INSIDE THE JANUARY 2025 ISSUE: Restored Retro RVs are Trending p. 3 Ski Season Opens Early p. 4 British Cook Demonstrates American Classics Made Easy p. 6
Serial CEO Shares ‘Lessons From the Climb’ p. 12 COMMUNITY PROFILE: Helen Ranney Enjoys a Life of Exploration p. 14 Special Health Section: Keeping Your Spirit Young p. 21
Moonshot Announces Expanded Rural Arizona Pitch Competition Tour with Bilingual Mentors M oonshot, a leading Arizona-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, is preparing for its 6th Annual Rural Arizona Pitch Competition Tour. The state-wide event will expand to 20 stops across rural Arizona, offering entre-
preneurs the chance to present their innovative ideas and compete for local prizes. For the first time, it will include bilingual resources and mentorship opportunities to better serve Arizona’s diverse communities. “The Pitch Tour is a tremendous
rally point for all these communities to focus early-stage companies and small businesses toward their next step and continue to grow,” said Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Vice President of Commercial Sales and Service Mike Groeger. “From my perspective, no one
does more to promote small business growth than Moonshot in rural Arizona. We couldn’t be more excited about our partnership with Moonshot and continuing to promote economic growth throughout the state.” The 2025 tour, which emulates the
Continued on page 34
Steve Bracety Leads the Prescott Valley Chamber into the New Year New chamber CEO wants to support small businesses, build leadership groups, enhance networking opportunities
Business executive Steve Bracety leads the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce into 2025 with enthusiasm and optimism. “I love the community and what the chamber does,” he said. Photo by Kay Lyons
January 2025 | Issue 1 Volume 13
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By Heidi Dahms Foster, QCBN
networking opportunities tailored to businesses of all sizes. “You can have a company of 100+ employees or a company of less than five employees, but they have the same wants, needs and expectations. What are the best practices they’ve learned that they can share? What mistakes have they made along the way that they’ve learned from? It’s really about being a full business resource.” Bracety also emphasizes the value of cultivating relationships. “It’s important to maintain the relationships the chamber has built with other organizations in the community, including the Town of Prescott Valley, service clubs and Yavapai College.”
teve Bracety is ready to lead the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce with a strong connection to members and as an important resource to small businesses. “I want to make sure we stay in touch with our membership and that we’re offering value,” Bracety said. With a career steeped in leadership and community engagement, the chamber’s new president and CEO plans to leverage his experience to strengthen local businesses and foster growth while maintaining community character. One key area he aims to address is human resources. He believes many small businesses in the area lack dedicated human resources A FAMILIAR FACE WITH PROVEN departments. “The biggest challenges they face LEADERSHIP are leading, hiring and training people.” Bracety brings a wealth of experience to his He envisions creating leadership groups and Continued on page 35