June 2022 by Quad Cities Business News

INSIDE THE JUNE 2022 ISSUE: Building Battery Storage for Solar Energy p. 3 Music Store Upping its Volume p. 6 Kari Rauch Coaxes Metal, Stones into Art p. 8

World’s Oldest Rodeo Going Big p. 11 Paula Sedillo Wise Helps Kids Step it Out p. 12 Arizona Rangers Backing Up the Law p. 14

Market Strategist Discusses Supply Chain, Interest Rates, Inflation, Cars

By Ray Newton, QCBN

espite increasing mortgage interest rates, the worst inflation the nation has experienced in 40 years and a falling stock market, a senior analyst and technical market strategist for LPL Financial Investment says, “Don’t panic. The U.S. economy still remains the strongest around the world.”

Scott Brown, based at the LPL office in Charlotte, North Carolina, delivered this message to dozens of business and financial professionals in Prescott. Using the theme, “From Hand-up to Hand-off,” Brown said the market is especially volatile and likely will remain that way through the year. Brown was invited by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with One AZ Credit Union to speak at

the annual spring Economic Forecast 2022 program on May 3 on the Yavapai College Prescott campus. He emphasized that caution rather than panic should govern stock market decisions. He noted that the U.S. economy is bouncing back from one of the worst years since the Great Depression and the potential for growth was one “of the best in nearly 40 years.” During a detailed presentation,

he defined several major issues for investors: N Increasing costs for commodity products such as computer chips. N Rising retail sales markets and, at the same time, rising product costs, especially food. N Unpredictable and disrupted supply chains, particularly for items necessary in the production of apContinued on page 35

Turning Dreams into Wine Ignacio Mesa realizes vision with Clear Creek Vineyard and Winery By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

E Ignacio Mesa invites guests to visit his 10-acre vineyard in Camp Verde, where he produces red and white blends. Photos y V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

June 2022 | Issue 6 Volume 10

arly morning reflections mirrored in the flourishing pond at Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery suggest a perfect terroir – a French term pertaining to a region’s climate, soil and terrain that affects the taste of the wine. With grape vines stretching across most of his 10 acres in Camp Verde, Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery Owner Ignacio Mesa has cultivated sustainable solutions for his viticulture paradise. He purchased the land in 1994. Today, he produces about 1,150 cases of red and white wines per year. Patiently and methodically,

Mesa has approached his Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery with a purpose and a plan for developing a wine-growing ecosystem. Mesa’s two white Great Pyrenees dogs, Pancho and Cisco, are part of the operation. Not only do they greet guests, but they also keep coyotes and raccoons away. Frolicking between the rows of grapevines, geese munch on weeds, chickens chomp on bugs and ducks, which have proliferated through the years, keep the pond regulated by eating the moss. Using his past insight gained through managing irrigation projects in Phoenix, Mesa built a pond, gravity fed from Clear Creek, in an area where irri-

gation is possible around and below it. “Four valves open so water can be released to irrigate the vineyard without electricity. This reduces the carbon footprint,” explained Mesa. “It can be costly to pump water, as it uses a lot of electricity. It is very costly to run electric powered pumps.” When he was having problems with too much moss in the pond, he was having to dredge it. But then, migratory ducks moved in and took care of the problem. “Deposits from the ducks and fish provide natural nitrogen for the vineyards. We don’t have to buy expensive chemical nitrogen fertilizers, requiring the use of electricity, which also reduces the carbon footprint,” he said. Continued on page 33

Quad Cities Business News // JUNE 2022

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Above: APS executive Mackenzie Rodgers described the construction process for a battery storage project designed to capture solar energy to the Chino Valley Town Council. Below: Afterward, she answered questions from residents. Photo by Ray Newton

Solar Battery Field to be Constructed in Chino Valley

By Ray Newton, QCBN

onstruction for the multi-million dollar Battery Energy Storage System, BESS, is scheduled to begin in October at the existing Arizona Public Service (APS) solar field located at 1900 E. Road 4 South in Chino Valley. Explaining details of the project to the Chino Valley Town Council and several members of the public during an early evening town council meeting on April 26, APS Division Director for Northern Arizona Mackenzie Rodgers said when complete, BESS will capture solar energy during the day and store it for customer use after sunset. Construction should be finished by the end of April, she said, with BESS operating in May 2023. “Our pre-application process is complete and we are moving forward.” “The capacity of the 19-megawatt battery system – about 100,000 battery cells – is large enough to power more than 10,000 homes for four hours,” Rodgers said. The batteries operate silently. She introduced APS employee David Clark, who is an expert on battery use and installation. In her presentation, Rodgers showed where the fenced 150-acre solar plant will be located. The land occupied by the battery system is half an acre. The 120 cubes holding the battery cells will be side by side. Each cube will contain 832 battery cells, totaling 99,840 battery cells. A cell is 3 inches by 7 inches by 8 inches. The original solar farm is now 11 years old. Rodgers said BESS is another step in the APS commitment to providing 100% carbon-free clean energy to customers by mid-century. “As of today, we are producing 50% clean energy and we want to reach 65% clean within the next eight years.” APS hopes to retire its coal-fired generation plants by 2031. The utility company wants to increase battery storage and support the transition with abundant natural gas.

“Our project here in Chino Valley will let us deliver cleaner energy to customers at times of peak energy demands,” said Rodgers. “Our research has shown that energy demand is highest in the evening during mid-summer when air conditioner units are running and people are home cooking and watching television. As a result, customers will have access to solar energy even when the sun is down. Dinner time, primetime television viewing and nighttime lighting will be provided by a cleaner energy mix.” In concluding comments, Rodgers said APS crews are clearing brush and trash around utility poles. “We want to be certain that in the event of a wildfire, none of our utility poles are jeopardized. We make that commitment to our customers, that our facilities and resources are going to be fire-safe. We have defensible space around all our facilities,” she said. APS, founded in 1886, is Arizona’s largest and longest-serving public utility. The investor-owned public service company serves 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties. QCBN

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Sinema Highlights Historic Infrastructure Investments for Yavapai County

rizona Senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema hosted a roundtable discussion with local leaders from across Yavapai County to talk about the region’s infrastructure funding priorities – including wildfire mitigation, water security and transportation expansion – as she works to implement historic investments from her infrastructure law. “We’re working hand-in-hand with leaders across Yavapai County to ensure our bipartisan infrastructure law’s investments in wildfire mitigation and recovery, bridge and road repairs, airport improvements and more go directly into the projects that need them,” said Sinema, co-author and lead negotiator of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs law. The gathering follows the onset of fire season in Arizona, with the Crooks Fire burning nearly 10,000 acres south of Prescott. As Arizona experiences the most severe drought in 1,200 years, Yavapai County leaders emphasized the importance of wildfire prevention, mitigation and cleanup for the region. Sinema shared with local leaders how her historic Infrastructure

Investment and Jobs law authorizes a once-in-a-generation $8.25 billion for wildfire management, resiliency, restoration and natural resources-related infrastructure. Sinema’s historic bill secured for the Prescott National Forest a total of $28.7 million for forest treatment from 2022 to 2024 – with $11.1 million coming in 2022 alone. Additionally, earlier this year, Sinema announced a $61 million investment for wildfire prevention in Arizona for 2022, directly investing in Arizona for the implementation of 4FRI treatments as well as critical recovery and mitigation projects. During the discussion, Sinema underscored how Arizonans rely on National Weather Service predictions and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data to predict fire trajectory and determine impacts to landscapes and the safety of families. Sinema’s law includes $80 million for NOAA high-performance computing and $50 million for wildfire prediction, detection and forecasting. Yavapai County leaders detailed additional funding priorities for the region, including transportation

expansion and securing Arizona’s water future – both areas in which the infrastructure law makes investments. Specifically, Sinema secured $8.3 billion for Western Water, including $3.2 billion for the Aging Infrastructure Account and $250 million to fully fund the Drought Contingency Plan operations at Lake Mead for 5 years. In 2022 alone, Arizona will receive $109 million in funding from the Environmental Protection Agency to address clean and drinking water systems, update wastewater infrastructure and help clean up water contaminants like PFAS in communities across the state. In Yavapai County, Camp Verde School District and a local assisted living facility received $3 million from the Army Corps of Engineers to connect both facilities to the YavapaiApache Wastewater Treatment Plant for more reliable service. On formula funding alone, Arizona expects to receive about $903 million across five years to improve public transportation options. Sinema’s law reauthorizes Federal Transit Administration programs for fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

Like the highway programs, many of the transit programs are also based on formulas and flow directly to the transit agencies, just as they have in the past. Sinema pledged to work with leaders on the ground to identify grants and programs for which they qualify. In another big win for Yavapai County, Prescott Regional Airport-Ernest A. Love Field is slated to receive $5.1 million through the next five years from the infrastructure law in repairs and upgrades, improving airport safety, convenience and efficiency. Roundtable participants included Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Mary Mallory, Prescott Mayor Phil Goode, Jerome Mayor Jack Dillenberg, Clarkdale Mayor Robyn Prudehomme-Bauer, Chino Valley Mayor Jack Miller, Cottonwood Councilmember Tosca Henry, Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Director Vincent Gallegos and Prescott Valley Town Manager Gilbert Davidson.

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Downtown Corridor Taking Shape p. 3 American Icon Closing its Doors p. 4

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.

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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

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

WHO’S THE

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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,

QCBN

rea residents who prefer apartments in the north-central area of Prescott now have that opportunity.

Willow Creek Apartments, a 160unit complex on a five-acre development located at 3137 Willow Creek Road, is accepting renters for studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom carriage house apartments. and

Owner-developer Cole Johnson told the Quad Cities house building and Business News fitness center. that the garden-style The approximate value apartments had been many years project is approaching of the total in the making. $40 million, Johnson said. “We now have from the City of Prescott certificates Six apartment floor of occupancy. plans range Residents are moving in square footage from about 670 to in. I’m thrilled to see these new 1,188 square feet. residents in what Floor plans can be I believe are the nicest viewed at willowcreekaptsprescott. apartments of their type in the com/floorplans. community.” Rental rates also can 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.

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

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

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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

Dignitaries from around Airport’s new terminal. the Quad Cities dug in during the groundbreaking Photo

QCBN

by Kay Lyons

February 2020

| Issue 2 Volume 8

ceremony for Prescott

Regional

WHO’S THE

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BEST OF THE BEST?

OUR BEST OF BUSINESS WINNERS ARE ANNOUNCED ON PAGE 32

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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

We do what it takes to give our clients peace of mind, and that includes making ourselves available when it’s convenient for you.

Your business doesn’t stop working at night.

Athena Coming to Prescott p. 6 Bringing Renewable Energy to Navajo Nation p. 8

New SANA Hospi Community Medictal Fills al Needs S

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JUNE 2022 // Quad Cities Business News

Quad Cities Business News // JUNE 2022

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Gray Dog Has More Room to Play Music store moves to larger space, expands services

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

ray Dog Guitars has moved a few doors down to 231 N. Cortez Street and is now Gray Dog Music, occupying a space that is four times its former size, allowing for a much larger showroom and a greater emphasis on teaching. Owner Addison Matthew says Gray Dog outgrew its previous space after seven years. “We always wanted to expand with a larger array of instruments and more guitars, drums and keyboards. We also needed more room for lessons and repairs.” Gray Dog Music has four individual studios for guitars, keyboards, bass and other instruments. The drum room is the largest studio, with space for two large drum sets. Local musician Anton Teschner is the lesson coordinator. The store has 10 teachers who are also performers. They offer instruction on guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, ukulele, banjo and mandolin. Lessons average around $25 to $35 per half hour. Teschner, who has performed in

a duo with Drew Hall for 23 years, said his job is rewarding. “It’s great because I talk to beginning, intermediate and experienced musicians who want lessons.” Teschner urges everyone interested in lessons - but especially parents of young musicians - to visit the studio. “Anyone can come check out the studio any time. Parents need to feel comfortable about where they are bringing their kids.” Gray Dog Music owner Addison Matthew says their business model for offering lessons is unorthodox. He said most music stores set the fee, of which the store receives a percentage. Instead, Gray Dog rents space to music teachers who, in turn, decide their own rate. “I wanted to give teachers flexibility without interfering with their business,” he said.

UNIQUE FENDER, TAYLOR DEALER

There is not another music store like Gray Dog in the Quad Cities, says Matthew. “We are an authorized dealer for Fender and Taylor guitars. We have many types of instruments, pro audio equipment, lessons, custom-made instruments and repairs all under one roof.”

Local musician Nick Caneulo plays the guitar and displays instruments at Gray Dog Music. Photo by Stan Bindell

The store also has industry celebrity Chris Fleming on staff to make repairs and also create custom-built guitars and instruments. Fleming served as a senior master builder and engineer of research and development at Fender, the largest guitar company in the world. Gray Dog Music opened April 4, and the word is out. “We have a lot of regular customers and I know all of

them by first name,” said Matthew, adding that the new store also offers much more parking. “Everybody is friendly. We want people to feel that they can come in and play. In the future, we would like to have workshops and events.” With the area growing in population, Matthew said there is a need for more lessons and instruments. “To have everything we have under

one roof for a community as small as Prescott, it’s a lot,” he said. “We have so much support from the community and they are the ones who made the expansion possible.” QCBN For more information, visit graydogmusic. com.

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JUNE 2022 // Quad Cities Business News

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Business Woman QCBN

of the Month

Jeweler Kari Rauch Designs with Nature By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

actus skeletons, rattlesnake skin and shed lizard scales may seem unusual in the context of highend jewelry, but for Sedona jeweler Kari Rauch of KD Steele Designs, they are the bedrock of her designs. Since moving to Sedona in 2005, Rauch has found her niche featuring one-of-a-kind pendants, rings, bracelets and beaded treasures. Her process both maintains and refreshes the spirit of the area, reflecting the contemporary Southwestern aesthetic. “The patterns I come across on my daily hikes speak to the natural beauty of this desert paradise,” said Rauch. “In the beginning, I made molds of interesting tree bark or patterns on rocks and then started incorporating feathers, leaves and any other objects of inspiration I found along the way.” “When the paddle of a prickly pear drops, it deteriorates into this sort of beautifully intricate husk that can be cleaned up and prepared for casting.” Thanks to her son, Steele, and his red bearded dragon, Petrie, Rauch has also been able to use naturally-shed

lizard skin in her jewelry. “I call them ‘Serpent Scales,’” she said, pointing them out in pendants and cuffs. From the Bisbee turquoise mine to the Carico Lake, Nevada mine, Rauch is very particular about her choice and source of gemstones. Many of her pieces include turquoise from the Number Eight (#8) mine in Nevada. “This gemstone is extremely rare; turquoise hasn’t been sourced from this site since the mine closed in 1976,” she explained. In addition to Southwest turquoise, Rauch frequently uses Australian Boulder Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Peridot and Blue Topaz.

Above: Bold creations by Kari Rauch often include stunning gemstones, sterling silver, Swarovski crystals and brass beads. Below: The KD Steele Designs owner has a passion for hiking Sedona trails and finds inspiration from the Southwest. Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney Fresh Focuses Photography

Rauch also specializes in seed bead bracelets crafted on a loom using fire-polished faceted Swarovski crystal beads, glass and brass beads. “The clasps are sterling silver with bezel-set matching Southwest turquoise secured with a sterling silver locking pin,” she said. “ Beading, for Rauch, is a meditative task, like a puzzle. “It is relaxing and honestly a lot of fun. I enjoy the patterns and some of my favorite designs are inspired by Native American rugs. I like the challenge of recreating their bold geometric shapes through a different medium.” Married for almost 40 years, Rauch’s interest in jewelry started through her husband’s career as an antique dealer. “He would take me to museums and auctions, and I always found myself admiring the estate jewelry. No two pieces were alike.” Enrolling in her first jewelry course in 1981 at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey, Rauch learned about lost wax casting and wax

carving. It was nearly two decades before Rauch’s passion for design and budding talent for jewelry making came to fruition. “After raising both of my sons, I went back to school and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology,” she said. While Rauch was always excited about the subject matter in an intellectual sense, she never pursued psychology professionally. “I couldn’t see myself sitting around and listening to people’s problems all day. However going back to school and being exposed to new concepts, new ways of thinking, did inspire me to create.” In 2001, Rauch began making her seed bead bracelets. Through the past 20 years, she has expanded her craft, turning raw metals and gemstones into art. “Susan Herman, co-owner of Kick N’ Cast in Sedona, liked my jewelry and suggested I contact Caravana Jewelry to see if they would represent my designs,” said Rauch. “Kari’s bracelets are truly beautiful.

Some of her jewelry is large, which is trending right now. She’s done it on her own and she’s very talented,” said Herman. “Kari’s attention to detail and love for the raw materials show in every one-of-kind piece that she creates,” said Caravana co-owner Melissa Iaquilino. “The organic shapes and textures are reflective of our beautiful landscape. Her jewelry is magnificent.” The name KD Steel Designs incorporates her son’s names Kane and Dane Steele. “If I’m not out hiking, I’m in my home studio creating jewelry,” said Rauch. “ I love what I do and it’s a blessed life.” QCBN KD Steele Designs can be found at www. kdsteeledesigns.com or at Caravana Jewelry in Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village in Sedona. Caravana Jewelry specializes in featuring local Arizona artists. Rauch can be contacted directly at 213-300-1875.

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JUNE 2022 // Quad Cities Business News

Every day, prepared. Wildfire preparation protects you, the community and first responders. Providing you safe, reliable energy is our top priority. That’s why we work year-round to prepare for wildfires by updating equipment, working with first responders on emergency action plans, performing visual inspections of lines before and during an outage, and managing vegetation and other potential hazards around our equipment. Power lines may be temporarily taken out of service to protect firefighters, which could result in outages that might last longer than usual. Working together, we can be prepared. Here are some things you can do: • Keep grass, weeds, trees and shrubs trimmed. Dispose of trimmings and trash properly. • Get emergency alerts through local resources and visit ein.az.gov to create an emergency preparedness plan. • Sign up for outage alerts and view our interactive outage map at aps.com/outagecenter. • Have flashlights, batteries, a portable cell phone charger and water handy. Please visit aps.com/wildfiresafety for more information.

10 Quad Cities Business News // JUNE 2022 quadcitiesbusinessnews.com

// MAYOR’S ADDRESS // BY PHIL GOODE

Focusing on Water, Aviation Education

By Phil Goode

would like to share some important updates with you from the City of Prescott regarding the new water policy, and the SAFE project at Prescott Regional Airport.

IMPLEMENTING A NEW WATER POLICY

Prescott City Council has adopted a new Water Management Policy. This document was several months in the making, and encompassed a number of public meetings and hundreds of public comments. This new policy can be found on the city’s website at www.prescott-az.gov, click on 2022 Water Policy.

Now that a new water policy has been approved by the City Council, the work is continuing to ensure that the policy is implemented appropriately. For that reason, I am establishing a Water Policy Review and Monitoring Commission, as an ad-hoc mayor’s commission. The purpose of the water policy review and monitoring commission shall be to track the effectiveness of the newly adopted 2022 Water Management Policy. The commission will make recommendations to the council regarding how additional stakeholders (Yavapai County and other municipalities) could adopt or expand the city policy into their jurisdictions and make quarterly pre-

// Working in conjunction with the Water Advisory Subcommittee and Prescott City Council, this new commission will continue the work begun by council when the new water management policy was passed. //

sentations to the council regarding their findings for potential revisions to the policy, conservation policy and rebates. The commission will also determine how the water policy is impacting the larger Prescott Active Management Area (AMA). The seven-member commission will be chaired by former City Councilmember Jim Lamerson. Bob Rucker will serve as the vice chair. The commission will meet on the third Tuesday of each month. As an official commission of the city, they will be subject to the open meeting laws. All meetings will be posted and open to the public. Working in conjunction with the Water Advisory Subcommittee and Prescott City Council, this new commission will continue the work begun by council when the new water management policy was passed.

FORMING AN AVIATION EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP: THE SAFE PROJECT In May, I participated in a meeting with Senator Kirsten Sinema. She spoke about infrastructure projects and programs. We discussed some of the new projects proposed for the

airport, including an exciting new collaboration with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The Strategic Aviation Flight Education (SAFE) is a collaborative effort between the City of Prescott’s Regional Airport, Ernest A. Love Field (KPRC) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). Through this partnership, KPRC is dedicated to developing, through its master planning processes, the infrastructure and land allocation to encourage ERAU and other aviation related educational partners the opportunity to operate in a dedicated area. The SAFE Complex allows multiple educational entities to have safe and efficient access to the airport environment. In addition, located on the north side of the main runway environment, it provides the opportunity to directly link educational activities with the aerospace and industrial businesses in the area for workforce development, research collaboration and economic development. ERAU is proposed to be the flagship educational provider in the SAFE Complex. The first imme-

diate move (Phase 1) is planned for 2024 with follow-on developments planned in line with their strategic vision. Phase 1 provides the capability to operate additional fixed-wing flight training from the SAFE. This 500,000-square-feet Phase 1 provides parking ramp, hangars and educational space for ERAU’s top-ranked flight program’s planned growth through 2024. ERAU and KPRC recognize “Aviation Education” covers a broad spectrum (airplane, helicopters, unmanned systems, air traffic control, meteorology, repair and maintenance) that support the integrated “Aerospace” requirements for American society. As society advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation saturation and experiences increasing demands for all forms of aerospace operations and sustainment, the SAFE Complex will keep Prescott’s educational providers at the forefront of these developments and sustain Prescott’s and ERAU’s leadership role. QCBN Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

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Top: Prescott Frontier Days General Manager Jim Dewey Brown is planning new experiences for rodeo fans this year. Bottom: Major renovations have modernized the arena and grandstands at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds. Photos by Ray Newton

World’s Oldest Rodeo Attracting Thousands Spectators can expect added events, major renovations

By Ray Newton, QCBN

f current trends are accurate predictors, the 2022 World’s Oldest Rodeo will break existing records in virtually every category. Advance ticket sales are already above expectations, and offer a wide range of prices, according to Prescott Frontier Days General Manager Jim Dewey Brown. It is Brown’s second year of managing the rodeo. He, the board of directors, and organizers have made significant changes to both facilities and the rodeo program. With support from the City of Prescott, sponsors and other resources, they are investing millions of dollars to upgrade and improve the existing rodeo grounds and arena, which have been home to the rodeo since 1913. But the rodeo itself goes back 134 years, when it started as a “cowboy tournament” on the 4th of July. Since then, it has become one of the top 30 in the country. Brown, who has been involved in rodeos and rodeo management most his adult career, came to Prescott from his prior role as director of the Socorro, New Mexico, Sports Complex. He and his wife, Jody, have an adult daughter who now lives in Oklahoma. Because of his many years of competing in rodeos nationally, Brown is familiar with Prescott. In fact, he won the saddle bronc riding competition twice – once

in 1995 and again in 2003. “Rodeo is big business and it certainly is a contributor to the overall Prescott economy,” he said. ”That’s why we’re investing so much in upgrading and improving this year and in coming years. We have seven full-time employees and during the season, [between] 400 and 500 volunteers who make this rodeo successful.” Improvements include remodeling and reconfiguring the grandstands, renovating and adding restrooms, creating new animal enclosures, replacing exterior rodeo fences and upgrading entry and exit areas. Changes are being made to events, as well, with more money to be won. “We had a record number of cowboys in 2021, 686 of them, and we expect more this year. We had event sellouts last year and we’ve added events for this year. One, the kids will love – mutton busting – where kids get a chance to ride a sheep in front of a crowd.” An opening kickoff party for sponsors and dignitaries on June 27 will feature a special screening of the award-winning movie “Junior Bonner,” starring Steve McQueen, filmed 50 years ago in Prescott at the rodeo grounds and downtown around the Courthouse Square. “We also know traffic and parking are tough to fight. That’s why we have reserved Mile Continued on page 34

Quad Cities Business News // JUNE 2022

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// COMMUNITY PROFILE // BY BY STAN BINDELL, QCBN

Sole Sister Tennies for Tots founder Paula Sedillo Wise is making little feet happy

aula Sedillo Wise’s volunteer work with Tennies for Tots is a labor of love that has sprinted across Central and Northern Arizona. The program brings shoes to 3,000 children at 35 Headstart centers in Yavapai and Coconino counties as well as on the Navajo and Hopi reservations. Some days, she delivers hundreds of pairs and “the kids are thrilled,” she says. Sedillo grew up in Flagstaff, where her parents instilled in her the importance of helping others. That was reinforced in her for the rest of her life when her father came down with cancer. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, her dad, James Sedillo, told her, “Don’t cry for me. Cry for the children.” He died four months later. And thus, the Tennies for Tots program became a tribute to her dad. “Dad, this is for you. I need to keep this program going for him.”

Paula started the Tennies for Tots program in 2018 with four Headstart centers – two in Prescott and two in Flagstaff. “It has doubled each year,” she said. “I do a lot of shopping when shoes are on sale. People will call me to let me know about sales. We just finished our spring distribution.” That distribution included trips to Headstart centers in the White Mountains, Winslow, Holbrook and Pinetop. Tennies for Tots also works with the Firefighter Angel Foundation to bring shoes to children in the Quad Cities area. The Firefighter Angel Foundation gives backpacks with supplies to students during the holidays and helps families in need. Working as an office manager for Good Samaritan Willow Wind in Prescott for 15 years, Sedillo saw the need when she sent her children to Headstart. “Another reason I wanted to help is because I struggled as a single mom.” Her sons are now 28 and 29. “What’s really nice is after people’s children are helped, they want to help others. It’s nice when it comes full circle and they want to help some-

Paula Sedillo Wise works with Central and Northern Arizona Headstart centers to help kids get grounded in a new pair of shoes. Photo by Stan Bindell

body else,” she said. Tennies for Tots is a non-profit organization that operates on donations and the help of volunteers. Currently, it has a donor who will match donations of up to $5,000 by

the end of June. Sedillo says the organization is always looking for more support. “Most of the volunteer work involves delivering and keeping an eye out for sales,” she said.

For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, call 920420-4360 or visit tenniesfortots.org. Tennies for Tots also has a Facebook page. Continued on page 32

JUNE 2022 // Quad Cities Business News

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// BUSINESS CENTS // BY BONNIE STEVENS

Pilot Fish May Help You Make the Big Catch

xperiencing the gentle, colorful tropical world under the sea off Maui’s scenic Honoapi’ilani Highway feels like you’re in a Disney mermaid movie, unless you’re snorkeling with someone who delights in taking you to places to see some really interesting creatures. Hawaii’s Sandra Romer is one such snorkeler. She can free dive to depths way beyond normal human ear pressure tolerance, doesn’t get cold or wrinkly in the ocean and can hold her breath for, like, half an hour. If you’re going to put on your flippers and be in the ocean anyway, Sandra figures, why not get close to something weird? So, after swimming past the happy clown fish, the beautiful humuhumunukunukuapua’a and the sleepy sea turtles, Romer delights in finding a pale green cauliflower-like frog fish that hop-walks on its fins, spotted eels that go on forever in their snaky, snarly way and a wall of fish the size of an IMAX screen. And sure, just when you’re getting comfortable with that massive amount of fish doing that synchronized swimming thing, you notice something bigger. . .maybe three feet long with a

hefty dark presence swimming slowly, stealthily along the ocean floor with a couple of suspicious-looking buddies almost as big. Sandra called them “jackfish” and found them fascinating with their shadowy predacious essence. But I got the feeling the silvery fish in the giant school nearby were keeping an eye on them, too, especially when they slid in real close, changed up their direction and darted straight into the perfectly conforming fish. “Whoa!” I garbled loudly underwater - and then discovered how fast I could swim. I’m guessing author Kelly McDonald had the same underwater discovery, because she writes about “pilot fish” in her leadership book, “How to Work With and Lead People Not Like You.” Turns out pilot fish are a type of jackfish that would hang around sea going vessels in the olden days. Sailors thought they would lead them to shore. In my case, they more accurately inspired me to lead the way to shore. In any case, McDonald says leaders need to get to know the workplace pilot fish because they are highly influential. “They’re opinion leaders, the ones that

The humuhumunukunukuapua’a is Hawaii’s official state fish. It can be found swimming around coral reefs with sea turtles and jackfish, sometimes known as “pilot fish.”Courtesy photo

Continued on page 32

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High Country Rangers Sgt. Mike Ring, Lt. Tom Chesterman, Sgt. Doug Joseph and MSgt. Dawnna Ybarra participated in the Williams StandDown Parade on May 3, 2021. Courtesy photo

Legacy Continues for Arizona Rangers

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

adged and uniformed in black cowboy hats and boots, Arizona Rangers are present at a great number of public events locally and statewide, often performing duties such as managing the traffic flow at concerts and festivals, connecting military veterans with services and delivering holiday gifts through the Toys for Tots program. This month, for example, the High Country Ranger Company will be helping at the 10th Annual Lance Davidson Memorial High Country StandDown at the Flagstaff Armory from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, May 20. What many may not know is that these rangers are carrying on the unique legacy of an elite legendary team that arrived on the scene when called in to rid the Arizona Territory of bandits, cattle rustlers and gangs of bad guys. They were feared by outlaws and respected by all. Many of the original Arizona Rangers fought alongside Theodore Roosevelt as members of his famous Rough Riders. And much like their predecessors of the early 1900s, Master Sergeant Dawnna Ybarra of Winslow says today’s rangers continue to answer the call when law enforcement officers need them. They are highly trained, armed and skilled marksmen, who know the Arizona landscape, have a love for community and a passion for public service. MSgt. Ybarra’s ancestors were roaming the Arizona wildlands at the same time that the rangers got started. She is a fifth generation Arizonan who was born on the Navajo Nation. Her great grandfather, John D. Lee, started Lees Ferry and helped establish trading opportunities between the Navajo tribe and pioneers. She calls it an honor to serve as an Arizona Ranger. Her official volunteer duties with the rangers require eight hours of service a month, but as is the case with most of her colleagues, she trains for hours every week to keep up her skills. A ranger for three years, she recently practiced drills with the Winslow Police Department. “They really do appreciate our services and our assistance, so they like to invest their time in making us better and more of a uniform team with them. They’ve gone over their forensics procedures with us so now we can help them when there’s an investigation that requires help with crowds or searching for evidence. We have taser certification, firearms training, and even the chief of police went through defensive tactics with us.”

Lieutenant Tom Chesterman of Flagstaff is the High Country Ranger’s range master and firearms instructor. He says every ranger is held to the same qualifications and standards as any law enforcement officer. “The duties I really enjoy the most are what I’ll generally call festivals. This is where we’re providing a very low stress law enforcement presence surrounded by mostly happy people who are glad that we’re there so they can relax and enjoy themselves and feel secure in the environment,” he said. “However, firearms are an important tool for our missions. We hope we never have to use them, but we might. So we have an obligation for proficiency in their use and tactics.” Lt. Chesterman says he has had a very strong sense of service since childhood. “I think that’s what sets us apart as an organization – service to our community, service to society. When I moved to Arizona, I learned the history and the mission of the Arizona Rangers and I really couldn’t think of a better organization in which to serve. It provides law enforcement support, it provides support to the community and we also have a commitment to support youth organizations as we can.” The Arizona Rangers operate throughout the state through 22 satellite companies, which are the equivalent of separate posts of the same organization. The companies are known by the geographical areas they cover. Some are mounted units that make public horseback appearances at rodeos and parades. There are 12 rangers in the High Country Ranger Company. Lt. Chesterman says many rangers have a military background or are retired law enforcement officers who want to continue their service to their communities. Many younger rangers use their volunteer service in the Arizona Rangers as a stepping stone to start law enforcement careers. The High Country Rangers can be found at many events around Northern Arizona, including the Matthew J. Broehm Memorial StandDown in Williams, Thunder Over Flagstaff at Pulliam Airport, the Flagstaff Star Party in Buffalo Park and the Standin’ on the Corner Festival in Winslow. QCBN For more from MSgt. Ybarra and Lt. Chesterman, watch Zonie Living at StarWorldwideNetworks.com or contact MSgt. Ybarra at dybarra@azrangers.gov. Information is also available at https://azrangers.gov/companies/.

JUNE 2022 // Quad Cities Business News

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YRMC Recognizes Volunteers of the Year

By Joanne Robertson

hat is the best job in the world? Working with volunteers, of course. Just ask Nancy Thomes, the director of volunteer services at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). “I am so fortunate to be where I am because I work with top-notch people every day,” said Thomes. “It takes a giving heart to be a volunteer and I’m surrounded by hundreds of volunteers with very generous hearts.” The volunteers are an integral part of the hospital, enhancing the patient experience and providing much needed support to YRMC staff. While the pandemic restricted their involvement throughout the past two years, YRMC is currently working to reopen additional service areas. Along the way, volunteers build friendships and enjoy the sense of purpose that volunteering provides. Each year, YRMC Volunteer Services recognizes three volunteers whose service to the hospital, its patients and the community embodies the mission and vision of Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center. Each recipient is recognized for the unique ways in which they make YRMC a better place.

YRMC EAST 2021 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR, MAGGIE GOLTRA

“Nancy had asked if I could attend a meeting at the West Campus, and of course, if I can help in any way, I will be there,” recalled Goltra. “When we walked into the room, I recognized some of the staff, but still couldn’t figure out what I was doing there. When Nancy told me that I was Volunteer of the Year – East Campus, I was completely shocked. That never entered my mind. What an honor.” Goltra started volunteering at YRMC in 2007. Over the years, she has worked in Admitting, Care Management, and the Family Birthing Center, and now works at the East Campus Front Lobby. Volunteer Services Manager Victoria Spears says that Goltra is one of those kinds of people that you just love being around. As the first point of contact when you walk through the hospital doors, the Front Desk volunteers have an important role. They can often set the tone for the patient or visitor’s experience, offering information and assurance. Duties include helping patients check in at the kiosk, helping visitors sign in, escorting patients and visitors throughout the hospital, delivering items and regularly sanitizing the area. “Maggie does all of this with a big smile and gracious attitude,” said Spears. “Everyone who is around Maggie cannot help but smile. She is a joy to be around.” Goltra gives credit to her fellow volunteers as well. “It’s nice to work with a group of people who are there because they want to be,” she said. “I work with Debbie, Wayne and Gus, who are always there with a friendly hello and a readiness to help all of the patients and visitors who come in. These are the type of volunteers I would like to have welcome me to the hospital.” With more than 1,850 volunteer hours under her belt, Goltra is a true asset to YRMC. Yet, she describes her role in simple terms: to be helpful, even if in a small way.

“The best part about volunteering at YRMC is just being able to help make our patients’ time at the hospital a bit easier, in our small way,” she explained. “It’s important to be able to help where you can, especially if it is making someone’s day easier or less stressful.”

YRMC WEST 2021 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR, MARY KERPER

Mary Kerper worked for 42 years for an international mechanical parts distributor, overseeing operations, training, auditing and continuous improvement for more than 400 locations. Retirement brought her and her husband to Prescott in 2019. Their desire was to continue to contribute to their new community. “I have had chores, responsibilities and jobs since elementary school,” said Kerper. “I was taught that work is important and contribution is necessary to help others, as well as yourself. Volunteering helps me to maintain my sense of self while I provide support to others.” Nancy Thomes recognizes Kerper’s strong work ethic as she looks back on the past few years. “Mary is one of the volunteers who didn’t let COVID stop her from volunteering,” explained Thomes. “She stayed active until we suspended all volunteers and returned immediately when we could open up the Information Desk – our only service area for a while. She took on an extra shift and was a rock throughout that very uncertain time.” Staff and fellow volunteers agree. When asked why she is a stand-out volunteer, responses include: N Mary is so vigilant – always alert to who is coming through the doors. N She consistently subs for her fellow volunteers when she is available. N One of Mary’s responsibilities is training new volunteers. They consistently remark how thorough she is with her training. N She is helpful, compassionate and caring, and has a friendly smile. N The Front Desk is a challenging area of service, and she has remained calm throughout. N Mary is a problem-solver extraordinaire. “It is so amazing to come to a place of healing and do what I can to contribute to the patients, visitors, staff and my fellow volunteers,” said Kerper. Yet on a larger scale, she reflects on the importance of her award. “This award reinforces the importance of the role of volunteers. It really shows the value that YRMC leadership places on the contributions the volunteers make. I love being part of this team. Leadership here at YRMC clearly includes volunteers as valuable members of their team.” “The new relationship between Dignity Health and YRMC has brought change and will no doubt bring more change. But the community will benefit greatly,” she continued. “What I feel will not change is the commitment our leadership has to the hospital and to our community. The volunteers will always be here to help.”

Continued on page 35

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Educating about Teen, Adolescent Pregnancy By Hedda Fay

between the ages of 19 have declined from 17.4 per 1,000 females/pregnant people in 2018 to 16.7 females/pregn honor of National Teen Pregnancy Awareness Day, which was nant people in 2019. It’s a new record low! Birth rates among females/pregMay 6, I wanted to write about nant people ages 15-17 fell 7% and for teen pregnancy. Did you know that females/pregnant people between the teen or adolescent pregnancy is considered to be all females/pregnant ages of 18-19, birth rates fell 4%. Teen Pregnancy Numbers: people under the age of 20? At 18 and 19 they can vote, join the N By age 22, approximately 50% of teen mothers have received a high military, move out, rent an apartschool diploma. ment, etc. Years ago, we had a few N By age 22, only 30% of teen young girls at my high school who mothers have a General Education were pregnant. I recall discussing diploma. teen pregnancy with my grandmother N Only 10% of teen mothers have and she told me stories about how completed a two- or four-year they had homes for young girls who college program. got pregnant out of wedlock or that N Babies born to teen mothers have young girls were sent away to live a higher infant mortality rate. with another relative or a religious school for young women. Babies were N Babies born to teen mothers have higher incidence of juvenile incareither adopted out or put in orphanceration. ages. N Babies born to teen mothers have Today, young pregnant females/ higher rates of foster care. pregnant people may still be sent N Babies born to teen mothers have to live with other relatives. We do lower school achievement and not have the homes for these young higher high school dropout rates. mothers as we once did. Is teen What is the reason for the decline pregnancy an issue? Yes! It is still an issue that society deals with regularly. in teen pregnancies? Health evidence The good news: teen pregnancy rates suggests that more teens are learning about their sexual health and are have been dropping since 1991 in abstaining from sexual activity, and the U.S. That is correct, teen birth rates among females/pregnant people today, more teens have access to

prophylaxis and birth control than in previous years. Even with these numbers on the decline, the U.S. is still above average in comparison to other Westernized nations. What can help deter teens from becoming pregnant? You remember being a teen: it is a confusing and stressful time with hormones raging, body changes, menstruation, pheromones, etc. Remember, we are mammals; we are hard-wired to reproduce. For females, pregnancy can occur before their first menstrual period. You’ve seen the headlines about 9- and 10-year-old females

becoming pregnant. It’s not common, but unfortunately, it does still occur. What can we do here locally to help prevent teen pregnancy? It starts with education and discussing more than the birds and bees with today’s youth. With the advent of smartphones and internet accessibility, ask yourself this: would you rather today’s youth learn about sexual and reproductive health from their smartphones or a trained community educator? There are plenty of pornographic sites and “how to” sex articles that pop up on feeds when typing questions about STIs and types

// What can we do here locally to help prevent teen pregnancy? It starts with education and discussing more than the birds and bees with today’s youth. With the advent of smartphones and internet accessibility, ask yourself this: would you rather today’s youth learn about sexual and reproductive health from their smartphones or a trained community educator? //

of sex. Many of these sites show the mechanics of these acts, but not the consequences or emotional context. Remember the first time you heard the term oral sex? Be honest. You were what 9, 10, 11, 12 and had absolutely no clue what that meant. Right? When I was young, we had our parents’ trusty encyclopedias for reference, not too much on the ins and outs of oral sex. Imagine you are a teen today, who hears about a type of sex you have not seen, have no knowledge about and have decided to Google it. I just did and wow do you get a long list of responses. WebMD offers: “Oral Sex: What it is and What it Means,” Men’s Health offers: “Best Oral Sex Tips for Going Down on a Vagina” – Health.com shares “Oral Sex: What it is, How to do it and the best positions.” You see where this road is going, right? It’s been more than three decades since I was a teenager. I recall being curious and talking with friends, older siblings, etc. What would have benefitted me at that age? Some solid education, that’s what! I believe if I had a class at school or several that provided education on STIs, disease transmission, and how to say “No,” it would have helped not Continued on page 34

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Prescott Seniors and Teachers Honored ight seniors graduating from Prescott High School have been honored by the Prescott Unified School District Education Foundation (PUSDF) as “Rising Stars.” PUSDF Executive Director Paul Kirchgraber said the eight students were selected because they had overcome obstacles and met challenges that might have defeated those less determined. “We should all be proud of these youngsters. They persevered and now, having graduated, have paths that will take them on to higher education opportunities, career training and, in some cases, the military,” he said during a recognition dinner last month. The students were nominated by teachers who observed them meeting and conquering personal, economic or physical challenges. As was explained by author and adjunct teacher Amberly Neese, not only were the students honored, they also were able to nominate a teacher who had been a positive and inspirational influence on them. Each student was featured in a brief video describing struggles both in and out of school. Also in the

videos, the students talked about a special teacher, a “Distinguished Educator,” who encouraged and supported them along the way to completing high school. The emotional evening brought laughter and tears as students and teachers shared anecdotes about how important it is to have encouragers in life. Rising Stars and their inspirational teachers are as follows: N Desmond Bennett, who will attend trade school to become a journeyman pipefitter, was inspired by Prescott head football coach Cody Collett. N Madee Molster plans to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, and was inspired by Prescott High School chemistry, anatomy and physiology teacher Krystal Kalmes. N Sapphire Murphy, who will attend Yavapai College, was inspired by former Mile High Middle School teacher Jenna Howard. N Victor Ocampo, who will attend Yavapai College, was inspired by Prescott High School economics teacher Harrison Chislock. N Liam Reeves will attend Northern Arizona University. He was inspired by Prescott High School English teacher Helen Wanamaker.

Eight Prescott High School seniors were named Rising Stars and joined on stage by teachers they selected as Distinguished Educators during a recognition dinner last month. Photo by Ray Newton

N Orion Sam, who will attend Northern Arizona University, was inspired by Prescott High School AP literature-language teacher Jan Hawley. N Katherine Siebert will attend Yavapai College. She was inspired by Prescott High School English teacher Helen Wanamaker.

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Quad Cities Business News // JUNE 2022

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Be the Change You Want to See

By Teri Drew

ccording to the Emsi Quarter 2 2022 Data Set, Yavapai County’s population is 209,468, and those in the labor force as of December 2021 were 110,085, or about 44% of the total population. There were 107,600 employed (97%) and 2,485 unemployed (2.3%). Statistics show that baby boomers, the 76 million Americans that were born between 1946 and 1964, have been exiting the labor force in record numbers. Yavapai County’s 55 and

older population is 120,979 (58% of the total population), while the national average for an area this size is 71,498. Millennials (ages 25-39) in Yavapai County amount to 32,503 individuals, or about 16% of the population. Generation Z (ages 16-24) make up approximately 15% of our population. Across the U.S. in 2020, more than 3 million boomers left the workforce, and there are not enough Millennials and Gen Z’ers combined to replace them. The Yavapai County Workforce Development Board recently hosted

// It is everyone’s job to attract talent to Yavapai County. People are a great resource, one we can’t take for granted. As generations age out or simply opt out of the workforce, it is on us – employers, educators and mentors – to do the best we can to retain the resources we have in our workers, especially the younger generation. //

Arizona Town Hall to facilitate a gathering of local employers from around the county to discuss this very issue. The consensus was that everyone is facing the same challenges, not only recruiting labor but retaining it. It’s a job seeker’s market in the world of employment – to be competitive in the market, employers must be innovative with their strategies to compete with growing wages and incentives for retention. Some of the challenges identified in the Town Hall discussion included the lack of affordable housing and public transportation, rigid schedules, long hours and passing background checks. Misconceptions about what the work will entail was also considered a challenge. Working interviews, which expose the applicant to the realities of the job, and apprenticeships were discussed as solutions for attraction. Young people are very interested in on-the-job experience. Also, social media plays a major role in attracting today’s youth. It is everyone’s job to attract talent to Yavapai County. People are a great resource, one we can’t take for granted. As generations age out or simply opt out of the workforce, it is on us – employers, educators and mentors

– to do the best we can to retain the resources we have in our workers, especially the younger generation. We are a very fortunate county to house two major universities (Northern Arizona University and EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University) and two community colleges (Prescott College and Yavapai College). These institutions are a great resource for workforce development – keeping our graduates local by making the Quad Cities and Yavapai County attractive and competitive with innovative workforce solutions is the primary goal of the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board. Our next effort to help fill the labor gap will be to host a Town Hall for job seekers and incumbent employees. It is important to stop “guess-timating” or assuming why individuals are in the labor market and what their needs are so we can pair those needs with local jobs. How important is it to demonstrate the value of grooming and instilling good work ethics and job skills? Our communities depend on the next generation to build and maintain economic resilience and

stability for future generations to come. We have the opportunity to lead by example and by being proactive with the fluid employment trends we see today. A great example is the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) currently underway in Yavapai County, a partnership between local employers, youth aged 16-24 years, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act implemented by the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board and Youth Council. What a great opportunity for young people to earn up to $4,800 during the summer while developing skills and building their resumes for future career opportunities. QCBN

Teri Drew is the executive director for the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board.

JUNE 2022 // Quad Cities Business News

@quadcitiesbusinessnews

Maintaining the Sounds of Summer

Jeff Lane, Au. D.

s the temperatures increase and the days stretch out, it is clear that summer is upon us. For most, this means spending more time outside, near water or traveling. It also means increased considerations when it comes to caring for hearing aids. Fortunately, hearing aids are built with these considerations in mind.

MOISTURE

Hearing aids are essentially tiny computers. Thus, the internal electrical components are susceptible to damage from moisture. While most hearing aids are not considered to be fully waterproof, they are highly water resistant. In fact, they have an

IP rating of 68. The IP scale refers to an object’s resistance to penetration by solid objects and liquid. The second number refers to liquids, with 8 being the maximum resistance. Thus, most hearing aids are able to hold up well against rain, sweat and humidity. So, for most people, as long as they are being mindful, moisture should not be too much of a concern, even during the summer months. However, there are special situations. If you live in a humid environment, or in a place where temperatures get especially high (as I experienced growing up in Phoenix), the aids are going to be constantly subjected to moisture in the form of sweat or condensation. Thus, the risk of water sneaking its way inside the casing increases. In these situations,

// Newer hearing aids are being developed with health and fitness in mind. Some models are able to track step count, while others can even go as far as monitoring your heart rate. This is still a new frontier, but one that is quickly expanding. //

a dehumidifier is very useful. It wicks out the moisture when the user is not wearing them. Rechargeable hearing aids actually have a dehumidifier built into the charger. You would just need to add the desiccant, which can be found in most stores. For those with regular batteries, a standalone dehumidifier may be purchased. They can be electronic or manual, and are quite affordable. Now, what about those who want to hit the pool or lake to cool off? Again, most hearing aids are not recommended for these types of activities, as they would be submerged. But not being able to hear in these environments isn’t ideal either. Fortunately, for those looking to try hearing aids or upgrade their current set, Phonak has just released the Audeo Life, which is truly waterproof! You can wear it in all types of moisture, including being submerged up to one and a half feet. Beat the heat while still being connected to the world around you.

TRAVEL

According to estimates, 82% of Americans took part in some form of travel last summer. Hearing aids can help patients enjoy their trip to the fullest. Fortunately, hearing aid

chargers are compact, making for easy transport. Most charger cords are USB cables, meaning they can be plugged into a port if an outlet is not readily available. In some cases, you might not even need to plug in the charger. Phonak has an external battery, called a power pack, which can be attached to the bottom of the charger case. Oticon has a separate smart charger, which is designed specifically for travel. Both of these options allow a patient to charge their hearing aids for a week without the need for an outlet. This can be convenient in situations such as camping, when electricity may not be readily available. One risk of summer travel is losing a hearing aid. Some manufacturers, such as Oticon, have a feature on their app called Find My Hearing Aid. If you were to get home and realize you had misplaced one, you could open the app and it would tell you the general location of where it was left. Note that this is not a universal feature among all manufacturers. Also keep in mind that all hearing aids come with a multi-year warranty. If you lose your hearing aid and are unable to find it, the manufacturer

will replace it one time for a small restocking fee. You will need to contact your audiologist to do so.

FITNESS

Summer is a wonderful time to take evening walks or exercise outdoors. Newer hearing aids are being developed with health and fitness in mind. Some models are able to track step count, while others can even go as far as monitoring your heart rate. This is still a new frontier, but one that is quickly expanding. Most hearing aids also have Bluetooth built directly into them, allowing you to make calls, or listen to music or podcasts while exercising. And it can all be done in one package, eliminating the need for too many accessories on the body. As always, your audiologist will be able to guide you toward the model that best suits your needs. QCBN Trinity Hearing Center is located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit the website at TrinityHearing. net. Jeff Lane is a doctor of audiology with a passion for improving the lives of others. Dr. Lane may be reached at 928-522-0500 or at audio@trinityhearing.net.

Quad Cities Business News // JUNE 2022

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pet news

Arizona Military Dog Trainer Continues Tradition By Rebecca West

the same time, there were the United States Marine Corps’ “Devil Dog” War nimals have played a significant Dog Platoons, which served in the Pacific. Made up predominantly of role in military campaigns for Dobermans, the Devil Dogs trained for thousands of years. Horses military service first in Cuba and then and dogs, in particular, have marched at the Marine War Dog Detachment across continents with their masters Training School at Camp Lejeune, and handlers as support and, at times, North Carolina. They were joined there as fellow warriors. by a boxer named Fritz, reportedly the Ancient authors such as Pliny the very first dog sworn and signed into the Elder have written about a number Marine Corp. They acted as messenof breeds used by the Roman Army gers, sentries and scouts and would during the empire’s expansion and eventually include German shepherds, the various roles the animals played. Among the favorites for sheer strength labs and other breeds. Beginning their service as privates, after five years they and size were the Cane Corso and could work their way up to a Master the Molossian, a likely ancestor of the Gunner Sergeant, eventually outrankNeapolitan Mastiff. ing their handlers. During Julius Caesar’s invasion In the 1960s, U.S. soldiers continf Britain in 55 BCE, he was met with opposition from Celtic warriors accom- ued to work with Dobermans and shepherds in Vietnam. While their panied by their own fearsome canines. In Medieval times it wasn’t unusual for roles throughout history have been varied, canines have traditionally been dogs to accompany knights on yearsconsidered too valuable to send into long religious crusades. Fast-forward to the early 20th centu- battle. Because of this, they’ve come in ry, and a Belgian Malinois named Taki all shapes and sizes. There was even a four-pound Yorkie named Smoky that would become the first dog to be used aided troops in WWII and later became as a messenger in World War I. Another notable canine during the period the world’s first therapy dog on record. For the most part, the work of military was Sergeant Stubby (1916-1926), the unofficial mascot of the 102nd Infantry dogs has included guarding, detaining Regiment assigned to the 26th (Yankee) and detection. Military dog trainer Josh Reid carries Division. He served for 18 months on the tradition. Tech Sgt. Reid is and participated in 17 battles on the Western Front. He’s said to have saved stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force his regiment from mustard gas attacks, Base in Tucson. As part of the 355th SFS, his love of dogs and the desire to located and comforted the wounded work with them has been a lifelong and allegedly caught a German soldier by the seat of his uniform and held him journey beginning with a canine demonstration he witnessed as a kid at until American GIs arrived. Stubby’s the Selfridge Air National Guard Base been called the most decorated war in Michigan. Originally from Clinton dog of WWI and the only dog to be Township, he joined the Air Force nominated and promoted to serin August 2007. In addition to three geant through combat. He played overseas tours, he’s been stationed in such a notable role in history that his Colorado, Ohio, and North Carolina remains are in the Smithsonian today. In World War II, Belgian sheepdogs before eventually coming to Arizona. During his 14 years in the Armed were again used as message carriers, Forces, 10 have been spent with Red Cross dogs and defense dogs. At

After receiving obedience, detection and patrol training, Military Working Dogs are paired with a handler to become a team, like this one with Tech Sgt. Josh Reid and OOtter. Photo by Candice Eaton

canines. Reid started out as a handler before moving up to the position of trainer and then on to becoming a Kennel Master. His work with Military Working Dogs (MWD) centers around teaching the animals a technique known as Bite and Hold, in which canines latch onto a subject until a handler can apply cuffs. MWDs are not trained to kill. Rather, they are taught to bite specific parts of the body, such as the chest, back, arms or legs of the individual they are to detain until they are ordered to release. A proper bite consists of all four canine teeth making contact. The move is known as a full-mouth bite, and it’s extremely effective for incapacitating fleeing suspects or potential threats. In order to elicit this response, mil-

itary decoys are deployed in protective gear to ensure no harm comes to them and the dogs are praised for the level of accuracy they achieve in the obedience yard. But first, there’s a dog boot camp at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, where initial training occurs. TSgt. Reid says that the animals can “wash out,” if they don’t meet the criteria for the program. It’s the same with all service-dog training. Not all dogs are suited to particular tasks, but it doesn’t mean they can’t perform well in other, equally important, roles. In Reid’s work as a senior MWD trainer, the dogs are trained and certified for single and dual purposes. Those consist of detection and patrol. With detection, the dogs are searching for explosives or narcotics. Both groups are

taught the Bite and Hold maneuver by Reid and his decoy helpers. Last year, Reid competed in the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association’s annual Desert Dog Trials in Scottsdale. “The purpose of the gathering was to bring together the best law enforcement canine programs in order to share experience, develop tactics and advance their training.” He also added that there’s the aspect of friendly competition between the teams to see who the best dogs in Arizona are. With training and competition, air personnel from the 355th Security Forces Squadron MWD team are able to enhance the ability to defend the base and ensure the safety of all service members on the installation. QCBN

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JUNE 2022 // Quad Cities Business News

Quad Cities Business News // JUNE 2022

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We Can All Play a Role in Caring for Dogs

By Loree Walden

e’ve all seen the pictures and heard the stories about dogs tightly chained to a tree in the heat of summer or the frigid cold of winter – the dog shivering outside in the cold hoping to be brought inside to the warmth of a home and its family, the dog that is driven out to a remote area and dumped or that dog running after the car and then sitting there for days waiting for their person to come back for them. We also hear about the couple that lived next door and had a great dog but had to move because

of “landlord issues,” so they just leave the dog there and drive away. Sadly, this happens every single day of the year! These animals have no idea what they’ve done wrong, why they’re being treated like they are and what’s going to happen to them. It’s heartbreaking. I must confess – I’m writing this article because during the last couple of years I’ve been trying to figure out why some people can be so callous and cowardly when it comes to their pets. Most recently, there was a situation where a local family moved out of their home and left their family dog they’d had its whole life, chained alone inside the liv-

// Animals have feelings and can also sense ours. They feel pain and they can’t even tell anyone. We can be their voice, their advocate, their hero, the person that may even save their life. If you see something wrong, call and report it. If you hear something, call and report it. It takes all of us to make this world a better place for the animals who share this amazing place we call Earth. //

ing room with no food, water or heat. After a couple days, a neighbor noticed he hadn’t seen the people and heard the dog crying and howling for help, and immediately called Animal Control to report it. This precious pup was brought to Yavapai Humane Society, where it was treated medically, given food, water, warmth and love, and has since found a new family that loves him beyond all belief. This dog is alive and prospering because of a caring person who decided to act and advocate for an animal that was in need. This person was a voice for that dog and, in reality, saved its life. Something I will never understand is when families have a dog they’ve had its entire life and then get a new puppy and the puppy and the family dog don’t get along, so they decide to surrender the dog they’ve had for all those years. Do you think that dog isn’t confused, sad and heartbroken, wondering what it did wrong? I just don’t understand how some people can be so heartless. Some of these dogs are old, in poor health, some are deaf or blind and now, are away from the only family they’ve ever known. Prince was one of those dogs who was given up because his family got a new puppy. They’d had him for 10 years, so they basically traded him in for the new puppy!

He was with us for a year and was overlooked every day. No one could understand why because he had the sweetest disposition, was loving, gentle and loyal. Gina and I brought him into our office every day and he’d hang out with us. He’d sit next to us and rest his head on our laps, follow us any time we got up to go to another room and wait for us outside the bathroom door. He needed to be the only dog in the home; otherwise, Gina or I would have adopted him in a heartbeat! But along came Robyn and Terry who had seen our posts about precious Prince on our social media. They came to meet Prince and it was love at first sight for all involved. Prince went right to them and, ya know what? Prince is now enjoying the sweet life with the people who are going to love him for the rest of his life and give him the family and home he deserves to have! Dogs are some of the most loyal animals around. We’ve all seen the pictures of dogs lying on the sidewalk outside of a hospital, waiting for their person to come out. Or the dog that lies at the grave of his person, grieving and continuing to be loyal. I don’t know what we did as humans to deserve this kind of love and loyalty, but what I do know is

those dogs deserve our love and loyalty in return for what they give us. Believe or not, there are still people who think animals don’t have emotions, feel pain or loss, or get confused. There are still people who think “Oh, it’s just a dog.” No, it’s not “just a dog.” It’s a life, and more so, it’s a life that matters! This is the message I’m trying to share with you. Animals have feelings and can also sense ours. They feel pain and they can’t even tell anyone. We can be their voice, their advocate, their hero, the person that may even save their life. If you see something wrong, call and report it. If you hear something, call and report it. It takes all of us to make this world a better place for the animals who share this amazing place we call Earth. Whether it’s adopting them and giving them the life they deserve or helping them out of a bad situation. It’s up to us. I had some t-shirts made for us at the shelter that say, “Caring for animals isn’t just what I do… It’s who I am.” If you’re still reading this, I know it’s who you are, too. For that, I say, “Thank you!” QCBN Loree Walden is the marketing manager for Yavapai Humane Society.

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JUNE 2022 // Quad Cities Business News

Quad Cities Business News // JUNE 2022

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Assisted Living Communities: How to Choose the Right One

REPUTATION AND LONGEVITY

By Candace Lea

any years ago, my family was faced with the fact that my grandma could no longer live alone. Grandma was around 94, sharp as a tack, and did not want to live with me. Keep in mind, grandma raised me, so I was more like the younger daughter than the granddaughter. I respected her decision, and now that I look back, she and I would have been way too feisty to live together. At 94, grandma was still very independent, but she was also afraid of change and suffered from depression and anxiety. My aunt, cousin and I began to research assisted living communities in our hometown. I was an occupational therapy assistant for many years and had worked primarily with elders. My cousin, who is a speech language pathologist, also had worked with geriatrics in our hometown, which was such a blessing because she knew right away the places to avoid. What can you do if you do not have the inside scoop of where to start looking? The first thing you can do is begin to research. Here are some things to consider:

N Has the assisted living community been around for a while? What do friends, neighbors and your doctors have to say about them? Is there high turnover among the employees?

MANAGEMENT

N Who is managing the assisted living community? Is the facility managed locally or is it managed by a company on the other side of the country? Do they have a local registered nurse and medical director?

PRICING/COST

N Is there a set fee or are there addons? What is provided? Are meals, laundry, medication management and housekeeping provided but with added costs?

FOOD

N Is the food delicious? Do they serve foods that are geared toward the aging population? When you schedule your tour, ask if you can have lunch.

FRESH AIR AND SUNSHINE

N Does the assisted living community have an outdoor area? Is there a place where your loved one can get that much-needed fresh air and sunshine?

LIFE ENRICHMENT/ACTIVITY PROGRAMS

N Are there meaningful activities? Are they providing yoga, exercise and cognitive activities for brain stimulation? These are just recommendations. The best thing you can do is schedule a tour and get a feel (and smell) for the assisted living community. You will know when you walk in if it feels (and smells) good. You will also be able to witness the interactions between the caregivers and the residents. This is vitally important because this will be your loved one’s home and the care they receive should be everyone’s Number One priority. All in all, the Number One question to ask yourself when looking for an assisted living community is, “Will my loved one like it?” When searching for my grandma, I had to look at it from her perspective, not my own. She was not a social person, she was very independent and she loved good food. We took all these things into consideration plus many other aspects and we found the perfect place for her. She lived there until she was 100 and a half! Here are a few resources in the Quad Cities area that may be of assistance to

Monday, July 4 - Red, White & Boom Celebration Mountain Valley Park - 8600 E. Nace, Prescott Valley Hero Party 4th Fun Zone opens at 3 p.m. with free all day passes. Food and Beer Garden open at 3 p.m. Live music at 3:30 p.m. with “The Mood Swings” and at 6 p.m. with “Famous in Denmark” Best fireworks show in Northern AZ at 9 p.m. No admission - Everyone is welcome to celebrate Independence Day! Friday, July 15 - Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet and Community Excellence Awards program. Nominations are now being taken for outstanding contributions by individuals, organizations and businesses. Categories include Student of the Year,Teacher of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Organization of the Year, Norm Pariseau Volunteer of the Year, Community Enhancement Award, Chamber Member of the Year and Prescott Valley Heritage Award, Visit pvchamber.org to submit your nominations. Deadline is June 17.

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

Ruth, shown here with her son and daughter, recently celebrated her 100th birthday and is the oldest resident of the Margaret T. Morris Assisted Living Center.

you:

24/7 HELPLINE 800-272-3900

AREA AGENCY ON AGING – PRESCOTT OFFICE

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES

3003 Centerpoint East. Dr Prescott, AZ 86301 Toll Free: 1-877-521-3500

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

3111 Clearwater Dr Prescott, AZ 86305 Local # 928-771-9257

150 N. 18th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-542-1025

Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison for Adult Care Services.

JUNE 2022 // Quad Cities Business News

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Protecting Lives and Property During Fire Season By Jon and Jamie Aten

a plan on what you need to bring with you – clothing, papers, pictures, medications and arrangements for any pets. he recent large wildfires in Also, begin to make plans on where Northern Arizona, the Tunnel and Crooks fires, have everyone you might be staying, whether with family, friends or in a hotel. thinking, “Am I ready for an emerGO: Evacuate: You should leave gency evacuation?” Weather patterns, your residence immediately when this drought and the fact that we are level is advised. If you stay, emergency surrounded by forest makes all of us personnel may not be able to assist you vulnerable to fire danger. The best plan to protect yourself and further. It’s also smart to have copies or keep your family is to have one. A system certain documents offsite, such as passcalled Ready, Set, Go! by the Arizona ports, copies of insurance documents Emergency Information Network and photos, to name a few. Take the was used to inform people who had time to take photos around your house property in the vicinity of both the recent wildfires. There are several ways too - even better, a video. That way, if you do need to file an insurance claim, to keep informed. Through television, you have great documentation of your radio and social media, people were consistently alerted to what the status of belongings. And, of course, we recommend the fire was and what level of response you check your smoke alarms and fire time they were under. extinguishers annually. READY: Prepare Now: Get your Fire season is here. Plan now. Be property ready for wildfire with defenprepared. Stay safe. QCBN sible space by clearing any debris that could easily catch fire. The standard is a 30- to 100-foot space around your home, cleared of pine needles and any Jon and Jamie Aten are the owners of other debris. Firefighters will protect All West Fire & Security. All West Fire & homes that they can easily defend Security, a family-owned business, has while staying safe. Ready can also mean been keeping Arizonans safe in Prescott organizing personal items. for nearly 30 years. They’ve designed and SET: Be Alert: This step is preparing installed thousands of fire protection and your family and home to evacuate. Set security systems for industrial, commercial,

residential and special hazard clients. They work closely with architects and contractors to ensure your new construction or remodeling project meets all safety code requirements. All West Fire & Security are experts in smart home automation, state-of-the-

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Quad Cities Business News // JUNE 2022

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How the 988 Suicide, Crisis Lifeline is Designed to Save Lives

By Deanna Eder

n 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (1-800273-8255) network of more than 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country. On July 16, the U.S. will transition to using the 988 dialing code, and it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen and expand the existing Lifeline. The 988 dialing code is more than just an easy-to-remember number, it’s a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, a mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. The 988 dialing code is just a first step toward strengthening and transforming crisis care in this country. It serves as a universal entry point so

that no matter where you live, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help. Over time, the vision for 988 is to have additional crisis services available in communities across the nation, similar to the way emergency medical services work.

Crisis Stabilization Unit 8655 E Eastridge Drive Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

NEED FOR 988

Too many people are experiencing a suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need, and sadly, the pandemic has only made a bad situation worse when it comes to mental health and wellness in America. There are urgent realities driving the need for crisis service transformation across our country. In 2020 alone, the U.S. had one death by suicide about every 11 minutes. And for people ages 10 to 34, suicide is a leading cause of death. Additionally, from April 2020 to 2021, more than 100,000 individuals died from drug overdoses. There is hope. The Lifeline works and helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day.

polarahealth.com

928-445-5211

ABOUT THE LIFELINE

The Lifeline is a national network of more than 200 local, independent crisis centers equipped to help people in mental health-related distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis via call, chat or text. It provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the U.S. Numerous studies have shown that the Lifeline works. Most callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking to a Lifeline crisis counselor. While this is an exciting time to reimagine how we provide crisis services in the U.S., the full vision

CSU is open 24/7. You can also call of a transformed crisis care system 928-445-5211 at any time. QCBN with 988 at its core will not be built overnight. Transformation of this scale will take time, and we must all work together to make it happen. It will require continued collaboration, commitment and support to make it effective, appropriate and sustainable, both from the public and private sectors. 8655 If you orEaEastridge loved one are Drive Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 experiencing a crisis, call or Deanna Eder is the director of walk into the Polara Health marketing and development Crisis Stabilization Unit for Polara Health. She can be located at 8655 E. Eastridge reached at d.eder@polarahealth. Dr., in Prescott Valley. The com

Crisis Stabilization Unit

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928-445-5211

Creating a Winning Financial Plan, Part II

By Steven Calabrese

n May’s Quad Cities Business News, we discussed the foundation of a winning financial plan, including creating a budget and managing debt. In Part II, we will continue to build on that foundation.

EDUCATION

Being qualified for employment is essential. What is it you have a passion for? Can you gain skills on the job? Do you need a college degree or some special training for IT? What is your pleasure? How about a trade? Are you considering being a plumber, electrician or handyman? Perhaps you would like to obtain a real estate license. The possibilities are endless. Create yourself. Develop your skill and hone your craft. What are you good at? It is different for everyone. Find your niche. I believe you get my point here. I am not talking about some fancy degree from some overpriced university. As you can see, this is another element of a strong financial plan. We spent time developing a budget, but were you overspending or did you need to enhance your income? My guess is a little bit of both.

HOME PURCHASE

Everyone wants to live the American Dream. Owning a home is part of

that dream. Some will say it is not possible: “Prices are too high and I could never buy a home.” Once again, with proper planning and purchasing within your means, it is possible. Start small and build equity. Trade up. Never go beyond your financial means. The financial objective is to get the house paid off. What would it be like to have no rent or mortgage? What would you be able to do with that money? Build wealth!

INVESTING

Learn about investing. What will you put your money into to earn more money? Certainly, you heard it takes money to earn money. Look at it from this perspective. If you put your excess money to work earning a return, you will surely grow your wealth. So, once again, education is necessary. Learn about stocks, bonds and real estate, alternative investments. There are a couple of things to be careful about. Never borrow to invest. The risk is too high. What happens if the investments go under, then you have debt with no assets. Do not ever invest in something you do not understand. Diversify. Never bet the house on one investment. That sure thing will surely be the thing that robs you of your wealth.

Understand what your risk tolerance is in investing. Do you like stocks? Or perhaps real estate? Or maybe a little of both. Only pay cash and be consistent. This is a long game. Don’t be short-sighted and hire a professional to help. Vet them; make sure you hire one, if you do, that teaches not tells. Remember, it is your money!

TAXES

The objective is to never pay any more than you must. Pay your fair share. Only pay what you owe. As we know, there are plenty of taxes to pay. Start with social security tax, Medicare tax, federal income tax, and state income tax. Then there is sales tax and property tax. Don’t have taxes over-withheld. Take home as much as you can. As your wealth grows, you may need to do some tax planning. Learn what you can and hire a professional to help.

RETIREMENT PLANNING

Planning for retirement is a critical step in building your wealth. This is a long game. The more years you have, the longer you can build up your retirement accounts. Your goal is to put away up to 15% of your income for retirement. Once again, be consistent and invest wisely. Use any employer retirement plans

to your advantage. Always take the What I usually tell folks is if you match, consider it free money. Next love your loved ones give them all the is to use a Roth. Max out these first information they need. Do not make then use any other retirement vehicle it a treasure hunt. Name beneficiaries, E 15%. Eastridge Drive Prescott Valley, AZ Complete 86314 a to 8655 get to the primary and secondary. This, for many, is their number will. Perhaps a power of attorney. one wealth-building tool. Use it to Give them what they need to comyour advantage. plete your final wishes. With the completion of the valuable information in Parts I and II RISK MANAGEMENT you now have a high-level outline to Now that you have worked hard to build your wealth, it is time to protect create a Winning Personal Financial Plan. it. Insurance is your best course of What do you think? Will you do it? action. What do you have to lose? What you There are many different types are doing now is not working! of insurance. Car insurance and You work hard for your money, homeowners are two everyone carmake sure it stays your money! ries. Then there is health insurance. Thanks for reading - I hope you Some carry an umbrella policy. Life found this helpful. QCBN insurance is another coverage that 8655 E Eastridge Drive Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 may be needed. The objective is to protect you, your family and your assets. A risk management program is different for everyone. Decisions can be made to have this coverage and not have this other coverage, depending on where you are in your wealth-building journey.

Crisis Stabilization Unit

polarahealth.com

928-445-5211

Crisis Stabilization Unit

polarahealth.com

ESTATE PLANNING

So you have spent the majority of your life building your wealth, developing a plan, working at it regularly. Now is the time to plan for your 8655 E Eastridge Drive demise.

928-445-5211

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.

Crisis Stabilization Unit

polarahealth.com

Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

928-445-5211

JUNE 2022 // Quad Cities Business News

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How Do Your Favorite Companies Do Business?

By Lucy Leyva

ave you ever stopped to think about the reason you do business with the companies that you do? Sometimes, I’ve gone into a fast food place, ordered something from a business, or a service or a product over the phone and had such a poor experience that I’ve wondered, how do they stay in business? It’s interesting that some put so much emphasis on customer service, while others just don’t. However, customer service isn’t the only thing that draws and keeps customers coming back. What does it for you? On the other side of that coin, why do some customers show their appreciation for you as a business owner or worker while some seem to do whatever they can to complain or make things difficult for you? We’ve all experienced both scenarios and I guess all that can be done is to put yourself in the other’s shoes. As businesses that serve our community and as customers who frequent them, I believe that there has to be a genuine desire to provide an experience for customers or clients that they can feel good about. They need to feel like that company, from the very first person they come in

contact with, to the completion of the interaction, truly wants to help them with whatever they are providing. When employees give off the impression that they are ONLY there for the paycheck at the end of the pay period, it becomes quickly apparent that the customer’s best interest is not in mind. First impressions are of utmost importance, of course. Along with the personal interaction, there also needs to be a feeling of professionalism and cleanliness. This is achieved and perceived in how people are dressed, how the shop, store or office looks when you walk in, or when someone shows up at your house for a service call. Immediately on the heels of that first impression is follow through. Is the service good? Is the food tasty? Am I getting good value for my money? Are the employees attentive to my needs and requests? Do I seem to be a bother when asking for something, or does it seem that their main focus is me as the customer? Will they do what it takes to create a positive experience? Do they deliver what is promised and in a timely manner? Finally, a very important part that sometimes is forgotten: the follow-up. In a food setting, a simple

visit from the wait staff asking how everything was will do, but how nice it is when an owner or chef comes through and checks on customers. I like a follow-up thank you card from a service organization to say thank you for using us. A telephone call can also be appreciated, with a short message that you as the customer are appreciated. With these three “Fs” - First im-

Let Food Be Thy Medicine

By Debbie Maranville

was feeling a bit fatigued, sluggish, perimenopausal and experiencing some stress. My adrenals were in overload. I believed these feelings were caused by a busy catering season and some of life’s stresses. I knew I needed some guidance and nurturing. I scheduled an appointment at the Mobile Health Doc with Dr. Rebecca Chatfield. I went in for a consultation and exam. My next step was bloodwork. I sat relaxed, squeezing a little stress ball and the medical staff member drew five vials of blood. I was instructed to come back in two weeks and the doctor would review my results. Fast forward, I arrived at the office to meet with the doctor and she began reviewing my labs. There were not too many major concerns, until she stated I had Hashimoto’s disease. Hashimoto’s disease, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease that damages the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s disease affects more women than men. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Hypothyroidism is treatable with medicine. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause problems getting pregnant and problems during pregnancy. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, depression and joint pain. The first thing she stated was that I would need to shift to a gluten-free and dairy-free diet. I sat back for a moment and said, “I have replaced

half and half in my coffee for coconut milk.” I chuckled for about 30 seconds. This was the real deal, how the heck can I do this? I love cheese, pasta and fresh breads. They are my comfort foods. This new information has me looking at more gluten- and dairy-free recipes. I believe these foods will assist with decreased inflammation and assist with a healthier lifestyle. Time to walk my walk and talk my talk. As an herbalist, I feel educated on herbs that are good for my health. Now I needed a bit more knowledge and support. Dr. Chatfield ordered a prescription from the Ave Maria Compound Pharmacy in Prescott, recommended some additional supplements and vitamins, and suggested more exercise and less stress. We all need to take our health seriously. I do not want to have symptoms where I feel rundown. I want to love life and live it. The statement, “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food,” is still one of the greatest medical prescriptions ever offered to human populations. This medical marvel was coined by Hippocrates, almost 2,500 years ago. We are what we eat. As a caterer and culinary specialist, I love making a difference with the food that our team prepares for events. We use fresh ingredients, focus on dietary needs and create the culinary experience with pride and enthusiasm. I look forward to my new and continued journey of healthy living. QCBN Debbie Maranville is the co-owner of Goods from the Garden, Catering & Events.

pression, Follow through and Follow up, we can create a great experience for our clients, and, as customers, we can evaluate the businesses we choose to use. At Prescott Maid to Order, we strive to offer only the best experience and quality service and

we thank all of our customers for their continued support. QCBN Lucy Leyva is the proud owner of MTO Janitorial LLC, and Prescott Maid to Order LLC, both local cleaning companies based out of Prescott Valley, serving Northern Arizona since 2005. For any cleaning inquiry, please contact us at 928-772-0004 and/or visit our website at mtojanitorial.com.

Are You Hiring? Place your employment ad here with us! Does your business have local employment opportunities to share? Reach over 27,000 Quad Cities Business News readers per month!

Contact Ann Harrington for details: ann@quadcitiessbusinessnews.com or 928-420-4407

Quad Cities Business News // JUNE 2022

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Planting Allergy-Free Flowers for Summer Gardens

By Ken Lain

he mountains of Arizona are at the peak of the planting season. The start of summer offers even brighter flowers than spring, and Watters Garden Center is fully stocked with these summer lovers. Flowers are beautiful, but they are a mixed blessing for allergy sufferers. Not all flowers trigger allergies. The more hybridized the plant, the less likely it will be to have a high level of pollen and the less irritating it will be. The plants that transfer their pollen by wind are the real culprits. Flowers can be even more annoying when brought into confined spaces indoors. As we continue the planting season, here are garden plants to avoid and safer bloomers for allergy sufferers.

WORST FLOWERS FOR PEOPLE WITH ALLERGIES

The worst offenders are the Daisy family, Asteraceae, which includes asters, dahlias, daisies, Gerber daisies, chamomile, chrysanthemums and sunflowers. If this family includes some of your favorite flowers, take heart. There are some exceptions. The hybrids classified as “formal doubles”

have virtually no pollen. These are the fluffy flowers with lots of petals and stamens that have evolved into pollen-less staminodes. We specialize in these flowers at Watters Garden Center, with an ever-expanding list of allergy-free flowers. Some pollen-free sunflower varieties, like Apricot Twist and Joker, are hypoallergenic because their pollen is too heavy to be wind-borne. Ragweed is the bane of every allergy sufferer. For decades, poor Goldenrod has been mistaken for ragweed, although it can cause some reactions in high-wind areas. Baby’s Breath shows up in many florist bouquets. Although the flowers are small, they pack a lot of pollen. It may seem counterintuitive, but the double-flowered variety is a better choice than the single-flowered types. The hybridized double flower varieties have been bred for beauty without the pollen count of their wilder cousin.

BEST FLOWERS WITHOUT THE ALLERGY ISSUES

Now, for the good news. Many flowers should not cause any sniffles. Start with plants grown for their foliage. Hosta, dusty miller and cactus are all superior choices. Azalea,

begonia, bougainvillea, camellia, clematis, columbine, geranium, hibiscus, hydrangea, impatiens, iris, lily, orchid, pansy, petunia, phlox, rose, snapdragon, thrift, verbena, viola and zinnia provide allergy-free color in the gardens. Most spring bulbs are superficial in pollen, including crocus, daffodils, hyacinth and tulips. While lilies have a bit of pollen; it is effortless to remove the stamens and the pollen-laden anthers with a pair of scissors. Be careful, though, because the yellow pollen can stain clothes and fingers. Even worse, the stems can exude a sap that causes skin irritation in sensitive people. Some highly fragrant flowers do not aggravate allergies but can still be an irritant with their potent smells. In close quarters, they can cause headaches and may be best enjoyed outdoors. These include gardenia, hyacinth, jasmine and lilacs. Many French hybrid lilacs and the white or yellow varieties are not as highly scented. Also, try the new Bloomerang series of miniature lilac that repeat-blooms through our long growing season. Since most flowering bulbs are not the culprits causing allergy symptoms, take a look at your trees if you

find yourself sneezing. The biggest offenders are arborvitae, junipers and some of the pines, as they spew pollen, causing allergy grief. Many trees are monoecious, meaning they have separate male and female flowers. For the pollen to get from the male flower to the female flower, it has to travel, and the wind is often the easiest way to disburse it. Unfortunately, some pollen makes its way to your nose instead of the female flowers. Again, Watters specializes in the newest varieties

of cypress, cedar, pine and spruce, in which much of the pollen has been bred out of the tree, causing far fewer allergy problems. Until next issue, I’ll be helping local gardeners with allergy-free flowers here at Watters Garden Center. QCBN Ken Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Road in Prescott, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Flowers.com.

Higher Interest Rates Having an Impact on Sales and Appreciation of Homes

By Nick Malouff

conomists at Fannie Mae have dramatically downgraded their home sales forecasts for this year and next, saying they expect a “modest recession” in the second half of next year in the face of Fed tightening and the war in Ukraine. Home sales are now expected to decline by 7.4% this year and 9.7% in 2023, a dramatic adjustment from March, when Fannie Mae forecast a 4.1% decrease in home sales this year and a 2.7% decrease in 2023 In their latest forecast, Fannie Mae economists said the projected downturn “is not expected to resemble the severity or duration of the Great Recession,” but that higher mortgage rates are likely to cause home sales to decline by 7.4 percent this year and by 9.7 percent in 2023. Fannie Mae had previously forecast that home sales would drop by 4.1 percent this year and 2.7 percent next year. “Since our last forecast, monetary policy guidance has shifted in a hawkish direction, and markets have responded with rapid increases in

interest rates, signaling a belief that brisker tightening is likely to occur,” Fannie Mae forecasters said. “While a ‘soft landing’ for the economy is possible, which is where inflation subsides without economic contraction, historically, such an outcome is an exception, not the norm.” If there is a recession, Fannie Mae economists don’t expect it will be as severe or as long as the Great Recession of 2007-09, due to “multiple factors.” From a housing market perspective, factors weighing against a severe downturn include “stronger mortgage credit quality, a far less-leveraged residential real estate and mortgage finance system, and a better equipped mortgage servicer and public policy apparatus, as well as ongoing housing supply constraints relative to demographic demand for housing.” But rising mortgage rates don’t bode well for already tight housing inventories in many markets, forecasters at the mortgage giant said. “Households with a 3%, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage are unlikely to give that up in favor of a mortgage closer to 5%, and we expect this

HOME SALES PROJECTED TO DECLINE

Source: Fannie Mae Housing Forecast, April 2022

so-called ‘lock-in’ effect to weigh on home sales,” Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan said in a statement. “Moreover, if mortgage rates remain relatively elevated, we expect the added affordability constraint to price out some would-be first-time homebuyers and contribute to the slowing of demand.” Shortages of existing homes have builders working overtime to complete new houses, and Fannie Mae still sees new home sales growing by 2.3% this year, to 788,000 homes,

even with sales of existing homes projected to drop by 8.6%, to 5.6 million. But the “lock-in” effect of rising mortgage rates and worsening affordability “will eventually weigh on new sales as well,” Fannie Mae economists said of their prediction that sales of new homes will drop by 8% in 2023, to 725,000. For would-be homebuyers being priced out of the market, the good news is

that Fannie Mae economists expect home price appreciation to make a rapid plunge back to the single digits, moderating from a record 19.8 percent during the first quarter of this year to 6.5 percent by the first quarter of 2023 and 3.2 percent by the final three months of next year. “It should be noted that interest rates have moved up further than we had expected since the completion of our interest rate forecast at the start of the month, representing downside risks to our housing forecast,” Fannie Mae economists said. All of these projections beg the question: should I sell now or wait until there is more certainty in the market? Many times, the answer depends on your personal circumstances and talking to someone who knows your market and your situation well is a good next move. 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.

JUNE 2022 // Quad Cities Business News

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Sharing Big Thoughts About Tiny Homes

elcome to another edition of “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” We are here to give you the inside scoop on real estate, the construction industry, what’s up, what’s down, what’s hot and what’s not. We’ll share real estate stats, home prices, building permit numbers, construction pointers and give you hints on renovations that will give you a return on your investment. We will talk about products, how to take care of your home and so much more. As we all know, there is plenty going on in the housing and construction industry and we want to share some fantastic, cool, groovy and helpful information with you. We are going to use our insight and local expertise to help you save time and money, and surmount obstacles of all kinds. So, settle in and enjoy. Sandy: Hi Tom, for some reason I have been hearing more lately about “tiny homes,” and I do believe the reason is because of the need for affordable housing and workforce housing. I have been doing some reading about tiny homes and have learned quite a bit. As an architect, I’m sure you are familiar with this subject. Tom: Yes, this is a subject that has had my attention for some time now. Tiny living spaces have been around for most of human history. What I always found fascinating is how sophisticated the designs have become. Sandy: So, they are both trending and classic. Not just a contemporary phenomenon, then? You know, Tom, you can binge watch “Tiny House Big Living.” For sure, a girl can dream and try to get everything in 300 square feet. Tom: Yup! Given the current cost of housing, it is certainly not surprising that the Tiny Home trend is on the upswing. Tiny living is about more than just residing in a small building, it is an entire lifestyle, and I am sure these TV shows delve into the details of what it is like to have your own tiny house. Sandy: I know the IRC (International Residential Code for building), says the minimum size of a home is 320 square feet. But a house can be 120 square feet with a minimum of one habitable room. Not sure of the distinction there but I am not sure I could live in 120 square feet. I would

have to become a real minimalist to rid myself of excess shoes, hardhats, glassware, scarves and the list goes on. Tom: Me either. That being said, there are all manner of designs for tiny homes. Some are prefab, some site built and some on wheels. Sandy: Well, the ones on wheels certainly are the more flexible when is comes to land purchase. Tom: LOL. That is certain. Prefab models, manufactured homes and park models have been around for quite some time. Sandy: And they still represent a more affordable housing alternative to a site-built home. I have seen some tiny homes that are extraordinary in their design. I am talking cool spaces that I think I might want to spend time in. Tom: There are some excellent tiny home designs. An architect that has focused her career on the development of tiny homes is Sarah Susanka. Our readers can go to Susanka.com. She is both an architect and author who has championed the tiny home in both design and lifestyle. Sandy: I asked Dr. Google about her. There are some outstanding designs. I am impressed with the careful thought that goes into the tiny home. Living in a tiny home requires a real lifestyle commitment as well. Tom: I would think so. One certainly cannot be a collector of things. Lifestyle goals need to be radically different from most mainstream thinking. The accumulation of things as a representation of our achievements is not in the cards. Sandy: The lifestyle choice begins with the mindset of a minimalist. Our accomplishment is measured by how little we need to live on. Tom: He or she who has the least gets top bragging rights! Sandy: LOL, probably. Getting back to the design of these homes, I have seen examples that are two stories. And there are folks who have used shipping containers as the basic structure for their tiny homes. Tom: There are as many different material choices for the tiny home as there are for a conventional home. Tiny home design tends to not only be minimalist with space, but also structural integrity. Sandy: The thin walls of a

container as an example: To meet energy codes, you will need to use the high-density foam sprayed onto the walls, and then cover with a material that gives the space its finished look. Wow. Shipping containers have jumped in price, for sure. I saw some for sale the other day $6,500. Tom: Shipping containers used for housing have become a real trend. The designs I have seen make them so open. Cutting in doors, large glass areas and even stacking them has produced truly spectacular homes. Sandy: Shipping containers come in different sizes. Our readers should know they are all eight feet wide and come in 20 feet to 40 feet lengths. Most are 8’ 6” high, although you can get them 9’ 6” as well. When you start stacking and putting these puppies together, you are no longer talking a tiny home. Tom: True. Also, the stick-built tiny homes are smaller, making structural spans shorter and affording the builder the opportunity to use smaller structural components. This also saves on precious space. Sandy: Every inch counts. Whatever you can save on means more interior space. Tom: Absolutely. The same space typically has several uses. Toilet rooms also serve as a shower space with no separate spaces. You might look at

some of the more compact motor homes for examples of the types of multiple uses a space can have. Sandy: Some motor homes are tiny homes on wheels! I suppose the cost per square foot for building a tiny home can be high. Tom: I have seen some tiny home kits that vary between $225 to as much as $300 per square foot. The cost to build depends on how you build it and what you want. The advantage is a 250-square-foot home at $250 per square foot costs a lot less than a 2,500-square-foot home. Sandy: They are fun to see completed. I love the level of creativity that the tiny homes have. You can live simply and elegantly. Tom: And, more affordably. Sandy: It is important to look at zoning requirements and make changes where our jurisdictions can allow tiny homes and more manufactured homes to help with the affordability crisis. Tom: Sandy, I could not agree more! To end our column this month, here are a few pointers: Some tiny house owners across the U.S. are struggling to find places to park their tiny houses legally because of strict and often confusing zoning codes. Most local governments have a minimum square-footage requirement,

so tiny houses are too small to be considered for full-time living. Tiny houses are also considered RVs in the eyes of most municipalities, which means people are not allowed to live in them all year. Before spending money on a tiny house, you should consider what type of dwelling it will be and check your municipality’s zoning code. You might even have to work with the local zoning board to pass new tiny house-friendly codes. Thanks for stopping in to read “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” You are in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN Tom Reilly, Architect, Renovations, 928445-8506 renovationsaz.com Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association, 928-7780040 Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM/99.9 FM/95.5FM or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.

Quad Cities Business News // JUNE 2022

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Is It Time for a Body Health Tune-Up?

By Benjamin Filer

y life as a Prescott area residential and commercial broker for more 35 years was a good run and my health was OK, except for being 100 pounds overweight. Four years ago, I started to develop some health challenges and the news wasn’t good. My doctor informed me I was pre-diabetic with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and if I didn’t lose some weight and change my lifestyle (eating habits), I was risking having a massive stroke or heart attack. Keep in mind, my own father died prematurely of diabetes. Additionally, I was developing problems with my feet, knees, hips and back because of my chronic obesity. I have eight grandchildren. I know they are all counting on me to be around for graduations, job promotions, weddings, etc. I started to wonder whether or not I might be around. So, at the age of 61, I knew it was now or never to address my health challenges, to lose at least a few pounds and get my wife and doctor off my back. My wife introduced me to a program of two high protein meal replacement shakes, two healthy snacks and one healthy meal. This

program was a user-friendly regimen because I love milkshakes, even though these shakes have less than 1% whey in them. I had to rewrite all my favorite recipes and surprised myself by losing more than 100 pounds over the next year and a half! Understand that the most weight I’d ever lost from fad diets was six to eight pounds, usually gaining 10 to 15 pounds back! Today, I’ve kept my weight off for a year, reversed my pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol numbers. My feet, knees, hips and back no longer bother me. My energy level while obese was between a 1-2 and now is between a 9-11! I also have strengthened my immune system and never seem to get sick anymore! My wife has also lost 40 pounds and, at 63 years young, looks amazing! My success has inspired me to open a Healthy Smoothie Club called True North Nutrition. Having been inspired by my coaches leading me on my journey, I knew my calling was to help as many of my Prescott-area friends tune up their own bodies and become their best selves. My wife and I have now enjoyed becoming health and wellness coaches and would love to discuss offering you a program to

give your body the health tune-up you’re dreaming about. Don’t wait to get the bad news from your doctor. QCBN

True North Nutrition is located in downtown Prescott at 212 W. Gurley. We are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through

PILOT FISH continued from page 13

others look up to. They are informal ‘leaders’ because others follow them and often confide in them. They might not even know they are pilot fish, but what they say or do influences others in their sphere,” she writes. Here’s the deal about pilot fish in the workplace. They can be valuable thought leaders and may be able to clue leadership in about what others are thinking, not in a sneaky sort of way, but in a diversity-of-thought sort of way that may not be reflected at the highest levels of the organization where important decisions are made. Here’s a great example McDonald offers in her book. Do you know about Skinnygirl? If you haven’t heard of it, perhaps check in with your female pilot fish. Skinnygirl is a brand created by

entrepreneur extraordinaire and “The Real Housewives of New York City” star Bethany Frankel that produces low-calorie alcoholic drinks, including wine, vodkas, margaritas and ready-toserve cocktails. According to McDonald, Frankel pitched her idea to all the major liquor companies. “Every one of them dismissed her product. That turned out to be a bad decision. She forged ahead on her own, developed the brand, and sold more than 2 million bottles in her first year in business. Two years later, Beam, the makers of bourbon and other liquors, acquired the product and brand for an estimated $100 million! Skinnygirl sales continued to skyrocket: in its first year as a Beam product, Skinnygirl posted a whopping 486% in

// And that’s why top flight executives need to get to know their pilot fish, because even if they may seem like a fish out of water to the leadership team with their ideas, that diverse opinion may be floating around among the smaller fish and not reflected in the circle of big fish. //

net sales growth.” How did the major liquor companies miss this? McDonald says they were all run by men at the time. “I’m betting they passed on Skinnygirl because they didn’t see the need for it.” She calls this a “failure of perspective” and notes that diversity in the workplace does not only include things like skin color and sexual orientation, it also includes diversity of thought. And that’s why top flight executives need to get to know their pilot fish, because even if they may seem like a fish out of water to the leadership team with their ideas, that diverse opinion may be floating around among the smaller fish and not reflected in the circle of big fish. The lesson here, there could be a whopper of a business opportunity lurking in the shadows that a homogenous-in-thought leadership team might miss if it’s not paying attention to the pilot fish. Don’t let your Skinnygirl opportunity be the one that got away! QCBN

Hear more from author Kelly McDonald on Zonie Living: Business, Adventure and Leadership at StarWorldwideNetworks.com. Bonnie Stevens is a public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie.stevens@ gmail.com.

Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. We offer healthy, high-protein, meal-replacement, yummy smoothies, snacks and supplements. Call us at 928-515-3458 or email True North Nutrition at ben@benfiler.com.

Purse Auction Benefitting YEI

urses filled with surprises will be auctioned by The Monday Club of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in their clubhouse at 1306 Stetson Road in Prescott at 1 p.m., Monday June 20. All proceeds will go to the Yavapai Exceptional Industries (YEI), known as a primary employer of people with disabilities. YEI Executive Director Brad Newman will be conducting the Purse Auction. For more information, email Mondayclubprescott@gmail.com or call 928-778-4552. QCBN

Prescott now has a healthy smoothie bar with experienced health and wellness coaches ready to help you with personalizing your health tuneup. Contact us for your confidential health assessment.

TENNIES continued from page 12

LAST TIME I FELT PROUD

I feel proud when we hear that children would have had the same pair of shoes with holes in them if not for Tennies for Tots. Children cannot focus on their classwork if they have holes in their shoes. I’m proud that we can make a difference.

BEST ADVICE EVER RECEIVED

One of our biggest supporters said, “I like your concept, but you need to focus on shoes and socks.” That helped us. That was huge because we can’t do it all.

MY SUPERPOWER

Making little feet happy.

FAVORITE CHARACTER TRAIT The generosity of people. Those who don’t have anything give the most. They say, “I’ve been in that position. I want to help.”

FAVORITE PLACE TO DECOMPRESS

Out in nature where I don’t have to think about anything and can just look at pretty flowers. QCBN

JUNE 2022 // Quad Cities Business News

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Meteor Crater, Lowell Observatory Present Asteroid Day Flagstaff

eteor Crater and Lowell Observatory are teaming up to host a one-day event centered around asteroids and their impact on Earth. Asteroid Day Flagstaff is scheduled for Thursday, June 30, with scientific experts speaking on panels and other programs addressing asteroids—what they are, how scientists look for them, the nature of impacts on Earth, and how Apollo astronauts studied Meteor Crater to prepare for their voyages to the impact-scarred Moon. These scientific programs will be complemented with other family-friendly activities that include tours of both Meteor Crater and Lowell Observatory, poi performances, food trucks, local beer and nighttime telescope viewing. Meteor Crater will host daytime events from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Lowell Observatory will host evening activities from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. A special pass will be available for purchase that allows access to activities at both sites. “Lowell Observatory is excited to partner with Meteor Crater to cele-

brate Flagstaff’s first Asteroid Day,” said Chief Marketing and Financial Officer Danielle Adams, Ph.D. “Given our proximity to the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact site and the heritage of tens of thousands of asteroid discoveries at Lowell over the years, Flagstaff is the world’s best place to mark Asteroid Day.” Asteroid Day Flagstaff is one of many independently organized activities around the world supported by the United Nations-sanctioned program called Asteroid Day. It is designed to raise awareness about asteroids and their risks. Asteroid Day was founded in 2014 to recognize the dramatic asteroid that occurred June 30, 1908, and flattened 830 square miles of Siberian forest. “Right here in Northern Arizona, we can see the literal impact of asteroids on our planet,” said Meteor Crater and the Barringer Space Museum President and CEO Matt Kent. “What better place to hold an Asteroid Day event than here?” QCBN For more information, visit asteroidday.org.

Meteor Crater, located 37 miles east of Flagstaff, is touted as Earth’s best preserved impact site. Courtesy photo

WINE continued from page 1

Mesa studied engineering at Phoenix College, Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University. While attending school, he enrolled in viticulture classes, where he learned about farming grapes both organically and non-organically. “I was 20 years old at the time, so I wasn’t financially able to pursue a vineyard at that time.” For 37 years, Mesa worked for Salt River Project (SRP) before settling into his dream occupation as a winegrower. “While at SRP, I worked in construction, drafting, mechanical engineering, inspection, project manager and site manager for several projects.” With retirement in mind, he combed a 75-mile radius looking for land where he could grow grapes and raise cattle. “I found land with grandfathered water rights dating back to 1875. My wife and I started off with three cows and a small vineyard. Since the previous owners used the land for horse and cow property, it was very fertile.” Mesa planted a small test vineyard in the year 2000, with about 1,000 plants of 10 different varieties to see which ones would do well. After his wife passed away in 2002, Mesa sold his cattle and planted more vines. He retired from his SRP career in 2004 and continued to plant and nurture the grapes. In 2015, he opened the

vineyard as a commercial estate operation, meaning all wines produced from the winery would be made from grapes grown on the property. It also means that the wine stays on the premises during the entire production process, including fermentation, bottling and aging. “Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery is a fully sustainable winery, and the way Ignacio designed it is the way nature works,” said Berkshire Hathaway Realtor Tina Viola, who volunteers at the winery. “He throws me out in the vineyard to work and I love it.” Mesa’s vineyard is the first Arizona winery to earn the Silver Innovator Sustainability Certification from the Arizona Sustainability Alliance. With crystal clear water in the pond fed by Clear Creek, Mesa’s vineyards blend well with the distant views of mountain vistas. “My husband, Tim, and I really enjoyed our visit to the Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery tasting room,” said Flagstaff retiree Irene Blume. “Barbara, the sommelier, served us and she was so friendly and informative about the wine and also so welcoming. It’s a very quaint atmosphere, so we visited with another couple there who are regular customers.” Hints of Mesa’s Hispanic heritage encompass the Rio Claro label, which means, “clear river.”

Ignacio Mesa and his Great Pyrenees dogs, Pancho and Cisco, enjoy greeting guests at Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery with red and white blends. Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

“I attended the Wine and Grapes Symposium in Sacramento and met a talented graphic designer. She developed my label,” said Mesa. Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery produces a popular 2012 Terciopelo Red Blend of 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec and 50% Petite Syrah. Another favorite is the

2018 Gran Blancas White Blend, made with 45% Viognier, 20% Chardonnay and a 35% Chardonnay blend. Also on the premises is Club Rio, a renovated vintage wine party bus available to rent for birthdays, anniversaries, nights out or other festive occasions. QCBN

Located at 4053 E. Highway 260 in Camp Verde, Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, call 602-859-7418 or visit clearcreekwineryaz.com.

Quad Cities Business News // JUNE 2022

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PREGNANCY continued from page 16

RODEO continued from page 11

only myself but my friends, too. Locally, we can support the Yavapai County Health Educators tasked with educating the students at our local schools about sex and their sexual health, which includes abstinence. Abstinence is okay for teens, but that may not be an option for some. We have teens being trafficked locally. Young people are being sexually exploited in their homes. Having these important resources in our local community helps all of our youth. These educators have been instrumental in helping exploited and abused teens get out of these situations. They also work to empower the youth to have a voice, avoid being groomed and how to say “No” to someone. It can be especially hard for youth to say no, especially to someone they may have feelings for. Education is empowerment. We can help prevent teen pregnancy in our community by talking about it. Let the youth know they have an entire lifetime to fall in love and reproduce and that waiting is all right. These talks can start at home and the local library is packed with books for both parents and teens alike. If you are a parent and do not know how to have the talk, go to your local library. They have books for parents on how to have these important discussions. There is a ton of information out there for teens and young people to access. Having a structured responsible curriculum in the schools has been proven to reduce teen pregnancy and teen STI rates in communities – just ask the CDC! QCBN

High Middle School on Thursday through Sunday for an event. Because we know not everyone can get to the rodeo grounds, we’re working on what we hope will be a downtown rodeo experience. The days we sell out, we’ll have vendors downtown and rent a big screen and stream the rodeo down there.” Prescott City Council members heard high praise for the Prescott rodeo when representatives of Rounds Consulting Group, Inc., (RCG) of Tempe presented an economic impact study in early March. RCG President Jim Rounds told them that because of the proposed expansion of the rodeo groups and its operations, the community and the state should get even more involved in promoting the activities as something that significantly benefits the region and the state economically. Rounds suggested the rodeo has such a strong impact that it might even qualify for grant opportunities. PCG Vice President and Senior Economist Luis Cordova said that an economic and fiscal impact model had been developed for the 2021 rodeo. Among key points, the rodeo: attracted 81,500 visitors to Prescott; generated more than $33.5 million during the year; created 337 jobs; and resulted in state and local tax revenues of $.2.6 million – $780,000 to the City of Prescott, $324,700 for Yavapai County, and $1.5 for the state. It was estimated that during the next 10 years, the potential economic impact might reach $14 million for the city and $36 million for the state. The World’s Oldest Rodeo runs Tuesday, June 28 through Monday, July 4, with eight rodeo performances scheduled at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds. Admission gates will open two hours in advance. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday performances are at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For Monday, July 4, the performance is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. 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.

Fourth of July Parade, Fireworks Scheduled

By Ray Newton, QCBN

ourth of July celebrations in Prescott are designed to appeal to all ages. The annual Rodeo Parade is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 2, around the Courthouse Plaza in downtown Prescott, featuring bands, celebrities, patriotic floats, cowboys and horses. Admission is free. Attendees are urged to arrive early and bring their own seating and sunscreen. The City of Prescott plans to host its Independence Day fireworks event at Watson Lake beginning at 3 p.m. and ending at 10 p.m, Monday, July 4. Fireworks are expected to be ignited at about 9 p.m., depending on weather and safety conditions. Gates open at 3 p.m., but parking is limited. Additional parking is available between the Watson Lake Overlook and the Roundabout on Highway 89 for a $10 fee. Highway 89 will be closed between the roundabout and Prescott Lakes Parkway from 2 p.m. until the fireworks show is over. QCBN

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ECONOMIC OUTLOOK continued from page 1

pliances, computers and vehicles. N The almost-total shutdown of China, halting any exports. N Coal plant closures, which over time affect energy supplies for the country. N Increasing housing shortages across the entire nation. In fact, he said that was an “elephant in the room.” N Increasing costs of both new and used cars and trucks, with no defined timeline when prices would start dropping again.

better economic growth in 2022. We do have to watch China, though. It may disappoint us in its growth because of the extreme regulatory crackdown on populations, hence, production, in major cities.” He predicted the war in Ukraine would not likely have too severe an impact on the U.S. market, and that the majority of investors are really quite “bearish” at this time - not acting aggressively. He speculated that the upcoming midterm state and Congressional elections will have an ultimate impact “We do know this. We recognized on which way stock markets drift for early in the year that 2022 would not be the balance of 2022 and later, 2023. as strong as 2021. The continually in“Midterm election years are always creasing higher interests rates will lower volatile.” bond rates and purchases. Bonds have Brown had a few suggestions about had two bad years in a row. Changes investing during the next several in the past several months have been months. Specifically, he said stocks abnormal,” Brown said. were preferable over bonds, especially He was positive about the U.S. U.S. stocks. Brown thought it critical corporate scene. He emphasized that that stock market purchases be “versaoverall, corporate America was quite tile, and not focused on the top 10 or strong, and that 77% of companies 12 stocks in the market, such as Apple, were meeting or exceeding their 2022 Amazon, Facebook, Tesla and Google.” estimates. In fact, he saw three positives He said cyclical factors, such as supply in the immediate future, items that chain improvement, will drive stocks could keep the market stable. He noted upward. Additionally, if the economy that the COVID-19 impact was now accelerates because of demand for more taking a backseat in the United States. bank loans, that may reduce interest “Globally, Europe and Japan were hit rate sensitivity. especially hard during the pandemic. Responding to several questions But as COVID cases fall internationfrom the audience, he recommended ally, those countries are now ripe for being cautious in investing in real

Leading the Prescott Chamber of Commerce-sponsored economic outlook forum on May 3 were One AZ Credit Union Senior Vice President Tom Mitchell, Keynote Speaker Scott Brown from JPL Financial Brokers, Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Mackenzie Rodgers, Yavapai College Regional Economic Development Center Director Karen Jones and One AZ Credit Union President and CEO Kim Reedy. Photo by Ray Newton

estate, especially when mortgage rates were changing so radically. He said too many unpredictable factors, such as a limited labor market, the chronic bottleneck in building and construction supplies, and increasing oil and gas prices, were affecting residential and commercial construction. Brown reiterated that prices for vehicles were at an all-time high,

especially since automotive industries domestically and internationally were not manufacturing enough cars to meet consumer demand. In conclusion, Brown said an unknown is the impact of inflation and how long it will last. He said the move by the Federal Reserve to increase the benchmark short-term interest rate by half a percentage point was perhaps just

the first of several pending rate hikes. “All these moves are in a bid to tame inflation,” he said. Brown was joined by several other investment executives from One AZ Credit Union, including President and CEO Kim Reedy, Executive Vice President Laura Worzella and One AZ Wealth Management Senior Vice President Tom Mitchell. QCBN

YRMC continued from page 15

SANDY ZINN MARTIN AWARD RECIPIENT, NORMA BAUER

When describing Norma Bauer and her dedication to YRMC patients, staff, visitors and fellow volunteers, Nancy Thomes is reminded of a television show. “There is a show called “New Amsterdam.” The setting is in a hospital and the medical director is often seen moving about the hospital asking, ‘How can I help?’ The writers may not know this, but they must have fashioned that character after Norma Bauer.” Thomes continued, “She has been super flexible, changing service areas often, and always willing to go where needed. When I ask for favors of volunteers, I often begin with a reminder that ‘no’ is an acceptable answer. That is a word that Norma rarely uses.” The award is named after a former volunteer, Sandy Zinn Martin, whose spirit lives on in the selfless service that Bauer demonstrates. It’s often the little things that show the true character of a person – the things that go unnoticed by most people. Thomes shares a brief, but telling, story. “A staff member sent me an email after observing Norma assisting a patient who was having trouble getting something from a vending machine. Norma was a patient coach, gentle and kind.” “This award is a humbling honor; there are so many dedicated volunteers,” said Bauer. “I believe it indicates that staff and other volunteers have considered my presence and efforts in a positive light and kindly took the time to say so.” “Nearly every shift includes at least one interaction that stands out from the rest,” Bauer said. “What makes the

greatest impact on me usually comes from a patient who expresses apprehension approaching a procedure. A brief suggestion to expect the staff to be caring and understanding can often serve to lessen the patient’s anxiety.” Bauer has been called a true role model in the Volunteer Services program, with some affectionately referring to her “Old-World” mannerisms. According to staff and fellow volunteers, Bauer’s gracious, polite and professional approach informs everything she does. Comments include, “It was a privilege to be tutored and to subsequently work with Norma,” and, “She deserves this recognition.” When she was invited to consider volunteering at YRMC, Bauer didn’t hesitate. She was impressed with the quality of care given to her friends and family. “Volunteering at YRMC is an opportunity to support and give back to an organization that benefits our community,” she explained. “It gives me a sense of purpose and provides interests beyond myself. YRMC values its volunteers and demonstrates their appreciation of them.” “I sincerely enjoy volunteering at YRMC. It has become an enriching part of my life.” QCBN To learn more about becoming a volunteer at YRMC, call Volunteer Services in Prescott at 928-771-5678 or in Prescott Valley at 928-442-8683. Visit DignityHealth. org/YRMC for more information about YRMC.

Joanne Mack Robertson is a freelance writer and video producer. She and her husband, Jeff, are the creative energy behind Big Picture Video Production in Prescott and Tucson.

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