Business

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

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.

For 33-year-old Ashley Stovall, being named vice president of business operations of a professional basketball team is an honor and a challenge.

The California native’s history with professional sports goes back about 10 years, when Stovall first arrived in Prescott Valley from her prior home in Hawaii. She met Chris Presson, who then was the general manager for the Arizona Sundogs, a former professional hockey team. He hired her as a game operations manager and later, as assistant general manager. She also became an employee of the Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers, a team based in Phoenix.

All that changed in 2016. The Sundogs dropped out of hockey but the Northern Arizona Suns arrived in Prescott Valley and began playing in the Prescott Valley Event Center (now Findlay Toyota Center). Presson had served simultaneously as president for the Rattlers and for the NAZ Suns, so he asked Stovall to head up business operations. In September, after Presson accepted a position with the Canadian Football League Edmonton Eskimos, the Phoenix Suns Arena Sports Group (PSASG), which oversees the NAZ Suns, hired Stovall for the executive position.

Vince Kozar, CEO of the PSASG, praised Stovall. “Ashley has shown herself to be a tremendous operator on our G League product. We are excited about where she and our team can take our business in Prescott Valley.”

The G League is the Gatorade League, which now boasts 28 teams and serves as a feeder league into the major NBA teams.

Stovall says one of her priorities is to build team and brand awareness throughout Central and Northern Arizona.

“Our average attendance last year was about 1,300 a game. That has a major economic impact in the community. We want to increase that,” she said. “So many people don’t realize that we have professional basketball with future NBA stars they can see play right here in the event center. It’s great family entertainment. With our season ticket rates starting as low as $9 a game, we’ve got a recreational opportunity for everyone.”

Information about tickets is available at nazsuns.com/memberships or by calling 928-772-7867. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

On the heels of visioning and marketing efforts aimed at bringing new life and energy to downtown Prescott, Tony Carcoba has rolled in with his electric bike business with encouragement from city leaders and local businesses.

Tony Carcoba, 43, opened Prescott Ebike Rentals and Tours on July 4, with a Prescott Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony on the lot next to the Chamber office with a silver bike trailer and an orange tarp.

For $25 an hour or $40 for two hours, riders can rent the ebikes from the downtown lot or from nearby hotels like Springhill Suites and Residence Inn. Riders can jump on and tour through historic streets famous for their Victorian houses, like Mount Vernon. “White Spar Road is great for people who want to go into the forest,” said Carcoba. “We’re mostly a mobile business. We’ll bring our bikes to you.”

Prescott Ebike also offers guided tour packages, however, the most popular option is the self-guided two-hour tour for $50 in the scenic areas around town, like Watson Lake with views of the Dells, and popular trails such as the Iron King Trail or the Peavine Trail.

Riders also enjoy Lynx, Goldwater and Willow lakes, as well as Thumb Butte and White Spar Trail.

Tours include both road and trail riding, ranging in difficulty from easy to medium and covering varying levels of fitness and expertise.

Prescott Ebike will bring bikes, helmets and bottled water to the designated trailhead, pay for parking fees and transport riders.

So far, Prescott Ebike has a dozen state-of-the-art electric bikes from which to choose, comprised of four different models for different needs, depending on cyclists’ size, age and physical condition.

“The most popular is the fat tire with four-inch tires; a lot of guys love this bike,” Carcoba noted. “We also have a fat tire mini, which is more manageable for the younger and more petite rider. We have two hybrids, both RadCity, a standard or a step-through for easy access.”

“Prescott Ebike Rentals and Tours is a local family-owned business that strives to show visitors and locals alike, the reason Prescott is ‘Everybody’s Home Town,’” said Prescott Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sheri Heiney. “Their mission is to create unforgettable memories that you will cherish for years to come. They pride themselves in pioneering environmentally and socially responsible tourism by combining fun and awareness that will leave an ecological footprint on our lakes, forests and community.”

Carcoba was born in Mexico City and came to the U.S. as a teenager. He lived in California and then Prescott for 20 years before moving with his wife and two sons to Chino Valley 18 years ago.

His other business is Toro Manufacturing, which creates aerospace components such as spindles, gears, shafts and valves that go on airplanes and dollies that move airplanes. Toro also creates parts for telescopes, jet skis and motorcycles.

Carcoba became interested in electric bikes when he purchased one for his wife.

“She has some physical impediments that make riding a bicycle hard for her,” he said. “With the electric bike, she started riding again. I was getting left behind trying to keep up with her!”

Now, his whole family rides electric bikes. “For me, I don’t have any disabilities, but I can cover three times the distance on an ebike than I could on a regular bike,” Carcoba said. “I can explore more terrain than I can on a regular bike. They’re just a lot of fun.”

Carcoba did his research on demographics, tourism trends and market growth and concluded a year-round online electric bike business would be a good fit for Prescott.

“Options are endless,” said Heiney, “and everyone will be provided with breathtaking tours and exceptional customer care.”

“It’s been a fun and exciting adventure for us, and we hope we can continue to promote alternative ways of transportation and a fun activity to do while visiting, or just as a fun weekend thing to do with your family,” Carcoba said.

A new website is up and running, and brochures, rack cards and banners are spreading the word about the burgeoning ebike enterprise.

Carcoba is grateful for the local support he has received as a member of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, from the City of Prescott Parks and Recreation department and from local business owners like Margo Christensen, who encouraged him to put banners and bikes at her two hotels. “She is so helpful. The entire small business community has been so welcoming.”

Bikes are available at Springhill Suites and the Residence Inn. “Guests can make a reservation and we will meet them at the lobby and unlock the bikes,” Carcoba explained. “Or, we can pick them up and take them to the trail, and then pick them up and bring them back to the hotel. We’re trying to facilitate the activity so you don’t have to worry about anything.”

Prescott Ebike is also listed in Yelp and TripAdvisor.

Carcoba is also collaborating with the Prescott Pines Christian Camp of Yavapai County to offer bike rides to guests.

“We had 250 women on retreat last weekend and another retreat this weekend,” said Carcoba. “The women loved it; the age range was 18 to early 70s. It’s a great opportunity for us. We’ve been very, very busy.”

Carcoba believes the electric bike soon may be the preferred bike for many. “I think it’s going to be the future. I think the regular bike may be become obsolete, and the ebike might be what you buy your kids.” QCBN

By Betsey Bruner, QCBN

Three years ago, Ann Marie Sabath was teaching a training program for young professionals who had been in their careers for one year. As an international consultant in her business, “At Ease Inc.,” she helps business people climb what she calls “the slippery ladder of success.” On this day, her workshop participants were singled out by their managers as leaders-in-the-making.
Sabath asked the group what personal goals they had accomplished since starting work full-time. One said he bought a new car. Another said she was living in a part of the city where she had always wanted to live. A third said he was saving $1,000 a month.
That quiet, young man got her attention. He said he wanted to be a millionaire and had read that in order to do that he needed to delay his immediate wants for future ones. He also told her he packs his lunch rather than going out to eat, he makes his coffee at home rather than buying it elsewhere and maintains a basic work wardrobe. In addition, he volunteers at a dog shelter in his free time.
Sabath believed this young man was well on his way to becoming a millionaire. This encounter also sent her on her way to researching millionaires and writing, “What Self-Made Millionaires Do That Most People Don’t.”
In the book, she offers 25 habits and 52 secrets for “creating your own success” while featuring self-made millionaires of all ages and backgrounds in short, engaging stories.
For example, Secret No. 7 is, “Take Control of Your Life.” She introduces readers to Sarian Bouma. As a young woman, Bouma came to the United States to continue her education in communications after gaining experience in radio and television as a teenager in her home country of Sierra Leone on the southwest coast of Africa.
On her journey, she married, had a child, got a divorce and found herself on welfare. Sabath says Sarian made the decision to take control of her life the day she had to feed her baby water because she didn’t have enough food stamps to buy milk.
“She wondered, ‘How did I get to this point?’” says Sabath. “Sarian took advice from a welfare counselor and learned to become a bank teller, then a credit manager and then married again. Her new husband saw how people loved her and said, ‘You need to start a business. Do what you’re good at.’”
As Sabath explains, Sarian remembered how people had complimented her on cleaning their houses when she first arrived in the U.S. “She started a commercial cleaning business and landed the contract to clean the building where the White House staff worked. She became a millionaire in her mid-30s with her company, Capitol Hill Building Maintenance.”
Sabath tells the stories of 29 other self-made millionaires. She also notes that fewer than 15 percent of women are self-made millionaires. Here’s why, she says:
They do not have this seven-figure status as a goal for themselves.
They are less likely to preplan their purchases.
They are more risk averse when it comes to beginning their own business.
They have few, if any, female role models who have achieved self-made millionaire status.
They are more focused on taking care of others rather than themselves.

“You have to believe in yourself, put yourself first,” says Sabath. “Of course, take care of your family, your partner, but you take care of yourself first.”
Sabath also points out that becoming a millionaire is only important if that is what somebody wants. “You have to begin with the end in mind. The goal is to work toward it every single day.”
Secrets Sabath offers include: “Be a person of integrity. Stay focused. Be grateful. Pay it forward. Be a minimalist.” She suggests readers identify the secrets they aren’t currently applying and put them into action.
“As I was writing the book I realized I only had four secrets left. One was, ‘Exercise for the Health of It.’ That’s a big deal. I decided I could swim. I don’t want to tell you I use a noodle, but now I swim.”
She also practiced learning how to be a minimalist. “Look at the things we don’t use anymore. If you haven’t used something for two years, give it away, throw it away or sell it. I allowed myself to use 100 things for a month – that included 20 items of jewelry, four pairs of shoes – flats, two heels and boots – I live in New York, I dress like Johnny Cash. But I got to the point that I could be a minimalist.”
She explains minimalists don’t make impulse purchases and they don’t clutter their minds deciding what to wear. “I preplan my purchases now.”
With Sabath’s own millionaire status, she continues to do what brings her joy, which is helping other people create their own success, one person at a time. Her new book, “Everybodya Has a Book Inside of Them,” comes with a 30-minute consultation.
Ironically, Sabath tells readers in her book about millionaires that success and happiness “is not about the money.” Even so, her book offers a wealth of tips and action items to nudge readers toward their seven-figure goal. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

To hear more, tune into her podcast, AnnMarieSabath.com or visit annmariesabath.com.