FedEx Delivering Jobs

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

FedEx Ground Distribution Facility is constructing the largest commercial building in Prescott’s history that will bring more high paying jobs to the community and make it easier for residents to send and receive packages.

The 220,000-square-foot building is being built on the south side of the airport on Melville Road off of State Highway 89A.

The location, near Prescott Regional Airport, is considered ideal, with packages being flown in and out. Prescott Regional Airport is the 17th busiest airport in America and city officials say this will bring more air freight flights.

Mayor Phil Goode said FedEx’s decision to come to Prescott is a substantial validation of the quality commercial development around the airport - and he expects it will bring even more quality commercial development to this area by the airport.

The FedEx facility is expected to open during the last quarter of this year, with construction slated to be completed by Oct. 21

Mayor Goode credits Prescott’s substantial economic development team with touting the area and helping FedEx Ground Distribution know about the benefits of coming to Prescott. “As we continue to grow, we’ll be able to generate more passenger capability,” he said.

The land for the facility totals about 30 acres. Commercial developer Kiernan West LLC, acquired the property from the City of Prescott following a public bid process, and will develop the facility on behalf of FedEx Ground.

In 2021, the City of Prescott acquired a total of 115 acres of land, off Melville Road, as part of the development agreement with Arizona Eco Development, which was approved earlier this year.

Prescott City Manager Michael Lamar said in a news release that FedEx Ground will be the first and anchor tenant of this property. “We are pleased to have this opportunity to bring quality career jobs to the area,” he said.

Initial permits have been issued and construction is underway. FCL Builders is overseeing the construction.

FedEx officials say they will start with at least 80 well-paid hourly jobs with good benefits when it opens. As business expands, FedEx plans to have three shifts.

“We will see a lot of additional activity,” Mayor Goode said. “One of the things we hope to bring in is more high tech businesses. This will make the area more valuable to other businesses.”

Mayor Goode said the community will benefit from the FedEx Ground Distribution Facility through sales taxes on internet orders and from business orders. The amount of property tax coming into the city is less than 2% of its budget, so not much money will come into the city from the FedEx property tax, he said. However, he expects most of the funds benefiting the city from the distribution center will come from the transaction privilege tax, as more workers will be using area restaurants and other services in Prescott.

Mayor Goode said the FedEx Ground Distribution Facility is important because it shows major businesses that FedEx looked at the Prescott Airport area and found it attractive for distribution operations in Arizona. “Major businesses are locating here,” he said. “This is a terrific addition to the economy.”

Mayor Goode said the impact of traffic from FedEx will be minimal compared to the volume of traffic already on 89 and Pioneer Parkway. He said water use will be minimal. “This is a great opportunity for Prescott and its citizens,” he said. “The new facility will provide quality jobs and will make Prescott a shipping and logistics hub for the region.” QCBN

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

By Ray Newton, QCBN

One 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.