August 2021

Page 1

INSIDE THE AUGUST 2021 ISSUE: Area Businesses Feeling Demand p.3

Creativity Flowing at Fiber Creek p.8

Mountain Bike Track Opens in Downtown Prescott p.4

Documentary Showcasing Prescott Businesses p.11

Company Relocates to Help Navajo Nation Battle COVID p. 6

ERAU Leader Recognized as Influential Woman p.12

Center for the Future Makes its Home in Downtown Prescott Six high-tech firms are now partners By Ray Newton, QCBN

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hat was formerly a City of Prescott annex building behind City Hall is now home to the Center for the Future, a hub for innovation, incubation, business attraction, growth and retention of cutting-edge technology firms. It became official at noon, Friday, July 13, when CFF President and Di-

West (Systems Engineering Group is a subsidiary of AXIENT), CyberCore International, GSIS and a stealth rector John Haass, Ph.D., was joined by leaders from the community, city, start-up named NEWCO. Also in the complex is Cyber Warfare Range, a Yavapai County, State of Arizona digital jungle gym that offers training and representatives of Congress in and competition to participants. declaring the CFF officially at home During a program organized by at 220 South Marina. the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Phase 1 of the project will be housed in approximately 3,500 square and emceed by spokesperson Sanford Cohen, several speakers emphasized feet of leased space in the former how the center will stimulate the City Annex. High tech firms located economy by supporting employment there include Simple WAN, SEG

and retention of local college and university graduates. Harry Oberg, former Prescott mayor and now District 1 Supervisor on the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors (BOS), said, “I want our bright, talented young people to remain here in the Quad Cities.” Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli said when he first heard the term “incubator” associated with the CFF, he thought of the incubators his Continued on page 38

Revved Up for Adventure New motorcycle shop offering powerful vehicles to explore Quad Cities’ surroundings By Stan Bindell, QCBN

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GO AZ Motorcycles General Manager Scott Walz and Parsons Powersports Vice President Gina Marra tempt motocross enthusiasts with a flashy lineup of bright green Kawasaki KX 450 motorcycles outside the new Prescott Valley shop. Photo by Stan Bindell August 2021 | Issue 8 Volume 9

ith a thrust in the popularity of powersports during the pandemic and optimism about the continuation of record recreational vehicle sales, GO AZ Motorcycles has opened shop in Prescott Valley after purchasing Star Island Motorsports, bringing their total to six stores in Arizona. “I think people were looking for alternate ways to stay active and be entertained, with so many other options impacted by the pandemic. Powersports vehicles provided the perfect alternative,” said Gina Marra, vice president overseeing Parsons Powersports operations. “We look forward to building on that success as

well as introducing the GO AZ Motorcycles experience to the Prescott Valley riding community.” GO AZ Motorcycles, an Arizona-based Powersports group founded by American entrepreneur, philanthropist and Powersports enthusiast Bob Parsons, has acquired Star Island Motorsports from proprietors Gary Hangeveld and Scott Walz. Walz is staying on as general manager. Marra started riding when she was 5 years old and later started racing motocross. “I understand the energizing feeling you get when you’re on a bike. It can truly be life-changing for people. Mr. Parsons is a motorcycle enthusiast and launched GO AZ Motorcycles in 2008 to

provide the riding community with the absolute best customer experience possible. I shared Bob’s vision and passion for powersports and am proud of the reputation we’ve established in the riding community.” Marra said their dealerships are event-centered. “We’ll be hosting events, rides and workshops. The vast majority of our staff are active in the motorcycle and/ or UTV/ATV community,” she said. “Our dealerships also partner with local charities and community service groups when hosting events, providing an opportunity for those groups to raise awareness and donations for their cause.” After being involved in riding as a youth, she started working for a dealership in her home state of Michigan. “These days, I’m more active on the trails in my UTV. AriContinued on page 39

Honoring Prescott Area Women Leaders

Brought to you by

woman

Prescott

HOME | HEALTH | BEAUTY | BUSINESS | LOCAL ISSUES

Quad Cities Business News and Prescott Woman Magazine are proud to host the 2nd Annual Prescott Area ATHENA Awards

Join us for: Prescott Area ATHENA High Tea, an afternoon of Inspiration | Celebration | Networking 4 - 6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021 | Goods from the Garden

The ATHENA program celebrates women who achieve excellence in their profession, provide service to their community and help others, particularly women, become the best they can be.

Nominations are being accepted now through Aug. 6. Tickets are $60 per person; $400 for a table of eight. Visit https://prescottathena.com


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