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Yavapai College to Offer Business Bachelor’s Degree D
By Ray Newton, QCBN
uring a Jan. 10 press conference, leaders at Yavapai College (YC) announced the intent to launch a new business degree program, the first baccalaureate degree in Arizona to be offered by a rural community college. Approval of the new degree process is in the final stages of review. If
all goes as planned, the new degree program will begin accepting student enrollment as of April for classes that will begin with the fall semester. YC President Lisa Rhine emphasized that the degree was created to meet the needs of people in the county and to offer a life-changing opportunity within reach. “It’s more than just a degree. It is accessibility to business owners who need flexible
training options and skills to increase sales and expand experiences.” “I believe this is a positive step forward,” said Yavapai County Superintendent of Schools Tim Carter. “Community colleges are uniquely placed in the higher education structure to meet real issues at local levels. Universities need to be more global and philosophical in their approach, while community colleges are work-
ing to meet identified educational needs with local partners.” Prescott Unified School District Superintendent Ron Howard agreed. “For years, Prescott teachers have wrangled with the conundrum that our kids have to leave town after high school. They often do not have the opportunity to live in their hometown for their own career and family. This degree is a huge step to help
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Prescott’s Carlisto Family Acquires Raskin’s Jewelers Third-generation family business retains same name under new ownership
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Three generations of the Carlisto family celebrate their new venture with Raskin’s Jewelers, a longtime family owned and operated Prescott business. Pictured here are James Jr., Ivy, Leonor, James Sr., Ashley and Lincoln. Courtesy photo
February 2023 | Issue 2 Volume 11
PRIOLA PRIMARY CARE AND CONCIERGE 1951 Commerce Center Circle Suite B, Prescott, AZ 928.778.0626 www.priolaprimarycare.com
By Clare Lei
im Carlisto and James Carlisto Jr., a father and son team, have acquired Raskin’s Jewelers, a third-generation family-owned, local jewelry company established in 1946. Jim Carlisto, Sr., a Prescott-area resident, looked at several business opportunities. In his search, he learned the Raskin’s Jewelers store was closing its doors. With a history in the jewelry business, Carlisto approached owners Greg and Renee Raskin to express interest in buying. After discovering many commonalities and a shared passion for the industry, an agreement transpired. Carlisto formerly worked as the general manager at Langert Netzband Fine Jewelers and has 15 years of experience in the industry. He was familiar with the Raskin’s name, as they were wholesale clients while working at Langert. Both Raskin and Langert families established their companies in 1946 and have done business in
Arizona for the last 76 years. The Carlisto family believes in keeping the integrity of the Raskin’s name and intends to showcase the same high level of service. “My son and I have built our success on the understanding that the transaction is secondary to the relationship. We are both excited to meet past, current and future clients of Raskin’s Jewelers,” said Carlisto, Sr. The new owners of Raskin’s Jewelers will make no major changes to the business operations. They will continue to focus on the services that Prescott residents have come to know. In addition to jewelry sales and repairs, they will resume the sales of awards, trophies and engravings. Raskin’s Jewelers will also continue to be buyers of precious metals and diamonds. “We understand the importance of integrity, longevity and tradition. Like Raskin’s, this new venture will be a third-generation business with my son, Lincoln, one day. Our family is honored to carry on the legacy and we are dedicated to being respected business owners in the community,” said James Carlisto, Jr. QCBN
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