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QUAD CITIES BUSINESS NEWS 2019 BEST OF BUSINESS RESULTS

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Category Business
Accounting Firm/Business Services E.R. Taxes
Advertising Agency Helkin & Horn
Archery Shop Mile High Archery
Architectural Firm Headwaters Architecture P.C.
Assisted Living Facility Alta Vista Senior Living
Attractions The Smoki Museum
Auto Body Repair Prescott Auto Body
Auto Repair & Maintenance Iconic Automotive
Automotive Dealership Findlay Subaru
Bank (Not a Credit Union) Foothills Bank
Bar/Drinking Establishment Jersey Lilly Saloon
Barbershop John Hancock Barbership
Bath/Kitchen Renovations Tri-City Home Improvement Pros
Battery Store Batteries Plus
Building Center Prescott Valley Ace Hardware
Business Brokers WCI Brokers
Business Meeting/Conference Prescott Resort & Conference Center
Business School Yavapai College
Butchering Service Perkinsville Meat Processors
Cardiology Center The James Family Heart Center at YRMC West
Carpet Cleaning Thomasons Steamway
Car Wash Ocean Blue
Casino Bucky’s
Catering Good From the Garden
Chiropractic Care Synergy Wellness
Cleaning/Maid Service Prescott Maid to Order
Clothier For Men Man At Leisure
Clothier For Women Fancy That
Coffee Shop Wild Iris Coffeehouse & Bakery
Commercial Contractor Haley Construction Co.
Commercial Real Estate Sumner Commercial Real Estate
Commercial Landscaping Guardian Landscape
Commercial Printer Allegra Marketing, Printing and Mail
Commercial Property Developer Fain Signature Group
Computer Services Company Northern Arizona IT
Convenience Store Maverik
Cosmetic Dentistry Prescott Dental Arts
Credit Union OneAZ Credit Union
Custom Home Builder Crystal Creek Builders
Dance Studio Lessons by Lexe Dance Studio
Dental Services Prescott Smile Care
Dermatology Services Arizona Dermatology Group

 

Document Destruction Sir Speedy
Door Company Prestige
Dry Cleaning Service Colt Cleaners
Electrical Contractor Elan Electric Inc
Endoscopy & Surgery Center Yavapai Regional Medical Center
Engineering Services Lyon Engineering & Surveying Inc
Event Rental Services Kandy’s Party Rentals
Exercise Facility Planet Fitness
Eye Care Center M & M Eye Institute
Family Medical Practice Vitality Care
Financial/Investment Services American Financial Security
Flooring Company Greenlee Designer Surfaces
Florist Allan’s Flowers of Prescott
Furniture Store Joe’s Furniture
Garden Center Watters Garden Center
Golf Course Antelope Hills Golf Courses
Grocery Store Fry’s Food Stores
Gun Sales & Accessories Prescott Gun Club
Hardware Store Prescott True Value Hardware
Health Care Insurance Provider NFP Insurance
Health Food Store Sprouts Farmers Market
Hearing Center Miracle Ear
Home Builder Dorn Homes
Home Health Care Provider Weber Insurance
Home Refurbishing Renovations
Hospital Yavapai Regional Medical Center
Hotel/Lodging SpringHill Suites by Marriott
HVAC Contractor Yavapai Plumbing & Heating
In-Home Senior Care Caring Presence
Insurance Firm Farmers Insurance JR Weinrich
Interior Design Andrea Wojciak Interiors
Internet Service Provider Cable One
Janitorial Service Maid to Order/MTO Janitorial
Jeweler Raskin’s Jewelers
Law Firm The Vakula Law Firm
Local College Yavapai College
Massage/Spa Massage Envy
Mattress/Bedding Store Yavapai Mattress
Mortgage Lender Union Home Mortgage
Mortuary Heritage Mortuary
Motorcycle/ATV Service Star Island Motorsports
Moving Company Firemen Movers
Music Store Pops Music Store
Non-Profit Prescott Frontier Rotary Club
Office Cleaning Service OCD Cleaning
Ophthalmologist Premiere Eye Care
Orthodontist Patterson Orthodontics
Orthopedic Center Granite Orthopaedics
Pain Management Services Northern AZ Pain
Painting Company Pinon Painting
Payroll Service Schutte and Hilgendorf CPAs
Pest Control Patriot Pest
Pet Food & Supplies Olsen’s Grain
Photographer Film is Dead
Physical Rehabilitation Center Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital
Place For Events Prescott Restort
Place To Purchase Office Supplies A1 Office Plus
Plant & Garden Nursery Watters Garden Center
Plastic Surgery Center Advanced Plastic Surgery
Plumbing Heritage Plumbing
Printer Allegra Marketing, Printing and Mail
Propane Service Barrett Propane
Property Management Rent Right
Radiology Prescott Medical Imaging
Radio Station Magic 99.1 KTMG FM
Residential Contractor Ability Remodeling
Residential Real Estate Bloom Tree Realty
Restaurant/Fine Dining Prescott Station
Restoration Services Emergency Restoration & Cleaning
Retirement Community Touchmark at the Ranch
Roofing Company Heritage Roofing
Second Hand Store Stepping Stones
Security Company Callteks
Self Storage Facility Budget Mini Storage
Senior Living Touchmark at the Ranch
Shuttle Service Groome Transportation
Ski Store Hike Shack
Sleep Disorder Center EZ Sleep Lab
Social Media Consulting Donna Werking
Solar Energy Products/Services Sunder Energy
Spa & Spa Services Massage Envy
Staffing Firm Elwood Staffing
Telecommunications Company CenturyLink
Travel Agency San Marin Travel
Uniform Company Cintas
Upholstery Prescott Upholstery
Veterinary Services Mile High Animal Hospital
Wellness Center Valley of Vitality
Window Coverings Blind Brothers

Empowering Tribes with Clean Energy

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Arizona is blessed with an abundance of sun and the resulting solar power it can generate if properly harnessed.

Perhaps nowhere is this more true than on the open landscapes of the Hopi Reservation and the Navajo Nation.

Suzanne Singer, a member of the Navajo tribe who grew up in Flagstaff, has a background in mechanical engineering and energy analysis and is uniquely qualified to lead an effort to develop energy independence in tribal communities in Northern Arizona and across the nation.

“Earning a Ph.D. has provided me with the skills to do research, the resiliency to succeed in a long-term challenging commitment, and the ability to manage my projects,” she said. “My engineering background provides the problem-solving experience and baseline knowledge critical to understanding the technical aspects of solar photovoltaics.”

Co-founder of Native Renewables, a non-profit organization started in 2016 to solve energy access challenges for Native families living without electricity, Singer was recently recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as the winner of the 2019 Entrepreneurship award for the U.S. Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) Initiative.

Designed to close the gender gap in clean energy careers and to increase participation, leadership and success of women in clean energy fields, awards were presented on Nov. 14 to women in eight additional categories: advocacy, business, education, government, international, law and finance, and research, as well as lifetime achievement.

Singer and the other award recipients were honored as part of the 8th Annual U.S. Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) Women in Clean Energy Symposium.

She traveled with her mother to College Station, Texas, to receive the award.

“It was an honor to be nominated and awarded,” Singer said. “The conference was empowering, and it was amazing to feel supported by a phenomenal group of accomplished professionals in energy. I was happy to share my experiences as a Diné woman and my unique career path that led to the work I do today.”

There was a financial portion of the award that Singer said will be used to support her work with Native Renewables.

Since 2012, the DOE has spearheaded the U.S. C3E Initiative, in collaboration with the Texas A&M Energy Institute, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Energy Institute and Stanford Energy.

“It is an honor to recognize these accomplished women for their gifts of innovation to the United States,” said Deputy Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette in a Nov. 13 press release. “There is nothing we cannot accomplish when we have great minds like these women working on our toughest energy and scientific challenges.”

Secretary of Energy Rick Perry also commented on the event: “Congratulations to the winners of the 2019 U.S. C3E awards for the recognition of your dedication and rising leadership in this sector. May your work pave the way for more women to pursue careers in clean energy innovation.”

The Entrepreneurial award recognizes innovative clean energy technologies or business models that have the potential to drive market transformation toward clean energy.

Singer started the non-profit at the end of 2016 with co-founder Wahleah Johns, who is also Navajo and serves as the executive director of Native Renewables.

Before starting Native Renewables, Singer was a staff engineer and post-doc at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Johns worked with the Black Mesa Water Coalition and Navajo Green Economy Coalition.

The two women met in 2014 when the Navajo Nation had an energy summit in Flagstaff.

“I was having dinner with some of my colleagues, and happened to meet Wahleah Johns,” Singer recalled. “She recognized me from an article, and we realized that we both lived in Oakland, one neighborhood away from each other. For two to three years after meeting, we talked about the lack of electricity in homes within Native communities, and the need for sustainable infrastructure to power 15,000 homes without electricity. The inspiration to create Native Renewables came from these discussions and the desire to tackle energy access issues.”

From its inception, Singer and Johns, working with a small staff and a handful of subcontractors and volunteers, have focused on three main programs.

“The largest one is the Navajo Clean Energy Program, which consists of designing a financing program that makes it affordable for families to make monthly payments, and building an economy where Native people do the installations and maintenance,” Singer said. “We have an off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) workforce training program to provide the skills needed to sustain a solar energy program.”

A second program, Outreach and Education, focuses on growing the knowledge of families so they are better equipped to keep their off-grid PV system operational for more than 20 years.

“One of our goals is to have people of all ages understand that PV systems have limitations and may not be designed to power everything they want. The better you operate the system as intended, the longer the batteries will last.”

Native Renewables offers one-day workshops, in partnership with local Navajo chapters.

“We participate in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) events as much as we can afford to,” Singer continued. “We have started working with families to help them understand their electrical load [amount of electricity used] and that the size of their system will dictate how much they can use their system.”

Education materials are provided in both English and Navajo.

“We want to build sustainable programs. One way to do that is to grow the technical knowledge of families. Part of the education effort is helping people of all ages understand that photovoltaic (PV) systems have limitations. Not all systems will last 20 years or more if you plug in anything you want to power.”

A third program, called Triage, was started to support families whose systems do not work anymore.

“Currently, we try to understand the issues and offer potential solutions,” said Singer. “The challenge for families can be to replace batteries due to the high cost.”

The average cost to connect a Navajo family to grid-tied power is about $40,000. “Affordability is a challenge to providing energy access to homes in rural regions,” she said. “Off-grid solar PV systems can provide a cheaper option for providing power to Navajo homes; however, the total upfront costs for a PV system can still be too high for families. Our goal is to create financing to offer families alternative affordable options.”

Another big challenge in providing clean energy efficiently to the Navajo Nation is its sheer size.

“It can get costly both with time and expenses to travel throughout a region more than 27,000 square miles [the size of West Virginia],” she said. “Our site visits can take up to four hours of travel time one-way, so our goal is to streamline visits while still providing energy analysis services specific for each family.”

Programs offered by Native Renewables have been well received among tribal communities.

“For families we have worked with and followed, the feedback has been positive,” Singer said. “Some of the benefits of off-grid power are having lights in the event of a blackout, having enough electricity to power a refrigerator, even in winter, and the reduced use of gasoline generators.”

Working closely with tribal governance has been critical in the success of programs.

“We understand there is a need for relationship and trust building in communities,” she said. “So it has been awesome being able to partner with the chapters for our education events and training.”

Singer said the accomplishment she is most proud of is hosting the first off-grid solar PV workforce-training program.

“It is a seven-to-eight-week program that provides hands-on and classroom training for 10 Native participants with the goal of growing an economy and workforce that also provides electricity and support to Native communities. Planning and implementing the program is a lot of work, but is also incredibly rewarding. It has been fun to see the participants learn and get excited.”

Growing up in Flagstaff, Singer still has a lot of family nearby.

“My family is in the Western Agency of Navajo not far from Flagstaff. While I am more familiar with the area my family is from, I eventually want to be able to help all Native communities.” QCBN

By Betsey Bruner, QCBN

Winfield at the Ranch Preparing for Residents

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Marketing itself as “Prescott’s premier luxury apartment community,” Winfield at the Ranch is nearing competition.

Pre-leasing is to begin this month, with new residents expected to begin moving in around March 1.

Luxury may be the germane term for the apartments, for they are being built on what was once the site of one of the wealthiest quartz ore gold mines in Central Arizona. Located on the eastern edge of Prescott and nestled on the south side of Bullwhacker Hill, the site was famous for almost 60 years – 1876 to 1936 – as Bullwhacker Mine. Records show that hundreds of tons of gold ore were extracted from the steep hillsides before the mine closed.

Now, those who rent the luxurious apartments will extract spectacular vistas looking south over panoramic rolling hills and natural surroundings toward the Bradshaw Mountains.

The six-building apartment complex at 1470 Lee Circle will house 100 apartment units, all of which have elevated views. Residents here will have almost immediate access to retail shopping and service centers, malls, schools and restaurants.

Dale Phillips, president of Stellar Residential, a Scottsdale-based management firm, and Tanner Bickelhaupt, founder and CEO of Tanbic Company, a Scottsdale-based development company, offered QCBN an exclusive tour.

They pointed out that the seven-acre apartment community will feature 48 one-bedroom, 720 square-foot units, and 48 two-bedroom, 1,070 square-foot units as rental options. In addition, four 1,240 square-foot carriage apartments with direct access garages are also available.

Lease rates vary from $1,200 to $2,730, depending upon views, amenities and first-, second- or third-floor locations. All apartments feature granite countertops, hardwood plank-style flooring, stainless steel appliances, tile backsplashes, eight-foot exterior window walls and private balconies, Phillips said. Covered parking is immediately accessible.

“What we’re really proud of is that just steps from each apartment are barbecue grills, porch-style swings, fire pits, designated reading and relaxation areas, a heated year-round swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and a fully equipped fitness center. What’s more, Winfield is pet-friendly. On the east side of the development is a scenic pet play area,” Phillips said.

Phillips, who has been involved with more than 60 multi-family developments throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Flagstaff and Scottsdale, was emphatic that Winfield apartments were designed for spacious comfort for residents who want to experience a comfortable, low-stress, low-density living environment.

“There’s a pent-up demand from people who view home ownership a little differently,” added Bickelhaupt. “Our demographics are renters by choice, not because they have to rent. It has been our focus from day one to accommodate that lifestyle.”

Both men credit Jim and Linda Lee, longtime Prescott residents and developers, with having the vision to construct luxury apartments on Winfield at the Ranch. “Sixteen months ago, when we had the ground-breaking for Winfield, we heard people from throughout the community praise Jim and Linda for their never-ending commitment to the well-being of Prescott residents,” said Phillips.

He continued, “In that same spirit and love for Prescott, partners of Tanbic Company have committed to give up to $100,000 back to the local community. During the last year, five local non-profits were selected to participate. When each of the 100 units gets its first new resident who signs the lease, $700 per apartment unit will be contributed to one of the five charities the resident selects. The next year, if the same resident decides to donate again to the selected charity, that donation will be matched up to an additional $300.”

Bickelhaupt explained, “You can’t create a community without becoming a part of that community. Whether our residents are local or moving in from another area, we believe this is a great way to engage them in what is important to the community at hand.”

Phillips agreed. “What’s especially gratifying to us is setting new standards, and Winfield is well on the way. Winfield is a winner for the community.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information about Winfield at the Ranch, call 928-449-3085 or visit winfieldranch.com.

Final Days of Sears at Prescott Gateway Mall

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The countdown to closing the doors one last time is underway at the Gateway Mall Sears.

Officials from the management company, Transformco, in Chicago, selected the Prescott store as one of 51 Sears stores and 45 Kmart stores to be shut down after the first of the year.

It is anticipated that the retail space occupied by Sears will be shuttered in February. No plans have been announced for future occupancy of that space.

The Sears store in Prescott is the only one listed in Arizona to be closed, leaving only two anchor stores at the Gateway Mall – Dillard’s and JCPenney.

Liquidation sales began after Thanksgiving Day. Since then, the store has displayed banners and posters announcing “Store Closing” sales throughout the mall.

Sears has been at the Gateway Mall in Prescott for almost 18 years, since the mall opened in March 2002.

No specific date has been released as to when the store will close for good.

In the meantime, store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday.

Gateway Property is Last of Sears or Kmart Stores in Quad Cities

During the past few years, the company owning Sears and Kmart closed several properties in the Central Arizona region. Prescott lost its Kmart store in 2008, when it then became a C-A-L Store at 1048 Willow Creek Road. Prescott Valley lost its Kmart Store in 2016. That building was converted to Pruitt’s Fine Furniture at 7550 Highway 69.

It was a bit more than a year ago when Transformco bought the Sears and Kmart conglomerate during a bankruptcy process. In November, Transformco announced it would close 96 more Sears and Kmart stores. Company management indicated it has faced a difficult retail environment.

During the past 15 years, more than 3,500 Sears and Kmart stores have closed, with a loss of more than 250,000 jobs. About 180 stores remain in the United States.

Founded in 1893 in Chicago by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck, the chain, then known as Sears-Roebuck, was at one time the biggest retailer in the United States. Originally founded as a mail-order catalog store, it expanded to cities and hamlets across America. The chain reached is pinnacle in the 1970s, when other retailers such as Home Depot, Best Buy and Walmart challenged that leadership. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Nurse Follows Healing Path to Ancient Energy Medicine

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Tara Tech’s passion to heal others came with a devastating punch to the gut as a teenager when her best friend developed cancer. The two girls were just 16 years old. Watching her friend suffer made such an impact that Tech became a nurse.

“I wanted to help Lisa heal, ease her pain and discomfort, and make her feel better,” Tech said   of their precious time together. “Sadly, Lisa passed away a week before I graduated college. I was devastated. I pledged to do what I could to help other people so they wouldn’t have to go through what she did.”

Tech became disenchanted with traditional medicine and blended nursing with natural healing.  She gained experience as a Tai Chi instructor, Qi (Chi) healer, health and anti-cancer coach, natural health consultant, laughter facilitator, Reiki master teacher, Qigong instructor and (Korean) Dahn (Vital Energy) master.

“I was helping people enough as a nurse for them to leave the care facility, but it wasn’t enough to make much of a difference in their lives,” she lamented. “We got them well enough to go home, but they inevitably would end up back in the hospital. We only managed symptoms. The root of the problem was never addressed.”

The turning point was her husband’s third bout with cancer in 13 years. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy had been prescribed for him twice before, she explained, but “the conventional route didn’t seem to be effective because he kept getting diagnosed with different cancers. The third time, he decided that it not only wasn’t working, but also had detrimental effects physically, mentally and emotionally. He asked me to research and find out if there were natural ways to heal.”

Concurrently, she lost her 24-year-old nephew and eight other family members and friends to cancer in a period of three months.

Diving deep into Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Tech particularly embraced Qigong, an ancient Chinese exercise of mediation, controlled breathing and flowing movements to enrich the body’s inner energy, or “chi.” The more she learned, the more avidly Tech “wanted to share with the whole world how amazing Qigong is. We are self-healing beings. If we get a cut or break a bone, we will heal.”

Applying that same healing power to cancer “was news to me,” she marveled. “If it’s true that practicing Qigong can be beneficial for healing from cancer, then why wasn’t anyone talking about or doing it? Why wasn’t it on the news? Why didn’t anyone mention it to my best friend, my husband, my nephew or anyone else? Why weren’t more people here in the U.S. practicing Qigong?”

She offers various Qigong classes at Yavapai College, CrossFit Prescott, the Prescott YMCA and privately through her company, Qigong For Health AZ. Her students rave about how Qigong has helped them recover from injuries, lessen pain, increase flexibility, improve balance, breathe better, expand oxygen saturation, sleep sounder, reduce allergy symptoms, alleviate headaches and experience better moods.

“Each story is unique and beautiful, just like the people who participate,” she said. “Everyone is on their own unique journey to health and wholeness. I advocate for them to find their own path without judgements or criticism for themselves or others, and no comparisons.”

Tech relocated to Prescott from Tempe in 1999 because she and her husband wanted to raise their two young boys in a smaller, hometown atmosphere. They appreciated the mountains, mild four seasons, friendly people and outdoor activities.

She says downtime provides a balance. “While I absolutely love what I do, I also need time for self-care. I do that by getting out in nature. I love being near water, so I often visit and hike around our local lakes. Last but not least, I love naps and regularly partake in a 20-minute daily nap to recharge.”

A voracious reader and researcher, Tech said her ultimate dream is to travel the world teaching and sharing Qigong. She’ll begin in 2020 by offering overseas retreats. QCBN

By Sue Marceau, QCBN

For more information, go to TaraTech.org.

 

Technology Alliance Developing

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With visions of economically beneficial alliances to foster opportunities for existing businesses to compete in global markets, two organizations are cooperating to create a powerful interrelationship that will stimulate unprecedented economic development.

The two are the Northern Arizona Technology Alliance (NATA) and the Arizona Israel Technology Alliance (AITA).

AITA CEO and President Lieb Bolel recently praised Prescott, saying he envisioned the community becoming a state leader in partnering with Israel-based technology companies.

AITA is headquartered in Scottsdale. NATA is based in Prescott.

Bolel met representatives from the City of Prescott, NATA, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Yavapai College and several local businesses that are involved in high technology.  Richard Hernandez, director, Regional Economic Development Center of Yavapai College, hosted the Nov. 6 meeting at the college library.

The purpose, Hernandez said, was to discuss strengthening the relationship among all involved.

During a presentation, Bolel said, “AITA is the premier resource for companies and organizations in Arizona and Israel on collaborative initiatives. AITA is dedicated to promoting and strengthening business, investments and entrepreneurship, technology and trade relations with Israel.”

He added that AITA is particularly interested in Arizona because of its proximity to three of the world’s largest economies: Mexico, California and Texas. He said Arizona has an advantage in its aerospace and defense installations, cybersecurity emphases, biosciences and health care, and aggrotech programs.

“Such programs appeal to Israeli venture capitalists,” he said. He then noted that more than 42 Israeli-based companies have come to Arizona for business. He also said Israel is home to more NASDAQ companies than any other countries except the U.S. and China. He explained that NASDAQ is the world’s largest electronic stock exchange, founded in 1971.

He noted that per capita, Israel has more technology professionals, scientists and venture capitalists than any other country. “Israel is becoming a technology hub that has serious impact around the world.”

Bolel said Arizona’s cost of living appeals to people in Israel. “You also have 1,400 companies involved in aerospace, serious research and application of cyberspace activity, a solid higher education system and many market opportunities that are constantly evolving.”

He noted that Eviation, an Israeli-owned electric aircraft manufacturing firm, already had selected Prescott as its U.S. headquarters.

Jim Robb, an economic development consultant for the City of Prescott, told Bolel that the recently-formed NATA organization was eager to partner with organizations such as AITA. “We have a great opportunity. Our goal is not to compete, but to partner with organizations outside the state. Such ground floor opportunities make a difference. We are open-minded and excited to be a part of the growth in tech jobs and career opportunities.”

Robb also commented that Prescott faces the challenge of losing young people to other cities with more opportunities for them. “We can change that and we can create high-paying jobs that keep these talented people in the Quad Cities area.”

Hernandez concluded the meeting by urging those present to continue seeking venture capital to support technology growth. “We have the education faculty and facilities and committed personnel who can meet such needs. We have the potential in Prescott to become a technology leader in Arizona.” QCBN

Harnessing the Superpower of Visibility

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Leading up to the annual Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, the town is truly overrun by triathletes. These swimmers, cyclists and runners do not need to don a t-shirt or tattoo that says they are elite athletes – although some of them do. Everything about them already shouts, “I’m a superior human specimen.” It is in their walk, their confidence, their gear, their clothes, their shoulders, their friends, their vitamin drinks…there is no mistaking what they are about.

In business, it is not so easy to be seen and identified for what we are. It might be helpful if people came to work with labels that say, “Team Builder,” “Negotiator,” “Creative Thinker,” “Problem-Solver,” but they don’t. So, it is up to us as individuals to be seen and recognized for the value we bring.

Visibility is a key determinant of business success, but for some reason, many of us maintain a very low profile, especially women. And that can keep us from getting the job, promotion, pay raise or any number of things we want. What is worse is we do it to ourselves! Maybe we were raised not to attract too much attention, or to put others first, but for whatever reason, we have control over how visible we are.

Early in my career, I attended an all-employee meeting called by the leader of the organization. I was young, new to the company and very excited about getting to know my co-workers and starting my job. I eagerly came to the meeting, brought my notepad and sat down right in the middle of the room. I was not going to miss a thing.

Unfortunately, within the first few minutes, I caught on that the meeting was one big grievance session. Some – okay, many – of my new co-workers were not happy that my position was filled “from outside” the organization, instead of from within.

Later that day, a co-worker came to my office and tried to apologize on behalf of the entire organization and express his embarrassment for the unwelcoming introduction to the company. He felt sorry for me as he described me as a “Shrinking Violet” in the meeting, physically sinking into my chair and trying to become invisible.

As kind as this individual was, being called a “Shrinking Violet,” is no compliment. And yes, being visible comes with risks, but it also comes with rewards. All of us are limited on time and energy, so we cannot afford to play small.

As Eli Wallach said to Kate Winslet in the 2006 film, “The Holiday,” “In the movies, we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason, you’re behaving like a best friend.”

So, here’s how to stop playing a minor role and step into your visibility:

 

Be Intentional. Woody Allen may have said “80% of success is showing up,” but why not boost that percentage by showing up with intention? Whatever the business function, you are there to participate, so behave that way. If it’s a meeting, author and talk show host Mel Robbins suggests you choose a seat in the middle of the action and she doesn’t want you acting like the scribe, unless that’s your job. If your head is down looking at what you’re typing, writing or doodling, no one can see you.

Be Visible. You can’t be appreciated if no one knows what you’re doing. Robbins suggests keeping a list of progress you’ve made on projects each week and sending it to your supervisor or team leader. It may seem obvious to you, but most people are so busy with their own lists they aren’t keeping track of what you’re doing.

Be Valuable. Presumably you do the work you do because you have something to contribute. In meetings or projects, bring value. Demonstrate that you’re engaged, you’ve been thinking about the topic, or you’ve read up on the latest research. No one will know this unless you speak up. Have you ever been to a meeting and couldn’t remember if a certain individual was in the room? Don’t be that person. If you don’t have something new to say, Robbins suggests vocally offering support to what someone else has said. And if there’s a job to be done or a project to lead, volunteer to take it on.

Stop Qualifying. We all feel vulnerable at times and author Brené Brown says that’s not a weakness. In “Rising Strong,” she writes, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.” So, be courageous and don’t discount yourself by leading with a qualifier that basically excuses you for something silly you might say, like “I’m new here, so…” or “I may not understand how things work, but…” This is acting-small behavior. Believe me, there are enough people out there who will try to make you feel small. Don’t be the one to take yourself down!

 

The Shrinking Violet of the 1960s was a character whose ability to make herself small was actually considered a superpower. But as we’ve learned, Shrinking Violets rarely are rewarded in the workplace. Triathletes, however, like strong business leaders, have the courage to sweat, limp and fall right in front of everyone. And because of their willingness to be vulnerable and visible, we see their strength. FBN

By Bonnie Stevens

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

Prescott Junction has New Owner

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The historic Prescott Junction Restaurant, one of the first businesses motorists encounter as they approach the downtown area, has a new owner as of mid-November.

Jim Cabral, who owns and operates five other eateries and catering services in the Quad Cities, bought the restaurant from Don and Nancy Burton, who had owned and operated Prescott Junction for more than a quarter of a century. Cabral has been in the Prescott area for 35 years, after having come here from his home state of Rhode Island.

Cabral says nothing significant will change at the popular restaurant located near where highways 69 and 89 merge on the east side of Prescott. The menu will remain essentially the same. Cabral hopes the staff, some of whom have been employed at the restaurant for 20 years, will remain as well.

“We’ll keep the same American-style menu that has been so successful in attracting returning and new customers,” he said.

Considered one of the best locations in town at the gateway to Prescott, the restaurant has abundant free parking and positive reviews. TripAdvisor calls it “one of the top 20 of the more than 150 restaurants and cafes in the greater Prescott area.”

In July, Cabral was named “Business Leader of the Year” by the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce during its annual awards event.

Former owners Don and Nancy Burton say they now plan to retire and spend time with family, especially their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They also plan to travel.

“We’re proud of all we’ve achieved, but it’s time to try something else,” Burton said.  “What we’ll miss is seeing the many regulars. Some have been coming ever since we bought the business.”

Married for 47 years, the Burtons have been involved in the restaurant business for most of their adult lives. Prior to moving to Prescott, Burton had been a vice president with the national JB’s Restaurant chain, which involved his traveling the country to evaluate the company’s four operating regions.

That led him to find the restaurant in Prescott, labeled JB’s. The name changed to Prescott Junction in 2007-2008, when the Burtons decided they wanted to shift the JB’s menu emphasis to something that had more appeal to local tastes.

One thing that did not change was the “Wall of Fame” of autographed photographs of celebrities who had dined at the restaurant.

The Burtons are happy they and the Prescott Junction, located at 1121 E. Sheldon Street, have had a role in the city’s history. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Program Recruiting Senior Companions

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Civic Service Institute at Northern Arizona University, which connects volunteers to service opportunities throughout the state, is looking to pair local residents aged 55 and older with seniors who could benefit from their friendship, company and help.

Volunteers in the Senior Companion Program (SCP) perform tasks that allow homebound seniors to maintain their independent living. This can include running errands, driving clients to medical appointments or other outings, and providing a vital connection to the outside world.

Nearly 90% of the clients in SCP say their Senior Companion volunteers help them stay in their own homes and that they are more satisfied with their lives as a result of these interactions. Volunteers also are often helping the client’s primary caregiver by giving them a respite from their duties.

However, clients and their caregivers are not the only ones who benefit from the program, according to Joella Willey, coordinator of the program in Yavapai County.

“The volunteers tell me they love it,” Willey said. “It makes them feel good. And they have time on their hands – they want to contribute back to the community.”

That was a big part of the motivation for Rae Ann Lund, 82, who has volunteered with SCP for the past five years.

“I had a very good nursing career for 45 years,” said Lund, who lives 18 miles outside of Prescott. After about 10 years of retirement, I felt that something was missing in my life. I really missed the contact with other people.”

A recent study about Senior Companions showed that seniors who volunteer gain many benefits from the program.

The report, released earlier this year, showed that after two years of service, first-time Senior Companions reported improvements in health, decreased depression and less social isolation. They noted the program gave them satisfying and meaningful community service, opportunities for personal growth, a chance to make new friends and a sense of accomplishment.

Willey said that much of that satisfaction comes from helping fellow seniors who are “living in the shadows.”

“The goal is to get the clients out of their houses so they can experience a different environment on a weekly basis,” she said.

Clients are referred to SCP in Yavapai County through partner agencies, such as the Northern Arizona Council of Government’s Area Agency on Aging and the Central Arizona Seniors Association, which provides the local Meals on Wheels program.

Those interested in volunteering with SCP need to be at least 55 years old, meet income guidelines as established by the federal government, and be able to dedicate at least 10 hours a week to the program. Volunteers receive extensive training from the Civic Service Institute, including shadowing experienced volunteers.

In addition to the satisfaction of helping others, volunteers receive a tax-free stipend of $2.65 per hour, reimbursement for mileage and supplemental insurance coverage while volunteering.

NAU’s Civic Service Institute also runs the Senior Corps Foster Grandparent Program in Yavapai County, another volunteer opportunity in the region. To learn more about volunteering with Senior Corps, call 866-856-3017 or 928-713-4114. QCBN

By Cindy May, QCBN

Cindy May is a consultant and owner of Cindy May Marketing in Flagstaff.

 

Village of Oak Creek Attorney is Praised for Volunteer Efforts

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Village of Oak Creek attorney Elizabeth McFarland is devoted to her community. Her volunteer efforts include serving on the Northern Arizona Healthcare Board of Directors and the Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona Board of Advisors.

During the 19th Annual Spirit of Sedona awards luncheon on Sept. 5, at the Enchantment Resort, McFarland was recognized as the Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona Volunteer of the Year.

“Why I volunteer is because it is a win-win-win life strategy,” McFarland explained. “Not only does the organization and community benefit from the volunteer’s efforts, so does the volunteer. Volunteering provides opportunities for building social support networks that benefit both community members and volunteers.”

Volunteering also increases self-esteem and provides greater life satisfaction, she says. “Acts of altruism make the volunteer healthier, happier and less stressed. Studies have consistently shown that improved mood, better physical health and increased longevity are connected to giving – whether it’s monetary donations or volunteer hours. When it comes to your health, it truly is better to give than to receive.”

John Kincaid, co-chair of ACF of Sedona, presented the award to McFarland at the luncheon event. “Elizabeth is self-employed in her full-time legal practice, yet finds time to volunteer her talents, intelligence, honesty, integrity and dedication to improve the community,” he noted. “Most of Elizabeth’s volunteer work takes advantage of her legal skills and business experience. A diverse group of local non-profits, too numerous to list, have benefited from Elizabeth’s pro bono legal advice.”

McFarland has found her volunteer efforts greatly rewarding in the two major non-profits she has chosen to help. The first, Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH), is the largest not-for-profit healthcare organization in Northern and Central Arizona, serving more than 167,000 patients each year at its locations, from Flagstaff Medical Center to the Verde Valley Medical Center campuses in Cottonwood and Sedona.

“Serving on the Northern Arizona Healthcare Board of Directors brought me great satisfaction because I could see the progress and accomplishments of the organization over time, culminating this year in Flagstaff Medical Center tying for second best hospital in Arizona in the US News and World Report ranking, behind only the Mayo Clinic,” she said.

McFarland added that, although Verde Valley Medical Center is too small to be ranked by US News, both VVMC and Flagstaff Medical Center received 5-star ratings from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service. This is outstanding, she says, because only the top 7% of all hospitals in the nation receive the 5-star rating.

The second large non-profit where she volunteers, The Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona, is an affiliate of the Arizona Community Foundation, a family of charitable funds created for the community and by the community in 1978.

Foundation grants are awarded year-round through a process overseen by a local board of advisors, composed of volunteers such as McFarland.

“I have a passion for helping young people obtain an education so that their individual lives may be as fulfilled as possible and the society and economy will improve,” she explained. “While serving on the ACF Board of Advisors, I chaired the Scholarship Committee, where I reviewed applications and awarded scholarships, established an ACF scholarship application training program at Red Rock and Mingus Union High Schools and inaugurated the Verde Valley Cash for College. These practical programs helped students find the funds they need to embark on the next step in their education journeys.”

McFarland also has been able to apply her training as a corporate attorney to the legal issues facing the non-profit entities. “The key here was that doing a good job takes time; I treat volunteer work just like gainful employment with the same attention to detail, applying the talents, intelligence, honesty and integrity.”

McFarland grew up in Santa Barbara, California, and credits her parents for her interest in volunteering. “Both my parents modeled volunteering and expected me to volunteer. My father earned the Silver Beaver in Boy Scouts in recognition of his years of service as an adult leader. My mother has been recognized as an Outstanding Young Woman in America by Who’s Who, and more recently both statewide in California and nationwide, for her leadership and work supporting charities.”

Through junior high and high school, she volunteered for more than 300 hours per year. She has served as Special Olympics coach at UCLA, a builder for Habitat for Humanity in Los Angeles, and trail maintenance worker in Maryland.

McFarland received her undergraduate degree in political science from UCLA and her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. While in Washington, D.C., she worked a Senate staff member, then as a lobbyist for the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

She worked for law firms in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. In 2002, she opened her private practice in Yavapai County with a mission to serve Sedona and the Verde Valley in areas such as estate planning, guardianships, real estate and business law.

While volunteering for the Cornville Community Association Trails Committee, she met her husband, Larry Lineberry.

“I am lucky to have a very competent paralegal in my office and a very patient husband at home,” she said. “With their support, I am able to keep the legal practice running while I am out of the office in meetings, preparing for meetings or traveling to meetings. The one thing I noticed that I did not have time for was taking care of myself; so I have had to scale back a bit to have balance between work, volunteering and exercise.”

McFarland enjoys skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking and camping.

She has volunteered for several years on the Trails Committee for the Cornville Community Association to create a trail system connecting the Village of Oak Creek, Cornville, Cottonwood and Sedona. She has also donated to Chain Reaction Arizona, a non-profit organization that provides bicycles to those in need of transportation in the Verde Valley.

McFarland moved to the Village of Oak Creek from Washington, D.C. in 2001, after the tragedy of Sept. 11, “to be back in the West and closer to my family in Santa Barbara,” she said. “I feel like Goldilocks living in the Village of Oak Creek – it is just right: not too hot, not too cold, not too big, and not too small.” QCBN

By Betsey Bruner, QCBN

Photo caption:

Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona Co-chair John Kincaid presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Elizabeth McFarland on Sept. 5.

Courtesy photo by Larry Kane