Quad Cities Business News

Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, & Dewey/Humboldt

You are here: Home / Archives for quadcities

quadcities

Arizona Snowbowl Shares Vision for Next Chapter

By Leave a Comment

“Our job, as I see it, is to make sure that people take home the memories they come for,” said retired Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “That includes furnishing the services they need – the roads, the slopes, the facilities, and everything else. It should include using the infrastructure of ski areas to help meet recreational demand year-round.” n the heels of the longest ski season in history, and answering the Forest Service’s call to utilize existing mountain resort infrastructure as a portal to the National Forest to satisfy growing recreational demand, Arizona Snowbowl is sharing its vision for the future. The Flagstaff mountain resort is seeking to enhance the existing guest experience, meet current demand, provide year-round outdoor recreation activities and benefit the community with additional partnerships and a greater economic impact.

Arizona Snowbowl, operating on 777 acres of public land since 1938 under a Forest Service permit, is crafting its new Master Development Plan addressing improvements within the existing boundaries of the mountain resort, as required by the Special Use Permit issued by the Coconino National Forest. The current plan, which included snowmaking, was approved in 2005 and is near completion.

 

Facilities, Infrastructure

A third-party analysis completed by SE Group, a leading mountain resort consulting firm, determined that the comfortable carrying capacity at Snowbowl is currently 3,870 visitors per day; however, guest services, dining expectations and parking facilities are deficient. “It’s not uncommon for guests to experience long food lines, a lack of seating in the lodges and insufficient restrooms,” said General Manager J.R. Murray. “We, too, want our guests to go home with fond memories of their time on the mountain. In order to achieve this, we are planning for a capacity of 4,500 people, to provide a great experience on even the busiest holidays.”

As a result, Mountain Capital Partners, the Snowbowl management group, is conceptualizing new facilities and infrastructure within the resort’s boundaries: increasing space for guest services on-mountain (including food & beverage, ticketing, rentals, lessons, retail), plus additional space within the base area, adding parking for cars and buses, and a small medical clinic in the winter.

Winter Lifts, Trail Enhancements

Plans also include two new chairlifts serving beginner and intermediate skiers, and five additional trails accessible to snowmaking operations. Snowbowl, where Arizona learns to ski, boasts the largest beginner terrain in the Southwest, which includes the state-of-the art Terrain Based Learning program and conveyor lifts. The mountain resort has a growing Adaptive Snowsports Program, plus discounts for veterans and those serving active duty. In addition, full-price lift tickets come with three free lessons.

“It’s no secret that we’re passionate about creating skiers and making the sport accessible to everyone,” said Managing Partner James Coleman of Mountain Capital Partners. “We are guided by our mission ‘Skiing First’ and are committed to keeping winter a top priority. I’m confident the proposed improvements will enhance the experience for expert and beginner skiers alike.”

As part of Coleman’s commitment to making skiing affordable, Snowbowl will also continue to offer Power Kids, a free season pass for children ages 10 and younger. No parent purchase is required, and this pass is valid every day of the 2019-2020 season.

Night Skiing; Winter Tubing

To provide safe, managed snow play activities, Snowbowl has identified the opportunity to provide a winter tubing facility on its lower, western slope. In addition, the mountain resort will be working with the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition to incorporate acceptable lighting fixtures for evening skiing on lower elevation slopes during weekends and holidays. “By offering limited night skiing on 1% of the mountain’s skiable acreage, we’ll be able to provide additional outdoor recreation opportunities for local youth and groups,” said Murray. “This will also help to disperse crowds and traffic, as skiers stay later on the mountain.”

Year-Round Activities

It has been said that Flagstaff is the outdoor recreation capital of the state and tourism figures show adventure seekers are flocking to Northern Arizona in record numbers, searching for new outlets to satisfy their craving for four-season outdoor recreation. “More than half of Snowbowl’s visitors come from the Phoenix area in search of snow play activities in the winter and opportunities to bike, climb and hike through the National Forest in the summer and fall,” said Murray.

Nearly 60 percent of Arizona residents in the 1st Congressional District participate in outdoor recreation. “Currently, the scenic chairlift operates from May to mid-October, which is very popular, and we’re seeing a positive response to the additional activities like summer tubing and a bungee trampoline that were added last year, but guests arrive expecting more. We have the ability to support healthy lifestyles by offering additional features that keep people outdoors and active, enjoying and appreciating all that the Coconino National Forest has to offer,” said Murray.
To accommodate the growing demand, U.S. Agriculture Undersecretary Jim Hubbard, whose responsibility includes the oversight of the Forest Service, calls mountain resorts “lifelong partnerships” in the effort to provide recreational opportunities. Activities now common at other mountain resorts and conceptualized at Snowbowl include: mountain biking, mountain coaster, alpine slide, zip-line tours, expanded disc golf, a climbing wall and outdoor concerts.

 

Economic Impact; Community Partnerships

The Alliance Bank Economic Policy Institute, with the W.A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University, recently published a report estimating Snowbowl’s direct economic contribution to the region at more than $58 million annually stemming from expenditures for payroll, operations and capital projects while supporting more than 700 jobs.

“This past season we introduced two Community Benefit Days, which benefited the Northland Family Help Center and the National Forest Foundation. Our total philanthropic efforts from the 2018-2019 season generated approximately $93,000 for non-profit organizations. We envision a future where our partnerships continue to flourish as Snowbowl is involved in more local efforts. We are excited about brainstorming further outreach possibilities,” said Murray.

Snowbowl’s future plans also include provisions for forest restoration projects, including fuel reduction.

The mountain resort expects to submit its list of proposed projects to the Forest Service this fall. The NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) process, which includes public input, is anticipated to begin when detailed project plans have been completed. The earliest implementation of the proposed projects would occur in 2021. QCBN

For more information, visit Snowbowl.ski.

Forum Focused on Workforce Development

By Leave a Comment

The need for workforce development throughout the Quad Cities area was the clear message at the July meeting of the Prescott Valley Economic Development Foundation (PVEDF).

All four forum panelists – Allan Crary and Gillian Haley-Meierbachtol, of Haley Construction; Teri Drew, regional director of the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG); and Richard Hernandez, director of the Regional Economic Development Center at Yavapai College – provided an in-depth look at the evolving regional workforce.

Emphasizing the need for proactive approaches and new strategies, the speakers told the breakfast audience that both public and private sector employers were seeking solutions for what seems to be a diminishing workforce.

While moderating the panel discussion, PVEDF Executive Director Mike Paredes explained that he was in frequent contact with existing and potential companies and organizations interested in expanding to the Quad Cities. “I can assure you of this: The question that commonly opens any discussion is, ‘What kind of qualified workforce is available in your community?’ That’s especially true of any outside business looking to relocate or expand to this area.”

Panelists Share Visions

Teri Drew from NACOG shared a three-minute video that emphasized the need for workforce development for every business, no matter whether it is a global company or a small, hometown operation.

“My staff and I get to interact with mayors and officials from 24 communities in the four counties where NACOG has influence. Believe me, all have the same request, that we help them solve the workforce issue. Everyone has a need for solid, well-trained and committed workers.”

Drew was echoed by the two executives from the 64-year-old Haley Construction Company. Vice President Gillian Haley-Meierbachtol said at all levels of the company – general, commercial, residential and historical construction – the firm needed skilled personnel. “We’ll do all we can to assist employees with training experiences and opportunities, good benefits including health care, competitive wages, sustainable housing and certainly when appropriate, identification of good schools and child care facilities.”

Haley President Allan Crary said opportunities for good careers exist at all levels of the company. “One of our challenges is replacing those who are retiring, people who have been with us for years and have really solid and loyal commitments to the company. We now need a younger workforce who can succeed such people. But we’re finding that so many youth are not prepared to enter the workforce. We’ve just got to consider more practical training for these incoming workers.”

Hernandez said the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) he directs is constantly seeking new opportunities to develop public-private partnerships. He detailed some of the resources the REDC makes available throughout Yavapai County. Among those were regional economic and policy analysis, economic impact and contribution analysis, customized job training, entrepreneurial education opportunities and Native American economic development.

“We want businesspeople throughout the county to realize that Yavapai College is their college. They can come to us and we will do all we can to help develop new solutions and new strategies,” Hernandez said.

An intense question and answer session followed the panel discussion. Most questions focused on how groups and organizations can work together to inform the public, especially the Millennial generation (defined as those currently between the ages 21 and 37), of not just workforce needs but also current workforce opportunities.

Peter Bourgois, chair of the PVEDF, concluded the program by asking people to share the information they had gained from the forum. “People like you – our local business, civic, community and political leaders – can make a difference by letting others know of the opportunities to assist in workforce development. Tell others of the tremendous assets we have in the Quad Cities area and of the opportunity to serve strong business and economic growth.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information about the Prescott Valley Economic Development Foundation, contact Mike Parades at 928-775-0032 or visit pvedf.com.

Everything Has a Life: Knowing When to  Leave What was Once Good

By Leave a Comment

Waterbeds. These were pretty “far out” in the ‘70s. By the late 1980s, one in every four or five mattresses sold in the United States was a waterbed. But almost as fast you could say “Tempur-Pedic,” waterbeds in the ‘90s floated out of sight, man.

And this is why your dream job may eventually keep you up at night.

Everything has a life. If you think of yourself as a product, let’s say a fax machine, it’s easy to understand why your first week, month, even years on the job were amazing. You were clever, efficient, innovative, helpful and usually uncomplicated. As co-workers discovered your value, you probably felt pretty good about yourself and the office was a great place for you to be.

But then, change snuck in, or so it seemed. The funny thing about change is we often don’t see it coming, even though change might be driving right through the middle of our office in a bright yellow submarine blaring In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.

Change can roll in with a new CEO, a different group dynamic on a board of directors, an economic downturn, a health concern or even a change of heart. I’ve witnessed what looked like a whole community having a change of heart during local elections.

Change can feel like you’re not a starting player anymore. Maybe you’re not involved in strategic team meetings all of a sudden, and may not even be included in the email to wear the jersey on game nights.

Change can be painful, but it doesn’t have to be, especially if you remember that everything has a life. That’s a beginning, a middle and an end.

Industrialist John D. Rockefeller said, “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go after the great.” The wise business professional understands this concept and recognizes when he or she is receiving strong signals that a job, product or relationship is reaching its expiration date. And, that’s an excellent time for you to be in charge of change.

Now hold on, I can hear you saying, “Things aren’t that painful. Not every day. And anyway, it’s hard to find a good-paying job with benefits, for someone my age, with my responsibilities, in this field, in this town, in this lifetime, on this planet, with allergies to fluorescent lights…”

And while I’m sure all of these statements feel real and true, I’m reminded of a friend in the oil and gas business who left an $800,000 a year job with AMAZING benefits because of a concern about the leadership’s integrity. Some core values just didn’t match up and it made him feel sick to represent the company to clients who trusted him. And, guess what? Shortly after leaving, he landed a million-dollar-a-year job, also with amazing benefits.

Motivational books are full of stories like this. The worse your circumstances, the higher the stakes, the better the story. And then you can write a motivational book!

I know many very successful, balanced, intelligent professionals, just like you, who have made the hard decision to leave a “good” job and take a risk for something better for them, and not necessarily for more money or even the same amount of money. It could be more time with family, less stress, a completely different career, being around positive people, going back to school, surfing, baking bread, rescuing prairie dogs, becoming a Pilates instructor…there must be a million better things to do!

What I don’t remember hearing are regrets. Not one.

We all have that parallel fantasy life we visit sometimes where we’re doing exactly what we really want to do, working with incredibly talented and kind people, can hardly sleep because we are so excited about every minute of the day, being treated like the rock stars we are and getting rewarded handsomely for it.

Make the decision now. Leave good enough in the same place you left your waterbed, and chase down that latest dream.

If change is pushing, the universe is calling, and it’s probably an important line to answer, unless it’s a fax. QCBN

 

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Bonnie Stevens is a public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie.stevens@gmail.com.

Healthy Skin Requires Care

By Leave a Comment

Your skin is constantly changing and the only way to keep up the toll of aging and the effects of the sun and elements is constant care – from a daily regime of cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection to weekly soothing masks to monthly facials and more.

And, good skin care isn’t only for women. Men of all ages and professions can and should benefit from daily to advanced skin care. After all, the damaging sun rays and weather don’t discriminate between men and women.

There are various options that are effective in reducing acne and acne scars, sun damage, fine lines, redness and brown spots. Finding which treatment will be the most effective can be a challenge, as increasingly more products and treatments are becoming easily available. The most important consideration is whether the products and procedures are safe. The next considerations are cost, effectiveness, availability in your town and recovery time.

Fortunately, some of the most effective procedures are safe, effective, easily accessible and have short recovery times. Here are a few to consider:

Most of us are familiar with the daily regime of cleansing, toning, hydrating and protecting (sunscreen, hats, etc.) our face, neck and other exposed areas. Though these are some of the most important habits one can form at an early age and carry throughout life, there are additional means to protect and care for the skin, especially the face and neck area that are always exposed.

Basic facials focus on removing dirt, oils and dead skin cells; unplugging pores; and then soothing, hydrating and protecting the skin. These facials include the face and neck and may also include the back. Most facials take about an hour and should be performed by a licensed esthetician (skin care professional). Basic facials are recommended monthly or as often as desired or necessary.

Beyond facials are more extensive treatments that are meant to go deeper into the layers of skin and provide longer lasting effects. Two of the most effective and common skin treatments are microdermabrasion infusion and chemical peels. What’s the difference and which might be right for you?

Microderm infusion is a safe, non-invasive treatment that improves fine lines, aging skin and brown spots. The treatment removes dead and old skin cells from the epidermis, or the outermost layer of skin. The procedure buffs the skin by gently exfoliating the surface. It’s performed with a handheld device that uses micro-crystals to exfoliate away the outermost layer of your skin and infuse it with a hydrating serum at the same time. Removing the dead skin cells produces new, fresher-looking skin. Following the exfoliating process, the skin should be deeply hydrated to ensure skin health and the most effective results. Most people experience a recovery time of one to two days. Some people have just one treatment and are satisfied with the results, others prefer several treatments throughout the year and on a consistent basis.

Chemical peels, like microderm infusion, improve various skin blemishes. The main difference between a chemical peel and microderm infusion is that chemical peels can penetrate deeper into the layers of the skin. Light to mild chemical peels treat the outer layers of skin, heal quickly and produce minimal change to the texture of the skin. Strong chemical peels penetrate deep into your skin’s surface, impacting the various layers of skin. This allows the peel to address more severe issues, such as acne scarring or other scars.

During the treatment, a chemical solution is applied. The chemical components exfoliate the skin and cause the skin to shed or peel, revealing smoother, younger-looking skin. The stronger the chemical solution, the greater the resurfacing. Recovery times are dependent upon the strength of the solution and skin sensitivity. Because the skin is peeling for a few days, it is best to avoid the sun and limit social events during the healing process.

Both treatments improve the overall appearance of the skin. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the treatment, results and recovery time vary depending on the procedure and skin sensitivity.

Whether you are considering a basic facial for the first time or have one on a regular basis, or are considering more advanced skin treatments with longer lasting results, it is important to consult with an expert licensed anesthetist.

Massage Envy’s licensed anesthetists are skilled in all areas of skin care. Each session is customized to meet individual needs and desired outcomes. Skin treatment procedures can be scheduled for 60- or 90-minute sessions. QCBN

By Mark Love

Mark Love is the owner of Massage Envy Spa Prescott, located at 120 E. Sheldon St., by the new Sprouts grocery story. For more information on the benefits of massage and to schedule an appointment with an anesthetist or massage therapist, visit MassageEnvy.com or call 928-778-ENVY (3689).

 

 

Prescott DermaLift Rejuvenating Sun-Damaged Skin

By Leave a Comment

Although the sun isn’t the only thing that emits UV radiation, it does account for more than 70 percent of a person’s yearly exposure, which causes a plethora of skin-related abnormalities, including wrinkles, aging-related disorders, skin cancer and diminished immunity to infection. unlight has a profound effect on the skin that can result in premature aging, skin cancer and a host of other skin-related conditions. Exposure to UV light accounts for around 90 percent of all symptoms of skin injury.

UV radiation can cause collagen to break down at a higher rate than normal aging. It does this by penetrating the middle layer of skin (dermis), causing the abnormal buildup of elastin. When these elastins accumulate, enzymes are produced, which inadvertently break down collagen and create so-called “solar scars.” Creams and other topical remedies only penetrate the upper layers of the skin and provide superficial, temporary improvement in the skin’s appearance.

Additionally, the body has a defensive immune system meant to attack infections and abnormal cell growths, including cancer. This immune defense includes specialized white blood cells called T lymphocytes and skin cells called Langerhans cells. When the skin is exposed to excessive sunlight, certain chemicals are released that actively suppress these cells, weakening the overall immune response.

We all know the sun causes wrinkles and discoloration of the skin but what isn’t widely recognized is that beyond cosmetic benefits, keeping your skin healthy is important to your overall health.

Sun damage and the subsequent loss of collagen (a key ingredient to skin and immune health), can be remediated by new technology utilizing saline and negative ions (cold plasma, not to be confused with cool sculpting). Quantum Hydration Therapy stimulates a number of chemicals naturally produced in the body, including collagen and hyaluronic acid. The power of the combined negative ions and saline delivered during Prescott DermaLift’s Quantum Hydration therapy is the latest, most effective non-invasive way to lift and tighten skin and muscles in the neck, chin, eye socket area and brow while reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Hyaluronic acid is classified as a powerful humectant (moisture binding ingredient) that plumps and heals your skin as part of the healing response created by the interaction of the saline and negative ions – essentially enabling your skin to repair itself with chemicals your own skin cells produce.

The Prescott Dermalift Clinic is Northern Arizona’s only provider of the Quantum Hydration therapy utilizing state-of-the art electro-ion technology to rejuvenate skin and muscles in the face and neck. This new process provides a non-toxic, non-invasive alternative to Botox, fillers, lasers and plastic surgery. The procedure is painless with no downtime. It is also the only process available that is safe to use inside the eye socket to diminish bags under the eyes and lift the brow line.

Quantum Hydration Therapy improves not just the appearance of sun damaged skin but the overall health of the skin. It is nearly impossible in Arizona to avoid the sun. Treatments such as lasers and peels can correct the surface flaws but don’t address the underlying issues. And those choosing to do these other treatments cannot be exposed to the sun.

The Prescott DermaLift Clinic can combine the Quantum Therapy with a Dermaplane treatment, which is done prior to removing dead skin cells, sun spots and other discolored areas of the skin. This treatment leaves the skin smooth and glowing and is an effective way to treat sun-damaged skin especially when combined with the Quantum Hydration facial. QCBN

By Justin Schepman

Justin R. Schepman is the owner of Prescott DermaLift Clinic, located at 1000 Ainsworth Drive in Prescott. Call for appointment or free consultation, 928-713-6907.

Finding Reputable Contractors

By Leave a Comment

Welcome to “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” Sit back, relax and enjoy.

Tom: Hello, Sandy, our community YCCA gal! As always, it is a joy to be with you again this month and to share our column with the community. As usual, I am holding on to see what we are going to chitchat about.

Sandy: Hello back at ya, Tom. All is well in the wonderful world of YCCA. We have had some terrific contractor outreach meetings, the weather has been glorious, new virtual inspection processes with the City of Prescott are taking place, lots of remodeling, new homes and all is grand!
Wow, July was a busy month. Hope your 4th was full of fireworks and fun, rodeo time, parade vendors on the Square, Fire Hose races, kiddie parade and rodeo dancing. And, with all of that, more importantly, did you find time to get the work done?

Tom: Oh my, Sandy, so much going on, so little time. I think the idea of time off, particularly to honor our nation’s birthday, is a time not to work. Taking some time to reflect on how lucky we are in this country and be with friends and family to celebrate is so important.

Sandy: We are lucky to be in this country and this state and county. I just love it here. And I love what I do. All the members of the YCCA give me such great energy.

Tom: That is awesome. There is such a diversity of membership also. I bet you get calls all the time from members and constituents alike wanting help with one thing or another.

Sandy: I do! And you know how much I love to help people. That is one of the real rewards of this job! There are calls from installing doggie doors, to replacing ceiling fans, to building a yurt, new homes, garages, carports, bath and kitchen remodels and resolving unpermitted work, helping in creating road improvement districts, working with jurisdictions and challenges, and the list goes on.

Tom, I do believe that our life in the construction world is like Buddy Holly’s song: Every day, it’s a-getting closer, going faster than a roller coaster. Love comes our way because we love what we do.

Tom: You have given out our name, along with others, from time to time, to help folks out because they don’t know where to turn for a contractor or tradeperson to help them. That is great, but I think we could give our readers some more ways to vet a trade contractor or a general contractor.

Sandy: Great idea! There are so many third party companies out there with a wide array of names on their lists it can be pretty confusing on where to turn.

Tom: That I agree with. There are some companies that all one does is pay a fee and you’re in. Your name is on their list. Good, bad or different. Licensed and unlicensed.

Sandy: Properly vetting a company can take some time but is so worth it. When folks call me to inquire about a contractor, if I do not know of them, I always start by looking at their license with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. I want to make sure the company is properly licensed for the service they provide. For example, last week a homeowner called and inquired about XYZ Company. I pulled up the license and saw that the contractor was licensed for C-61 Limited Remodeling and Repair Work, up to $50,000. Tom, this contractor had given the homeowner a bid for $120,000 for a new addition on their home. Red flag for sure.

Tom: Checking on the license is the first step for certain. If the company can’t pass that review then no need to look at them further. In the case you just cited, Sandy, they were working out of their licensed scope and operating unethically.

Sandy:  Getting back to the third party companies, people can simply ask those companies how they vet the names on their lists. Some do very little and others really get to know the company.

Tom:  From our perspective, we have some third party referral companies that have asked us to join and just want a fee paid. Those we politely decline. Others have taken the time to interview past clients, vendors and do background checks on me.

Sandy: Oh, I think I would love to see your background check report!!!LOL

Tom: Quite boring, I assure you.

Sandy: All kidding aside, you are correct, some referral companies are great. And people do need to ask them how they screen the names they give out. If the company doesn’t answer you, then the names on their list aren’t worth much.

Sandy: And just collecting complaints, while good to know, rarely tells the whole story.

Tom: You nailed it. And you used a key word, referral. We often want our client leads to come from referrals. For our company that is the best source of inquiries there can be.

Sandy: Curious, what percentage of your calls are from referrals?

Tom: About 60% in one form or another. Past clients, references, people who know me, things like that.

Sandy: I know so many of our area contractors. So many of our local companies have mastered construction management, they maintain a record of exceeding customer expectations while at the same time delivering the highest quality craftsmanship and value in every project. My knowledge of the members and the industry locally as a whole stems from knowing their reputations in the community and their hands-on work with so many of you and the citizens in our community.

Tom: At my firm, we pride ourselves on a team approach that is delivered with honesty and integrity. We’re proud to say that we’ve completed more than 1,600 projects in the Prescott area, which includes municipal and commercial buildings, historic restorations, sustainable green buildings and award-winning custom residential homes, remodels and everything in between.

Sandy: Referrals are fantastic and I am honored that we can give out many on our local industry.

Tom: A company’s reputation is only as good as its finished product. Most carpenters, form setters, roofers, tapers and other construction workers learn their trades through on-the-job training. It’s not always desirable or even possible to lure top craftsmen away from their current employers, so instituting a quality training program is an investment in long-term success. Keeping industrious workers means offering competitive pay, benefits and incentives, in addition to promptly addressing concerns and providing a safe work environment. Important management duties include hiring, firing, training, discipline and conflict resolution.

Sandy: The old saying, “You get what you pay for,” could not be more accurate. Soliciting three prices and choosing the lowest bid ensures one thing: Owners are getting the contractor who is willing to work the cheapest for the plans and specifications they paid their design professional to draft.

Tom: Sandy, yes I agree: “You get what you pay for,” and the assurance stops there. There is no guarantee that the owner will receive the best quality project, with the best materials and the best subcontractors. It also does not ensure that the project will be completed on time and within budget. So many times I see homeowners taking the lowest bid they receive and this just creates a relationship that revolves around cost, not quality. You get what you pay for.

Sandy: The contractor-homeowner relationship is just that, a relationship. Homeowners should choose contractors based upon capabilities, merit and demonstrated successes. After all, they will be working together—in some cases, for many months—to reach a goal or realize a dream.

Tom: Sandy, you are right on. Respect and open communication are paramount to the success of the project. Choosing the lowest bidder can often result in disputes, which can end up in litigation, increased costs and shoddy workmanship. Relationships are built on trust, communication and ideals.

Thanks, readers, for stopping in and reading “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” You’re in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN

By:

Tom Reilly, Architect, Contractor, Renovations 928-445-8506 renovationsaz.com

And

Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association.  928-778-0040.

Wildlife Park Attracting Record Crowds

By Leave a Comment

Out of Africa Wildlife Park has become a favorite year-round visitor destination in Arizona’s central highlands.

Ever-increasing visitation at the spacious 200-plus acre attraction will likely reach more than 150,000 guests this year, said Ashton Powell, public relations director for Out of Africa (OOA). Located just west of Camp Verde off I-17, it makes a great day trip for folks from the Quad Cities area – about 45 minutes by road. The same is true for those driving south from Flagstaff, and slightly longer for those coming from the Valley of the Sun.

Powell says guests are not only Arizona residents. “We track carefully where our visitors originate from. While about 65 percent are from the Phoenix area, the rest are coming from across the United States and from Europe, Asia and the other continents,” Powell said. She noted that North-Central Arizona has several attractions that bring visitors to the area and provide great benefits to the economic development of the overall region.

Many visitors pay for lodging and meals in adjacent communities such as Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Clarkdale and Sedona.

Steven Tillen and his family, from Brooklyn, New York, said visiting the park equaled anything they had ever seen on the East Coast.

Another couple, Jessica and Zachary Wagner, who recently relocated to Gilbert from Cody, Wyoming, said their visit to OOA was a special occasion, “an extraordinary experience we will not forget.”

 

It’s Not a Zoo

Dean Harrison and his wife, Prayeri, are the founder-owners of OOA. “This is not a zoo. Instead, you’ll see exotic animals from around the world roaming in spacious habitats similar to that which was native to their species. They are not confined in small cages and enclosures. Instead, they are in expansive fenced natural settings that could have come from their homelands. We wanted a non-traditional, genuinely natural kind of environment that would let the animals live naturally.”

Moreover, the animals are not just from Africa. They represent wildlife from Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, North America and Central America.

Harrison is animated when he describes the animals at OOA. As he drives visitors around in an open-air safari vehicle, he stops frequently to talk about the wildlife wandering about in natural habitats.

The native Arizonan detailed his philosophy about creating a relationship with wild animals in his book, “Return to Eden.”

OOA has grown considerably since it was relocated in 2005 from its original 104 acres in Fountain Hills to the rough terrain of the Mingus Mountain foothills. Doubling the space allowed the Harrisons to add more animals, totaling more than 300 at the park now.

Popular attractions are lions, tigers, leopards, giraffes, zebras, a camel and rhinoceros. African hoof stock such as eland, nilgai, water buffalo, horned oryx and watusi cattle are up close to tour vehicles as they bump along.

OOA has a permanent staff of about 50 people who handle all aspects of park operations and maintenance.

 

Special Shows Offer Wildlife Variety

In addition to the regular admission, an African Bush Safari and several special shows are offered. These include Creature Feature, Tiger Splash, Giant Snake Show, Predator Feed and Wonders of Wildlife. They also offer add-ons such as the sloth encounter, feed-a-tiger and the Predator Zip Line Tour.

OOA is open daily from 9:30 a.m.to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The wildlife park is handicap accessible, and courtesy park shuttles run continuously from opening until 4 p.m. Parking is free.

The busiest time of year is March and April, although Powell says other months are catching up as word continues to spread. QCBN

 

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information about Out of Africa, visit outofafricapark.com or call 928-567-2840.

Williams Native Serving Her Community Through Anna’s Grand Canyon Café

By Leave a Comment

Located just past the train tracks in downtown Williams, Anna’s Grand Canyon Cafe is typically bustling with the sounds of merriment, busy utensils and culinary preparations. “I’ve been coming here for almost 10 years,” said Bob Sarkesian, a retired gas company manager. “She has really good quality food, like your mom or grandma would make. I never had a bad dish and her Grand Canyon Burrito is pretty hard to beat.”  t is one thing when the locals around your hometown know you and your restaurant by name, but it is another when you are recognized and voted as one of the 10 best restaurants by Arizona Highways magazine. Such is the case with Anna Pena-Dick, owner of Anna’s Grand Canyon Cafe.

Simply known as “Anna’s” to the locals, Pena-Dick has owned the café for 12 years and says the most rewarding aspect of owning her own business is the freedom to give to the community. “I was born and raised in Williams and love helping the community. I love the people here and my customers, so giving back is important to me.”

Doing business as Anna’s Place, Pena-Dick says the official name is Grand Canyon Café. “When people around Williams would refer customers, they would simply say Anna’s place. So, we went with the name, too.”

Pena-Dick says the most popular items on her menu are her Canyon Burrito and Southwestern Country Fried Steak. “These are two of our signature dishes. The Canyon Burrito is prepared enchilada style and the country fried steak is covered with pork green chile.”

Almost all dishes were inspired by her mom’s recipes and all sauces are made in the restaurant. “You can’t get these menu items anywhere else,” she said. The Grand Canyon Café serves breakfast all day.

“The Canyon Burrito is what won our Arizona Highways award,” said Pena-Dick. “The Williams Volunteer Fire Department recommended our restaurant to the magazine.”

“I believe there was an informal poll around the fire station,” said Williams Fire Department Chief Kevin Schulte. “We would definitely recommend eating there: great service and great food. If we did another poll among the firefighters, I would assume Anna’s would prevail again.”

When asked about expanding her business, Pena-Dick says she is comfortable with the business.  “I have a great staff of 12 to 14 employees. I’m almost 60, so although I work less hours than I used to, I do hope to retire someday.” QCBN

 

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Anna’s Grand Canyon Café is located at 137 W. Railroad Ave., in Williams.

 

 

Creating Privacy with Head-High Hedges

By Leave a Comment

Privacy and hedgerows are not top-of-mind until your neighbor dumps his leftover construction material for all to enjoy at the next backyard BBQ. My favorite is the super-sized motor home parked within feet of the property line that is now a chrome-covered albatross sitting between yards. We spend a lot of time outdoors in Arizona and a little privacy is essential.

An unfortunate mistake so many homeowners make is planting a hedge that becomes massive within several years, overgrowing its space and obscuring walkways and the front of your house. Screens taller than head-high can obliterate vistas and obscure sunsets. This article is dedicated to those plants that are easily maintained at head height with a little manicuring. Here is my list of the top seven local plants that make great scenes in local landscapes.

  1. Climbing Roses are a natural barrier for Prescott gardens. Not only are roses stunning the entire growing season, but in their thorny nature, they keep out the unwanted. Roses only need pruning in March, so they are far less work than other head-height shrubs. Also, check out the new Easy Elegance Shrub Series roses in a host of colors and fragrances. Now is a great time to plant a rose or any hedge.
  2. Gilted Edge Silverberry is a new hedge plant with a native twist that rivals manzanita and grows equally tall. Bright gold edges highlight every blue leaf for a stunning native hedge plant. Plant at four-foot intervals and you have a head high privacy screen so thick and bright no one would dare enter. Investment property owners use this plant because it classes up a property’s value, yet is hardy enough to keep up with a landscape’s deadliest tenant.
  3. Glossy Privet is a better choice with the same look. Growing to only head high, the broad green leaves form a thick hedge that ultimately reaches human height. The waxy leaves hold moisture within the plant’s structure, creating a low water, low maintenance hedge with fewer bug problems than its red-tipped counterpart.
  4. Golden Euonymous is the most popular of the hedge plants and as tough as they come. Bright gold foliage appears festive and fun for year-round class. An ideal hedge, it can be sheared or left to grow into a natural form dense enough to make an excellent visual and sound barrier. Look to the Silver King Euonymus for the same design element, only in a silver cream color that is equally striking. Feel free to mix and match the two for long hedgerows.
  5. Grape Holly is a natural alternative. Several varieties grow wild in the mountains of Arizona and snowball to six feet with minimal care. Once up to size, this hedge could be cut off from all care except very scarce water during the heat of summer. Fun gold flowers cover this plant in early spring, followed by a grape-like berry; the birds will love this hedge. The leaves resemble English holly, but are well adapted to our wind and bright sun. This plant makes an excellent fence along driveways, entrances and property lines.
  6. Mint Julep Juniper is another super hardy plant your grandfather used as a hedge, but with much better color. Of course, Northern Arizona is famous for our juniper forest, so a juniper hedge fits and is equally hardy. The signature seafoam green foliage proliferates to head high, needing little help and even less water. It forms a very thick hedge that requires infrequent trimming to keep it perfectly manicured.
  7. Victory Pyracanthia is another Victorian plant ideally suited to an eight-foot hedge row. White flowers in spring form orange berries the birds dearly love. Thick, glossy, green leaves are small, surprisingly hardy and the fastest growing of the tall hedge plants. This plant has all the seasons covered for a breathtaking landscape. Long thorns prevent a visitor’s escape through this hedge, and are equally good at keeping the unwanted out.

Spacing is critical for a fast filling hedge. Use the plant’s ultimate height as the spacing recommendations for a thick hedge. If the plant tag says that your plant will grow five to seven feet tall, use the smaller of the two numbers. Our arid Arizona climate seems to dwarf plants, or at least force them to grow on the small size of natural.

Ask for Help

When the perfect hedge requires planting 15 perfectly spaced specimens that create your ideal garden abode, ask that they be planted for you. We have staff members who love planting and watching a new garden come alive and the beauty of a new hedgerow in a customer’s yard. A good gardener will know the soils, wind and environmental issues and how to compensate for a plant’s best performance. When planting yourself, ask for insider tips and the three things needed to have a new plant genuinely thrive in our mountain soils.

Until next issue, I’ll be helping gardeners screen prying eyes here at Watters Garden Center. QCBN

 

By Lisa Watters-Lain

Lisa Watters-Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 W. Iron Springs Rd. in Prescott, or contacted through her website at WattersGardenCenter.com or FB.com/WattersGardenCenter.

Reusable Grocery Bag System Comes to PV

By Leave a Comment

It was about more than just de-cluttering.

Their frustration with drawers, closets and shelves crammed with single-use plastic bags led a Southern California couple, Farzan Dehmoubed and Jennifer Duvall, to create a start-up business in April 2017: the Lotus Trolley Bag.

An innovative system of four color-coded bags that fold out like an accordion on the shopping cart allows consumers to easily sort and pack groceries in half the time.

And they have also added another item to production, the Lotus Produce Bags, to replace plastic in the produce section.

“Our business was born out of pure frustration, with reports that there will soon be more plastic than fish in our world’s oceans,” Duvall recalled. “I could go on with all the disheartening facts I’ve learned while entering this space. I knew plastic pollution was bad, but I really had no idea the extent, magnitude and damage until I entered into this business.”

Their business plan emerged after California became the first state to ban single-use plastic bags in 2016 and retailers started selling reusable plastic bags for 10 cents at the checkout counters, but still stocked plastic bags in produce sections.

“We were both happy when the plastic bag ban came into effect, but what we found was that with a lot of families, it didn’t reduce waste,” she said. “We were just accumulating thicker, more cumbersome plastic bags or cheap reusable bags that quickly grow mold and bacteria.”

Duvall, a former high school math teacher, and Dehmoubed, who had run a marketing company, began to research the scourge of plastic bags.

Their research revealed that the average American family uses 1,500 plastic bags per year for about 12 minutes each.

Working as a team, they experimented with hundreds of bags from all over the world before coming up with a design that met their needs.

Duvall and Dehmoubed, both 40, live and work in Carlsbad, a beach community near San Diego.

“We want to be an agent of positive change,” Dehmoubed said. “Showing consumers that one small change can result in massive impacts on plastic pollution. We also hope our story motivates others to take the plunge and start their own business. All you need is an idea or a problem to solve. If you have passion and drive, anything is possible. It’s the best decision you will ever make.”

Since launching in April 2017, Lotus Trolley Bag has eliminated 116 million single-use plastic bags from distribution, Dehmoubed noted.

The success of their startup has come as a pleasant surprise for the couple.

“We weren’t expecting the Lotus Trolley Bag endeavor to become a full-time job,” Duvall said. “We started the company as a small, part-time project. We expected our first shipment in 2017 to sell out in three months; we ran out of 5,000 sets in just two weeks!”

At the beginning of July in Prescott Valley, Lotus Trolley Bag products became available at the Safeway store on East Highway 69, just in time for national Plastic Free July, a growing movement as consumers become more aware of the impact that plastic is having on land and sea.

Since a merger in January 2015, Albertsons Companies LLC has owned Safeway.

“Our launch into Albertsons and Safeway will offer customers an easier and more organized solution to wasteful plastics,” Dehmoubed said. “Produce bags are usually ignored, but more retailers are seeing the value to the environment and their bottom line by investing in reusable, washable and eco-friendly produce bags.”

Each Lotus Trolley bag is made from 120gsm non-woven fabric, with reinforced handles and mesh bottoms.

The set of four bags, including the insulated bag, typically retail for $34.99, discounted to $29.99 in stores.

Lotus Trolley products are being sold on racks next to the checkout line, which show how the bags spread out in the cart and how they help pack and organize a shopper’s groceries.

Each bag also has a specific purpose – one is a cooler bag for frozen items and meats, another has wine and egg pockets to go along with canned goods, and the other two are for fruits and vegetables.

The Lotus Trolley Bag system weighs 2 pounds and can be carried in an over-the-shoulder bag reminiscent of a yoga mat bag, a concept thought up by Duvall, who is a yoga enthusiast.

“Neither of us has a design background, but we worked as a team to design both the bags and system,” said Dehmoubed, who was born in Iran, grew up in Canada and moved to California 10 years ago. “Jen definitely has an eye for style and fashion, which is an important component because we also want our customers to feel and look good with our bags. She created the color schemes and logo, which are critical to our branding.”

Duvall also came up with the “Lotus” part of the company name, because the bags unfold like a lotus blossom.

Products are manufactured in a family-operated factory in China.

“In our Carlsbad office, we have a staff of 12 employees and are growing rapidly,” Dehmoubed said. “We look to bring on investors soon to help us scale and expand rapidly to make the biggest impact.”

In a bit of happy synchronicity, both Dehmoubed and Duvall came to Southern California in search of sun and surf.

“Coincidentally, we both moved to San Diego separately within just months of each other,” he said. “We met and fell in love playing beach volleyball. We’ve been married for four years and are so grateful for being so close to our beautiful ocean.”

Dehmoubed, who is a surfer, said they are “both passionate about helping our oceans and eliminating plastic waste.”

They decided to donate to the non-profit 1% For the Planet, which they selected because of the organization’s global reach and partnerships with other causes that are in line with the couple’s mission and values. Through the non-profit’s umbrella, 1% of all Lotus Trolley Bag sales are currently distributed to Plastic Pollution Coalition and the Surfrider Foundation.

Response to Plastic Free July has been excellent, Dehmoubed observed in mid-July. “It’s a great time to bring awareness to this very important issue that affects every person on the planet. We’ve had several local TV stations (Denver and Boise) feature us as part of Plastic Free July story packages. It’s been very exciting, and we love being part of a movement for change.”

To come up with the Lotus Trolley Bag concept, the couple studied their own habits and those of other shoppers going through checkout lines.

Currently, Lotus Trolley and Produce Bags are in more than 2,500 stores across the county,

“We are in all 50 states,” Dehmoubed noted. “We are being distributed nationally by Albertsons, and Kroger will be distributing nationally in the coming months, along with several dozen smaller retail grocers. We are also expanding our reusable Lotus Produce Bags rapidly, and it’s been exciting to see the amazing response from our customers in store and online.”

Both products have become bestsellers on Amazon and an Amazon Choice product. The company is also expanding beyond the U.S., and has already launched in Canada, Mexico and Australia. QCBN

 

By Betsey Bruner, QCBN