenix, restoring Amtrak service to the capital city in the next few years. Plus, Arizona passenger rail advocates and Amtrak officials have
broached the idea of a passenger-rail corridor linking Flagstaff, Phoenix and Tucson. It would provide alternative transportation between Flagstaff and the state’s largest cities, cut traffic on two heavily congested interstates, and could restore a
passenger rail route to Prescott that ceased operating more than 60 years ago. “Tucson to Phoenix will happen,” said Flagstaff Councilman Jim McCarthy. “We’ve been talking about Continued on page 29
Arizona Beer W eek Februa ry 15–2 5
discoverflagstaff.com
Steve Holmes Marks a Half Century of Building Flagstaff, Strengthening Community Friends say this tough giant with a soft heart approaches life like it’s the fourth quarter Three generations of Holmes family members pose in downtown Flagstaff with Steve Holmes, Kip Holmes, Okean Holmes, 9, Isabella Holmes, 11, Kimberly Trotta-Holmes and Teri Holmes. Photo courtesy of Bayley Jordan Photography
February 2024 | Issue 2 Volume 17
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By Kimberly Trotta-Holmes and Bonnie Stevens, FBN
ongtime Flagstaff businessman Martin Zanzucchi remembers the day Steve Holmes first rolled into Flagstaff. “He and another guy [Ed Duley] pulled into a gas station looking for directions to the football field. I looked at these two giants on motorcycles wondering what they were doing here. They had driven in from Compton, California, to play for the Lumberjacks. That was 1968.” As Zanzucchi recalls, “In football in the ‘60s, those guys were tough. They didn’t leave the game. They put tape around their injuries, gave them smelling salts and they ran back out and
played some more. Whatever Steve does is a football metaphor. He could have quit work a dozen times because of injuries. To go 50 years in his profession and keep getting back up despite injuries and illnesses and keep working, it’s like it’s the fourth quarter and he’s not going to quit. It’s an amazing thing to see.” Steve Holmes is the founder of Steve Holmes Building Construction, and it would be challenging to drive through Flagstaff without seeing something that he hadn’t had his hands on. Holmes, also known as “Holmer,” returned to Flagstaff in 1974, having previously played as an NAU footballer. After his last season as a Continued on page 24
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Winnie and Kelly Hanseth of Lumberyard and Beaver Street Brewing Companies promote Arizona Beer Week. Photo by Stacey Wittig
Flagstaff Breweries Join Forces for a Week of Exceptional Brews
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By Stacey Wittig, FBN
n recent years, Flagstaff breweries typically have launched innovative offerings for Arizona Beer Week, a popular event held in February. This year is no different, as brewmeisters from many Flagstaff breweries have agreed to craft unique interpretations of the same beer style: Maibock. Maibock is a traditional German lager with nutty, toasted malt flavors. The beer typically marks the transition from dark winter seasonal beers to light summer seasonal beers. “We wanted to differentiate Flagstaff from Phoenix [for the state-wide beer fest], so we chose to celebrate the weather difference with a style that is seasonal for this time of year,” explained Mother Road Brewing Company General Manager of Hospitality Dylan Praeter. Beer lovers can use the Flagstaff Brewery Trail app to navigate breweries and compare
the tastes of the different Maibocks, which can range in color from deep gold to light amber. Watch for bready, slightly toasted, malty tastes balanced with subtle but spicy hops. “Arizona has a really good beer culture,” said Lumberyard Brewery Marketing Manager Kelly Hanseth. Lumberyard’s sister brewery, Beaver Street Brewing Company, has been involved with Arizona Beer Week since its inception 15 years ago. “Arizona Beer Week is a time for brewers to showcase their beer and be proud,” added Winnie Hanseth of Lumberyard and Beaver Street Brewing Companies. The 14th Arizona Beer Week happens Feb. 15-25. “The city [Discover Flagstaff] is really pushing AZ Beer Week, and that’s good for us, as they help me get organized, which I do appreciate,” said Kelly. The objectives of Discover Flagstaff, the city’s tourism and convention
Mother Road Brewing Company is part of the Flagstaff Brewery Trail. Photo by Stacey Wittig
Continued on page 30
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Boricua Luna Caribbean Cuisine to Open Soon Food truck business evolves into restaurant with Puerto Rican flavor
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By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
t’s been a bit of a journey to bring authentic Puerto Rican food to Flagstaff, but husband-and-wife team Joel Pagan and Francys Colon can see the Caribbean moon rising on their brick-and-mortar dreams. In 2022, they bought a food truck and began serving their Boricua Luna Caribbean Cuisine from the Museum Club parking lot. Since then, they’ve been cooking at Lowell Observatory, Pine Canyon Flagstaff and other locations around town and Northern Arizona. They serve hungry students at Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College and cater weddings and special events. “We offer take-out making for the perfect meal for an outdoor picnic,” Pagan said. And that’s been great, they say, but now they are over the moon with anticipation as they plan to open their restaurant in March or April – and fans are hungry for it. “Our menu includes a range of Continued on page 23
Left: The aim for Boricua Luna is fine dining quality in a casual setting with affordable prices. Right: Joel Pagan and Francys Colon are over the moon about opening their restaurant this spring and bringing more Caribbean flavor to town. Courtesy photos
The Mason Awards honor and celebrate our hardworking nurses and techs. This year's honorees are as follows:
Visit NAHealth.com/Office-Philanthropy to find how your business can honor our staff.
FEBRUARY 2024 // Flagstaff Business News
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Financial Institution President Marks 40 Years at Credit Union Jennifer Harris’s commitment to Coconino Federal began in high school
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By Betsey Bruner, FBN
or longtime Flagstaff resident Jennifer Harris, a serendipitous opportunity that came along when she was a senior at Coconino High School led to a career that has so far lasted 40 years and landed her as president and CEO at Coconino Federal Credit Union. “If you had enough credits, you
went to school in the morning and were released to work in the afternoon,” Harris explained. “Your employer contributed to your grade for the class. The CEO at the time came to the class for a presentation and I had just applied with the credit union. She later said she hired me because of my ‘cute smile.’” Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1979, Harris moved to Flagstaff, where her mother had accepted a job with the Forest Service. Prior to entering the banking world, her only workforce experience was at Der Wienerschnitzel. She also attended Northern Arizona University for several years.
// “When you work at a small financial institution, you wear a lot of different hats,” she said. “I don’t have a specialty, but I do a lot of different things. I have held most positions at one time or another, including currently serving as the president and CEO.” //
Today, as Harris works at the Coconino Federal Credit Union branch at 2800 S. Woodlands Village Blvd., CFCU has another branch in Flagstaff on Fourth Street and a third in Page. Unlike a bank, members, who are also account holders, own CFCU. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works or worships in Coconino County. “We have over 10,000 members all over the world; once a member always a member,” Harris said. The CFCU motto is, “People Helping People.” The credit union is governed by a seven-member, volunteer board of directors, which is elected by members at annual meetings. Each board member serves a three-year term. The board provides organizational goals and oversees the general direction of CFCU. It also hires a president/CEO to implement policies and take charge of day-to-day operations. Harris said Coconino Federal Credit Union has provided many opportunities for learning through the years. “When you work at a small financial institution, you wear a lot of different hats,” she said. “I don’t have a specialty, but I do a lot of different
things. I have held most positions at one time or another, including currently serving as the president and CEO.” She describes her job as “busy and always changing,” while balancing members’ needs with business practices and striving to offer exceptional service. “It requires a whole team of really smart people,” she said. “I am really fortunate to have an amazing team that works together to make sure everything is running as smoothly as possible.” Harris says she is a strong believer in the mission of the credit union. “I get to be part of a not-for-profit cooperative whose only job is to serve our members, since they are the owners of the credit union. We do banking, but banks make money for their shareholders. The money we make goes back to our members in the form of higher savings, lower loan rates, less fees and more products and services to make things easier for them.” Harris has seen many changes in the banking industry since she started her career. “Regulatory changes are a big one, the crack down on predatory lenders and ‘junk’ fees that have had a trickle-down effect on institutions
that are not involved in destructive practices,” she said. “Credit unions are about protecting the consumers and doing their best for them; unfortunately, we get lumped into the whole group of financial institutions.” She recalled some of the more prominent crises during her tenure. “We’ve had our share of storms over the years, from the banking crisis of the ‘90s, which didn’t directly affect us. It was mostly related to commercial banks and Savings and Loans, but did change how people banked. The housing crisis of 2007-2008 was also a difficult time. Our credit union tends to be rather conservative with its lending policies; it is our members’ money, after all, and at the time we didn’t do first mortgages, so we were lucky to only take a few losses on Home Equity loans.” The pandemic also had an impact. “It woke up a lot of people to what’s available digitally and other ways to go about doing their banking. We offer many solutions to make things as convenient as possible for people. We know they are busy.” From that opportunity in high school to today, four decades later, Harris says she loves her job, the institution, her associates, and the credit union members she serves. FBN
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Last year’s Moonshot state tour winner Tim Elinski, founder of PinDrop Travel Trailers, is pictured here with Moonshot President and CEO Scott Hathcock and Mike Groeger of Blue Cross Blue Shield of AZ, the AZ Pitch Tour Title Sponsor. Courtesy photos
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Moonshot Invites Entrepreneurs to Pitch Their Ideas
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By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
oonshot is looking for the innovator or entrepreneur with the next great idea. The 2024 Moonshot Rural Pitch Tour – an entrepreneurship contest similar to ABC’s “Shark Tank” – starts this month in Wickenburg. Pitch contests are scheduled in 16 cities across the state, reaching Flagstaff May 3 and 4, and culminating in Cottonwood with the final statewide competition in August. Last year, Cottonwood Mayor Tim Elinski and his wife, Ruth Ellen, made their pitch and won the statewide competition with their PinDrop Travel Trailers after first winning locally. Elaine O’Connor did the same thing in 2022 with her business idea, Prescott Bark. “Whether you’re an entrepreneur with a moonshot startup idea or a seasoned founder with a business you’d like to expand, participation in this event hones your business skills
and assists in moving your business forward,” said Moonshot President and CEO Scott Hathcock. Participants prepare, practice and perfect a five-minute pitch presentation for a panel of judges that selects the finalists. Winners at each local event will go on to compete in the statewide competition for a $10,000 cash prize. This is the fifth year for the Moonshot tour, which has grown from three stops in the beginning to 10 stops last year and now 16, from Yuma to Winslow. Hathcock says the competition continues to empower business owners and provide opportunities to learn new skills. “We use these pitch events to audit local entrepreneurial talent, identify future sectors for growth, access resources and needs for scaling these startups with an intention of removing as many obstacles as possible from the founders,” said Hathcock. “Our mission is to keep these startups and the jobs they create within the Continued on page 28
Elaine O’Connor, founder of Prescott Bark, presented her pitch two years ago and won the statewide competition.
FEBRUARY 2024 // Flagstaff Business News
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Building, Maintaining Business Relationships through Connections Relationship marketing expert teaches clients how cultivating relationships is good for business
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By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
t probably happened around Valentine’s Day in first grade for many of us – we became more aware of the people in our world – our family and our classroom – and we were prompted to send them a nice card, a valentine. For Relationship Marketing Specialist Janice Porter, every day is Valentine’s Day. She has made a business out of showing busy professionals how to build and grow a network efficiently by cultivating and nurturing relationships, which has translated into more business success for her clients. Porter offers this story as an example of the lucrative power of staying connected. “This friend of mine bought and sold three houses in 15 years as his business and his family grew,” she said. “This happened all within the same area of Wisconsin. Each time he used a different realtor because the others never stayed in touch!” Not surprisingly, many of her clients are real estate agents. Two of the tools
she commonly uses are: an app called SendOutCards and the social media business platform LinkedIn.
SENDING CARDS IN SECONDS
Porter understands how often great intentions like thank-you notes or messages of congratulations don’t always make it from our hearts to our associates. She also points out that often emails don’t get opened, while greeting cards that arrive in the mail do. She calls SendOutCards a game-changer for those who simply can’t find the time to shop for a card, buy the stamp, write a note and get the envelopes into a mailbox. She says SendOutCards makes it easy for busy people to act on their promptings. SendOutCards is a web-based greeting card and gifting company, operating out of Salt Lake City, Utah. “You can go online, choose a greeting card or create a custom card, add a gift if you like, and press send,” she explained. “The company prints, stuffs, Continued on page 28
Janice Porter shows authors, consultants and entrepreneurs how to have an effective global presence on LinkedIn and how to maintain relationships through SendOutCards. “Receiving a card is fun for your associates and good for you,” she says. Courtesy photo
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Business Woman FBN
of the Month
Robyn Burtell Makes Sweet Gifts with Flagstaff Fruit Creations By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN
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ome might say that meeting new friends when you’re out cycling is a blessing, but when you find a friend and a future business mentor, well, Robyn Burtell might call that one sweet deal. Riding their bikes along the rugged trails around Kingman, her former home, Flagstaff Fruit Creations owner Burtell met Barbara “Be” Tarino and the two immediately bonded. “Robyn is very sweet and hysterically funny. She always makes me laugh on the trails,” said Tarino. “I saw that she was struggling with her work, so I asked her to come work for me at Kingman Fruit Creations.” “When Robyn’s husband accepted a new job in Flagstaff, I told her that I would train her and share all my trade secrets so she could open her own store,” said Tarino. “‘Since Flagstaff is so much bigger than Kingman, why not do what I’m doing?’ I told her. I also taught her son, Cody.” That convinced Burtell to open Flagstaff Fruit Creations in Kachina Square Shopping Center, where her business neighbors were pretty excited. “My husband bought me a Flagstaff Fruit Creation basket and it was wonderful. It had chocolate dipped strawberries, apples, pineapple,
cantaloupe, honeydew, along with other fruit,” said Amy Herrington, who owns Babies to Kids, along with Book Nest Toy Store and Paint Your Own Pottery. “It was so delicious and beautifully presented. Robyn has such a lovely store and she is so personable. I’m so glad to have her as a neighbor here.” The holiday season was a busy one for Burtell, but she pulled through successfully with the help of her son, Cody. “He is so amazing, a hard worker and works whenever I need him,” she said. “During Christmas week, we were working 13-14 hours a day.” The looks on people’s faces when they see her bouquets of fruit, including chocolate-dipped strawberries, is what Burtell says convinced her to open her store. “It’s so fun to make something pretty and give it to my customers. I always tell my son that our creations have to be pretty and perfect.” “As it has turned out, Robyn is teaching me some new techniques such as her floral bouquets,” said Pa-
Burtell uses gourmet chocolate on the freshest fruit she can find.
Cody Bensel helps his mom, Robyn Burtell, at Flagstaff Fruit Creations. Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography
rina. “Her shop is colorful, welcoming and so cute.” Featuring gourmet white, milk and semi-dark chocolate, Burtell uses the freshest fruits available and will go to great lengths to find them. “My mission is always fresh and we strive for perfection. It’s important to give people a quality product. I’ve always liked arranging flowers, so creating these arrangements is so fun for me.” Party Platters for Game Day, Valentine Hearts and Kisses, Birthday Dipped Fruit Platter, Love and Romance Dipped Strawberries and gift boxes are some examples from the menu at Flagstaff Fruit Creations. Burtell and Tarino continue to cycle together and have teamed up for road bike rides, with distances up to 75 miles and several 50-milers in San Diego. Flagstaff became Burtell’s home in July 2022. “We lived in Kingman for 15 years. When our youngest graduated from high school in Kingman, my husband, Ray, accepted a job with W. L. Gore & Associates as chemical engineer. I opened Flagstaff Fruit
Creations in September that year.” Outside of his career in theater lighting, Cody, 24, enjoys working with his mom when he can and recently accepted a part-time volunteer position with Theatrikos Theatre Company. “My mom is a visionary for this business and while we may disagree on certain ways things are done, at the end of the day, we can always come together to figure out the best way to deliver quality products that we can be proud of. I also like the cool people and other business owners that we meet here in Flagstaff,” said Cody Bensel. Originally from Delaware, Burtell lived most of her life in the San Diego area and in Kingman for 15 years. She says that working with her son brightens her day. Meanwhile, expanding her offerings is one of her goals. “I would love to start selling cupcakes, brownies, mini cheesecakes, chocolate pretzels, possibly parfaits and other retail items,” said Burtell.
“I’ve ordered Flagstaff Fruit Creations floral arrangements and dipped berries for birthday and Christmas gifts and the recipients have loved them,” said Tammy Cupp, a realtor with Sterling Real Estate Management. “During Christmas, Robyn designed a box of dipped berries designed to look like reindeer. “Her work is so unique, beautiful and healthy. Robyn and her son, Cody, have also helped me come up with some creative ideas and have been so accommodating with sameday orders.” Outside of her commercial kitchen, Burtell loves getting back on her mountain bike and going to several local gyms. “I like to go to Planet Fitness and help others with their workouts.” Going out to eat with her husband is also on her fun list. FBN Flagstaff Fruit Creations is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, located at 2710 N. Steves Blvd., Suite H. For more information, call 928-727-5797. The business also offers delivery service.
FEBRUARY 2024 // Flagstaff Business News
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The new owner is working to return vigor to the once bustling mall. Photo by Stan Bindell
New Life, Fresh Touches, Positive Outlook Revitalizing Prescott Mall
l d yo u u o w e r Whe t r i p of r u o y e tak e? a l i fe t i m
Stores, events and shoppers arriving at Pine Ridge Marketplace
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By Stan Bindell, FBN
hris Lupo, owner of Pine Ridge Marketplace, says he is bringing the mall (formerly known as Prescott Gateway Mall) back to life. Now, his mission is to fill it up. Moving in that direction, he says an art gallery has moved in, a tea shop will soon follow, and Black and White Cafe is expected to arrive in a few months. “Excited is an understatement,” Lupo said about reviving the mall that he says has so much potential. “That’s what motivates us. I want the community to be encouraged to be involved with us. We want them to hear us, and we want to hear them.” Lupo said as new owners, they are excited to bring Pine Ridge Marketplace to return to what it once was: a lively destination for the community to shop, dine and enjoy. Officials expect to see growth with local, regional and national tenants. Lighting and infrastructure are the first issues that Lupo addressed as part of a $2.5 million renovation. He replaced 2,000 lights with LED lighting and is installing new heating and cooling systems designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. He has already improved striping in the parking lots to make them easier to navigate. Landscaping improvements are underway in the entrances and courtyard. The Marketplace has been hosting holiday
events, which have attracted attention and foot traffic. Prescott Cars & Coffee brings in car enthusiasts the fourth Saturday of each month. “We want to see what other events the community would like,” he said. “We are already involved with blood drives, Girl Scouts, Prescott Chamber of Commerce and Priceless Proms. We’re open to anything the community wants.” Lupo said he selected the Prescott location because he fell in love with the town. “It’s a tight-knit community. They are speaking in voices that you don’t often hear in other cities. It shows that they care. Both city hall and the residents have been very welcoming.” Born and raised in California, Lupo has a local and national team working to improve Pine Ridge Marketplace. “It’s time to start marketing and that will be our focus for the next couple years.” The new ownership is ZL Prescott LLC, headed by Lupo. Pine Ridge Marketplace is the only mall in Prescott for a 100-mile radius and has 600,000 square feet with 100 suites and a food court. FBN
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FBN Welcomes Linda Thein Seasoned advertising manager shares vision to support Northern Arizona businesses
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By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
inda Thein’s colorful multi-media and advertising career has led her from billboards to airwaves, into film studios and casinos, through valleys and over mountains. Today, she is the advertising manager for both the Flagstaff Business News and Quad Cities Business News. “While buying ads for the casinos and selling TV, cable networks or radio airtime in Northern Arizona, I was also picking up Flagstaff Business News,” she said. “I found the articles to be very interesting and also thought it had a great team of people working for the newspapers. The opportunity to apply for the position was synchronistic, as I was exploring new adventures.” “We are thrilled to have Linda join our team,” said Publisher Troy Bix. “She is a seasoned professional in the advertising world and has many great ideas about how to help our clients showcase their products and services effectively to magnify their marketing efforts and boost their return on investment. She also has a wealth of knowledge about Arizona and is well
connected to its rural communities. She knows what matters to residents and visitors.” “One of my initial goals is to increase our digital footprint, to include all local businesses in our region, including the Verde Valley,” she said. “I want to increase our reach, getting the news in the hands of every business owner or decision maker throughout Northern Arizona.” She notes that both the Flagstaff and Quad Cities areas have seen significant growth. “I believe local business is the lifeblood and pulse of the community. Our businesses drive the local economy. I honor the entrepreneurial spirit and want to partner with businesses to help share their stories, their successes, their inspirations, their innovations – including their pain,” said Thein. “We want to continue to be the editorial voice for the businesses.” Thein came to Prescott with her parents as a teenager and graduated from Prescott High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising and business communications from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and soon began selling
billboard space to big companies and delivering films to movie studios. In 1988, she decided it was time to go back home to Arizona. “The very fast-paced, wild and crazy LA lifestyle of the ‘80s, coupled with the cost of living by the beach, was not how I envisioned my future!” She worked in broadcast television, selling ads and producing commercials at KUSK in Phoenix, which carried CNN Headline News, the Oakland A’s, San Diego Padres and the New York Giants games, and also Brigham Young University and University of Arizona sports. “It was the third independent station in the market, prior to the rise of cable television,” she said. Thein married Bob Golosewski in 1989, who eventually became Tempe’s deputy fire chief. The couple decided they would live in Prescott with their two children, a son and a daughter, and he would commute to Tempe. “Prescott is so pretty – the boulders, the lakes, the mountains – and the community has always been warm and inviting,” she said. “It’s a great place.” In recent years, Thein worked for Cable One Advertising, selling the television networks’ airtime, along with digital advertising. She then worked with Great Circle Media and their eight radio stations in Prescott, the Verde
Linda Thein
Valley and Flagstaff. Thein’s children are grown now and living in Arizona: Jayce, 31, is a firefighter in Gilbert; Shay, 29, has a social media agency called “Kitsch.” Thein enjoys hiking, pickleball and bike riding. She is a certified yoga instructor and has a passion for helping
seniors with their balance and young adults with self-esteem. “Unlike social media, yoga is judgement-free. Kids need that space,” she said. In her new role at FBN and QCBN, she can be reached at linda@quadcitiesbusinessnews.com. FBN
FEBRUARY 2024 // Flagstaff Business News
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// COMMUNITY PROFILE // BY V. RONNIE TIERNEY, FBN
Chip Norton Conserves Water, Supplies Brewers with Sinagua Malt
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he next time you’re driving down I-17 and pass Camp Verde, you might give a little more thought to this quiet mecca. Along with its designation as an American Viticulture Area (AVA) and its eclectic restaurants, there is a barley malthouse, where the barley grain is processed to be used in beer making. Here, Sinagua Malt is conserving water and supplying brewers around the state. This started when Chip Norton, a youthful 70-plus-year-old river recreationist turned conservationist, decided to create a business that would process barley, a low-water usage crop, in an effort to address the declining ebbs and flows of the precious Verde River waters. In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy Verde River Water Transactions Manager Kim Schonek, he began working with local farmers to see how water usage could be reduced. “Kim suggested that a seasonal shift in crops was the way to improve summer river flows,” said Norton. “That
meant switching from alfalfa and corn, which have a high demand for water in the summer, to barley, a lower water-usage crop in the winter and spring. Depending on the farm and its location, barley is planted from the middle of December to February and harvested in May to June,” said Norton. “Chip started as a volunteer with The Nature Conservancy. He then became president of Friends of the Verde River,” said Schonek in a YouTube video, Drink like you Care – Sinagua Malt. “The Salt and Verde watersheds contribute a significant portion of the water supply for the Phoenix Metro area and, as the Colorado River experiences shortages, that means we are more and more reliant on our instate rivers. Chip and I had this ongoing conversation about water conservation and what we could do to make a difference.” Teaming up with Hauser & Hauser Farms in Camp Verde, Schonek persuaded then owner Kevin Hauser to consider growing Barley. Zack Hauser,
Left: Sinagua Malt Founder Chip Norton works in his malthouse. Right: Yavapai-Apache Nation horticulturist Delight Lyons stands near a barley field. Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography
Continued on page 26
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// BUSINESS CENTS // BY BONNIE STEVENS, FBN
Have Kindness, Ambition, Integrity Swiftly Moved into the Spotlight?
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ever before have we seen Americans voting with their fashionable pocketbooks like we are witnessing today. And, from marketers to politicians, artists to athletes, we should all be taking notice if we hope to gracefully step into financial and public favor with this beautiful S-curve that promotes kindness, ambition, integrity and, yes, even femininity as strengths. While Taylor Swift was performing hit after hit with songs like “Shake It Off” in the early 2000s, the rising tide of Swifties could not be denied. Swifties, largely girls and young women, finally felt their deepest feelings were being heard. They had an ally in Taylor, who enjoyed being feminine and had a voice, a message and a heart that would not be dismissed. Taylor signed her first music publishing deal when she was 14. And anyone who saw her perform as a teenager would simply have had to notice her musicality, song-writing talent and sheer skill with stringed in-
struments. But despite her star-worthy gifts, she also was a hard-working girl who kept practicing and improving her craft without losing her sweetness and approachability. Sadly, some people saw these qualities as weak. For example, who can forget when Kanye West somehow felt it was appropriate to rush the stage and take the mic out of Taylor’s hand as she was accepting the Best Female Video honor during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards? Where were the security guards? Can anyone at these high-profile events run up on stage and be allowed an amplified protest? Viewers were shocked, but I believe women were angry – women who know what it feels like to work hard, earn accolades and have them challenged, ignored or hijacked by some loudmouth. Taylor looked like a confused mix of gratitude for the award and shock over the boldness of bad behavior stealing her moment. She handled the rude event like the self-disciplined, class-act that
she genuinely is – another message that was not lost on viewers, again, primarily the women – which only made us admire and applaud her even more. Then in 2013, there was the incident with DJ David Mueller, who somehow felt it was appropriate to grope Taylor under her skirt while pictures were being snapped at a meet-and-greet event. Taylor didn’t let him get away with it. She spoke up. She revealed this primate’s uncivilized, disrespectful and grotesque character. As a result, he was banned from Taylor Swift concerts and found guilty of sexual assault when Taylor took him to court and won the symbolic $1 in damages that she sought. He also lost his job at Denver’s KYGO-FM. Good form, KYGO! Again, women cheered and the respect for Taylor continued to soar. So, when TIME magazine named her Person of the Year for 2023, the clink of strong women everywhere could be heard as they raised their wine glasses in unison and support. TIME
editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs was quoted as saying the pop icon was “the rare person who is both the writer and hero of her own story” who had “found a way to transcend borders and be a source of light.” Good form, TIME! Interestingly in 2023, Barbie also was being celebrated in the glow of global spotlights, selling nearly $1.3 billion in movie tickets and stylishly landing among the top 20 highest-grossing movies ever. Barbie’s profound impact captured my attention when a college president encouraged me to see it. “I cried,” she said. Both Taylor and Barbie have struck a deep, harmonic chord with people, especially women who report feeling that they are being “seen” for the first time or realizing that they aren’t alone. Taylor and Barbie have held up kindness, ambition, hard work, integrity and “a source of light” as character traits to be fashionable, admirable and smart,
despite barriers or bad behavior that show up on their path. It’s funny, just last April I was told by an “intuitive” that the color I aligned with, pink, was “weak.” A few months later, the world seemed to turn pink, as “Barbie” was setting records at the box office and empowering women of all ages. Somehow this fortune teller didn’t see that coming –and for all those stunned by the rise of Taylor and Barbie, it’s time for a swift adjustment. FBN Bonnie Stevens is a public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie. stevens@gmail.com.
FEBRUARY 2024 // Flagstaff Business News
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Helping Seniors with Transportation
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By Cecelia Jernegan
he freedom to get behind the wheel and travel in our vehicles is a luxury we sometimes take for granted. That is until the aging process takes its toll and forces senior drivers to give up their car keys and rely on other resources to help them get from place to place. While they often decide to stop driving because of declining visual, physical and cognitive conditions, seniors can feel a loss of control over their lives. They view their vehicles as a lifeline – a necessary link – to the outside world. The decision can also affect family members who struggle to provide rides for their senior loved ones to grocery stores, a friend’s house and essential doctor appointments. While taking away a senior’s car keys can be a huge dilemma, it doesn’t mean your loved one has to be confined at home or give up the trips they love and need.
TAKE AWAY THEIR CAR, NOT THEIR FREEDOM
Getting out of the house regularly is important for senior health. While many want to age in place in the comfort of their home, seniors
who are homebound can become depressed and experience feelings of social isolation. Senior transportation services can help your aging parents visit friends, attend church or just go shopping. In addition to supporting an active social life, transportation ensures seniors get to medical appointments. The American Hospital Association reports that transportation is the third-most common barrier to accessing health services for older adults.
Visiting Angels provides the flexibility to contract temporary or long-term in-home care assistance for a few hours in the morning, mid-day, or evening. Trained in-home caregivers can serve as a valet and keep seniors from feeling isolated. Courtesy photo
GETTING THE RIGHT RIDE FOR SENIORS
Whether your aging parent refuses to stop driving or you have to consider taking the keys away from a parent, the need for alternative transportation is important. The National Caregivers Library reports that 8.4 million seniors in the United States depend on other people for transportation. Seniors who can’t rely on spouses or significant others to drive them can put a burden on family members with tight schedules and work and family commitments. Finding alternate transportation services can help seniors get around town without putting the sole responsibility on the family.
Here are some options for consideration: Public Transportation: Metropolitan areas typically have a strong system of buses and trains with set schedules and destinations. Most offer discounts and even free fares for seniors.
Older adults in rural locations, unfortunately, may not have easy access to these services. Depending on mobility, the elderly may have difficulty getting to a nearby stop by themselves. Take a test run with public transportation to decide if it is a viable option for
your senior, even if it is just for emergencies. Paratransit: For those with mobility problems, paratransit services provide home pickup and transport in minibuses or small vans that accommodate wheelContinued on page 22
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Flagstaff Business News // FEBRUARY 2024
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What is an Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon? By Todd Ludwig, M.D.
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any people may generally know what an orthopedic surgeon is and does. An orthopedic surgeon is a physician who deals with musculoskeletal problems and can perform surgery to address those problems, if necessary. But what does it mean to be subspecialty trained? More specifically, what does it mean to be a sports medicine trained orthopedic surgeon? Sports medicine is a subspecialty of orthopedic surgery about which many people may have heard, but few people understand the training background of a sports medicine surgeon or the type of expertise they can provide. A sports medicine surgeon goes through a typical five-year orthopedic surgery training program, gaining exposure to all of the procedures that form the foundation of orthopedic surgery: trauma surgery and fixing broken bones, joint replacement, arthroscopic joint surgery and more. A fellowship trained surgeon then chooses to do an additional, highly focused period of training in one of the so-called “subspecialties” of orthopedics. Sports medicine is one of these subspecialties. The sports medicine subspecialty
fellowship most often consists of two primary components: working closely with a high-level athletic team (or teams) and developing additional proficiency in surgical procedures commonly performed to treat sports-related injuries. Mostly, this surgical experience consists of minimally-invasive arthroscopic surgery. With arthroscopic techniques, sports medicine trained surgeons are able to treat a wide range of joint and soft tissue complaints. The shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle joints are all often within a sports medicine surgeon’s scope of practice. Common musculoskeletal pathologies that sports medicine surgeons manage are rotator cuff tears, shoulder labral injuries, shoulder dislocations, biceps injuries, hip impingement, hip labral tears, knee ligament injuries, meniscus tears, patella (kneecap) dislocations, cartilage injuries inside joints, and many tendon or ligament tears. Because surgical management is not always necessary for these problems, their training allows sports medicine surgeons to discern when nonoperative treatment is appropriate and, if necessary, how, when and what surgical intervention is appropriate. While arthroscopic surgery is the true area of expertise for a sports
The Children’s The Children’s Studio
medicine surgeon, they are also highly skilled in open surgical techniques. With their extensive general orthopedic training background through the five years of orthopedic residency, many sports medicine surgeons will choose to perform joint replacements and trauma surgery (fixing broken bones). These surgeries, while becoming less invasive over time, are still currently performed using a traditional open incision. Even the soft tissue and joint-related injuries described above cannot always be performed with minimally invasive techniques. A sports medicine trained surgeon will be able to determine whether a specific surgery can be done arthroscopically or is more effectively performed through a traditional open incision. With this information in mind, “sports medicine” is a bit of a misnomer. Yes, an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon can treat athletes to techniques, arthroscopic surgery and help return them to sports participaopen surgery are all used to ultition. However, they are also able to treat the same injuries in the weekend mately help increase patients’ function, decrease their pain warrior, or even perform elective surgeries for more chronic conditions and return them to a higher like an arthritic joint or an old tendon level of physical ability. FBN injury. Thus, sports medicine is really a subspecialty of orthopedic surgery Todd Ludwig, M.D., is a sports broad applications; nonoperative medicine surgeon with Flagstaff
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Bone and Joint. Dr. Ludwig is welcoming patients to his Flagstaff and Cottonwood offices. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, visit flagstaffboneandjoint.com or call 928-773-2280.
FEBRUARY 2024 // Flagstaff Business News
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Back2Basic’s Partnership with Sky’s the Limit Fund to Expand Access to Life-Saving Treatment
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By Roy DuPrez
reatment for substance use disorder remains the best tool for preventing the worst outcomes of addiction, which is why those struggling must enter a treatment program that works for them. However, the cost of treatment continues to increase, making it difficult for many people and their families to get the help they need. Back2Basics is helping do its part to close that financial gap by officially becoming a member of Sky’s the Limit Fund’s Program Partner Alliance. Sky’s the Limit Fund provides financial assistance to adolescents and young
adults in need of outdoor wilderness therapy and nature-based therapy programs. They will provide financial assistance to qualified applicants to attend Back2Basics for treatment while Back2Basics will provide the same residents with a reduced fee to enter the outdoor adventure therapy. Sky’s the Limit Fund Executive Director Mary Davidson said B2B was an excellent addition to the partner program, stating that B2B’s use of wilderness therapy and traditional health treatments made them the perfect fit. “We were looking to expand our partner program to include more hybrid treatment programs and Back-
// “We were looking to expand our partner program to include more hybrid treatment programs and Back2Basics fits that description perfectly,” she said. “They are a welcome addition to our partner program and working together will provide much-needed financial help to people in need of wilderness therapy.” //
2Basics fits that description perfectly,” she said. “They are a welcome addition to our partner program and working together will provide much-needed financial help to people in need of wilderness therapy.” Our team at Back2Basics was very familiar with the great work the fund does and we jumped at the chance to partner with them and reach more families. Addressing the affordability issue of treatment is a top priority for both of our organizations. Sky’s the Limit Fund knows the importance of programs such as Back2Basics. The program was co-founded by Rochelle Bochner and Lani Dorff in 2010 after Bochner’s son successfully completed a wilderness therapy program. They understand the effectiveness of these programs and the fund’s familiarity with our industry made them a compelling partner for B2B to work with. We are honored to work with such a passionate organization. In addition to helping some residents pay for treatment at Back2Basics, the Sky’s the Limit Fund will also provide recipients with post-treatment coaching sessions to help residents adjust to life after leaving the program.
“The initial period after treatment is one of the most crucial times for someone who went through a program,” Davidson said. “These coaching sessions ensure that someone is there to help through the entire post-treatment process.” FBN For more information on the Sky’s the Limit Fund, visit https://www.skysthelimitfund. org/. Roy DuPrez, M.Ed., is the CEO and founder of Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recov-
ery in Flagstaff. DuPrez received his B.S. and M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University. Back2Basics helps young men, ages 18 to 35, recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Back2Basics is an adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males ages 18-30 with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In our program, clients are exposed to a weekly combination of both wilderness adventures and residential programming. For more information, visit back2basicsoutdooradventures.com, call 928-814-2220 or email rduprez@b2badventures.com.
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Elevating Impact: Mountain Sports Flagstaff’s New Vision for 2024
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By Lisa M. Lamberson
s I have touched upon in my previous columns, Mountain Sports Flagstaff has been family-led for more than 50 years. In a family-led business, the values of loyalty, trust and a shared sense of purpose form the foundation for success, creating a unique and cohesive work environment where dedication to the business is intertwined with a commitment to the well-being and suc-
cess of our team, our community and the natural world around us. Thus, we made our pledge to grant 1% of our sales to local environmental and conservation non-profits more than 20 years ago. This membership to 1% for the Planet has resulted in more than $250,000 granted to our local Flagstaff environmental partners. I am steadfast in continuing our Mountain Sports Flagstaff’ dedication to 1% for the Planet granting, and I now see an additional opportunity to
// I look forward to diving into this process in early 2024 to take the next step in credibility and commitment to our community. This will pull together our Mountain Sports legacy, our commitment to our staff and our community, as well as our environmental ethos, into one cohesive narrative. //
show our determination to better our relationship with our employees, our community and the planet. This next opportunity for impact is to become a certified Benefit Corporation. B Corps are mission-driven businesses (like Patagonia) leading the way in changing our economic system to positively impact all stakeholders — workers, communities, customers and our planet — not just shareholders. I look forward to diving into this process in early 2024 to take the next step in credibility and commitment to our community. This will pull together our Mountain Sports legacy, our commitment to our staff and our community, as well as our environmental ethos, into one cohesive narrative. The multitude of reasons are obvious for me, but I would love to share them with our community and supporters. I know that becoming a B Corp will be brilliant for Mountain Sports Flagstaff for these reasons:
1. ALIGNING WITH FLAGSTAFF’S VALUES Flagstaff has long been a haven for those who value and enjoy the out-
doors. The community places a high value on sustainability, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. By transitioning to a Benefit Corporation, Mountain Sports Flagstaff would make a clear statement about its commitment to these values, creating a powerful alignment with the community’s ethos.
staff can provide stakeholders with a clearer understanding of how the business operates and the impact it has on the community and environment. This transparency builds trust, fostering stronger connections with customers, employees and investors who value businesses that operate with integrity.
2. PURPOSE BEYOND PROFIT
4. EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND WELL-BEING
Benefit Corporations, or B Corps, are designed to go beyond profit-making and focus on making a positive impact on society and the environment. By becoming a Benefit Corporation, Mountain Sports Flagstaff can formalize its commitment to balancing purpose and profit. This shift can help the business integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into its core operations, ensuring that decision-making reflects a broader commitment to the well-being of people and the planet.
3. ENHANCED CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY
One of the key features of Benefit Corporations is the emphasis on transparency. Mountain Sports Flag-
In the competitive landscape of attracting and retaining talent, Benefit Corporations stand out. By prioritizing employee well-being, fair wages and a positive workplace culture, Mountain Sports Flagstaff can continue to celebrate an engaged and motivated team. Employees who feel a sense of purpose and alignment with their company’s values are likely to be more committed and passionate about their work, contributing to the overall success of the business.
5. RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF CHANGE In an era marked by environmental challenges and societal shifts,
Continued on page 29
Understanding Economic Impacts, Workforce Composition By David McIntire
completed a competitive process that identified two impressive firms to bring their knowledge and expertise he City of Flagstaff, through to bear on the issues. Stiletto, Make the Economic Development Program, has embarked on two a Point, has been retained to drive the economic development strategic ambitious community processes. process forward. Keen Independent The first, the Economic DevelResearch was identified and conopment Strategic Plan, will assess tracted to support the Workforce changes to the economy that may Development Analysis. As these two have resulted from Covid-19, the housing crisis or other local and glob- issues and community processes will obviously influence and impact each al factors, and then work to identify other, Stiletto and Keen have been strategies to maintain and improve working together to align the plans a robust, prosperous and resilient economy in the years to come. It will and share data for more efficient and set the economic development course effective efforts. With these activities, city staff for the city for the next five years. are grateful for the willingness of The second, a Workforce Develour community partners to provide opment analysis and plan, looks at their valuable time to join focus the composition of the workforce in groups and share their expertise and Flagstaff and in the areas around it. insight. Also, 500 members of the It will focus on who makes up our workforce, where they live, what skills public answered the call to complete the economic development survey they have and what skills they need. that was released in early January. A While much of the responsibility variety of perspectives were presentfor workforce development sits with partners such as the State of Arizona, ed. The insight and context those Coconino County and workforce-ori- surveys provide will be instrumental in determining the most critical opented non-profits, the City Council recognized the community challenges portunities and challenges facing the in this area and directed staff to assess community’s economy, and in deterwhat role the City of Flagstaff should mining the best investments of the play or how we can best support these city’s Economic Development Bed, Board and Beverage tax allocation. efforts. One thing we do know already is To accomplish these goals, staff
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The City of Flagstaff is striving to develop strategies for future success by reviewing data regarding economic impact and better understanding the workforce and community perspectives. Courtesy photo
that Flagstaff has great companies and institutions here that deliver great jobs. We have large, international manufacturers and a thriving entrepreneurial community of small businesses that deliver incredible growth and prosperity. Institutions such as Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College provide jobs directly and also develop our workforce for the jobs and skills
of the future. Tourism remains a major economic driver, and alongside it, Flagstaff has stronger bioscience and astronomy sectors than most other communities in the Untied States. This city has a highly educated workforce and is positioned well for measured and manageable growth. Processes such as the ones that the City of Flagstaff is undertaking currently are important to ensure
strategies are driven by data and reflect the experiences and perspectives of the community. It is exciting to be taking a deeper look at the present to better prepare us to impact the future effectively and intelligently. FBN David McIntire if the community investment director for the City of Flagstaff.
FEBRUARY 2024 // Flagstaff Business News
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Can Hearing Loss Be Fixed?
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By Jeff Lane, Au.D.
fter being diagnosed with hearing loss, many patients ask, “Can it be fixed?” While the question is simple, the answer can be quite complicated. It depends on multiple factors. For the majority of patients, the answer is, unfortunately, no. However, there are certain situations when medical intervention can help. Being aware of when a hearing loss may or may not be medically treatable, and why, can help you take better care of your auditory system.
CONDUCTIVE HEARING LOSS
The ear can be divided into three sections: outer, middle and inner. The outer ear consists of the pinna, ear ca-
nal and eardrum, while the middle ear is comprised of the middle ear cavity and ossicles (bones). Soundwaves are captured by the pinna and filtered to through the ear canal to the eardrum. The eardrum vibrates, stimulating the ossicles, which in turn act like pistons that conduct the vibrations to the cochlea. If a breakdown occurs anywhere along this pathway, it is referred to as a conductive hearing loss. Certain types of conductive losses can be treated. Perhaps the simplest version of a conductive hearing loss is one caused by an ear infection. The soundwave travels down the ear canal, but meets resistance from the fluid in the middle ear cavity. Thus, the signal becomes weaker and more difficult to hear. A doctor can prescribe medication that
// The soundwave travels down the ear canal, but meets resistance from the fluid in the middle ear cavity. Thus, the signal becomes weaker and more difficult to hear. A doctor can prescribe medication that clears up the fluid and hearing returns to normal. Chronic ear infections can be addressed with pressure equalization tubes. //
clears up the fluid and hearing returns to normal. Chronic ear infections can be addressed with pressure equalization tubes. In other situations, the ossicles may be affected. They can become weak or fused in certain areas. For these patients, surgery is an option. A surgeon can replace the affected bones with prostheses. Once the bones are moving normally again, the soundwave can resume normal transition. However, it should be noted that some surgeries may not be successful, and that even successful surgeries do not guarantee normal hearing. But they can offer improvement. In some cases, patients can have a mixed hearing loss. This means the hearing loss affects both the middle and inner ear. Again, there is a chance that the middle ear condition can be treated, but the inner ear condition remains. Thus, there would still be residual hearing loss after treatment of the middle ear, but it would not be as severe.
SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS
The inner ear consists of the cochlea and the auditory nerve. The cochlear is filled with fluid, which vibrates when stimulated by the ossicles. This fluid then causes stereocilia, or hair cells, to sway back and forth. Swaying releases
chemicals that are converted into electrical impulses, which travel up the auditory nerve to the brain. Hearing losses in this area are classified as sensorineural (sensory cells or the nerve). Sensorineural hearing loss is generally untreatable and is managed with a hearing aid or cochlear implant. Why is it untreatable? Stereocilia can become damaged or die due to natural aging, noise exposure or strong medications. Genetics or syndromic conditions can also be a cause. At any rate, once the stereocilia are gone, they cannot regenerate. Thus, while the soundwave travels along the auditory pathway appropriately, it is not able to be transduced into a nerve signal. In essence, the signal hits a dead end. While research is always being done, scientists have yet to successfully restore hearing in humans. One issue is sustainability. The stereocilia can be artificially grown, but then die off again. Another difficulty is that the auditory system is very intricately designed. The new stereocilia are unable to properly communicate with the auditory nerve, rendering them ineffective. However, there is a small subset of sensorineural hearing losses that can sometimes be medically treated: sudden
losses. Sudden losses happen very immediately (rather than over time). Studies show that steroid treatment can help to reverse the effects of a sudden loss. However, it is only about a 33% chance. And to have the best chance of working, the medication should be administered within 72 hours. If you experience a sudden loss, call an ENT immediately.
HOPE ON THE HORIZON
As stated previously, research is always being done on hearing loss. Researchers recently developed a test that can detect whether babies have a genetic change that makes them more susceptible to hearing loss if treated with the antibiotic Gentamicin. To be clear, they are preventing damage, not repairing it. Still, it offers hope for greater developments in the future. FBN Trinity Hearing Center is located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit the website at TrinityHearing. net. Jeff Lane is a doctor of audiology with a passion for improving the lives of others. Dr. Lane may be reached at 928-522-0500 or at audio@ trinityhearing.net.
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Flagstaff Business News // FEBRUARY 2024
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// MAYOR’S ADDRESS // BY BECKY DAGGETT
Planning for the Future of Flagstaff’s Water Resources
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he City of Flagstaff is a leader in water conservation, quality, delivery and management. Planning for the future of our water resources started decades ago and is continuous. To see how thoroughly Flagstaff has planned for its water future, I suggest you take a look at the Utilities Integrated Master Plan (UIMP) and specifically, the “water resources” chapter. This and other
water planning documents can be found on the city’s website under Water Services: flagstaffaz.gov. “The major objective of the water demand analysis was to update the city’s water demands at build-out and the current growth trend using the latest land uses approved by the voters. Water demands include water delivered to meet all customer needs, water required for firefighting, water
used for system flushing, and accounting for some leakage,” as stated in the Water Infrastructure Master Plan Executive Summary September 2014, updated with the UIMP. As part of this continuous planning, the Flagstaff Water Services Division is conducting a Rates and Cost-of-Services Study. The last study was conducted in 2016. The City of Flagstaff is conducting
// The City of Flagstaff is conducting this study with Stantec Engineers to evaluate the rates and fees you pay for potable water, wastewater and reclaimed water services to determine whether any adjustments to these rates and fees are needed. There are three main components of the rate study that customers should be aware of: analysis of growth-related infrastructure projects and capacity fees, user fees based on meter size and consumption, and policy-related discussions. //
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this study with Stantec Engineers to evaluate the rates and fees you pay for potable water, wastewater and reclaimed water services to determine whether any adjustments to these rates and fees are needed. There are three main components of the rate study that customers should be aware of: analysis of growth-related infrastructure projects and capacity fees, user fees based on meter size and consumption, and policy-related discussions. Proposed adjustments and strategies for funding the growth-related components of our capital plan (funded through capacity fees) were slated to come before the Water Commission on Jan. 18 and City Council Jan. 23. Proposed adjustments required of the monthly meter fee and consumption-based water and sewer charges (paid by residential and non-residential customers) will be discussed with the Water Commission and City Council at meetings in
February and March. Policy type discussions, such as changing customer classes, will happen in March and April. More information about the rate study and cost-of-service analysis, dates of upcoming meetings and videos of all prior meetings are provided at the rate study website cleanwaterflagstaff.com. Staff anticipates bringing proposals for final rates and fee adjustments to City Council in May and June, with adjustments effective on Sept. 1, 2024. Water Services is offering to meet with community groups or businesses to discuss the rate study one-onone. Please reach out to flagwater@ flagstaffaz.gov or call 928-213-2405 to set up a meeting. Their goal is to continue providing clean, safe drinking water and sanitary wastewater services for the community of Flagstaff, now and for generations to come. FBN Becky Daggett is the mayor of Flagstaff.
FEBRUARY 2024 // Flagstaff Business News
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Hardening Your Home
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By Rob Wilson
e tend to think of our home as our castle or our safe space. We should all be fortunate enough to feel safe in our homes. While it may “feel” safe, there are several steps you can take to improve its safety. Hardening is defined as “to make or become tougher and more clearly defined.” We should all consider a little hardening for our castles. The first step is the most important and it’s free! You need to develop a plan of action for the possible situations you might face. Have you thought through exactly what you (and your family members) would do if someone were attempting to kick in your front door? What about the sound of breaking glass at 2 a.m.? In high-stress emergency situations like this, the results will be better if you have a pre-defined plan of action. Your plan needs to include who will be calling 911 and exactly what you’ll be telling them. Where will you and members of your family gather? Will you or someone else arm themselves and if so, at what point will you actually use the firearm? Plans should extend beyond the homefront
to places you work and recreate and inside your vehicle. Being prepared with a plan is key to your safety. A recent graduate of our CCW Class was startled awake by his alarm in the middle of the night. He did as he was taught, armed himself, took up a defensive position in his bedroom and called 911. The 911 dispatcher told him to disarm and go check the doors. Is that good advice that you would take? There are many simple things you can do that will make your home unattractive to those who may otherwise want to do you harm. The easiest include: Actually using the alarm system you have installed. Nearly 70% of homeowners with alarms report not routinely arming them at night or when they are gone. Whether you have an alarm or not, make sure you have a sign clearly visible that shows you do! Having motion-sensing exterior lighting. This serves as both a deterrent to someone approaching your home and to alert you that there is someone out there. Adopting a dog. When surveyed, imprisoned burglars cited dogs as a significant deterrent when choosing a home to victimize.
Using a quick access handgun vault to safely store your personal defense firearm that allows you to gain access to it when needed. If you’re going to be away from your home, make sure it still appears occupied. Unplowed driveways and stacks of newspapers suggest that your home is an easy target for a
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burglar. You don’t have to have the most secure home on the street, but you don’t want to be the least secure either. As the song goes, “the times, they are a-changin’” and we need to change with them. By taking some time to think through some plans and sharing them with your family, you’ll
reduce your chances of becoming a victim. FBN Rob Wilson is the owner, with his wife, Elise, of Timberline Firearms & Training in Flagstaff. They offer a full line of firearms, accessories, safes and ammunition along with Liberty Safes. For more information, visit timberlinefirearms.us.
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Flagstaff Business News // FEBRUARY 2024
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Real Estate Projection: The Later You Buy, the More You Will Fight
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By Chris Hallows
rates will continue to have massive impact on the market. We currently sit below the 25-year highs seen in October and are hovering near 18-month lows. The first chart shows projections on continued inflation activity, and many experts predict that if we can see year-over-year Core PCE, Personal Consumption Expenditure (inflation), below 2.5% then we could see the first Fed fund rate cuts, which will likely help mortgage rates come down as well. This could be as early as March but very likely at least by the May meeting. The Fed is still working on balance sheet reduction, as they were one of the largest buyers of mortgage-backed securities during 2020-2022. Experts predict they’ll continue their reduction strategies likely through the third or fourth quarter this year, which greatly impacts the supply and demand of mortgage-backed securities and could be one of the tools the Fed uses with the intent of a slow mortgage rate reduction vs. a plummet lower. Predictions for mortgage rates would be then a slow reduction of 1-1.5% in rates from now through the end of 2024, putting us possibly as low as mid-5%’s.
he emotions of home buying vs. the logic of home buying is an interesting philosophical quandary. While I would argue that most folks purchase based on lifestyle more than pure logic alone, the current market whipsaws have impacted buyers’ and sellers’ perspectives on both these fronts. The emotional strain of “I won’t pay over market value” froze many buyers during what we like to refer to as the Real Estate Unicorn years of 2020 through mid-2022, only for many of those buyers to feel regret when values only increased and then rates spiked. The logic of home buying has been anything but easy to wrap your head around when we saw such a rapid rise and many consumers have the 2006-2008 collapse fresh on their minds. Hopefully, most buyers and sellers are now able to recognize that we are in an entirely unique set of circumstances and the most important questions is: What happens next? Economic and housing forecasts are as reliable as those of the Northern Arizona weather forecasts. While not pinpoint accurate, they are based on broad data sets and can be generally accurate. I cannot tell you the exact date and time in 2024 to secure the best buying or selling opportunity; however, one prediction I’m fairly confident about is that the longer buyers wait, the more they’ll compete, and the longer sellers wait, the better their prices may fare. The reason – two different aspects of supply and demand.
FINAL WORD
The current market is experiencing price reductions, seller concessions on buyer closing costs and a moderate pace with a longer market exposure time than we’ve seen in several years. We aren’t in an all-out buyers’ market but it’s the most buyer-friendly market in the last five years. If you are a buyer and find the right home, my advice is to secure it now and wait for the refinance opportunity in the months or years to come. The lower the rates go and as we head into spring and summer hotter buying and selling seasons, I anticipate the competition to heat up and prices to stiffen or increase. With hindsight 20/20, I believe most buyers would prefer the higher rates of today than the bidding wars of tomorrow for both emotional and logical reasons. FBN For additional information or to schedule an appointment visit ChrisHallows. Benchmark.us or call 928-707-8572. The Flagstaff location is 824 W Rte. 66 Suite A-3.
SUPPLY AND DEMAND IN HOUSING
Housing inventory remains incredibly tight. We did see an uptick in available inventory last year and experts expect a 15-20% improvement this year. The bottom line is that households are forming faster than we’re building, which will continue to strain the supply and demand of the housing market. Flagstaff, and its island housing market, is not exempt from this imbalance.
SUPPLY AND DEMAND WITH MORTGAGE RATES
A hot and exhausting topic of interest
Chris Hallows is the Branch Manager & Sr. Mortgage Advisor of Benchmark Mortgage Flagstaff. NMLS 306345 Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS 2143 |Equal Housing Lender
TRANSPORTATION continued from page 15
chairs. Seniors or their caregivers must schedule services in advance and verify the service area. You can register for Paratransit services online (http://paratransit. org/registration/). On-Demand Ridesharing Services Uber and Lyft are popular ridesharing services that enable seniors to schedule a ride by using a phone application. Fees are based on trip time and destination. Family members or professional in-home caregivers can schedule rides for seniors unfamiliar with the apps. They can also request rides through GoGoGrandparent, a service that connects seniors to on-demand transportation companies while notifying family caregivers
Uber Assist offers special needs accommodations for seniors with folding wheelchairs, walkers and scooters. Uber Health is a service that addresses transportation barriers to medical appointments by enabling healthcare professionals to arrange and pay for non-emergency medical rides for patients. Lyft Concierge helps healthcare and other organizations to provide patients with curb-to-curb service. Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Medicaid offers a benefit for seniors to provide transportation to and from medical appointments for enrollees who have no other means of transportation. Non-emergency medical transportation recipients
must qualify for eligibility. Some states provide coverage for additional transportation needs. Volunteer Organizations and Community Resources Local churches, community centers and non-profits often operate free volunteer driving programs. To find resources in your area, start with ElderCare (https://eldercare. acl.gov/Public/Resources/LearnMoreAbout/Transportation. aspx), which lists resources based on your specified location. In-Home Caregivers Offer Reliable Transportation Sources for Seniors In-home caregivers can help seniors get around town without the worries of weather, schedules or designated drop-off/ pick-up locations. These senior
care professionals also eliminate the hassles of family members arranging transportation and worrying about an elderly loved one getting around on their own. More than a transportation source, in-home caregivers provide joyful companionship, staying with your aging parent at the doctor’s office to ensure they arrive and get home safely. Trained to work with seniors, they can step in for you to assist with errands and grocery shopping. Home caregivers also will remind seniors of important appointments and help them get there on time. Visiting Angels provides the flexibility to contract temporary or long-term in-home care assistance for a few hours in the morning,
mid-day, or evening on designated days of the week. When driving is no longer an option for your senior, our trained in-home caregivers can serve as their valet and more. You can contact Visiting Angels at www. visitingangels.com/Prescott or www. visitingangels.com/Flagstaff. FBN
Cecelia Jernegan is the marketing, advertising, promotions and social media manager for Visiting Angels of Northern Arizona - Non Medical Home Care. For more information, contact Visiting Angels at www.visitingangel. com/Flagsaff
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BORICUA continued from page 4
dishes that are popular not only in our area but throughout Caribbean culture,” said Pagan. “Customers love to dive into our ground beef empanadas and mofongo, a side dish made with fried green plantains mashed by hand together with chicharrones [crispy pork skin] and fresh garlic.” Boricua Luna’s kan kan pork chops and sandwiches are also Flagstaff favorites, like the Tripleta, which comes with ham, chicken and pork. Pagan notes that they source fresh ingredients from local farmers’ markets to serve “the best of the season.” They create vegetarian dishes, as well, and modify entrees for those with dietary restrictions “so that everyone can enjoy a fantastic experience with us!” he says. “Customers say, ‘Oh my gosh, this is something different that we need here in Flagstaff!’” said Pagan, who is bilingual. “It’s very tasty, colorful and flavorful, but not spicy hot.” Pagan and Colon were born and trained in Puerto Rico. They moved to Flagstaff from Florida 11 years ago, where they had been working at Disney World. They came to Northern Arizona to help open Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort east of Flagstaff. Currently, Colon, who had been the pastry chef at Twin Arrows, makes 2,000 pastries every week in their new kitchen for coffeehouses including Late for the Train, Single Speed Coffee and Noble Ground Cof-
Left: Boricua Luna Caribbean Cuisine is located near Warner’s Nursery. The new restaurant is expected to open in March or April. Right: The owners describe the food as tasty, colorful and flavorful, but not spicy hot. Courtesy photos
fee. Boricua Luna also makes nearly 3,000 burritos every month to meet the demand. Pagan, formerly the food and beverage manager at NAU, says the
Boricua Luna kitchen is ready to open at 1071 E. All Canyon Court near Warner’s Nursery; he’s just waiting for some final touches, including the restaurant floor to be finished.
“We want the restaurant to be family-friendly with fine-dining quality,” said Pagan. “We will serve a lot of seafood options, including lobster and shrimp, but at affordable prices.”
This move to the restaurant they say will allow them to satisfy their customers’ cravings with even more delectable dishes. Que rico! FBN
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HOLMES continued from page 1
Lumberjack, an unprecedented nine players from the team were signed on with the pros – with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, New York Giants and the Houston Oilers, where Holmes went to play as offensive and defensive tackle. He established Steve Holmes Masonry in 1978 in Flagstaff. Among his initial projects, his team laid the groundwork for the Milton Safeway Shopping Center and contributed to the construction of the Coconino Community College on 4th Street. Expanding his expertise in the late ‘80s, Holmes obtained his general contracting license, overseeing significant construction projects such as the Golightly Tire Bandag Retread Facility and the NAU Bookstore. In the early 2000s, he was actively involved in various projects, includ-
ing foundational work in Foxglenn and various projects in Continental Country Club. In 2006, his son, Kip Holmes, who studied architecture, returned from Seattle, Washington, to join him. “There are so many buildings, as I look around this town of Flagstaff, that my dad has touched- so many buildings that are still here, so many homes that are still here, so many commercial buildings that have been redone but the foundation remains. Steve Holmes has been an integral part of the brick and mortar – literally – of this town. And I am proud to be a part of his legacy,” said Kip, founder of KH Elements Construction. As the father-son team evolved, their work took them to Northern
Steve Holmes has built or remodeled more than 50 homes in the Flagstaff area’s luxury communities. Courtesy photo
Continued on page 31
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MALT continued from page 13
Kevin’s son, is now growing barley on the farm and has partnered with the Yavapai-Apache Nation to grow on their land as well. The next challenge was finding a malt house to process the barley, as there were none in Arizona. With no experience in the malting business, Norton decided to open Sinagua Malt in 2018. At first glance, the equipment at Sinagua Malt makes one feel as if they are in a ballistic missile plant. The three large germination kilns, grain cleaner and packaging vessels shine with importance in the new 12,000-squarefoot building. Three large outside silos represent different barley suppliers. Sinagua Malt Maltster Russell Mayhew says his job is amazing. “I moved to Camp Verde from Salt Lake City two years ago and came upon this job. I feel like I’m the luckiest guy alive. I run all the equipment and make sure all the grain and barley are taken care of from start to finish.” Norton’s involvement with rivers, conservation and the community is reflected in the positions he holds. He is president of the Verde Valley Homeless Coalition (VVHC), chairman of the Verde Natural Resource Conservation District (Verde NRCD), and a member the Forever our Rivers Foundation Board of Directors based in Colorado. He is also co-owner of Salt Mine Vineyard and Winery.
Golden roasted malt fills a hopper from the grain roaster. Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography
“Chip is easygoing and really knows a lot,” said Delight Lyons, a horticulturist with the Yavapai-Apache Nation. “I learn something new from him all the time and we have a good working relationship.” Currently, the YavapaiApache Nation is the largest supplier of malted barley grain to Sinagua Malt. In a continued water conservation effort and with Norton’s urging, barley is now planted in several locations in Arizona and another on Morrow Farms in New Mexico, which is known for their Hatch chilies. Town of Camp Verde Economic Development Director Molly Spangler calls Sinagua Malt an asset to the Camp Verde business community. “They’re passionate about the community, water
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conversation (particularly for the Verde River) and good craft beer. They’ve come up with a market-based solution to locally source less water-intensive crops like barley to then create Arizona base malt for breweries and distilleries. I’m impressed with their growth over the past few years and look forward to their continued success.” “In 2018, the crop-switching project reduced water demand on the Verde River by 78.5 million gallons,” said Norton. “We love Sinagua Malt because it’s malt with soul and depth, not just a source of sugar,” said Sedona Beer Co., owner Mac Crawford. “It’s a malt that’s naturally complex enough so we can make simple beers that are interesting to
Sinagua Malt Founder Chip Norton and his buddy, Etsy, stand next to the germination kiln and dust collector.
drink. Plus, the river conservation aspect of the whole process is really cool.” Leisure time for Norton is kayaking on the Verde River and spending time with his wife, Kathy, and friends. The Verde River runs approximately 177 miles year-round alongside homes, vineyards and farms. Along with irrigation, the river is a playground in the summer, home to a vast amount of wildlife such as migratory birds, nesting bald eagles, mountain lions and rare species of reptiles and amphibians. Sinagua Malt, the only malthouse in Arizona, is located at 284 N. Homestead Parkway, Building B. The organization and can be contacted at info@sinaguamalt.com or sales@sinaguamalt.com.
MY ROLE MODEL
My wife, Kathy. She taught me to give back to the community.
FAVORITE BOOK
“One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
MY SUPERPOWER Empathy.
MY HOBBIES
Birdwatching, wilderness river trips, cheese making and artisan pizza creation. I love all of the above.
ADVICE TO MY YOUNGER SELF Be kind. FBN
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MOONSHOT continued from page 8
local market.” Moonshot Chief Marketing Officer Kiersten Hathcock, who successfully pitched her Mod Mom Furniture business on “Shark Tank” in 2011, helps participants hone their pitches. “It takes a lot of courage to present an idea to a room full of strangers,” she said. “We applaud each participant who shows up to share their inspirational startup stories and business ideas with us. Many times, we’re so touched by their pitches, that there’s not a dry eye in the house.” “We’ve had a lot of people show up at our events who have just amazing ideas, and they are all in it for job growth,” said Scott. “We have some entrepreneurs who are rocket scientists, and we have some who think they know how to build a better taco. It really does run the gamut. We don’t have a particular sector we’re focusing on; mainly, we’re just trying to help those who are experts in that thing, surround them with business acumen, get them to market sooner and get them on a faster track to hiring more people.” Entrepreneurs associated with the Moonshot program gain access to resources and professionals for support including marketing and business plan guidance as well as help with scaling their business. Scott says
Moonshot believes that no matter where you live, you should have access to the same entrepreneurial resources as those who live in major cities. Thus, Moonshot’s mission is to help bring products and services to market and to help cities in rural Arizona develop “entrepreneurial ecosystems” that create jobs. “When people hear that word ‘entrepreneur,’ they often think about big startup stories like Amazon, which started in Jeff Bezos’ garage,” said Scott. “But actually, being an entrepreneur can be starting a company that pays for your gas, that pays for your childcare, and if it creates jobs, fantastic. But it doesn’t have to be those big, big ideas. Essentially, we’re saying, ‘You should do this if you have the energy, the passion and you have a problem you are trying to solve. We want people to show up. That’s the first step: showing up and talking about it.” Local cash prize packages for the top three winners in each community are made possible through local area sponsors. Tour title sponsors are Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Arizona Commerce Authority, and APS. Statewide sponsors include Growth Partners of Arizona and SBDC. Regional sponsors are CIC
Moonshot President and CEO Scott Hathcock addressed pitch participants in 2022’s pitch tour stop in South Navajo County. Courtesy photo
Tucson, SRP, Emplifi, Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, PinDrop Travel Trailers, and AWD Law. FBN Moonshot is an entrepreneur development program that promotes the creation and sustainable growth of local business.
It offers multi-track programs to help businesses become ready for the market as well as entrepreneurship mentoring, a speaker series and community events. www.moonshotaz.com Online registration to participate for the Moonshot Rural Pitch Tour is available at: https://www.moonshotaz.com/moon-
shotpitchtour.html. To hear more from Scott and Kiersten Hathcock about Moonshot, the 2024 Moonshot Rural Pitch Tour and tips for entrepreneurs, watch Zonie Living at starworldwidenetworks.com.
CARDS continued from page 9
addresses, stamps and sends the card to anywhere in the world.” The business was founded by Kody Bateman in 2005. As Porter shares his story, Kody, his wife and their baby were moving from Salt Lake City to New York for his new career and their new life. “When they were leaving and saying good-bye to their family, Kody had what he calls ‘a prompting’ to hug his brother good-bye. He didn’t. He just waved. Three months later, his mom called him in the middle of the night. His brother had been killed in an electrical accident. Ever since then Kody decided two things: 1) He would honor his brother in some way, and 2) He would always act on his promptings and find a vehicle for other people to do that as well.” As a result, Kody created SendOutCards.
The company offers different packages, depending on the business size and need for this kind of support. The first level costs $30 a month. It includes 20 cards, which customers can customize with photos, graphics, text and color and the company sends them out – this includes postage. With stamps now at 68 cents and greeting cards at several dollars apiece, the math shows that $30 for 20 cards and stamps may make good business sense for some. A catalogue of cards is available from which to choose. There’s also a selection of gift options, including gourmet brownies, office tools and coffee mugs. “I’ve seen people leave a business meeting, choose a card, create a message, add a photo and send the card from their phone in less than a minute,” said Porter. “It really can be that fast and it’s done.” SendOutCards is a web-based greeting card and gifting company designed to help people act on their intentions. Courtesy photos
Porter says she will help those interested send a card for free, if they’d like to try the app. She also offers a 10card challenge for $20, which includes postage to anywhere in the world.
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF LINKEDIN
Porter also is a LinkedIn trainer. She says businesspeople don’t always put the platform to its best use. “Some people get their profile filled out, but they just let it sit and they say, ‘I never get any business from it.’
It’s just like anything else. You have to use it,” she said. “What I think is most neglected is the mailbox. It’s a big ground for networking. There are more than a billion people now on LinkedIn. If you’re not networking through your connectors’ connections, if you are not looking for introductions to people, which is a huge piece that’s overlooked, then you’re not using it wisely.” Porter teaches her clients to have a “magnetic” profile that is content rich. “You need to make it educational, a little bit entertaining and meaty to
show you as an authority in your field. It’s not so much about you in a resume format, but who you serve, how you serve them and what you bring to the table.” FBN Porter also has a podcast called “Relationships Rule.” As we should expect, Janice Porter & Associates can be found on LinkedIn. For more information, visit JanicePorter.com or www.sendoutcards. com/janiceporter. Hear more from Janice Porter on Zonie Living at StarWorldwideNetworks.com.
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CHIEF continued from page 1
Amtrak travelers on the Southwest Chief can watch the scenery go by from Chicago to Los Angeles in the observation car. Photos by Peter Corbett
that for 10 years. That’s where we are with Flagstaff to wherever. There is some potential for some passenger rail, but I don’t see that happening right away.” Currently, Amtrak’s Southwest Chief travels 2,256 miles between Chicago and Los Angeles in at least 31 hours, with Arizona stops in Winslow, Flagstaff and Kingman. The most likely route linking Northern Arizona to Phoenix would follow a former passenger rail connection at Ash Fork south to Prescott, Wickenburg and Phoenix. All Aboard Arizona, a non-profit group dedicated to improving Arizona passenger rail, is pushing hard for the Tucson-Phoenix route. It also backs extending passenger rail north to connect with the Southwest Chief, according to its President Todd Liebman. “The (Phoenix to Ash Fork) route does have potential,” he said, noting it’s still an active freight line. “It would require looking at that route and seeing if the existing alignment is
An Amtrak passenger on the eastbound Southwest Chief takes a break during a stop in Flagstaff.
interest in a passenger route linking Flagstaff to South Central Arizona. In a 2021 interview with Slate magazine, then Amtrak Chairman William Flynn mentioned the potential of new Amtrak routes. “Think about the corridors in Arizona between Phoenix and Tucson and Flagstaff,” Flynn said. The Tucson to Phoenix connection is the most immediate for additional passenger rail in Arizona. The train would include stops at Marana, Coolidge, Queen Creek, Tempe, Sky Harbor International Airport, downtown Phoenix, Goodyear and Buckeye. In December, the Federal Railroad Administration awarded a $500,000 grant to the Arizona Department of Transportation to develop a Phoenix to Tucson service plan. The state had already committed $3.5 million for planning Tucson-Phoenix rail service. Also in December, the federal government announced $8 billion in funding for high-speed rail and
new rail corridors. It’s part of the $66 billion for passenger rail Congress approved in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In Arizona, funding to explore additional routes linking Flagstaff to Phoenix would require ADOT support, according to Amtrak. New passenger routes in Arizona are only possible if the state is willing to subsidize service, according to Jon Talton, a former Arizona Republic business columnist who writes for The Seattle Times. Washington, Oregon and California all have more robust passenger rail than Arizona because those states are subsidizing routes, said Talton, a fourth generation Arizonan and historian. The cost of upgrading the tracks can run into hundreds of millions of dollars, he added. Flagstaff Councilman McCarthy, a longtime Amtrak rider, said there are far more government subsidies for airports and highways than for passenger rail.
projects can create a positive feedback behind Benefit Corporations is to loop, strengthening the bond between balance the pursuit of profits with a broader commitment to social and the business and its customer base. environmental responsibility. In essence, for Mountain Sports 7. SETTING A PRECEDENT FOR Flagstaff, becoming a B Corp is THE INDUSTRY not just a business decision, it’s a Mountain Sports Flagstaff has the commitment to the very core of what opportunity to be a trailblazer in makes Flagstaff special: the love for the outdoor recreation industry by outdoor adventure and the desire to embracing the Benefit Corporation model. As a leader in the community, protect the environment that makes those adventures possible. It’s worth the business can inspire other comnoting that the next time you see a B panies in the industry to follow suit, Corp logo, know that you’re choosing creating a ripple effect that amplifies the positive impact of businesses on a a business that’s not just about making money; they’re on a mission to larger scale. make the world a better place. It’s To become a Benefit Corporation, capitalism with a conscience, we must meet specific social and enwhere profits meet purpose, vironmental performance standards. and everyone gets a happy This commitment is then enshrined ending. in our governing documents, and Stay tuned for updates we are subject to assessment by from Mountain Sports Flagthird-party organizations. The idea
staff as we embark on the exciting journey toward becoming a B Corp. I am thrilled about this new challenge and the increased dedication to our employees, communities, customers and the planet. Here’s to the new year and embracing change and evolution as we celebrate 50 years in the specialty outdoor industry. Cheers! FBN
the way to go, which is obviously the most cost-effective.” A passenger-rail route following Interstate 17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff is unlikely. “I don’t think the geography is conducive to rail traffic,” said McCarthy, a retired aerospace engineer. “It’s just too steep.” Phoenix to Prescott passenger service was discontinued in 1962 when the Peavine route tracks were realigned north of Prescott at Chino Valley, veering southwest to Skull Valley. The northbound Hassayampa Flyer followed the realigned tracks past Prescott to Ash Fork and on to Williams Junction. Santa Fe Railroad discontinued that passenger route in 1969, said Marc Pearsall, Amtrak director of network development in the West. “We have not heard anything about rail service returning to Prescott,” said John Heiney, City of Prescott community outreach manager. Amtrak leaders have expressed
“I get a kick out of these people in Congress that want to get rid of Amtrak,” he said. “I see how much money the federal government pumps into our airport.” Meanwhile, Flagstaff is Amtrak’s busiest Arizona train station. Ridership topped 35,000 in Fiscal Year 2023, up 38% from the previous year. But that still trails the Southwest Chief ridership of 43,453 in 2019, before the pandemic. Nationally, Amtrak experienced a 24% jump in ridership in fiscal year 2023. Tucson ridership was 25,695, up 34%. Amtrak served 10,812 passengers in Kingman and 3,309 riders in Winslow. A casual observer might be unaware that two Amtrak passenger trains pass through Flagstaff every day. That’s because the eastbound Southwest Chief is scheduled to stop in Flagstaff at 4:31 a.m. and the westbound train is scheduled to stop in town at 8:51 p.m. FBN
MOUNTAIN SPORTS continued from page 18
businesses that adapt to change are more likely to thrive. By becoming a Benefit Corporation, Mountain Sports Flagstaff can future-proof itself by embedding sustainability practices into its DNA. This resilience can be a valuable asset in a world where consumers increasingly choose to support businesses that actively contribute to positive social and environmental outcomes.
6. COMMUNITY COLLABORATION AND SUPPORT Flagstaff’s community spirit is strong, and residents actively support businesses that share their values. By becoming a Benefit Corporation, Mountain Sports Flagstaff can foster deeper connections with the community. Collaborative efforts with local non-profits, environmental initiatives and community development
Lisa M. Lamberson is the owner of Mountain Sports Flagstaff, located at 24 N. San Francisco St., in the historic downtown. Mountain Sports Flagstaff celebrated its 50th anniversary this fall, and prides itself on being a mission driven business granting 1% of their sales to local environmental and conservation efforts. For more information, visit https://www.mountainsportsflagstaff.com.
// As a leader in the community, the business can inspire other companies in the industry to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that amplifies the positive impact of businesses on a larger scale. //
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BEER WEEK continued from page 3
bureau, in backing the week-long event, are to boost recognition and interaction with the Flagstaff Brewery Trail, reinforce former Governor Ducey’s praise of Flagstaff as “A Leading Craft Beer City,” and increase demand for the entire destination. “Arizona Beer Week is a time for tap rooms and breweries to get involved and host Beer Week activities,” said Grand Canyon Brewing Company Director of Events Liz Rosevear. “The cherry on top of all that is our Maibock.” The proceeds from the sale of the Flagstaff Maibock go to support The Arizona Trail Association, a 501(c)(3) corporation, she said. In past years, some breweries collaborated on one brew, but that caused complications for distributors. By having each brewery craft its own Maibock, beermakers can brew at their own pace, choose the quantity to brew and decide on the grains, hops and possible adjunct ingredients. Beyond that, patrons will enjoy the experience of sampling and contrasting the distinct stamp each brewer has put on their version of the Maibock. “Those taking part in the Flagstaff Brewery Trail can try the same beer, allowing them to sample the distinct attributes and style of each brewery,” said Praeter. “We’re all brewing at our own pace
and brewing small batches because we’ll be pouring the Maibock primarily at our breweries and local pubs,” said Rosevear. “Different brewers may use a little different hop or do a little tweak with an adjunct ingredient when they knock it out.” “Brewers collectively chose Maibock because it is an approachable, easy drinker that has something for everyone,” said Rosevear. “And the crowd-pleaser’s lower alcohol level helps you navigate the trail even further!” Arizona Beer Week kicks off with a pub crawl in historic downtown Flagstaff on Thursday, Feb. 15. Local breweries from Flagstaff will be present at various pubs to pour their beers and provide additional details about them. The crawl features several pubs, including Hops on Birch, Pay ‘N Take, Yucca North, Mountain Top Tap Room, Uptown Pub House and Cornish Pasty Co. Cornish Pastry plans to offer pub crawl food specials. On Friday, Feb. 16, the Pluto Pub Crawl celebrates Flagstaff and Lowell Observatory’s role in discovering Pluto. Starting at 6 p.m., participating restaurants and breweries will offer Pluto-themed drinks and specials. Lowell Observatory educators will give science talks and engage participants in trivia games along the route. Historic Brewing Company will co-host a happy hour with the Mu-
seum of Northern Arizona, 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 22, at the Eastside Taproom (4366 E Huntington Dr.) The event will include discounts on draft pours and free tours of the brewery. Retail proceeds will be donated to MNA. Saturday, Feb. 24, the annual Arizona Brewers and Veterans (ABV) dinner benefits veteran services in Arizona. Tickets to the nine-course craft beer dinner can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com/e/abv-dinner-tickets-90021738443.
DOZENS OF ARIZONA BEER WEEK EVENTS IN FLAGSTAFF
Other special events include whiskey and beer pairing at Brews and Cues, a special Beer Week menu at Flagstaff Brewery, a “Boots on the Ground” shoe drive at Dark Sky Brewing, and a collaborative chocolate and beer pairing with Lumberyard and Beaver Street Brewing companies. Arizona Beer Week events in Flagstaff can be found at www.flagstaffarizona.org/ events/festivals/arizona-beer-week. Although it is a bit after Arizona Beer Week, Beaver Street Brewery is celebrating its 30th anniversary on March 1 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Flagstaff. The “Beers & Cheers & 30 Years” event will feature a happy hour, raffle and additional activities from 6-7 p.m. Afterward, a series of films from the Flagstaff
Dark Sky Brewery pours draft beer. Courtesy photo
Mountain Film Fest will be screened. The night culminates with a live performance by the James Brown Band. Proceeds from this event will be donated to American Rivers. Find more Arizona Beer Week
details at Discover Flagstaff: www. flagstaffarizona.org/events/festivals/ arizona-beer-week. Lowell Observatory educators will give science talks and engage crawlers in trivia games along the route. FBN
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Photography V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography, Aspen ProMedia, Betsey Bruner, Sue Marceau Contributing Writers Betsey Bruner, Sue Marceau, Patty McCormac, Kevin Schindler, Bonnie Stevens, Veronica Tierney, Stacey Wittig Flagstaff Business News is a publication of Flagstaff Business News, LLC and is distributed free each month to residents of Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams and Winslow. Reproduction of any portion of the publication is strictly prohibited without expressed permission. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements submitted to the newspaper and is not responsible for the claims of its advertisers.
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Arizona’s luxury communities. They built or remodeled more than 50 homes in areas including Forest Highlands, Flagstaff Ranch, Pine Canyon and Sedona. They never had a website, never a Facebook account and never advertised. Those around them say they built an impressive portfolio on a foundation of loyalty, quality and friendship, while keeping overhead costs low and construction costs transparent. According to friends like Flagstaff Sports Hall of Fame inductee Doug Allan, “Every community needs a guy like Steve Holmes. If there are things that need to be done, he steps up to get them done.” Allan, who played for the NAU IceJacks and was drafted by the St. Louis Blues, coached the NAU team
and Flagstaff Youth Hockey. He says Holmes became involved in the Flagstaff Youth Hockey Association because his kids were in ice sports. He soon became president of the organization. He also started the NAU Hockey Club. “If we took kids to play in Colorado, California or North Dakota, he worked to get the flights arranged and paid for it,” said Allan. “He helped kids financially; he’d find them a place to stay or get them a job. The Flagstaff ice rink didn’t have locker rooms, so Keith Johanson and Steve Holmes split the project. Keith did the dirt work; Steve did the masonry work. If it weren’t for those two, I don’t know if that would have gotten done.” The NAU community has been
// According to friends like Flagstaff Sports Hall of Fame inductee Doug Allan, “Every community needs a guy like Steve Holmes. If there are things that need to be done, he steps up to get them done.” //
important to Holmes since the day he rode in on his motorcycle. “Steve Holmes is an honest, hard-working man. He is my true, true friend, almost like a brother. We’ve been friends for over 50 years,” said Tom Ramsey, of Tom Ramsey Construction, who played football at NAU with Holmes, then for the Kansas City Chiefs and one year in the World Football League. “I would have to tell you there’s not a better person in the world. I love him. He’s a great man.” Holmes, Ramsey, Zanzucchi and others founded the original “WayBackJacks” in 1996. This group was originally dedicated to the men who played football at NAU during the late ‘60s and early 70s. They are the “Jacks” who played in the outdoor Lumberjack Stadium on what is now called Max Spilsbury Field. Today, the “WayBackJacks” refers to NAU athletes, trainers and friends from NAU’s impressive past. “These friendships that formed ‘WayBack’ have only become more valued as time goes on,” said Holmes, who, along with his family, continues to attend tailgate parties and support the Lumberjacks every fall. Holmes also continues to step up and step in to tackle needs in organizations such as Christ’s Church of Flagstaff, Toys for Tots, Operation Christmas Child and Habitat for
Steve Holmes stands in front of the railroad tracks with his biggest fans: daughter-inlaw Kimberly Trotta-Holmes, grandchildren Okean and Isabella, son Kip and wife Teri. Photo courtesy of Bayley Jordan Photography
Humanity. The Holmes family also supports a number of veterans organizations in Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. “His friendship goes deep,” said Zanzucchi of Holmes. “He’s helped us a ton with Granny’s Closet, the Museum Club and apartments behind Safeway [on Cedar Avenue]. He’s caring, he’s compassionate, he will do anything for anybody. If there’s a friend in need, Steve Holmes is there. He’s a bruiser with a heart
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of gold.” A tough guy from a tougher time, Holmes, one of the original board members of the Flagstaff Sports Foundation, continues to have a giant impact. Humble and thankful, he speaks and acts from his heart, like an offensive tackle in the fourth quarter. “I’m most grateful for my family, my friends, my community, my church and my relationship with Jesus Christ,” he says. FBN
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Flagstaff Business News // FEBRUARY 2024
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