INSIDE THE MARCH 2022 ISSUE: FedEx Delivering Jobs p. 3 Remembering Watters’ Founder p. 6 Meet the Woman Behind the I-17 Taco Shop p. 8 Community Profile: Mary Mallory
Discusses Water, Broadband p. 12 BumbleBee Boutique sells Clothes for Less p. 13 Camp Verde Library Providing Free Zoom Rooms p. 14
AutoCamp Proposing Boutique Airstream Campground Near Williams Just drive in with your overnight bag
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By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN
f you love to spend your days and nights in the great outdoors, but don’t love to shake out the sleeping bags from your last wildland adventure and pack up the camper, the mountain bikes, the kayaks and all the other gear you’ll want to use, plus set up your campsite and
try to find all the poles for the kids’ tent, AutoCamp may have the more carefree and way more comfortable solution you are looking for. Imagine waking to the sounds of wildlife and watching the sun rise through a majestic forest as you sip your latte in the soft, fresh bathrobe somebody else supplied for you. This is the experience AutoCamp would like
to bring to Arizona residents and visitors. Currently, AutoCamp is proposing its high-quality, low-impact outdoor experience for the modern traveler on a 160-acre site known as Copper Ranch, just west and north of Williams. The proposal before the Coconino County Planning and Zoning Division requests a zone change from general to resort commercial for the property of tall pines, grassy
meadows and mountain views, about an hour’s drive from the Grand Canyon. “The AutoCamp experience is unique in that guests don’t need a car filled with gear or even previous camping trip know-how under their belt. We make enjoying the outdoors accessible to everyone,” said AutoCamp Senior Acquisitions Manager Bernie Corea. Continued on page 39
Cowgirls and Fairies Boutique Offers Whimsical, Western Experience Entrepreneur and musician April White opens her shop with a blend of rugged chic and fantasy By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
Cowgirls & Fairies owner April White says she has always been the kind of person who creates what she wishes already existed. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography
March 2022 | Issue 3 Volume 10
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iting that Williams is a “cute little town where everyone has your back,” musician and entrepreneur April White is about to open her newest highly curated business adventure, Cowgirls & Fairies. Located downtown, Cowgirls & Fairies is an eclectic women’s boutique that White refers to as whimsical and experiential, bringing big city shopping to a small town. “I will be offering a creative com-
bination of luxury and rugged feminine Boho chic, desert cowgirl dresses, Western designer accessories, hats, shoes and boots, belts, purses, jewelry, leather goods, inspirational framed art and soaps.” Designer juice-soda hybrids and difficult-to-get Leaves of Leisure tea will also be included in her inventory. Inspired by Draw Tool singer and lyricist Maynard James Keenan, the immersive store will embody White’s ethereal pop music project, “Violet and the Sun.” “My music will play
throughout the store, adding an other-worldly backdrop to my boutique,” she said. “Keenan opened a store called Puscifer in Jerome. His gift shop and barber shop reflects Keenan’s musical style. With Cowboys & Fairies, I saw an opportunity to create a store that would embody my musical sensibilities in a similar way.” The Cowgirls & Fairies store will feature a MoMA PS1-esque art installation on the roof of her store. “It’s called ‘Beyond the View’ and evokes images of a magical celestial cloud during sunset.” “I’m super excited about Cowgirls & Fairies,” said Continued on page 39
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Let your healing begin. Has a painful, chronic wound disrupted your life? Chronic wounds need expert care to heal. Advanced Wound Care at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center has wound, vascular, infectious disease and other experienced specialists working together for your healing. Their goal? To create an individualized plan that leads to your long-term healing. Because, your time to heal is now. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/YRMC or call (928) 771-4788.
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Construction is underway for the FedEx facility near the airport. FCL Builders is the major contractor. Shown here on site are FCL Project Superintendent Donald Schroat, Prescott Mayor Phil Goode, FCL Assistant Project Manager Cindi Owens and FCL Senior Project Manager Jon Diller. Photo by Stan Bindell
FedEx Distribution Facility Bringing Jobs, Attention to Quad Cities By Stan Bindell, QCBN
first and anchor tenant of this property. “We are pleased to have this opportunity to bring quality career jobs to the area,” he said. edEx Ground Distribution Facility is Initial permits have been issued and conconstructing the largest commercial struction is underway. FCL Builders is overseebuilding in Prescott’s history that will bring more high paying jobs to the community ing the construction. FedEx officials say they will start with at least and make it easier for residents to send and 80 well-paid hourly jobs with good benefits receive packages. when it opens. As business expands, FedEx The 220,000-square-foot building is being built on the south side of the airport on Melville plans to have three shifts. “We will see a lot of additional activity,” Road off of State Highway 89A. The location, near Prescott Regional Airport, Mayor Goode said. “One of the things we hope to bring in is more high tech businesses. is considered ideal, with packages being flown This will make the area more valuable to other in and out. Prescott Regional Airport is the 17th busiest airport in America and city officials businesses.” Mayor Goode said the community will benesay this will bring more air freight flights. fit from the FedEx Ground Distribution Facility Mayor Phil Goode said FedEx’s decision to through sales taxes on internet orders and from come to Prescott is a substantial validation of business orders. The amount of property tax the quality commercial development around coming into the city is less than 2% of its budthe airport - and he expects it will bring even get, so not much money will come into the city more quality commercial development to this from the FedEx property tax, he said. However, area by the airport. The FedEx facility is expected to open during he expects most of the funds benefiting the city from the distribution center will come from the the last quarter of this year, with construction transaction privilege tax, as more workers will slated to be completed by Oct. 21 be using area restaurants and other services in Mayor Goode credits Prescott’s substantial Prescott. economic development team with touting Mayor Goode said the FedEx Ground the area and helping FedEx Ground DistriDistribution Facility is important because it bution know about the benefits of coming to Prescott. “As we continue to grow, we’ll be able shows major businesses that FedEx looked at to generate more passenger capability,” he said. the Prescott Airport area and found it attractive The land for the facility totals about 30 acres. for distribution operations in Arizona. “Major businesses are locating here,” he said. “This is a Commercial developer Kiernan West LLC, acquired the property from the City of Prescott terrific addition to the economy.” Mayor Goode said the impact of traffic from following a public bid process, and will develop FedEx will be minimal compared to the volume the facility on behalf of FedEx Ground. of traffic already on 89 and Pioneer Parkway. In 2021, the City of Prescott acquired a total He said water use will be minimal. “This is a of 115 acres of land, off Melville Road, as part great opportunity for Prescott and its citizens,” of the development agreement with Arizona he said. “The new facility will provide quality Eco Development, which was approved earlier jobs and will make Prescott a shipping and this year. logistics hub for the region.” QCBN Prescott City Manager Michael Lamar said in a news release that FedEx Ground will be the
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Bold signage announces the entrance for the new Total Wine and More store in Prescott
Photos by Ray Newton
Total Wine and More Opens in Prescott
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By Ray Newton, QCBN
ne of the nation’s largest wine, spirit and beer merchandisers, Total Wine and More, celebrated its newest store in the country with a grand opening Dec. 9, 2021. Boasting having the broadest selection of brands of alcoholic beverages in Prescott, the marketing campaign said Total Wine has “8,167 wines, 4,874 spirits and 2,693 beers on its shelves.” The store is located near the heart of Frontier Village Center, 1841 Highway 69, Suite 118, on the eastern edge of the city. The Prescott location is the newest in the chain of more than 225 located in 23 states across the country. Currently, 12 stores are in Arizona, the majority being in the greater Phoenix area, with two in Tucson. The Prescott store is the furthest north. Total Wine was founded by brothers David and Robert Trone in 1991 in Delaware. Shawn McKean, corporate media manager, said the Trone brothers were thrilled to bring their vision of extraordinary selection, prices and customer service to the Prescott community.
It was noted by marketing personnel that the Prescott store is celebrating its opening by becoming a partner with Yavapai County Food Bank as a part of its commitment to help local charities through both in-kind and charitable contributions. A percentage of the grand opening sales was given to the local organization. Store Manager Kathleen Feeser, an experienced professional in the beverage industry, said she is thankful for the warm welcome in Prescott. Assistant Manager Daryl Borcher also is recognized as an authority in wine and will be pleased to point customers toward new experiences in viticulture and enology. Wine Manager Brian Cogley has 25 years of experience in the industry and wants to share his expertise with those exploring the huge store. Products in the store are divided by genre and by country of origin. The store offers both wine tasting and spirit tasting classes. Times and dates for such activities are announced on the website. QCBN For more information, visit TotalWine.com.
Colorful imagery above entry doors welcomes customers to the brightly lighted interior.
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Help Our Kids
Double Your Good
Health First will match every dollar given to raise $100,000 for the Wildcat Extended Day Program at West Sedona School.
Give Today! Place your camera phone over the QR code.
The extended day program is a critical community need and serves many students from low-income families. Your gift of any amount supports the health and well-being of children and families.
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Join ushow intoday putting health first. Learn more at healthfirstforall.org. Learn Give youat can healthfirstforall.org/donate help at healthfirstforall.org
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Watters Garden Center Founder Loved Making His Community Beautiful
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n Tuesday, Feb. 15, the Quad Cities lost Harold Leroy Watters at age 84, the man who founded Watters Garden Center and added life and beauty to the area. Harold was born in Wellington, Ohio, to doting parents Richard and Edna Watters, on March 17, 1937. Reportedy, his mother often said, “Harold has ‘ants in his pants,’ describing the amount of energy he had and always being in motion. He grew up playing the saxophone, hunting and fishing and playing ball. He did landscaping for the neighbors so he could buy his first car. He took his girlfriend, Lorna England, to the Wellington High School Prom. The two married a year after they graduated. The high school sweethearts celebrated 65 years of marriage together. Arizona had been a state just 46 years when Harold and Lorna packed up the station wagon and moved here. Yavapai County was filled with open rangeland and cattle then, and only 12,000 residents lived in Prescott. After 60 years of community service, Harold Leroy Watters was considered a Prescottonian through and through.
Harold Watters was a Prescottonian for 40 years. Courtesy photo
The family says there would have been no Watters Garden Center without their founding father Harold Watters. In 1962, he expanded his
landscaping company to include a plant nursery. The business was born near the old bowling alley on Plaza Drive in Prescott. The garden
center grew as Harold’s family grew, including a pet store and flower shop. Lorna and the couple’s four daughters all pitched in to help. Harold’s love of
plants and beautifying his community was integral in all aspects of his life, including family vacations spent touring Continued on page 38
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Business Woman QCBN
of the Month
Gabriela’s Taco Shop Serves Travelers, Locals Authentic Mexican Food Gabriela Goodman began her business selling burritos door-todoor By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
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ith culinary generational ties originating from her hometown of Chihuahua, Mexico, Gabriela’s Taco Shop owner Gabriela Goodman learned early in life that hard work is the key to success. As a single mother of six, Gabriela’s business began with selling burritos door-to-door in her Camp Verde neighborhood on Hollamon Street. “As sales grew, we then opened a tiny restaurant in our home and my mom, my sister, some friends and all six of my children helped with the business,” said Goldman, who works 12 to 14 hours a day. As the oldest of 10 siblings, Goodman’s traditional family recipes were inspired by her mother and her grandmother, whom she calls “Nana.” Keeping with her native fare, Goodman has also taken steps to include a health-conscious menu for special diets. “I offer gluten free, vegetarian, Keto and vegan entrees,” she said. “My beans and rice are vegetarian with no fat or flour.” As her business grew, Goldman moved her restaurant to downtown Camp Verde at the Montezuma Inn. “We then relocated to the Bashas’ shopping center and then to the I-17 and Highway 260 Interchange. We were at one location here for 10 years before shifting over to where we are now.” Located among gas stations and franchised fast food restaurants, Gabriela’s Taco Shop was the only individually owned business at the interchange until recently. “We really like where we are now,” said Goodman. “We have good visibility and the drive-thru is really nice. Customers like the convenience.” The small business owner says it’s important to have faith in what you do and have a plan. “I have a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly and five-year plan.”
Top: Gabriela Goodman’s traditional family recipes were inspired by her mother and her grandmother. Left: Gabriela’s Taco Shop and Authentic Mexican Food is located at the interchange of I-17 and Highway 260. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography
Camp Verde resident Cindy Anthony has known Goodman since 1992 and has followed her through all her locations. “I think she has some of the best Mexican food in Camp Verde. I especially love her salsa. She uses fresh tomatillo, cilantro, cumin – so flavorful. My kids sometimes like to go to another Mexican food restaurant in another town and I will ask them to stop by Gabriela’s to get some of her salsa to take with us.” Cheryl Sourdif has worked as a
server for Gabriela’s Taco Shop for six months. “This is the first time I’ve worked in a Mexican food restaurant and learning about food from someone who actually cooks their ancestors’ recipes has been really fun and customers really enjoy it.” Goodman’s daughter, Daphne, 17, has helped in the restaurant since she was 9. “Working here has taught me a lot and has given me ambition to go out and make a better life for myself. I’ve developed good communication
skills and this job has helped me to overcome my shyness,” she said. “I’m very proud of my mom. She’s worked so hard and has never depended on anyone or any entity. When times would get tough, she found ways to make it through.” Finding time away from the business is challenging for Goodman, but she does take Sundays off for church and to visit her children in Phoenix. She also has written several short stories for her eight grandchildren.
Gabriela’s Taco Shop and Authentic Mexican Food is located at 1580 State Route 260 at the Hwy I-17 and 260 interchange. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. For more information, call 928-567-2120 or visit gabrielasmexicanfood.com. QCBN
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Mother Road Archive Ale Benefiting NAU Special Collections
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By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN
ike many great stories, this one began over beer. As Mother Road Brewing Company Storyteller Billy Miller tells it, brewery founder Michael Marquess was having a beer with Northern Arizona University Cline Library Special Collections Archivist Sean Evans. Afterward, Evans invited Marquess to visit the library to see the Fred Harvey Collection associated with Route 66. “Michael took an interest because that’s what Michael does. He’s dedicated to history.” So, what started as a playful conversation about all the connections to Route 66, Marquess, an NAU alum, learned that NAU received a grant to survey diverse Route 66 populations. “That means everyone – all the varied, distinct and distinguished who live along the Mother Road,” said Marquess. The grant would afford Special Collections the ability to hire two paid interns to examine the collection, document oral histories and archive the many boxes associated with America’s Mother Road. “The
Fred Harvey Collection is more than 100 boxes alone!” said Evans. “This was an opportunity to celebrate their archiving,” said Marquess. “And the flavor - it’s winter. A good, dark beer seems to match.” Thus was born Archive Ale, a Russian Imperial Stout, smooth with notes of coffee, chocolate, tobacco and dark fruit, and strong at 9.1% ABV, or alcohol by volume (most beers are 5% to 7%). “It’s a take-no-prisoners kind of beer – you better not be planning on doing anything after drinking it,” said Evans. “And it’s marvelous.” Also marvelous, according to Evans, is the label. “Michael called us [in the past] to see if the brewery could use an image for a beer label. We thought, ‘Why not?’ We had no way to figure out how to charge someone to put a historic image on a beer label.” After sorting through a great number of old photographs, the Archive Ale label was created with an iconic image by documentary photographer Bob Fronske circa 1955, as the kind of classic postcard photo popped in the mail with a two-cent stamp.
Serving Mother Road Brewing Co.’s Archive Ale is like serving a slice of Flagstaff with a Russian Imperial Stout. Courtesy photo
“Telling the story of Route 66 on a beer can label emphasizes the importance of the effort to survey and find out more about the many different
people of Route 66,” says Miller, the storyteller. “It’s a non-traditional way to bring attention and support to Special Archives and it allows us to
tell more stories.” “That image tells you so much about downtown — all of the signage Continued on page 39
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Backcountry Winter Fun
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ith late December’s substantial snowfall and February’s 2022 Winter Olympics showcasing winter fun, the Northland’s snow sports are in the spotlight. KPNX Phoenix reporter Jen Wahl strapped on some cross-country skis and took off across Arizona Nordic Village trails like Basalt, Babbitt and Black Bear, with Nordic Village Lead Annie Jehle offering tips. Also enjoying the snow cover and sunshine on this January afternoon were researcher Angela Navarrete and her 9-year-old son, James Miller. Meanwhile, hiking pals enjoyed some laughs while practicing their snowball throwing skills at the backcountry ski area, 15 miles north of Flagstaff. Wahl’s news feature aired during the Winter Olympics on the NBC affiliate, Channel 12. For backcountry winter fun, check conditions before heading out. Visit arizonanordicvillage.com or call 928220-0550. QCBN Photos by Bonnie Stevens
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Customers who enter Colt Grill in downtown Prescott have the opportunity to see a display wall where Kayla Jean Mueller is memorialized for her human rights activism before her death caused by ISIS terrorists in Syria in February 2015. Photo by Ray Newton
Colt Grill Wall Honors Kayla Mueller
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By Ray Newton, QCBN
tribute to Prescott human rights activist and hometown hero Kayla Jean Mueller is visible to those entering the recently opened Colt Grill at the intersection of Montezuma and Goodwin Streets. A 4-foot by 6-foot frame contains testimonials to the Prescott native who was captured and ultimately killed by ISIS terrorists in February 2015 in Syria. Among photographs and letters in the exhibit are a copy of “Remembering Kayla Jean Mueller” from the 314th Congressional Record
signed by the late Sen. John McCain; a personal letter from McCain; a personal letter from U.S. Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and quotes from Kayla. Grill owner Brenda Marie said when she watched the State of the Union address and heard the Mueller family talk about what they had endured, she connected with her as a mother. “Fast forward to my opening a restaurant in Prescott. I met the Muellers. They were gracious about my idea of a wall dedicated to Kayla. I pray my small tribute will contribute to her honorable cause.” QCBN
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// COMMUNITY PROFILE // BY V. RONNIE TIERNEY, QCBN
County Board of Supervisors Chair Prioritizes Service to Constituents
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By Ray Newton, QCBN
ongtime public servant Mary Mallory, currently chair of the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors (BOS), credits her childhood experience for inspiring her to focus on serving others in whatever way she could. Mallory did not have a typical childhood. Her father was in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a Philippine Theater war prisoner at the notorious Bataan Death Camp March when the war ended in 1945. He was released and returned to California. He never regained his health and was older than most dads when Mary was born in 1959 in Long Beach, California. At age 11, Mary had to take care of her mother, who had major health issues. “They told me at school that I might be able to get some help from our Congressman. I didn’t know any better, so I caught public transport to his local office, went in and asked
to see him. He graciously let me in, heard about our plight,” she said. “He initiated help through the Veteran’s Administration for assistance to me and my mom.” Mallory says the positive impact of that one childhood experience – being helped by an elected official – remains with her no matter what jobs or volunteer organizations she commits to. In an exclusive interview with Quad Cities Business News in late January, Mallory shared her longheld beliefs about what she thought the role of an elected official should be. She also shared her vision for the county’s and its community’s near future. “It’s my heartfelt belief that if people in your community elect you to a position, it is your absolute responsibly to represent them honestly, fairly and sincerely. I think one of the highest honors a person can have is to be an elected representative. Voters put their trust in you. You should
Mary Mallory says being helped by an elected official when she was a child left a lifelong impression. Courtesy photo (left) Photo by Ray Newton (right)
not defile it,” she said. “Any time you have any position of senior leadership, you should feel obligated to do all within your authority to be honest and transparent in working for what will benefit the greater good.”
Mallory says she felt that way when she was earning her business administration degree at Long Beach City College. “I continued feeling that way when I was a store manager for major supermarkets before I ever
considered serving in public office. I certainly believed that when I was named to the Prescott Valley Town Council in March of 2011.” Mallory served in a PV council Continued on page 38
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Making Clothing Affordable at BumbleBee Boutique By Stan Bindell, QCBN
from petite to plus for women and she has a section for men, too. To keep prices low, Flickinger buys Paulden single mother of three knows the struggle of clothing liquidation pallets, which contain a family with a limited income. mostly new items from JC Penney, So, Charlene Flickinger decided to do Kmart, Walmart, Gap and other retailers. She decided to get into the something about it. small clothing business after finding On Jan. 22, Flickinger opened an 19 boxes of clothing for sale online affordable clothing store. Her vision for $900. for BumbleBee Boutique became Before her husband died, Flicka reality about four months after inger found it challenging to be her 44-year-old husband died from able to address her children’s needs complications with COVID-19. She during a work day. By owning her used the life insurance funds she received to start the business with the own business, her work life offers more flexibility. “I felt the need to encouragement and support of her daughters: McKenna, 14, MaCee, 13, be in charge of myself and my own schedule.” and Madilyne 10. Her advice to other single moms Flickinger said BumbleBee who are considering going into busiBoutique joined the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce with the hope ness is that life is too short. “If you want to start your own business, then that word will spread and customdon’t hesitate.” ers are slowly discovering her store, Flickinger decided to open a located on Highway 89 next to Bob’s physical store, rather than an online Car Repair. At BumbleBee, clothing is marked store, because she considers it to be more personable.“Customers should at less than half the regular retail be able to come in, touch and try on price. A cashmere sweater that ordinarily would sell for $199 is going something before they buy it. It’s a headache to take something back,” for $25. A dress shirt that might cost she said. $130 is being sold for $10. Wedding In addition to helping stretch dresses are priced at $100 or less. other families’ budgets, BumbleBee Clothing for children also is comBoutique is helping Flickinger cope petitively priced. Her size range goes
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BumbleBee Boutique owner Charlene Fickinger and her daughters help families find clothes below regular retail prices. Fickinger and McKenna, 14, organize and hang clothes in the Chino Valley shop. Photo by Stan Bindell
with her husband’s death. “It gives me a reason to get up in the morning and keep going,” she said. “It’s nice meeting new people and people have been positive.” Her daughters, she says, have been
a huge help, pitching in to paint, organize the store and hang clothes. “The 10-year-old took out the trash,” she said. “I could not have continued without them.” BumbleBee Boutique is open from
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information, call 928227-1843 or email flickingercd@ gmail.com. QCBN
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Come and experience the benefits of socialization and extraordinary care. • Sense of purpose and belonging • Decreased isolation and depression • Improved cognitive health
Camp Verde Library Director Kathy D. Hellman, Adult Services Library Specialist Carson Ralston, and Reference and PC Help Desk Library Specialist Wendy Cook-Roberts enjoy the ease and quality of Zoom Rooms technology. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography
Free Zoom Rooms Available at Camp Verde Library
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The Margaret T. Morris Center
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By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
he popularity of Zoom Rooms is taking off and Camp Verde Community Library is proud to be on board with this software-based meeting room system that provides an integrated experience for video conferencing, free to the public. Zoom Rooms is a software-based room system for conferencing. Community Library Director Kathy Hellman, MLIS, began installing the system last October and finished in December. “Zoom Rooms is a step up from a regular Zoom meeting. Before, when we would Zoom via computer, we would have to pass the computer around for whomever was speaking so we could see them,” she said. “Zoom Rooms capture the whole room and you can hear everyone in the room clearly from the speaker bar. Nobody is left out of the meeting and the camera even follows the speaker so if a teacher is teaching a class, it keeps Zooming over the room.” Zoom Rooms interested the staff at Camp Verde Community Library because of the many virtual meetings taking place in recent years. “It was chaotic before and this is a more professional approach with better quality,” said Hellman. “Zoom Rooms allow us to control the outcome and participation and enable people to interact.” Reference and PC Help Desk Library Specialist Wendy Cook-Roberts says the softwar has many features and is sensitive to movement and sound. “If you want it separated out like a normal Zoom session, it will capture everyone in the room and put them in separate windows,” she said. To use Zoom Rooms at Camp Verde Community Library, guests need to schedule a time. “Along with our free service, we have support here at the library,” said Hellman. “Some of our grants that we received the last couple years have required us to teach classes. This has given us the ability to reach those people who live out of the area or just want to watch from home.”
“We held a Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) meeting earlier this year,” said OLLI Facilitator and Leadership Council member Sheri Hauser. “We did parameter testing and had participants go to the back of the room with masks on and we heard them perfectly. The screen is large and has touchscreen capabilities plus you can annotate and reverse annotate and the screen turns colors. We also showed a video and tested delay and there was no significant time delay. It is awesome.” “The other benefit to this specific Zoom Room is that it is directly connected to the Zoom Room account at the library, so there is no limitation on time and you can meet with up to 100 people. That’s a really good thing, and I’m already planning a large symposium,” said Hauser. “We have a subscription to Zoom Rooms that is part of our package, so people can host these large meetings,” said Hellman. Community Library Adult Services Specialist Carson Ralston says the technology makes Zoom meetings easier. “You can hear everybody in the room much clearer than if they were connecting via a laptop or something like that.” Hellman also highlighted the professional result. “If someone is doing a Zoom program that they want to share later, the recordings are much better than if you used a regular Zoom meeting.” Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for Arizona Libraries, this project is supported by Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records with federal ARPA funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Zoom is headquartered in San Jose, California and was launched in 2013. When COVID-19 quarantine measures were adopted in early 2020, the company saw a significant global increase. Zoom Rooms is now officially supported on Windows and Android devices, as well as macOS and iPad products. QCBN
MARCH 2022 // Quad Cities Business News
@quadcitiesbusinessnews
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// BUSINESS CENTS // BY BONNIE STEVENS
Are You Slipping Back into Caveman Brain?
W
hen Governor Doug Ducey addressed more than 500 businesspeople in Northern Arizona last month, the audience heard him talk about progress being made in expanding broadband connectivity along I-40 from Flagstaff to the California border. That’s good news, right? “This critical infrastructure will give more homes fast internet, improve public safety, increase access to education and help more Arizonans get the care they need through telemedicine,” stated the governor. But, we seem to have forgotten how to function in a professional setting.
The governor paused at times in his address, and normally (before the pandemic), that would have cued the crowd to clap. Unfortunately, there was an awkward delayed response, as the audience worked to recall how to react. Pre-COVID, pleasing news might evoke an explosion of applause or even a standing ovation. But now, we seem to clumsily struggle to scoot out our chairs with napkins and silverware dropping to the floor as we move to an upright position in a show of honor and respect. That’s because we have caveman brain.
// “Fear is something that stops us all,” she says, “but it doesn’t have to. Fear is a physical state in your body that is exactly the same as excitement. Your heart races, you might sweat a little bit, you might feel tightening in your chest, you might feel a pit in your stomach, you have a surge of cortisol. //
PATRIOT
Here’s another example. I’ve heard successful businesspeople talk about how they’ve forgotten how to speak in a professional setting. A lot of families and pets are not impressed by an advanced vocabulary, and since that’s who we’ve mostly been speaking with or grunting at during the last two years, our communication skills may have suffered. Being back together with groups of people is causing many of us to trip over our stress hormones and collectively tumble into caveman brain, like the herd of beasts our ancestors may have chased off a cliff. Think of our primitive brain stem throwing our intelligent cortex over its shoulder like a dead prehistoric animal and taking charge, telling our bodies to fight, freeze or flee when faced with a perceived threat. None of that works in a professional setting. So all that progress we’ve made overcoming common human fears - like speaking in public, flying on a plane or just showing up in person - has taken a hit. Motivational speaker Mel Robbins says we have to trick our brains when fear creeps in. Before she gives a presentation in front of thousands
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of modern people, in modern clothes, using modern language, she moves her brain from fear to excitement. “Fear is something that stops us all,” she says, “but it doesn’t have to. Fear is a physical state in your body that is exactly the same as excitement. Your heart races, you might sweat a little bit, you might feel tightening in your chest, you might feel a pit in your stomach, you have a surge of cortisol. It’s basically the way that your body goes into a hyper-aware state because it’s readying for action.” So, how do we go from fumbling around with dread and move to smooth, positive anticipation? Mel would want us to change this experience for the simple part of our brains. I get this, Mel. On a recent flight, I pulled an old trick out of my caveman brain toolkit. On bumpy flights, I used to position the little air fan above my seat directly at my face and create the sensation of wind on a roller coaster. “I like roller coasters,” says my caveman brain, now that we have the wheel and some simple machines. “Therefore, I’m having a good time and not
thinking about falling out of the sky in this big heavy metal tube that I’m buckled into.” She also says we should grab an “anchor thought” to reframe our minds from agitation to excitement. “An anchor thought is something that will anchor you, so that you don’t escalate any situation into a full-blown panic attack or into a situation where you screw things up.” Mel wants us to make that anchor thought relevant to that scary thing. So, instead of focusing on the turbulence, for example, she wants us to focus on the people we love and the fun things that the flight is taking us to. Like Mel, I like to nudge my caveman brain past the woolly mammoth event, as if the encounter already happened and I’m on to thinking about something that’s fun for my caveman, not scary, like a primitive roller coaster. QCBN Bonnie Stevens is a public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie.stevens@ gmail.com.
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Quad Cities Business News // MARCH 2022
quadcitiesbusinessnews.com
The Warehouse Event Center Opens in Prescott Valley
A
fter much renovation and anticipation, Lucy Leyva, owner of Prescott Maid to Order and MTO Janitorial, has opened The Warehouse Event Center in Prescott Valley. Friends, family members, employees, business owners, media representatives and dignitaries attended the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Feb. 18. Leyva says The Warehouse Event Center, at 5880 Prairie Lane, will serve the community as a gathering place for private events, parties and weddings as well as public events, networking and business meetings, and community-based classes. “This location in the north end of Prescott Valley is perfect because of its new development and industrial feel,” she said. “It fills a need for a venue in the Prescott Valley area.” Leyva looks forward to the center being a place where families and members of the business community can gather in the wide-open space with its large four-screen jumbo TV, covered patio, glass-paned roll-up doors, warming food prep area, industrial design, crystal chandelier lighting and ample parking. Inspired by her desire to help people in the community, Leyva has served her clients since 2005 with her two cleaning companies. The Warehouse Event Center, along with both cleaning companies, are locally owned and operated family businesses. For more information, visit thewarehouseeventcenter.com or call Leyva at 928-499-7471. QCBN
Left: Community members helped mark the opening of The Warehouse Event Center. Above: Owner Lucy Leyva (2nd from right) with support team Jann Watts, April Chavez and PJ Johnston, says she is looking forward to sharing the new gathering place. Photos by Kay Lyons.
WORKING TOGETHER TO SOLVE PRESSING COMMUNITY ISSUES Hosted by the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board Watch for future Arizona Town Halls Plan to participate in upcoming events to address the workforce challenges As always reach out to NACOG for your business needs
For more information, please call NACOG at: 928-778-1422 Or visit: www.yavapaiatwork.com
Provider of WIOA Youth, Adult, Dislocated Worker Services | EO employer/program
MARCH 2022 // Quad Cities Business News
@quadcitiesbusinessnews
Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery Launches New Era
T
By Bridget O’Gara
he Quad Cities’ first robotic-arm assisted surgery took place at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) in Prescott on Jan. 26. The successful operation – a knee replacement – was performed by Jason Weisstein, M.D., MPH, FACS, an orthopedic surgeon at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Group (YRMG). “As the Quad Cities’ first robotic-arm assisted surgery, this is a medical milestone,” said YRMC Chief Medical Officer Anthony Torres, M.D., FACP. “Going forward, we’re confident YRMC’s robotic-arm assisted surgery program will positively affect people from throughout Northern Arizona who need a partial or total knee replacement.” According to Dr. Torres, Dr. Weisstein has vast experience performing total and partial knee replacements using robotic-arm assisted technology. His background, combined with YRMC’s recently acquired Stryker Mako Robotic-Arm, are the key components of a state-of-the-art robotic surgery program. Robotic-arm assisted surgery allows specially trained orthopedic surgeons like Dr. Weisstein to create a 3-D virtual model of the patient’s unique knee anatomy. During the procedure, the robotic arm guides the surgeon to the predefined area to prepare the bone for the implant. This results in a precise and better-aligned knee replacement.
A GAME-CHANGER FOR PATIENTS
What does the availability of robotic-arm assisted surgery mean for patients who need a partial or total knee replacement? “It’s a game-changer in every aspect for knee replacement patients,” Weisstein said. “The accuracy and precision afforded by the use of the robot is unparalleled, leading to better component position and improved patient satisfaction. It’s a major step forward for orthopedic care in Yavapai County.” Robotic-arm assisted knee replacement has many other benefits,
Get in at the foot of the wave for RV and luxury boat storage. The surge of RV sales has led to unprecedented demand for luxury storage. ROI is strong with building costs at one-third of mini-storage facilities. Yavapai Regional Medical Group Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Jason Weisstein specializes in roboticarm assisted surgery and joint replacement. Courtesy photo
including: N Less soft tissue dissection N Ability to preserve healthy bone and soft tissue N Less post-operative pain N Faster functional recovery and shorter hospitalization For more information, or to schedule an appointment at YRMG, Orthopedic Surgery, speak to your primary care provider or contact the clinic at 928-708-4545. YRMG, Orthopedic Surgery is located at: Outpatient Services Building West on the YRMC West Campus 1001 Willow Creek Road, Suite 1300; Del E. Webb Outpatient Center 3262 North Windsong Drive, Suite B QCBN Bridget O’Gara is a writer, communications strategist and project manager who specializes in healthcare. She works with mission-driven healthcare organizations, including hospitals, other healthcare providers and advocacy organizations.
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Quad Cities Business News // MARCH 2022
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Stopping HIV
H
By Hedda Fay
appy March everyone! Did you know that Northland Cares is celebrating 20 years of serving the residents of Yavapai County this July? It’s true. And we have experienced a lot of changes in these past two decades! We have two clinics and one outreach office. We have a clinic in Cottonwood, where our clients and patients can be seen by one of our providers, their medical case manager and a therapist if that is part of their treatment plan. Northland Cares also has a clinic in Prescott where our clients and patients can see their provider, medical case manager and an in-house therapist if that is a part of their treatment plan. Our offices are a one-stop shop for HIV+ clients and our PEP and PrEP clients. Did you know we have the medical technology to stop HIV worldwide right now? We do! The advancements in HIV treatment and prevention have come a long way. Let’s take a look. HIV Treatment: We have single pill regimens with few side effects, such as an upset stomach, and now have monthly injectables so patients do not have to remember to take a daily pill. This is outstanding news. The new medications work fast to fight the virus
in your system. Today, nobody in Arizona and specifically Yavapai County need develop AIDS. It is true. Even if we find someone who technically has AIDS, it is easily reversed with the medications we have today. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a side-effect of untreated HIV, is technically when a person’s CD4 (T-cell) count falls below 200. We have seen them much lower when finding people living with the virus who did not know they had it. Once medications are introduced into the patient’s system, we will see the viral load go down and the CD4 go back up to a nice robust healthy number within a month. That’s fantastic! PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis): is an excellent prevention tool for anyone who has unprotected sex, shares injection equipment (including steroids) or has multiple partners without using protection. Think of it like putting your seatbelt on. It’s not every day you drive that you will be in an accident, but the potential is there. It’s the same with unprotected sex or sharing equipment. By taking this pill daily, it will prevent you from getting HIV. It won’t protect you from any other STI or pregnancy. If you get a different STI as our patient, we can treat you in-house. PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis): is an excellent prevention tool we make
available to the public on weekends and holidays. With PEP, we only have a short window of time for which to get you these medications – 72 hours or three days to get the medication into your system. It is more effective if administered closer to the time of exposure. Not all local pharmacies keep these medications in stock because they can be cost prohibitive - $2,000 to $3,000 for one month. Fear not, we keep these medications in stock and have PrEP Navigators available to assist getting you the rest of the medications while staying in the 72-hour window. Who would need PEP? Anyone who has a condom break, is a victim of sexual assault from someone of an unknown status or receives an accidental needle stick. N HIV can live in a discarded syringe for up to 42 days. N 83% of accidental needle sticks go unreported. N Yavapai County experienced a 275% increase in new HIV diagnoses in 2019. N 85% of all new HIV+ diagnosis in cis-gender heterosexual women are from an unprotected sexual encounter. N People who are HIV+ and do not know it can have it up to 10 years before they would get a secondary illness that would tip their provider
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off that they may be HIV positive. N STIs like HIV are largely asymptomatic, so if the person doesn’t know, will you? Northland Cares offers PEP Navigation during weekends and holidays because we know that the earlier we get you the medications, the better the outcome for you and your family. We have staff on-call who will respond if you need PEP medications. Our on-call phone number is 928-910-6707, available Fridays beginning in the evening until Sunday evening.
FULL PANEL STI TESTING AVAILABLE
We are now offering full panel STI testing at our office. We recommend people call first to schedule the test. Soon, you will be able to go online and order a kit to be sent to your house. We presently test for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. If you are sexually active and prefer not to use protection, we recommend that you get these tests done every three months. If you are sexually active, we recommend making an STI test a part of your annual healthcare examination.
SURPRISING FACTS
N Arizona is No. 1 in the nation for syphilis. N Arizona is No. 5 in the nation for babies born with syphilis. N Chlamydia and gonorrhea can be asymptomatic in 75% of women or people with vulvas. N Chlamydia and gonorrhea can be asymptomatic in 50% of men or people with penises. N Syphilis is called the “Great Pretender” because it can cause meningitis, dementia, blindness and loss of peripheral vision. Whatever part of your brain or optic nerve syphilis damages will not be repaired with treatment. There are viruses, parasites and bacteria out there, so use protection and get tested so that the only thing your orgasm leaves you with is a pleasant memory. Wishing you all a safe and fun sexual health life. QCBN Hedda Fay is the community outreach and program developer for Northland Cares. In a former life, she worked in law enforcement and public mental health. Her passion today is educating people about their sexual health and prevention services to the community. Northland Cares is located at 3112 Clearwater Drive, Ste. A, in Prescott. For more information, call 928-776-4612.
MARCH 2022 // Quad Cities Business News
@quadcitiesbusinessnews
PrEP medications are safe and effective and can help prevent you from getting infected with HIV. When someone is exposed to HIV, PrEP medications can work to keep the virus from causing infection. Taking PrEP medication can stop new HIV infections and help end the HIV epidemic.
Help25% us stop the spread of HIV in EHE Yet less than
The national goal for PrEP coverage under the (Ending the HIV Epidemic) initiative is to achieve at least 50% coverage by 2030.
of the
Yavapai County.
estimated more than
1 million Americans
who could benefit from PrEP are using this important medication.
PEP PATHWAY Less than 72 hours
YES
“Are you confident in providing complete prevention services for the patient?”
YES
Call Northland Cares.
their risk when taken daily as prescribed.
Patient is engaging in risky behavior who could benefit from PrEP
Patient wants to be prescribed PrEP
“Are you confident in providing complete prevention services for the patient?”
NO
Are you confident in providing care and follow-up services?
dramatically reduces
PrEP PATHWAY
More than 72 hours
Can you see patient today?
PrEP use among people at risk for acquiring HIV
NO YES
NO
Help us stop the spread of HIV in Call Northland Cares or Call PEPLine (888) 488-4911 Send RX to Walgreens in Prescott Valley
Proceed with provided care and RX to Walgreens in Prescott Valley.
PEP PATHWAY
PrEP PATHWAY
“Are you confident in
Can you see
Prescott: 928-776-4612 Cottonwood: 928-649-0833 Faxcomplete - 928-771-1767 providing patient today? prevention services for the patient?”
Are you confident in providing care and follow-up services?
NO
NO YES
Call Northland Cares.
YES
Patient is engaging in risky behavior who could benefit from PrEP
“Are you confident in providing complete prevention services for the patient?”
YES Proceed with provided care.
Patient wants to be prescribed PrEP
NO Refer to Northland Cares.
Thank you Quad Cities for Call Northland Cares us Best Non Profit/ Voting Proceed with or Call PEPLine provided care and Charitable Organization! (888) 488-4911
Send RX to Walgreens in Prescott Valley
Refer patient to Northland Cares for specialty care and treatment services.
If patient cannot afford PrEP, refer to Northland Cares.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? If patients meet the requirements, all prescription Lesscovered. than 72However, hours the cost of necessary More than hours costs are 100% clinic72 visits and lab tests may vary based on patient income and insurance coverage.
YES
Proceed with quality care and treatment.
Yavapai County. YES
NO
Proceed with provided care.
Refer to Northland Cares.
RX to Walgreens in Prescott Valley.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? If patients meet the requirements, all prescription costs are 100% covered. However, the cost of necessary clinic visits and lab tests may vary based on patient income and insurance coverage.
Prescott: 928-776-4612 Cottonwood: 928-649-0833 Fax - 928-771-1767
Proceed with quality care and treatment.
If patient cannot afford PrEP, refer to Northland Cares.
NO Refer patient to Northland Cares for specialty care and treatment services.
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Quad Cities Business News // MARCH 2022
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MARCH 2022 // Quad Cities Business News
The Local Dealership that Supports Your Community
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Quad Cities Business News // MARCH 2022
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// MAYOR’S ADDRESS // BY PHIL GOODE
Drafting Prescott’s Water Policy
F
or the past several months, Prescott City Council and the Water Issues subcommittee have been working with staff to draft a revised water policy that will meet the needs of our current users and create a sensible plan for growth in Prescott for years to come. Water use is a primary concern for many of our residents. How we use and conserve water will have an impact on the entire Prescott region for many years to come. There are 24 points to the policy. Here are a few particularly important items for consideration: 1. The city is using the Water Resource Management Model (WRMM) to determine actual water usage within the city’s Water Service Area. Water usage is more
accurate than ever through the use of over 22,000 utility billing records, which take the guesswork out of water usage within the City. The WRMM eliminates the need for estimating water and provides a policy that sets actual water usage by user type. (Policy 3) 2.
Private development projects already underway such as Deep Well, Arizona Eco Development, Prescott Lakes, and other subdivisions already have the right to water from development agreements approved by prior City Councils. The water for these projects has already been contractually obligated and accounted for as “committed” and “projected”
// Providing water to property outside the city limits has been a hotly debated topic. Providing water and sewer service to properties outside the Prescott Water Service Area, as defined by the city’s voter approved General Plan, would not be allowed under the proposed draft policy. //
water demands in the city’s Water Resource Management Model (WRMM). 3.
4.
The Council is considering going back to a water budget for new residential and non-residential projects that the city is not already contractually obligated to provide water to. The water budget would be set bi-annually and no single project would be able to receive more than half of the remaining balance in the budget at the time of the request. Administrative requests would also be included as part of the water budget. Providing water to property outside the city limits has been a hotly debated topic. Providing water and sewer service to properties outside the Prescott Water Service Area, as defined by the city’s voter approved General Plan, would not be allowed under the proposed draft policy. Properties within these areas that could be potentially annexed may be considered,
Data Security vs. Data Privacy What is my risk?
but would require water saving measures, as well as the return of wastewater flows for potential recharge into the aquifer. The draft policy is being reviewed by the city’s Water Issues subcommittee, then will be reevaluated by Council within the next several weeks. It is important to note that citizen input has been paramount in the Council’s deliberations to this point. The draft policy has been posted on the city website since early January and we encourage citizens to review it and comment. City staff has already gathered many comments and is reporting back to Council on a regular basis. There is still time for you to be heard, both through comments and at upcoming public meetings. To review the draft water policy and comment, go to Prescott-az.gov, and click on the 2022 Draft Water Management Policy tile on the home page. We have the opportunity to create a sustainable water policy so that generations to come can benefit. QCBN
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Downtown Corridor Taking Shape p. 3 American Icon Closing its Doors p. 4
Athena Coming to Prescott p. 6 Bringing Renewable Energy to Navajo Nation p. 8
New SANA Hospi Community Medictal Fills al Needs S By Ray Newton,
QCBN
aying everyone in the community will benefit from the opening of a state-of-the art hospital, Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli welcomed executives, administrators, healthcare professionals, elected officials, staff personnel and residents at the grand opening of SANA Behavioral Hospital during afternoon ceremonies on Dec. 9.
2020 ISSUE:
Considering Corals on Next Beach Vacation Your p.11 Community Profile: Saddling Up with Joe Marshall p. 13
The parking lot was crowded as visitors toured the SANA in Prescott 15,378-squarewas based on exfoot, one-story, tensive research recently constructed about medical needs viding acute integrated in-patient medical facility, of the broader community. psychiatric and medical estimated to cost care to between $9 million adults age 65 and Pierce told the crowd and $10 million. above on Medicare, occupancy will begin that official SANA Hospital and 55 and above Administrator with additional when the AriPamela K. Pierce zona Department contractors as they introduced Kirk of Health Services add SANA to the Olsen, principal Medical Licensing provider networks. and owner of ERH unit Healthcare, a Salt hospital and licenses surveys the In an exclusive interview Lake it with Quad hospital development City-based Hospital in Geriatric as a “Specialty Cities Business News, Pierce, a highly company that Psychiatry.” manages SANA That was expected credentialed behavioral hospitals. to occur at the end health leader of December, she Olsen said the decision with more than 30 said. years of experience, to build described the 24-bed The hospital will focus on prohospital with 14 Continued on
Winfield at the Ranch Preparing for Reside nts page 39
By Ray Newton, QCBN was once the site of one luxurious apartments the wealthiest quartz of arketing itself as will exore gold tract spectacular mines in Central vistas “Prescott’s premier Arizona. south over panoramic looking Located on the eastern luxury apartment rolling hills and natural of Prescott and nestled edge community,” Winfield surroundon the at the ings toward the south side of Bullwhacker Ranch is nearing Bradshaw competition. Hill, Mountains. the site was famous Pre-leasing is to for almost begin this The six-building 60 years – 1876 to month, with new apart1936 – as residents ment complex at Bullwhacker Mine. expected to begin 1470 Lee Records moving in Circle will house show that hundreds around March 1. 100 apartof gold ore were extractedtons of ment units, all of which Luxury may be the from germane the steep elevated views. Residentshave term for the apartments, hillsides before the here for will have almost mine closed. they are being built immediate on what access to retail shopping Now, those who rent the and
M
The soon-to-be completed 100 luxury apartments Prescott will feature at Winfield at one and two-bedroom begin in March. units on a seven-acrethe Ranch on the east boundary Photo by Ray Newton of property. Occupancy is scheduled January 2020 |
Issue 1 Volume
to
8
WHO’S THE
Continued on
page 36
BEST OF THE BEST?
OUR BEST OF BUSINESS WINNERS ARE ANNOUNCED ON PAGE 32
INSIDE THE FEBRUARY
Willow Creek Apart Ready for Occup ments ancy A By Ray Newton,
ERAU, Lowell Observatory Partner Up p. 4 Forest Health Hero Retires from Academia p. 6 Blushing Cactus Photography Showcases Quad Cities p. 8 Barrett-Jackson Gleams
2020 ISSUE:
with Car Show Tradition p. 11 Community Profile: Craig Brown Discusses Jail, Water Concerns p. 13
QCBN
Owner-developer Cole Johnson told the Quad Cities house building and rea residents who Business News fitness center. prefer apart- that The approximate the garden-style ments in the north-central value apartments had been many years project is approaching of the total area of Prescott in the making. now have that $40 million, opportunity. Johnson said. “We now have from the City of Prescott certificates Willow Creek Apartments, Six apartment floor of occupancy. plans range a 160unit complex on Residents are moving in square footage a five-acre developfrom about 670 to in. I’m thrilled ment located at to see these new 1,188 square feet. 3137 Willow Creek residents in what Floor plans can be I Road, is accepting believe are the nicest viewed at willowcreekaptsprescott. renters for studio, apartments of one-bedroom, two-bedroom their type in the com/floorplans. community.” Rental rates also can carriage house apartments. and be viewed on the There are seven same link, Johnson buildings in the complex, one of said. They range which is the clubfrom $1,100 to $1,768 a month. Some utilities are included.
Currently, those interested can take advantage of the grand opening promotion, which allows the choice of a six-month rental option. Also available is an extended stay rental for a minimum of 30 days. Johnson said all units feature a fullsize washer and dryer, stainless steel kitchen appliances, granite counter tops and spacious living areas with wood plank flooring and carpeting, Continued on
page 36
Region Celebrates Terminal Constru Airport ction By Ray Newton,
QCBN tossing of dirt to initiate during years of planning construction process. the fter years of planning, and preparation. Prescott Regional an official groundAirStating the new port Director Robin breaking for the terminal Sobotta $15 will make it possible praised the support million passenger to inshe and terminal at crease the number the city Prescott Regional of flights to Airport had Aviationreceived from Federal and from Prescott, more than 200 invited Administration she emphaguests sized it would have Regional Administrator applauding and a dramatic cheering on Mark economic McClardy and his impact on the rethe afternoon of colleagues. Jan. 7 gional economy. She also thanked Dignitaries from Sobotta said TransportaPrescott, economic studies tion Security Administration Prescott Valley and reveal the Chino new terminal could Assistant Valley joined state generate as and federal Director Federal Security much as $160 million officials in the ceremonial Justin Bryant for annually the for the local economy. support the TSA provided
A
Phil Goode is the mayor of the City of Prescott.
Dignitaries from around Airport’s new terminal. the Quad Cities dug in during the groundbreaking Photo by Kay Lyons
February 2020
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| Issue 2 Volume 8
ceremony for Prescott
Regional
WHO’S THE
Continued on
page 39
BEST OF THE BEST?
OUR BEST OF BUSINESS WINNERS ARE ANNOUNCED ON PAGE 32
MARCH 2022 // Quad Cities Business News
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What to Know Before Seeing Your Doctor About Dizziness
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By Karon Lynn, Au.D.
izziness can be an extremely frightening symptom to have. It may slowly build up or hit you all at once. Sometimes you may feel a “whoosh” of dizziness that leaves as quickly at it came. Studies have shown that 24% of the population over 72 years of age has dizziness or imbalance. This article will help you understand the different types of sensations you can have and what to jot down before you contact your physician. The more specific awareness you have of your symptoms, the better experience you will have when you search out a diagnosis.
THE SENSATION OF BEING OFF BALANCE
The basic difference between the sensation of being off balance and being dizzy is whether or not you feel motion. If you are having balance issues, you will feel that you are unsteady or not sure of what direction you are going. You may feel weak and need to sit down, or you need to hold on to something to keep walking.
Some people only have balance issues when they walk in the dark. Balance problems can be caused from nerve damage to your legs, vision difficulty, medications you take or even neurological conditions. The inner ear houses the balance organ and sometimes it can be the culprit. Dehydration will negatively affect balance.
to rule out causes. It is like opening a can of worms to look into a person’s health history and attempt to focus on the correct cause. You can help with this process by writing down a list of symptoms before you go to the appointment. 1.
THE SENSATION OF DIZZINESS
In this article, we are combining dizziness with vertigo. For this condition, a person feels that the room is spinning or that they are spinning. It may happen when you are still or if you move your head in a particular direction. Causes of dizziness can be the result of dysfunction of the balance organs, anxiety, medications, migraine, head injury or a growth on the balance nerve. If you feel lightheaded, you could have blood pressure problems or heart disease.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU VISIT YOUR DOCTOR As you may have noticed, the causes for balance problems and dizziness are numerous! What a doctor does to help diagnose your symptoms is
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Write down when it started. Note if you started any new medications or changed your diet near the onset of the symptoms. How often do you have “episodes” and how long do they last? Can you make yourself feel the sensation by changing position? Maybe it only happens when you stand up, lie down or look up. It is important to experiment at home before the appointment. If you feel a spinning sensation, what is moving? Is it the room or your body? What direction is the motion? Do you feel a vibration at the same time or is it only spinning? What time of day does the sensation occur? Is there a history of this problem
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occurring with your family members? Are there any other physical sensations you have at the same time? For example, do you suddenly hear ringing in your ears when you have the sensation? Does your vision change when it happens? Do you have a history of migraines? Do you have sleep apnea? Do you have a history of leg problems, neurological difficulty or physical strength? Have you ever had a head injury? Have you ever been treated for this condition before? What was the diagnosis? What medications do you take? Do you have a history of dehydration?
Now that you have written all this down, you can look at it and see if there is more information needed to help fill in the blanks. By recording this information at home, you will be able
to think about it. Start the paper and then add to it as you think of something new. Do this at home in a stress-free environment rather than waiting to write it down while sitting in the doctor’s office. As you describe what you are feeling, your doctor will ask even more questions to build a more thorough picture of what is going on. Be patient as your doctor rules out the most common causes of your symptoms. Tests may be ordered and medications may be prescribed. You may even be sent to a specialist. By ruling out the various potential causes, the reason for your dizziness may emerge. QCBN Trinity Hearing Center is located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit TrinityHearing.net. Karon Lynn, Au.D., is a doctor of audiology with 30 years of experience working with hearing impaired individuals. She may be reached at 928-5220500 or at audio@trinityhearing. net.
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Quad Cities Business News // MARCH 2022
QC Puppy Love Community embracing Prescott Police support dog, Eden
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ongoing work here at PPD.” Local businesses have been instrumental in furthering Eden’s work. “Steve Sischka is one of the owners of Olsen’s for Healthy Animals, and he has pledged to cover the cost of food for By Betsey Bruner, QCBN Eden,” said Fillingim. “He also makes this same pledge to our other departhy of just one month on the job ment K9s, Benny and Cooper, our drug and one year of age, goldendoodle Eden is receiving rave reviews dogs.” “For the Olsen family, respect for for her work in her official duties as comfort dog for the Prescott Police De- law enforcement has always been important, and they really want to give partment’s Victim Services Unit. And, back to them,” said Prescott Olsen’s the community is returning the love. Manager Ryan Baynes. “It’s for all the “She has already been hard at work, police service canines. All of our store helping victims and others around the branches [there are five stores in the community,” said Police Chief Amy Olsen’s chain] have this program with Bonney. whatever local police program is in “She is excelling at her tasks: crawl, cover, hug and touch,” said Senior Vic- their area. When new dogs come in, we tim Advocate and Eden’s police trainer support them. We get the officer and the dog’s names and put them in our Amy Fillingim. “We are so proud of system. They can come in every week how far she has come in three weeks and though we are all still learning, she or month and choose the brand they want to feed their dogs. We definitely is adapting well and the community skew to a higher end of dog food, like couldn’t be any more supportive.” the trends for raw and freeze-dried Two fundraisers in February have provided funding to support her needs brands. It’s one of our specialties.” Eden also made a visit recently to and care. Pawz ‘n’ Clawz, a pet nutrition and Fillingim said donations from the grooming business in Prescott, where Breathe Play Love Yoga fundraising she was given a donated bath. “We put event for Eden on Saturday, Feb. 12, at Founding Fathers Collective in Prescott little ribbons in her hair, and she got what is called a blueberry facial, which raised more than $3,200. The Bowling refreshes the coat and brings out a good with Eden event on Feb. 27, also in scent in them,” said Sandy Haffner. Prescott, has garnered $10,000 from “And we also ran it along her backline sponsorships alone. so her coat will be curlier. We blew her “I am just floored at the love and support from those in our community,” out and left her with fluffy curls. The blow dryer didn’t bother her and she Fillingim added. “I know they sold out was calm when she was in the bath. all 30 spaces for the yoga sessions, and Some dogs can be hyper when they if I had to guess, I would say over 100 have their first bath. She was chill the people came to see Eden between the whole time.” yoga and just others who heard about Further, Eden will be traveling in it and wanted to stop by for a hug or style. “We have also had a private photo with Eden.” Eden responded generously, offering donor who provided our department hugs and kisses to those who wanted to a 2015 Ford Explorer that will be used exclusively to transport Eden wherever meet her. she is called,” Fillingim said. “This “Getting an emotional support dog community is absolutely amazing with in our Victim Services Unit was sometheir generosity!” QCBN thing we have been looking forward to for quite some time,” said Chief Bonney about the recent gift from the Meet Eden on Zonie Living: Business, Arizona Department of Public Safety. Adventure and Leadership at https:// The community continues to love the starworldwidenetworks.com/episodes/ program and support Eden and her the-heart-edition-video.
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Top: Prescott Police Chief Amy Bonney is greeted by Eden. Below left: Eden dons blue bows after her first bath in a Prescott salon. Below right: Breathe Play Love Yoga raised more than $3,200 at its fundraising event. Courtesy photos
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Caring for Animals: It’s Who We Are
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By Loree Walden
aring for animals is not just what we do, it’s who we are. People often ask us, “Isn’t it hard to work at Yavapai Humane Society?” Our answer is “sometimes,” but for the most part, I can tell you, it’s the most rewarding job we’ve ever had! We all come to work every day with one mission, and that is to care for and love these animals so we can find them their forever homes. We all love these animals as if they were our own and it shows in the smiles on our faces when we see them find their new families. A lot of times, you’ll even spot some happy tears on our faces as they walk out the doors with their new fur-ever friend. Are there times when it’s hard on us? Yes! Seeing some of the animals that are with us for long periods of
time because they are overlooked for whatever reason, breaks our hearts. We have dogs and cats that are adopted and returned to us within 25 minutes, 24 hours, two or three days or even longer. Why? Here are some of the reasons we have heard: N Brought back within 25 minutes: Dog threw up in the car on the way home. N Brought back within 24 hours: Dog had a potty accident in the house overnight. N Brought back within 24 hours: Cat hid in a corner and wouldn’t come sit in my lap. N Brought back within 24 hours: Dog is too big. N Brought back within 72 hours: Cat is under the bed and won’t come out to meet my dog. N Brought back within 48 hours: Animal tried to escape.
// “Seeing dogs reunited with their owners is the most gratifying feeling. When that dog sees its person and runs to them, you know that dog feels safe and loved.” //
We, that means us at Yavapai Humane Society and you as adopters, have no idea what these animals have been through in their lives. Some come in as strays. Some come in because their person has passed away and they are confused, sad, lonely and most of all, scared. Some come in from horrendous situations with hoarding, where they’ve lived in cages their entire lives. Some must be surrendered to us because of something their person is going through. We understand, and we get that. What we don’t get is when a dog is surrendered that has been with a family its whole life because it doesn’t get along with the new puppy. These are the things that make it hard and heartbreaking, but as I’ve said, caring for animals isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are. And we will do our absolute best every single day to make sure each and every animal is taken care of, walked, fed and most of all, loved, until we see it walk out the front door with its new family. I asked a couple of our employees what the most rewarding part of working here is. Here are some of the responses: Stacey said, “The smiles on people’s faces when they adopt their dog
or cat, it sometimes brings me to tears, seeing them so happy.” Jason said, “Seeing dogs reunited with their owners is the most gratifying feeling. When that dog sees its person and runs to them, you know that dog feels safe and loved.” Lauren said, “Being able to educate people on the health and safety of their animal and the importance of microchipping and vaccinations. No one wants to see their pets get hurt or lost.” McKayla said, “Seeing some of the animals who have come in from rough situations being treated, taken care of and loved here so they are ready to go to a new home.” Aiden said, “We get some dogs who come to us with serious behavior issues and it’s really rewarding to see the results of the training and rehabilitation we provide to help them find homes.” Rebecca said, “Seeing the way some of the animals come to us and how we are able to help bring out their true personalities and earn their trust to help build their confidence and help them get ready for new homes. Probably the most rewarding part is when one of our long-term residents
finds their true forever home.” I think it’s easy to see that the common denominator for all of us is the joy we have in not only taking care of the animals, but getting to know them, loving them and seeing them find their forever homes. It’s because of the work that each of us do here, we have animals who, though they may start out with a heartbreaking beginning, thankfully turn into stories of hope and success. That is exactly why caring for animals isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are! QCBN Loree Walden is the marketing manager for Yavapai Humane Society.
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MARCH 2022 // Quad Cities Business News
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Studying the Science of Raw
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By Cheyenne Brown
aw is the pinnacle of pet nutrition. The ideal diet for an individual dog or cat is the one that produces the best long-term results. A pet’s diet should be balanced in calories, protein and other nutrients to maintain an optimum condition, rather than conform to some standard that doesn’t apply to his or her lifestyle. Research at the University of Helsinki is bringing new relevance to raw feeding research. The DogRisk study was initiated by Dr. Anna Hielm-Bjorkman with the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Helsinki. The study asks for extremely detailed information about the dogs’ diet and health conditions. At this point, more than 12,000 households and 16,000 dogs are being monitored for changes in their health, and statistical methods are applied in order to analyze the relationship between diet and health or disease. Some results from the study include: N Allergic dogs fed as little as 20% raw in their diets as whole, seemed to experience fewer signs of allergies. The more raw that was
fed, the fewer signs of allergies experienced. N Pregnant dogs fed raw food gave birth to puppies who, as adults, experienced fewer allergies than puppies born to pregnant dogs fed conventional diets. Raw feeding also appeared to protect against the development of cancer, compared to dogs fed conventional cooked foods. Food is one of the most important choices you can make for your pet. Some of the most common changes pet parents have seen when feeding a raw diet include: N Increased energy and vitality N Better digestion N More mealtime excitement N Relief from food sensitivities N Improved skin and coat N Improved weight Did you know that dogs fed at least 20% raw in their diet during puppyhood had a decreased prevalence of atopic dermatitis? A raw threshold of 20% is important to help mitigate environmental allergies as well. Adding 20% raw to your dog’s diet can have incredible benefits! The next time you’re at the pet store, take a look at your options for
adding raw to your pet’s diet - even your cat! This step in tapping into your pet’s ancestral instincts is worth it for the long-term benefits. QCBN
Cheyenne Brown is the marketing manager for Olsen’s Grain.
MARCH 2022 // Quad Cities Business News
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Coping with Stress
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By Deanna Eder
tress is a natural part of life. The expressions are familiar to us: “I’m stressed out,” “I’m under too much stress,” or “Work is one big stress.” Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about and those around you become more resilient. Stress is hard to define because it means different things to different people; however, it’s clear that most stress is a negative feeling rather than a positive feeling. You may feel physical stress that is the result of too much to do, not enough sleep, a poor diet or the effects of an illness. Stress can also be mental: when you worry about money, a loved one’s illness, retirement or experience an emotionally devastating event, such as the death of a spouse or being fired from work. However, much of our stress comes from less dramatic everyday responsibilities. Obligations and pressures, which are both physical and mental, are not always obvious to us. In response to these daily strains, your body automatically increases blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, metabolism and blood flow to your muscles. This response is intended to help your body react
quickly and effectively to a high-pressure situation. When you are constantly reacting to stressful situations without making adjustments to counter the effects, you will feel stress, which can threaten your health and well-being. It is essential to understand that external events, no matter how you perceive those events, may cause stress. Stress often accompanies the feeling of “being out of control.” Remember, each person handles stress differently. Stress can cause physical, emotional and behavioral disorders, which can affect your health, vitality, peace-of-mind, as well as personal and professional relationships. Too much stress can cause relatively minor illnesses like insomnia, backaches or headaches, and can contribute to potentially life-threatening diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease. As you read the following tips for reducing and controlling stress, remember, it will take determination, persistence and time. Some suggestions may help immediately, but if your stress is chronic, it may require more attention and/or lifestyle changes. Determine your tolerance level for stress and try to live within these limits. Learn
to accept or change stressful and tense situations whenever possible. N Be realistic. If you feel overwhelmed by some activities (yours and/or your family’s), learn to say, “No!” Eliminate an activity that is not absolutely necessary. N Shed the “superhero” urge. No one is perfect, so don’t expect perfection from yourself or others. Ask yourself, “What really needs to be done?” “How much can I do?” “Is the deadline realistic?” “What adjustments can I make?” Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. N Meditate. Just 10 to 20 minutes of quiet reflection may bring relief from chronic stress as well as increase your tolerance to it. Use the time to listen to music, relax and try to think of pleasant things or nothing. N Visualize. Use your imagination and picture how you can manage a stressful situation more successfully. Whether it’s a business presentation or moving to a new place, many people feel visual rehearsals boost self-confidence and enable them to take a more positive approach to a difficult task. N Take one thing at a time. For people under tension or stress, an ordinary workload can sometimes seem un-
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bearable. The best way to cope with this feeling of being overwhelmed is to take one task at a time. Pick one urgent task and work on it. Once you accomplish that task, choose the next one. The positive feeling of “checking off” tasks is very satisfying. It will motivate you to keep going. Exercise. Regular exercise is a popular way to relieve stress. Twenty to 30 minutes of physical activity benefits both the body and the mind. Hobbies. Take a break from your worries by doing something you enjoy. Whether it’s gardening or painting, schedule time to indulge your interest. Healthy lifestyle. Good nutrition makes a difference. Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol (alcohol actually disturbs regular sleep patterns), get adequate rest, exercise and balance work and play. Share your feelings. A conversation with a friend lets you know that you are not the only one having a bad day. Stay in touch with friends and family. Let them provide love, support and guidance. Don’t try to cope alone. Give in occasionally. Be flexible! If you find you are
meeting constant opposition in either your personal or professional life, rethink your position or strategy. Arguing only intensifies stressful feelings. If you are willing to give in, others may meet you halfway. Not only will you reduce your stress, you may find better solutions to your problems. N Go easy with criticism. You may expect too much of yourself and others. Try not to feel frustrated, let down, disappointed or even trapped when another person does not measure up. Go to the Polara Health Resources page to take a stress test or use a wellknown tool, Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory, used by health professionals to measure the amount of stress someone’s experiencing. All types of stress can be managed, though. If you’re having a difficult time dealing with stressors or have experienced a traumatic event, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. QCBN Deanna Eder is the director of marketing and communications at Polara Health.
Ways to Help the Health Worker Shortage in Northern Arizona
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By Nancy Wiechec
f you’re finding it difficult to find or see a primary care doctor these days, you’re not alone. Arizona ranks 42nd in the nation for the ratio of active primary care physicians to residents – about 78 physicians per 100,000 people, according to a 2019 report by the Center for Rural Health at the University of Arizona. To keep pace with demand, our state will need an additional 1,941 primary care doctors by 2030.
Arizona also faces significant shortages in lower-wage medical workers, nursing and mental health professionals. According to another study, non-physicians like nurse practitioners will soon be the predominant providers of primary care. In addition to the already grim outlook, the pandemic was especially hard on health workers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that about half a million people have left the U.S. health care workforce since February 2020. People in rural areas feel the impact of primary care and professional
// In Northern Arizona, there are important initiatives aimed at increasing the number of health workers in rural areas and in tribal communities. These are vital because health care professionals are more apt to serve these areas if they are educated and trained in such locations. //
health shortages most acutely. Except for the Flagstaff area, every place in Northern Arizona is considered a Primary Care Health Shortage Area by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Small, isolated rural communities and the Navajo and Hopi nations face the most significant gaps in primary care physicians to population. Many rural residents forgo preventative care and treatments because of the distance they must go to receive care. What can be done about these shortages and gaps? They likely won’t resolve without systematic change in health care. Although top-level strategies will be necessary, individuals can help bolster the supply of health professionals and reduce demand. Here are a few things you can do:
N Support students and professionals pursuing or advancing their education in health fields. N Appreciate and thank the health professionals that treat you or your family members. A little gratitude can go a long way with those who take care of us. N Support non-profit community and health organizations working to overcome disparities in health care access and education.
In Northern Arizona, there are important initiatives aimed at increasing the number of health workers in rural areas and in tribal communities. These are vital because health care professionals are more apt to serve these areas if they are educated and trained in such locations. One is the first-of-its-kind American Indian Nursing Program offered N Look after your health and your by Northern Arizona University. family’s health the best you can. A Since 1996, more than 150 American few health issues may be beyond Indian nurses in the program have our personal control. However, many are in our power to reduce or entered practice serving the health care needs of people in tribal areas avoid altogether. Embrace healthy and adjacent communities. lifestyles and take preventative Another is Diné College, which measures to avoid health crises. offers certificate and undergraduN Encourage young people who aspire to be doctors, nurses, techni- ate degree programs in health and cians, clinicians and mental health public health fields. The first tribally controlled and accredited collegiate providers.
institution in the U.S., Diné College has locations throughout the Navajo Nation. The Colorado Plateau Center for Health Professions also works to improve health in rural and underserved communities by building, training and strengthening the health workforce. The center is operated by North Country HealthCare with collaboration from area non-profits and educational, government and health care institutions. At Health First Foundation, we fund many community programs to improve health in rural areas of Northern Arizona. In addition, Health First annually awards financial aid to students pursuing or advancing a health profession in our region. The Health First 2022 scholarship cycle is now open. Students may apply for financial assistance through March 25. To learn more, visit healthfirstforall. org/scholarships. QCBN Nancy Wiechec is a former journalist working for Health First Foundation as a storyteller and communications manager. Keep up with Health First news on Twitter @HealthFirstAZ.
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Six Healthy Reasons to Grow More Food This Spring
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By Ken Lain
hen Lisa and I were just married and struggling to keep fresh food on the table, a saint of a neighbor came to our rescue. Harry lived across the street and his entire backyard was filled with edible plants. His passion was vegetables and he purposely grew extra to share with family, neighbors and the local food bank. Fresh tomatoes, peppers, squash and other bounties from his garden were delivered to our door. Believe me, we consumed every piece of fruit he gave us! He was a lifesaver. A lawn is beautiful to look at, and Fifi enjoys going wee-wee on it, but a lawn is a wasteful entity. It’s better to mimic Harry and turn that space into vegetable gardens. It’s sure to use a fraction of the water consumption without the weekly chore of mowing. Add a few flowers to the garden and you not only benefit from fresh produce, but pollinating butterflies, bees and hummingbirds will love you as well.
SIX REASONS TO BECOME A YARD FARMER
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LAWNS WASTE RESOURCES
There are approximately 40 million acres of unsustainable lawns; the fifth
largest crop by acreage was a turf-grass lawn. These lawns use valuable water, fertilizers, energy, fossil fuels and your time. Millions of gallons of gasoline are used in the weekly lawn mowing ritual in a given week. This becomes almost obscene when the U.S. and Canada are doing everything possible to extract highly polluting oil resources out of tar sands, deep water and soils by fracking. Gardeners waste time and energy maintaining lawns that look good for Fifi and the neighbors.
dollars, yet this packet generates hundreds of plants. With the price of fruit and vegetables increasing and inflation eating away our spending power, it makes sense to grow as much of our own food as possible. The more food we grow, the less dependence on long supply chains and highly industrial food systems. As Harry used to say, “Growing your own food is like printing your own money.”
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INCREASING LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION AND EFFICIENCY
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COMMUNITY BUILDING
Before the 1940s, supermarkets didn’t really exist. People grew much of their produce or got their meat, dairy and other food items from local community farmers. Today, most of us jump into the car and drive to our nearest warehouse or supermarket for our edibles. Many Western countries have squandered resources around a car-dependent culture, which has led to the supermarket-dependent culture. Being involved in growing your own food helps build community. As people grow excess produce, they share it with neighbors and friends, strengthening local networks and local community resilience.
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YARD FARMING IMPROVES YOUR HEALTH
Studies show people who grow edibles eat healthier foods and likely share them with their family and community. Hence, growing food locally helps reduce reliance on commercially produced and chemically enhanced foods.
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FOOD SECURITY
A packet of seeds costs only a few
Mark Your Calendars - New Dates for 2022
44th annual Prescott Valley Days May 5 through 8, 2022 Parade, Carnival, Fiesta del Pueblo, Vendors, Music, Entertainment, Cosplay Contest and more! Prescott Valley Entertainment District
Team Up to Clean Up 26 Saturday, May 14 - 9 to 1 p.m. Donuts, T-shirts, clean-up and lunch! Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce Community-wide clean up day. Coincides with Town of Prescott Valley Community Dump Day
For information contact the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce at 928-772-8857 or visit pvchamber.org
Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce; Catalysts for business and community growth, Conveners of leaders and influencers, Champions for economic success. For more information or for membership connections visit
pvchamber.org or call 928-772-8857
The list of benefits of a backyard garden is long. Locally sourced food reduces the number of miles “fresh” food travels before its eaten. Gardens in the yard increase local food security and foster improved soil quality, with less packaging and storage costs. Growing higher quality food reduces dependency on the global supply chain and reduces environmental pollution and fossil fuels. Supporting small farms and independent garden centers promotes local employment opportunities and increases capital flow in our community.
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YOU KNOW WHERE THE FOOD COMES FROM
Becoming a yard farmer or
purchasing from local farms reduces the long distances our food travels to reach us. Produce grown locally is fresher than the supermarket. Instead of using ample storage and processing facilities, local farmers and growers pick and rapidly distribute their ultra-fresh produce to customers. Many supermarkets use extensive cold storage and distribution centers to hold and process fruits and vegetables. Goods are in transit and cold-stored for days, even weeks, reducing their nutritive values. If you need help growing better vegetables and herbs this spring, the garden professionals at Watters Garden Center can help. Our center has the largest selection of locally grown, pesticide-free, organic vegetables in Northern Arizona, with the experts to show you how to grow them. Until next month, I’ll be helping local gardeners grow fresh herbs and vegetables here at Watters Garden Center. QCBN Ken Lain can be found at Watters Garden Center throughout the week, 1815 Iron Springs Road in Prescott, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Plants.com.
MARCH 2022 // Quad Cities Business News
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Saying ‘Yes’ to Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease By Melody Thomas-Morgan
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iving with and caring for your loved one with dementia can be challenging, stressful and joyful – all within one hour! One main way to honor them and lower stress levels is to always have one goal: enter their world. To enter their world means seeing the world as they see it, agreeing with them in whatever way you can, and encouraging them to share more. In doing so, you affirm and honor them. This also encourages you to totally accept their disease and what it means for them and you. Sometimes we look at our loved ones living with dementia and, physically, they look the same and we may expect them to think and act like they used to. We forget that they have a disease, a progressive terminal disease, that is causing the lapses in memory, the jumbled speech and the lack of recognition. Entering their world means a variety of things. When they explain to you that it is Christmas in July, what
is easier: a long, detailed explanation of the fact that Christmas is actually five months away or saying “Merry Christmas!” and putting on a Christmas CD? You may want to work hard to persuade them of the “truth,” but for someone with dementia, you are spinning your wheels and creating anxiety in your loved one and yourself. This type of total acceptance takes practice. But try it! Find ways to agree immediately, practice saying “yes,” and explore things with them by saying, “tell me more.” Another way to enter your loved one’s world is to actively listen to them. While listening may seem like a rather passive act, good listening requires attention, focus and energy. Active listening means you are truly focused on what the other person is saying (words, body language, tone of voice and affect) and not trying to formulate a response while they are speaking. Since our goal is to enter the world of the person with dementia (rather than requiring them to enter our world), asking them a
question in conversation requires you to wait for their response. Often, we are uncomfortable with the silence and ask the question again, or ask it a different way, thinking the other person does not understand. The person with dementia may need the extra time to understand what you have asked or said, and then more time to figure out a response. When you are patient and wait for their response, you are sometimes rewarded with their incredible thoughts and sentiments. These are gifts that your loved one gives you as you enter their world and give them the time and space they need to connect with you. Entering the world of your loved one with dementia also means accepting that change is constant. Sometimes, the changes are remarkable, other times, they are almost imperceptible. But in the overall journey in this disease, expecting change will help you be flexible and reduce stress. What works today may not
Maintaining a Healthy Home
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By Lucy Leyva
ith all of the snow and cold weather ending, we are ready for nice weather. Our homes have been closed up, air recirculating, fireplaces burning and heaters running almost nonstop. The air that we have been breathing hasn’t been the healthiest. Dust and allergens lurk in hidden areas. As we start to open up for spring, it’s time to clean things up. A deep spring clean on the interior of the house will make your home feel beautiful, it will look well cared for and will contribute to healthy living. The ceiling fans, vents, light fixtures, fireplaces, baseboards, raised panel doors, pot shelves, cabinet fronts and many more areas collect dust and grease over the months. Your general vacuuming and dusting just doesn’t get all of those areas. Many people are sensitive to the dust that collects in these places and sometimes do not even realize the effect it can have on their health. Mold and bacteria can grow in spots that are difficult to reach such as high window sills, corners, ceilings and shower door frames. In the kitchen there is a danger of cross contamination when unwashed plates with food left on them are piled in the sink or discarded food piles up in the trash can. Dirty ovens can create smoke that is released into the air when the door is opened. Mold and bacteria can form in washing machines, fridge doors and seals, dishwashers and other appliances that can then be transferred to foods and utensils The winter has played havoc on our windows. As the rain runs down the glass and the snow piles
work tomorrow. Medications may need to be added or taken away. Dietary needs may change. None of this is because your loved one is trying to be difficult, it is because they have a disease: dementia. Reframe your expectations for your day, your loved one and yourself. View each day as an adventure. The dictionary defines adventure as an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity, especially the exploration of unknown territory. That certainly speaks to the person on the journey of dementia as well as those who love them. As with all adventures, attitude and expectations are key, and it can be an amazing and meaningful experience! QCBN
Melody Thomas-Morgan is a resident relations specialist with the Margaret T. Morris Center, www. adultcareservices.org.
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// Active listening means you are truly focused on what the other person is saying (words, body language, tone of voice and affect) and not trying to formulate a response while they are speaking. Since our goal is to enter the world of the person with dementia (rather than requiring them to enter our world), asking them a question in conversation requires you to wait for their response. //
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up on the outside sills, dirt and debris collect in the tracks and frames. This makes it difficult for the windows to open, close and seal correctly. Besides wanting your windows to be sparkling clean so you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors, it is important that they are working properly. Check the weatherstripping and seals for cracks and breaks and repair or replace. Spring is a good time to check all the screens for holes and tears that might let insects or pests in. Keeping your windows and screens in good working order will help to keep unwanted dust, dirt, allergens and pests out of your home. Curtains, bed skirts, valances and comforters are all places where allergen-producing dust mites, mold and pet dander linger, exposing your family to and increasing the possibility of asthma and other related symptoms. A dirty bathroom is the culprit of an array of possible threats. Bacteria and parasites that collect in “unchecked” areas of the bathroom can lead to E. coli and Staph infections. A good scrubbing and disinfecting of the areas around the toilet, shower corners and frames, all handles and fixtures and medicine cabinet where you store such things as toothbrushes and medicine will help to alleviate these threats. A clean home will reduce illnesses and accidents from falls. It has also been proven that a clean home reduces stress, and we all need less stress. Have a beautiful, happy and healthy spring! QCBN Lucy Leyva is the owner of Prescott Maid to Order LLC.
Bonnie Stevens' Communication Station is delivering a refreshing, engaging and inspirational vodcast (video podcast) that features Northern Arizona businesses, outdoor adventure and leadership twice a month. Zonie Living is sponsored in part by Quad Cities Business News. Go to https://starworldwidenetworks.com/shows/bonnie-stevens to learn more.
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Working Together, Solving Community Issues By Teri Drew
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fter participating in the 113th Arizona Town Hall last month, I felt a renewed sense of optimism and purpose. Although the gathering was held virtually because of the COVID-19 omicron variant, the focus of the discussion was Creating Vibrant Communities, which aligns with my role as executive director of the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board. The discussion was lively, respectful and productive. It felt as though we were emerging from the gloom of the past two years of the pandemic, ready to roll up our sleeves and get back to work. The Arizona Town Hall provided
a process that allowed us to imagine a stronger, vibrant Arizona together, and the time and space to reimagine how to accomplish that result. Although the participants were keenly aware of the many effects that the COVID-19 pandemic had on Arizonans, we discussed a variety of innovative, collaborative programs to improve community health. We discussed the role of schools and libraries as community life centers. We called on elected officials to rise above political polarization to represent all constituents. We supported nonpartisan and bipartisan public private partnerships under a community development framework that celebrates and incorporates civility,
// Through partnered communication we repeatedly found that although governmental participation and funds are needed, much can also be achieved through better communication, collaboration, integration of existing programs and private action. And we repeatedly urged all these entities to regularly hold Town Hall style events. //
humility, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. One of the biggest takeaways was the need for all entities engaged in promoting community health to optimize funding and improve services by partnering and collaborating across all sectors. We urged them to break down silos and to establish a statewide information and resource clearinghouse. Through partnered communication we repeatedly found that although governmental participation and funds are needed, much can also be achieved through better communication, collaboration, integration of existing programs and private action. And, we repeatedly urged all these entities to regularly hold Town Hall style events. I am always amazed by the Town Hall process. During 2021, the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) held a series of community town halls to gather information about how our communities respond to disasters and emergencies. Not only did we obtain useful information and ideas, but the participants also responded very positively to the experience of engaging with one another in that way. As the nation has adapted to a new era of communication and learning,
many workforce boards continue to seek clarity, look for best practices and prepare for a wide range of issues on the horizon. Because the Town Hall process is designed to facilitate deep and meaningful conversations among strangers, it produces a satisfying, enjoyable experience with the potential to promote stronger social connections and well-being in the long term while revealing innovative ideas with innovative outcomes or strategies. The Yavapai County Workforce Development Board will be partnering with Arizona Town Hall to explore workforce issues with business, labor and other sectors of our community. We plan to bring people together to get a better understanding of how the pandemic and other factors have affected employers and businesses in the region. Why have some employees left their jobs and not returned? What can be done to attract, train and retain the workforce that Yavapai County needs to thrive? What are the best practices and innovations being deployed in other communities? How can we best use the resources available to us to build the workforce of the future? The Workforce Development Board and Arizona Town Hall both work to address the needs of communities. To
do that effectively requires collaboration and engagement with community members. According to Bureau of Labor statistics, the average person spends less than 10 minutes per day reading to pursue a personal interest. Six in 10 Americans read or watch the news headlines but do not dig any deeper. The opportunity to focus a community member’s attention on a topic for 60 to 90 minutes, in which they are engaged in a facilitated discussion they find interesting and enjoyable, is priceless. As a bonus, such discussions also generate enthusiasm for community action. We will conclude our processes with a written report that becomes a platform for future community engagement. QCBN If you’d like to become involved in the upcoming Town Hall events, send your contact information to NACOG for more information, 928-778-1422. Teri Drew is the regional director for Northern Arizona Council of Governments Economic/Workforce Development (NACOG-EWD).
Cashless Society Pros and Cons By Steven Calabrese
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hat would a cashless society look like? How long until we have a cashless society? Are we already in one? How often do you use cash? Let’s explore the cashless society’s pros and cons. With the COVID-19 pandemic, are we accelerating to a cashless society?
HOW OFTEN DO YOU USE CASH?
Approximately 19% of all transactions were made with cash in 2021. This is down from 26% in 2019. Are we headed to a cashless society? With the use of debit cards, the dreaded credit cards, and such other methods like Apple Pay and Venmo, and other peer-to-peer payment systems, we may say that we are well on our way to a cashless society. Do you think it will happen or is cash still king? Let’s explore the pros and cons.
PROS OF A CASHLESS SOCIETY
N Crime reduction. Street crime would disappear. Bank robberies and armed car thefts would go away. Tax evasion would disappear. Money laundering would no longer exist. N Cost savings. Businesses have additional expenses to handle cash. They must count it, deposit it, take it to the bank and insure against being robbed. They get change from the bank. Then, there is the cost to make
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money. A penny cost 2.1 cents to make in 2021. Five and $10 bills cost 10.8 cents to print. No wonder there has been a coin shortage. Transactions are easier and more convenient. What could be easier than pulling out a piece of plastic or using your smartphone? No need to make change, all payments are exact. International travel is simplified. No need to exchange currencies. All your money is now available to you. Finally, paper money is dirty and riddled with germs. It has been said that this is could be a way germs are spread and people could get ill.
CONS OF A CASHLESS SOCIETY
N Danger of overspending. With the simplicity of purchasing with just a click or a swipe, one can easily lose track of what they have spent. Accounts can become overdrawn and more fees added on. The pain of purchase is removed and you could buy stuff you don’t need. You could run up the credit cards and find yourself in debt. N Lack of security, cyber-attacks. With everything accessible via the internet, your information is available to would-be hackers. Should your account be hacked, a hacker could empty your account quickly. There would be no guarantees that you would get any of your money back.
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See this article: Cyber Attacks: Is your 401k safe? https://thebiweeklyadvisor.com/cyber-attacks-is-your401k-safe/ EMP attack (Electro-Magnetic Pulse). EMP is produced when a nuclear detonation occurs in the upper atmosphere. This explosion causes ionization of molecules, which causes a powerful electromagnetic field. This burst of energy has the potential to damage or destroy electronic devices over widespread areas. The electric power grid would also be at risk. https://doh.wa.gov/ sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/ Pubs//320-090_elecpuls_fs.pdf ) Some say this would never happen, but I’ve heard that before. It is a possibility and therefore is a risk. Loss of privacy. Now all your activities can be tracked. Some believe that that is already the case, but if you pay cash then who knows what you spent your money on? Banks could track your purchases they could sell your information to third parties and then you will begin to get advertisements to purchase products. Very annoying. Government surveillance. The government, working in conjunction with banks or other entities, could access your information. If they did not like what you were buying, they could shut off your ability to buy and sell. Or, worse yet, they could restrict
your ability to support certain organizations. Many believe this is the one big reason folks will resist a cashless system. N Rise of black markets. If folks do not want to be tracked or prefer to pay cash, a black market will likely become a reality. An underground currency could arise or folks could resort to barter. How many chickens for my goods and services. Or maybe you prefer pigs.
HOW LONG UNTIL WE HAVE A CASHLESS SOCIETY?
The genesis of a cashless society has already begun. The real question is how far will it go and how will people react to some of the pros and cons? In a recent survey conducted by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.), 6.5% of American Households do not have a bank account. Another 18.7% have a checking or savings account but use systems outside the banking system. About 25% of households would be unable to participate in a cashless society. With a percent that large, a cashless society appears to not be imminent.
CASH IS STILL KING
Financial expert Dave Ramsey says that paying cash for things triggers something in the brain and makes it painful to part with your hard-
earned money. He says this keeps you from overspending. Ramsey’s system requires you to budget every expense and put the cash in an envelope. When the envelope is empty, you have used up the amount budgeted. Eighty-five percent of businesses say they will never stop taking cash for purchases.
CONCLUSION
While it appears we are headed in the direction of a cashless society, it also seems unlikely that we will be there in the short term. Many of the cons discussed will continue to be obstacles. The control by the government is the most likely one to keep people away. However, as time passes and folks become more acclimated to a digital society, a cashless society becomes more possible. What do you think? You work hard for your money. Make sure it stays your money! Thanks for reading; hope you found this helpful. QCBN Steven Calabrese, CPA, is the CFO of Polara Health. He also is the owner/operator of a website known as thebiweeklyadvisor. com, where topics such as budgeting, investing, paying off debt and goal setting are discussed.
MARCH 2022 // Quad Cities Business News
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Getting to Know the New Owners of AZ Super Plumber
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elcome to “At Home with Tom and Sandy!” This month we are talking with William and Brielle Gagnon, new owners of AZ Super Plumber. So, keep reading, and enjoy a cool “Heir Apparent” local family story. When parents own a business, children often find themselves starting to work at a very young age. In the construction business, this can mean developing character through tough manual labor at the bottom of the rung. It can also mean perks like playing with real bulldozers or tagging along with your dad’s buddies at lunch, or in the case of William Gagon and his wife, Brielle, we now have a third-generation family assuming the plumbing business. While serving in the Marines, William really came to like plumbing and always had the dream of owning his own business. When the opportunity came about to join the family business, William and Brielle jumped in with both feet and recently assumed the business 100%. Sandy: Tom, I am delighted you had the opportunity to visit with William and Brielle. Brielle: We are glad to be here with you, Sandy and Tom, and looking forward to talking! William: Likewise, we love talking about the family business for sure. Tom: As I understand it, William, you, and Brielle have taken over and are the new family heir apparent, owners of AZ Super Plumber business from your father and mother. Sandy: I was so excited to hear about another local story of multi-generational family-owned businesses. Williams and Brielle, both of you are a great example
of the next generation stepping up into the trades. That is super cool! You are super plumbers! Tell us a bit of your history with the business. Have you worked in it for long? William: I started going out on calls with my dad, Bill, when I was about 13. I would learn by his side for several years until I joined the Marines. Brielle and I moved back home to Prescott about seven years ago and we became re-involved with AZ Super Plumber. Sandy: What type of plumbing work do you do? William: We do primarily residential service work of all types, from water heater replacement to yard lines and everything connected in between. We also do some remodeling but tend to stay away from new construction. Tom: William, what motivated you to come on home and get reinvolved? William: That is an easy question. We missed being home and with family. Brielle: That is pretty much it. We really wanted to be home. Sandy: That is so impressive! Not all families in business have that bond. So, you are a third-generation family of super Plumbers. William: My grandparents, Eileen and Bill Gagnon, started the business and my mom and dad ran it, and now it is our turn. Almost 35 years of a family business. Tom:Wow, three generations, which is both exceedingly rare and super cool. Some of our readers would like to know what it is about the business that attracted both of you. William: We wanted to work for ourselves. I am a perfectionist like my
// While serving in the Marines, William really came to like plumbing and always had the dream of owning his own business. When the opportunity came about to join the family business, William and Brielle jumped in with both feet and recently assumed the business 100%. //
grandfather and my dad. Owning our own business affords us the opportunity to have hands-on quality control. Brielle: And that quality control is not only in the field, but also in the company atmosphere, how our team members work together and most importantly with our customers. Sandy:Excellent reasons. So now that you two are running AZ Super Plumber, what are some of the challenges you face these days? Brielle and William (simultaneously): Finding employees! William: Fewer people are interested in the trades these days, not like the ‘old school’ where you find people to work with who genuinely cared about quality and customer service. We need people who want to maintain and share our commitment to excellence. Tom: What are you doing to attract those type of team members? Brielle: Ad campaigns. We partnered with Google. When certain search words are used, we get a hit. That is one way. We also talk to our team members and ask them to keep an eye out for potential team members. William: We advertise everywhere! Our goal is to have a bunch of applications to choose from so we can attract people who fit our team and culture. The goal is to have a happy team and a happy culture. Sandy: Tell us more about happy team and happy business culture. I really like that! William: We focus on high quality work and high-quality customer service. Both of those go hand in hand all our team members get a great deal of personal satisfaction from knowing they are achieving that goal. Brielle: All our team members go through several training sessions that teach best practices for not simply good, but great customer service. The sole purpose is to train our people to understand how best to communicate with our customers. We use a third-party company, Nexstar, to help us all have the tools necessary to achieve that goal. William: Customer service goes beyond a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We want our customers to be raving fans!
Sandy: That is so important in our industry and you should take great pride in that. Tell us about yourselves. I understand you have a couple of kiddos running around. How does all that work with work? Brielle: We have a daughter who is 4 and a son who is just turning six months old. I try to work from home between naps and bedtime, which helps me be there for the children. Sandy: What happens when you need to go to the office? How often does that happen? Brielle: Well the reality is I would like to go in just one day a week but am often called in three or four times a week, at least for a half day. I bring our children with me. Both are accustomed to taking naps at the shop. Tom: So, if I get this right, you are starting to train the fourth generation? William: LOL I guess that is right! Sandy:Do you enjoy working together? Is there a separate list for each of your responsibilities? Brielle, can you do plumbing work? Give us the inside skinny! Brielle: Well, I know a lot about plumbing. Before kids I would go out on calls with William quite often. William: Yeah, Brielle is 95 pounds at best ,so lifting a 40-gallon water heater onto its raised platform doesn’t always work out. LOL Brielle: That is the truth! As for working together though we always start with a plan for the day and beyond. This helps us manage both our personal and professional life. We have a mutual respect for what each of us does and that helps a lot. William: We really take a very professional approach to work and that helps both reduce and resolve any conflicts. There is never any yelling or screaming. We keep work apart from our family life, which affords us quality time with our kids. Tom: Now that Bill and Kim are no longer the owners, how are the adjustments going? William: Well, they are pretending to be retired. Mom comes in from time to time to help in the office and Dad is actually working in the field a few days a week as one of our service guys.
Brielle: They are both on the hunt for new hobbies. Tom: That is helpful, I am sure. I am most impressed with your attention to quality, both in your work and customer service. Kudos to you both for putting your efforts and dollars into team training as well. That is so important and often a most overlooked process. Sandy:William, is there a word of wisdom you would pass along to others working in a family business or thinking about it? William: Just because you think you are right does not mean you are right. Learn to effectively communicate and compromise. A family will never make progress if all you do is disagree. My parents instilled that work philosophy in me big time! Sandy: It is mega impressive that you both are taking over the family business. It speaks volumes about the next generation moving into the future. Our readers will want to contact you. How best do they do that? Brielle: Call Daisy at our office at 928-778-7120 and learn more about us on our website, www.azsuperplumber. com or stop by the shop at 501 6th St. Sandy: Brielle and William, thanks from the bottom of our hearts for stopping in and sharing yourself with our readers. It’s been a real pleasure having you join Tom and me this month. Until next month – Tom and Sandy signing out. QCBN Tom Reilly, LEED Accredited Professional, Architect. Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association. (928) 778-0040 Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7:00 am on KQNA 1130 am/99.9 fm/95/5fm or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and her wingman Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.
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Why the Right Real Estate Agent is Critical for Home Selling or Buying Success
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By Nick Malouff
hen the real estate market reaches the frothy levels we have experienced over the last few years, it is safe to say most homes will sell quickly. However, does that mean you don’t need a highly qualified agent to help navigate the complexities? The high demand for real estate in this market has actually made selling or buying a house more complicated than ever. It wouldn’t be possible to cover all of complexities here, but the following is a snapshot of what sellers and buyers are up against in today’s real estate market.
COUNTEROFFERS IN REAL ESTATE SALES
In our market, it is not uncommon for a seller to receive multiple offers to purchase a home soon after listing the property. A seller cannot respond to multiple offers by sending a simple counteroffer to each offer (buyer) without creating a potential legal issue. If more than one buyer accepts the counteroffer, each would have a legally binding contract,
but the seller would not be able to sell the property to more than one buyer. One common way of dealing with a multiple buyer offer situation is when the seller chooses to respond to several buyer offers simultaneously. In this case, the seller would make a “multiple counter offer” to some or all of the potential buyers.
RESPONDING TO A MULTIPLE COUNTER OFFER
If the seller receives one or more responses to a multiple counter offer (either accepting it or countering it), the seller must accept and sign one buyer response in order to make the contract ratified. What if all the buyers sign the multiple counter offer? If a buyer simply accepts the multiple counter offer, that does not mean the buyer has a valid contract. The seller has to accept the buyer’s acceptance of the multiple counter offer. Once the purchase contract has been signed by both seller and buyer, neither can arbitrarily decide to cancel it. However, until the multiple counter offer is ratified by both buy-
er and seller, the seller can accept an offer which is not from anyone the multiple counter offer was sent to!
RESPONDING TO MULTIPLE OFFERS
The seller and his or her agent must weigh the advantages and risks of each approach. Sending a multiple counter offer cancels the offers that were originally sent by the buyers. However, the multiple counter offer clearly announces that several offers are being considered. The buyers could respond in a multitude of ways; they may be motivated to improve their offer, they may decide to resubmit their original offer, or they may decide they don’t want to get in a bidding war and not respond at all. A seller’s agent may decide to discuss each situation with the buyer’s agent to gain a better understanding of the situation for each buyer, which, in turn, could help the seller make a more informed decision. The value of a good agent in these situations is hard to overstate. The wrong decisions could be very costly for both seller and buyer!
MULTIPLE OPTIONS FOR MULTIPLE COUNTER OFFERS
Just as each of the buyer offers submitted probably have different terms and prices, the multiple counter offer may have different terms and prices for each of the buyer offers. The seller may like the contingencies (or lack of contingencies) in one of the offers, but not the price. Conversely, the seller may like the price but not the contingencies. Even though it is a simultaneous offer made to several potential buyers, responding with different terms makes each buyer more likely to accept the multiple counter offer. One seller strategy is to respond with different multiple counter offer terms, trying to get the best terms while also trying to play it relatively safe. The seller could respond to one of the offers with changes, which would probably be accepted, and reply to other offers trying to get the best result. Conversely, after the seller’s agent discusses each buyer situation with the buyer’s agent, the seller may simply decide to accept
the first response to the multiple counter offers if they are confident the fastest response is the most motivated buyer. The experience and skill of the agents involved can dramatically affect the outcome. Clearly, both the buyer and seller need to employ the most qualified agent they can find to navigate the complexities of a hot real estate market to increase their odds of success and to gain the best possible deal. QCBN
Nick Malouff is the CEO and co-owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate BloomTree Realty with offices in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Cottonwood and Sedona. To reach Nick or a highly qualified agent, please call 928-443-8800.
Prescott Culver’s Scheduled to Open In April By Ray Newton, QCBN
Kansas in the fall of 2020. They said the venture into the restaurant business was a new one for them. he latest entry in the Prescott “We’re from generations-old farming casual food restaurant marfamilies. We’ve been asked why ketplace likely will be in early April, when Culver’s, located at 3125 we’re making such a radical jump Willow Creek Road, enters the scene. in careers,” Aaron said. “The short answer: We were ready for a change Franchise owners Aaron and of scenery and pace. But the longer Micah Williamson described menu answer: We’re with a company that items like “butter burger” and “ceunderstands the work American ment mixer,” among the offerings, famers put into providing safe and which will include chicken, fish, reliable food sources and supporting salads and desserts. initiatives like Thank You Farmers “These are the company’s names and Future Farmers of America for hamburgers, where every bun (FFA).” is buttered with real butter and The two were immediately imreally thick milkshakes are served in pressed by the warm and welcoming containers that look like miniature nature of the people in Prescott. cement mixers,” said Aaron. “We want to be a positive part of the The contemporary 4,200-squarecommunity. We really like the ‘smallfoot restaurant will have seating for town’ feel and we love the scenery 86 inside and a covered patio for and beauty of the area,” he said. another 34 guests outside. It also has They noted Prescott is the kind of a drive-through window. When fully operative, Culver’s will community the Culver Franchising System identifies with. Aaron said the employ between 60 to 70 staff members, some of whom will be managers. founders, Craig Culver and his famAll will go through intensive training ily, began in Sauk City, Wisconsin as a soup-sandwich-salad restaurant in to join the “True Blue Crew.” Hours 1984. of operation will be 10 a.m. to 10 The only other Culver’s in the p.m., year-round, except for Easter, Quad Cities area is in Prescott Valley Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Williamsons came to Prescott on Hwy 89. QCBN with their three young daughters from their hometown of Sublette,
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Culver’s restaurant is scheduled to open in early April at 3125 Willow Creek Road. Photo by Ray Newton
MARCH 2022 // Quad Cities Business News
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Understanding the Business of Orchestras Like Arizona Philharmonic
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By Sandy Farrell
magine you owned a gourmet restaurant with a loyal following but the patrons only paid $15 for a meal that cost you $45 to produce. Hard to survive on that, right? That is the case with orchestras. To survive with lower-than-average COVID ticket sales, and fixed costs like venues and musicians, orchestras around the world need the support of their communities more than ever. Cities such as Paris, London, New York, San Francisco may be large enough to weather the various storms, but what about Prescott? A 2017 report by ABC Radio National said, “Orchestras produce a unique product, but no symphony orchestra in the world would be financially viable on its own.” “Orchestras, like all cultural institutions, do create economic value, but that’s not their primary reason for existence,” said Macquarie University’s Professor Throsby. “Their primary reason for existence, obviously, is to make music. That means it’s a different sort of value they’re creating, which we can call
cultural value or artistic value.” Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) began bringing cultural value to Prescott in 2018. It was a toddler when the pandemic shut its doors, and though it is back in operation, producing diverse, stellar performances with growing audiences, it is still looking to expand its community support. That’s where the other $30 comes from for that gourmet meal donations and sponsors.
Flurry says COVID has been an opportunity for AZ Phil. “The pandemic required us to reexamine our business plan and build in resilience. Because AZ Phil is relatively new, we can tinker with the traditional orchestra model and explore a variety of genre and ensemble combinations. The results are musically brilliant and economically viable.”
AZ PHIL BRINGS LAYERS OF CULTURAL VALUE
In addition to diverse musical offerings, AZ Phil plans to increase its venues to include downtown sites. Making use of downtown places such as the Elks Theatre and the old Post Office would open opportunities. “I sense a growing appetite for quality classical music performances with an increased awareness of AZ Phil and our fresh approach to this venerable tradition,” added Flurry. AZ Phil is hopeful this increase in new audience members, diversity in programing and collaboration with multiple musical organizations will encourage those donor and sponsor dollars to fund the other 70% of that gourmet meal.
A self-proclaimed optimist, AZ Phil’s Executive Director Henry Flurry, a musician and composer, says “We bring a pattern of working with other organizations, such as with Dr. Joshua Harper’s Quartz Ensemble and the Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet. That collaboration brings multiple layers of cultural value to Prescott, intriguing and inspiring audiences, and drawing people who haven’t previously experienced orchestras. Even though our audiences are not at pre-pandemic levels, at each concert this season, 30% of them are newcomers.”
DOWNTOWN VENUES AND OUTREACH GOALS
AZ Phil has far-reaching plans for its adulthood in Prescott and performances in Surprise. Look for year-round programming of incredibly compelling musical experiences that include outreach. “We want to see Prescott as a source of arts that does not rely on importing artists. We aim to increase the vitality of the entire arts community, so when tourists come to Prescott one of the things on their itinerary is an AZ Phil performance,” Flurry said. QCBN
Sandra Farrell is a former broadcast and print journalist. More recently, she was press secretary for elected officials and she retired from the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank as media manager. She and her husband and two dogs moved to Prescott a year ago and love all things Prescott. She is a volunteer with Arizona Philharmonic, AZPhil.org.
Data Privacy Versus Data Security: A Closer Look
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By Theo Soumilas
he importance of data privacy and data security has grown exponentially as organizations today collect and store more information than ever before. Having a robust data protection strategy is critical to safeguard confidential information and to ensure smooth functioning of your business. But before we move on, let’s take a step back to understand the key concepts of data privacy and data security. The terms data privacy and data security are often misunderstood and are often used interchangeably. However, they are two separate concepts. Data privacy focuses on how information is handled, stored and used, while data security is concerned with protecting your organization’s assets.
UNDERSTANDING DATA PRIVACY
Data privacy deals with the regulations and practices to ensure data is responsibly handled. It includes how information is collected, processed, stored and disseminated. Any organization that collects and stores data or does business across the globe should comply with several privacy regulations, such as California Con-
sumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and other privacy laws. The aim of these regulations is to protect and enhance consumer and personal privacy. These rules give individuals the right to know what information is collected, why it’s collected and how it’s processed. As data privacy regulations are growing globally and becoming more complex, privacy requirements are also changing. Non-compliance to these laws could cost your business dearly.
IMPORTANCE OF DATA PRIVACY
Data privacy is an individual’s right to control who has access to personal information and how it should be used. This also protects personal information from being sold or redistributed to third parties. When organizations collect customers’ data, it is the organization’s responsibility to protect and preserve their clients’ sensitive information. Not having a privacy policy in place or failure to comply with privacy laws can lead to serious consequences, apart from legal actions and financial loss.
UNDERSTANDING DATA SECURITY
Data security is the process of protecting information from unauthorized access, data corruption and data loss. A data security process includes various techniques, data management practices and technologies that act as defense mechanisms to protect data from internal and external threats. Data security is concerned with what an organization does with the data collected, where and how the data is stored, and regulates who can access the information. A comprehensive data security strategy will help prevent data breaches, ensure business continuity and keep your company’s data safe from cyberthreats.
IMPORTANCE OF DATA SECURITY
The phrase, “data is the new oil,” coined by Clive Robert Humby in 2006, stands true in today’s competitive business environment. Data security is critical for the smooth functioning of day-to-day operations and running a business successfully. Failure to protect your organization’s confidential data can damage your brand’s value, result in regulatory penalties or shut down your business. Depending upon the purpose, type
of industry or geographical location, your business can implement security compliance frameworks and international standards, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). These frameworks provide guidance and best practices for information security to help you assess IT security measures, manage risks, respond to security incidents and improve your information security management system.
information. To avoid people from accessing those files, you pasted a sticker on the cover that reads “Do Not Touch.” But in order to add an extra layer of privacy, in case people don’t read or ignore the sticker, you locked the computer with a secure password. There are two things to note here. First, the “Do Not Touch” sticker tells people to keep away from your laptop, thereby authorizing your privacy. Second, the password ensures no one can access your data, thereby protecting your data from unauthorized access.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DATA PRIVACY AND DATA SECURITY
HOW TO ACHIEVE DATA PRIVACY AND SECURITY WHILE BEING LEGALLY COMPLIANT
In simple terms, data privacy and data security are two sides of the same coin. They have distinct concepts but are closely related. Achieving data security doesn’t ensure data privacy - and vice versa - but both are required to establish a comprehensive data protection strategy. Knowing the difference between these terms will help you strategize better, prevent data breaches and stay legally compliant. Let’s distinguish the two concepts with a hypothetical example. Assume you own a laptop, where you store personal
Achieving data privacy and data security and complying with several laws have their own set of challenges. Even large organizations struggle to understand and implement the right security management and compliance measures. QCBN For additional information or to schedule an appointment to assist your business, call 928-719-7724 or visit www.northernazit.com. Theo Soumilas is the owner of Northern Arizona IT servicing Arizona.
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Quad Cities Business News // MARCH 2022
quadcitiesbusinessnews.com
Spring Up with Culinary Herbs
S
By Debbie Maranville
pring is near and it is time to celebrate the season. I recall when I lived in Phoenix, springtime memories were the desert blooming with magical colors of wildflowers and cactus bearing fruit. We would attend Spring Training baseball games and celebrate with the fans and players. Spring Break was also a time for celebration when our children would be off from school and we would take road trips. For many of us, we do spring cleaning in our homes, closets and office spaces. Perhaps your kitchen or backyard are sacred spaces where you may want to begin creating a fresh new look and prepare for cooking and planting. Today, I was walking through our commercial kitchen, where Goods from the Garden, Catering & Events creates the magic. Chef Charles was preparing a tomato basil soup. The aroma was so invigorating. The basil surrounded me with love and happiness.
The smell of herbs such as basil, rosemary, oregano, chives, mint and parsley are so uplifting to me. I knew I needed to share this recipe with you. In fact, this recipe will make a gallon and a half of soup. Keep some for yourself of course, however, I invite you to put together Ziploc quart-sized bags or jars of the fresh soup. This will then be available for you to enjoy as well as gift some to a friend, co worker or neighbor. They will be so appreciative to receive something so heartfelt that celebrates spring and kindness. Enjoy! QCBN
INGREDIENTS:
Debbie Maranville is the co-owner of Goods from the Garden, Catering and Events and The Natural Healing Garden Massage and Wellness Center.
Growing Gardens with Food Scraps
I
Tomato Basil Soup
n its first year, the Prescott Community Compost Project diverted more than 40 tons of food scraps from the landfill and distributed 5,000 pounds of nutrient-rich compost to local gardeners. In fall 2020, the City of Prescott was awarded a two-year grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to pilot a small-scale composting program in partnership with Prescott Farmers Market (PFM). The city was one of 11 municipalities nationwide to receive funds through the inaugural Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction grant program. This pilot project collects kitchen scraps from Prescott Farmers Market and commercial kitchens to process into compost for use in gardens and on farms throughout the Quad Cities area. The scraps are transported to the compost site on Schemmer Drive. Each Sunday, a crew of volunteers assists PFM staff members to mix the food scraps with wood chips, leaves, straw and untreated wood shavings before shoveling it into piles. Fresh piles are covered with a thick blanket of wood chips or mature compost. The piles are turned regularly and the “recipe” is adjusted to prevent odor. After several months, the compost cures and can be distributed to community gardeners via the Compost Booth at the Prescott Farmers Market. Because this is a USDA-funded program, the compost is free for the duration of the grant period (through September 2022). For more information, visit https://www.prescottfarmersmarket.org/community-compost/ or email compost@prescottfarmersmarket.org. QCBN
N N N N N N N N N N
2 medium white onions sliced 10 cloves of garlic ¼ cup olive oil 1 tbsp. celery seed 1 ½ bunches of fresh basil 2 tbsp. fresh oregano 1 cup red wine ½ cup balsamic vinegar 102 oz. roasted crushed tomatoes salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Pour olive oil into pan. Add the onions and garlic and sweat down for 5-8 minutes until lightly browned. Add the celery seed, basil and oregano and stir frequently for 2 minutes. Deglaze with the red wine. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for one hour. Puree in a blender.
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quadcitiesbusinessnews.com WATTERS continued from page 6
MALLORY continued from page 12
member’s role until July 2019, when she was appointed to the BOS. District 5 voters then elected her to the same position in 2020. She was named board chair Jan. 1, 2022. Fellow BOS James Gregory from District 2 was named vice-chair.
MALLORY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT ECONOMIC FUTURE
Despite some grim consequences created because of impacts of the pandemic and its social and economic effects, Mallory is optimistic and enthusiastic about the fiscal future of Yavapai County. “Given the increased growth in our county as evidenced by the census - from 211,033 in 2010 to 236,209 in 2020 - we’ve got to face up to some key issues. People are moving here from all over the world. With almost 12% growth, we simply must make solving water issues a major priority. We need to address the aging wastewater treatment systems and other out-of-date water facilities. We’ve now got some ARPA [American Rescue Plan Act] funds available to help with that,” she said. “Same is true with placing broadband throughout the county. Our rural residents need access to broadband to survive in today’s technological environment. ARPA can help with that, too.” The BOS and county staff members will be setting specific priorities in upcoming meetings as they plan the budget for the next fiscal year. “I want it made clear that in establishing a ‘Comprehensive Plan,’ we want citizen input. That plan will be our roadmap. It is required, and we want it to reflect where and how we should grow and what we should protect.” Mallory cited eight elements that will be included
in the plan: Land Use, Growth Areas, Transportation, Water Resources, Energy, Open Space, Environmental, and Cost of Development. She urges people to visit the Yavapai County Comprehensive Planning website at www.planningyavapai2032.org to complete online surveys to let their voices be heard.
DUMBEST THING I’VE EVER DONE
When my husband, Kirk, and I moved from Southern California to Prescott Valley, we didn’t think we would need a house. We bought a fifth wheeler. Did anyone ever tell you how cold it gets in Prescott Valley during the winter?
FAVORITE ACTIVITY
We love hiking, biking and outdoor activities. We also enjoy travel in the U.S. and hope to see a lot more of this great country.
LAST TIME I FELT PROUD
I am honored and humbled to be credited with initiating what is now called the “Healing Fields” in Prescott Valley, which honors those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack of 9/11. We Americans can never forget that horrifying day.
WHO I ADMIRE
With no hesitation, [I have to say] the late Harvey Skoog, former longtime Prescott Valley mayor. He was the kindest mentor to me when I was elected to town council and I’ll always remember him.
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gardens and nurseries. Harold’s saying to live by: “Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord Himself and not merely for others,” Colossians 3:23. By 1983, the garden center needed room to grow, so Harold moved it to its current location on Iron Springs Road. After 40 years, he decided to retire and passed the torch in 2002 to his youngest daughter, Lisa Watters-Lain, and her husband, Ken. “If you are going to give, give them your time and expertise as well as your money,” Harold had said. He served on the Prescott Frontier Rotary, YRMC Hospital, Prescott Chamber of Commerce and Arizona Nursery Association boards, to name only a few organizations. He thoughtfully made his community a better place to live spiritually, mentally and physically. His heart was always drawn downtown across from the Prescott courthouse to his church, Solid Rock Christian Fellowship. He taught in-depth bible studies as deacon and shared scripture at the fellowship’s soup kitchen for years. Harold’s passion for plants never faded. Even after 20 years of retirement, he popped in frequently to Watters Garden Center he started and loved. Harold lost a daughter, Cheryl Watters, three years ago. He is survived by his wife, Lorna, and three daughters, Joanne Mikkelson and her husband Rick, Terri Watters, and Lisa Watters-Lain and her husband Ken, along with a brother and sister, Richard Watters and Jeannie McBride. Harold brimmed with pride when he was around his eight grandchildren, Raina Dawson, Lexi and Adam Miller, Samantha Mikkelson, Katelyn Lain-Cespedes, James, Meghan and McKenzie Lain; and he adored his four great-grandchildren. Words of encouragement, memories and sympathy to the family are encouraged. They may be sent to Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Road, Prescott, Arizona 86305. A celebration of Harold’s life is scheduled for his birthday, 11 a.m., March 17, at Solid Rock Christian Fellowship. The community lost a true neighbor and friend. Please join us. QCBN
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AUTO CAMP continued from page 1
The company’s promotional material states, “AutoCamp has revolutionized alternative lodging by blending the traditional outdoors experience with the service and design of a boutique hotel. From luxury linens, bedding and bathrobes to mid-century modern inspired reception and meeting space, AutoCamp has reimagined the outdoor lodging experience for the modern adventurer.” Up to 150 Airstream and canvas tent sites are proposed for the Williams location, each with its own outdoor cooking and dining area. “Airstream is a partner and investor in AutoCamp,” said Corea. “That’s something we’re very proud about, being able to represent this iconic American brand and really create this really cool nostalgic camping experience with a modern twist.” AutoCamp is to be located on about 40 acres in the northwest corner of the 160-acre parcel, thus maintaining open space across most of the property to protect public views, says Corea. AutoCamp, which is car-free outside of the parking area, will build a network of trails throughout the property for bikers and hikers. Also, AutoCamp is planning to include employee housing for up to 20 staff members in a “modular park model, screened from guest views by the natural landscape,” according to the proposal. The Airstreams will have a connection to water, wastewater and electrical services plus outside eating and patio areas, and firepits using com-
pressed wood logs that reduce smoke and sparks. In addition, the property will showcase a main 6,000-squarefoot, two-story clubhouse lounge, general store, gardens, pool and spa-inspired communal restrooms and showers – all designed to be integrated into the forest setting. “We work hard to make each campground special by incorporating the area’s historical, cultural and ecological elements into the design,” said Corea. The Cooper Ranch location is said to be a quick bike ride to Williams where visitors can enjoy the quaint Route 66 community along with its unique shops, restaurants, zipline, breweries and drive-thru wildlife park, Bearizona. AutoCamp plans to work with local restaurants, businesses and organizations to feature locally sourced food, attractions and environmental messages, like “Leave No Trace” principles. Corea says the company expects to invite National Park Service and Forest Service rangers to the campground for fireside chats, as well as yogis and other fitness instructors to the property. AutoCamp has four luxury Airstream outdoor properties in operation: Joshua Tree, Sonoma, Yosemite, and Cape Cod. Locations in Zion and the Catskills currently are under construction. Characteristics they share include being near a scenic outdoor destination, having quick access to a charming town and blending with the natural environment. Additionally, at each location, AutoCamp partners
AutoCamp wants to bring its luxury Airstream camping model to Northern Arizona, blending the outdoors experience with the service and design of a boutique hotel. Courtesy photo
with local environmentally focused non-profits by donating a dollar per each night’s stay booked. In 2021, AutoCamp donated more than $40,000 to these organizations. Company representatives say their target audience includes four demographic categories: families with young children, retirees, young professionals and companies that want to book retreats away from the traditional hotel meeting rooms. Cost per night at the Copper Ranch location near Williams is
approval by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors before the project can move forward. Should it be approved, company representatives expect AutoCamp near Williams will be open in 2024. Hear more about AutoCamp and the company’s plans to come to Williams on Zonie Living: Business, Adventure and Leadership later this month at Dave Pratt’s StarWorldWideNetworks.com. QCBN
MOTHER ROAD continued from page 9
COWGIRLS continued from page 1
Jennifer Roberds, co-owner of Muley Forge, a Williams shop that sells metal- and wood-crafted art, jewelry and furniture. “This store is going to add a unique shopping experience to the great stores already in town. April is adding a different angle to our local fashion that will be appreciated by locals and tourists alike. The coolest experience is while you are shopping, you can hear April’s beautiful music - and you can take it home with you.” White worked as a reporter in her hometown of Des Moines, Iowa, before moving to New York to pursue a career in public relations. During that 10-year period, she and a friend started a band and moved to Los Angeles and soon afterward, to Northern Arizona. “We decided that the band would have an easier time breaking through in a smaller market here,” she said. “It’s a crazy market in Los Angeles and everyone is looking for an audience.” Aaron Day, a long-time friend and key member of Violet and the Sun, stepped in to collaborate with White on her endeavor. “April and I met in New York and we transitioned to Los Angeles and then here to Northern Arizona,” said Day, administrative and recreation assistant for the City of Sedona Parks and Recreation Department. “I just love her shop. The textures, the patterns all speak of her concepts. She comes up with the ideas and I help her flesh them out.” Cowgirls & Fairies isn’t White’s first entrepreneurial venture. She founded a successful national strategic
projected to range from about $200 to $400. Corea says the average guest stay is about two days. “We acknowledge humans have a natural need to be outdoors, and as society continues to develop and cities continue to build, people are not having that casual connection with nature,” he said. “It’s a lot of work to get out and camp. We want to preserve that experience in a safe and responsible way, and serve that natural need that we all have.” The rezoning proposal will require
communications agency, Trust Relations, three years ago. “We now have more than 30 team members and we work with clients from around the globe,” said White. She says she’s always been the kind of person who wants to create the things that she wished already existed. “I created the music I wish I could listen to, the public relations firm I wish I could have worked at and, now, the store I’d love to shop at if I were visiting Williams – or as a resident. I hope that Cowgirls & Fairies will capture the imagination of tourists and locals alike, and add a little extra color and vibrancy to the already captivating, picture-perfect vignette that is downtown Williams.” “This boutique is going to be a great addition to Route 66,” said Rehab and Relax Massage Therapy owner Tifni Sutton. “Having a little something for everyone, from tourists to locals. April has put a lot of work into this chic creation and knowing her artistic side, I’m sure it’s going to shine!” Drawing from local talent, White is also looking into procuring work from Northern Arizona artists. Hiking with her three dogs, playing puzzle games on the Xbox, and writing and performing her music top White’s list for off-work fun. QCBN Cowgirls & Fairies is located at 106A N. 4th St., in Williams. For more information, visit cowgirlsandfairies.com or contact White at cowgirlsandfairies@gmail.com.
and neon,” said Evans. “It’s our town, the business end, where tourists would have visited. It shows the modernization, yet you get to see the sides of the building circa 1900. Anyone could look at that and say, ‘I get where they are. That’s Flagstaff.’” As Miller explains, Mother Road Brewing Co. is a values-based brand. “The story may start with a can that has a label on it, but then you figure out the brand supports Cline Library Special Collections and Archives. And the discussion progresses to the work that they are doing and the reason behind it. For Mother Road, our roots are here. We want to talk about those roots and how deep they run.” Because Archive Ale came out during the pandemic, Miller says the company was resourceful and found ways to make great beer and make it available despite an aluminum-can shortage. “We were taking old cans already printed and re-wrapping them to give them a second life.” Archive Ale has sold out and the library has received thousands of dollars from a portion of the brew’s sales. “That allowed us to hire another project archivist to revamp the notoriously messy Route 66 collection,” said Evans. “Because of Michael’s generosity, we are able to make the collection even more available.” Marquess is considering continuing the Archive Ale project, which, as Miller says, is what Marquess does. For example, a portion of the sales from Mother Road’s Conserve and Protect Golden Ale – more than $30,000 – has been donated to the Arizona Game and Fish Department for conservation projects. “Michael is just a fun guy who makes great beer and is committed to his community,” said Evans. QCBN
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