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Local Marine Veteran, Horses with Heart Volunteer Wins Horse Show

September 28, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Dewey resident, devoted to horses and their use in therapy, wins horse competition.

It all started when she wanted to carry an American flag in Heroes on Horses, a world championship horse show that honors veterans. After a phone call to the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) and Lynn Campbell, sponsors of the August event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kristie Vollrath was invited to enter in the Western Pleasure category at the horse show.

She accepted and started training in Cave Creek, with trainers Deanna and Jim Searls, on a champion horse owned by Susan Johns. Lilly, a Quarter Horse, proved a winner on Aug. 12, skillfully guiding Vollrath to a first-place finish in Western Pleasure, an event designed to highlight a more relaxed style of riding, featuring walking and gentle jogging.

“The horse is to appear to be a ‘pleasure’ to ride, smooth-moving and very comfortable; that’s the idea behind Western Pleasure,” Vollrath explained. “That’s what it’s supposed to be like, not to get sore or tired. It’s not a bumpy horse and it’s not a fast horse. The slower you go, the better it is.”

Walking in an arena, the rider walks, jogs and reverses on command using leg aids and reins, she added. The quarter horse was fully up to the task at hand. “Boy, she was something else,” Vollrath said of Lilly, whose registered name is KM Flat Out the Best. “As soon as she saw that arena, she said, ‘I got this.’ She’s a grand champion. She knew exactly what she was doing.”

Vollrath received a belt buckle, trophy and a jacket. She also came away with some wonderful memories from Heroes on Horses.

“It was so much fun,” she said. “It’s so touching, all those people carrying American flags, and they play that song, ‘Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?’ That’s a tearjerker. They go all out to honor us veterans. I’m very proud to be a part of it.”

Vollrath, 70, is a veteran of the Marine Corps and served from 1971 to 1974, in the Carolinas and Washington, D.C., where she worked in data processing at the Library of Congress and in the POW/MIA section at Camp Henderson.  Her devotion to horses goes back to her childhood.

“When I was a kid, I had a horse,” she recalled. “When I was 16, I gave up horse riding.”

A native of Minnesota, where she worked in the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier and then a manager, Vollrath retired in 2009 and moved to Dewey to benefit from the better weather and to be near two aunts in Apache Junction.

After joining a bowling league, she was asked to bowl in a fundraiser for Horses with Heart, a ranch in Chino Valley that uses horses as a therapeutic tool to help special needs individuals, veterans and first responders experience the healing power of a horse to gain confidence, increase independence and improve social skills, with the support of caring and credentialed instructors and dedicated volunteers.

She was delighted to be in the company of horses again and for five years has volunteered with Horses with Heart, focusing on the veterans program.

“After I retired, I was looking for something to do,” she said. “I looked at the Humane Society, but I was afraid I’d bring every dog and cat home. I knew I wouldn’t bring a horse home.”

Horses used in the program are middle aged, she noted. “They are mature, from about 9 to 25 years old and older. We need horses that do what we do, which is therapy. We can’t have a young horse because they’re too spirited. We kind of get retired horses.”

Vollrath said horses are very good therapy animals. “Some people are so afraid of horses because they’re so big. But they give me a lot of confidence and companionship. They give me a lot of love. They never bite the kids or kick anyone. They’re just wonderful, wonderful animals.”

Participants at Horses with Heart generally do not know how to ride, but the horses, which have been around for years, do know how to ride, Vollrath noted. QCBN

By Betsey Bruner, QCBN

Courtesy Photo: Kristie Vollrath, a volunteer with Horses with Heart, took home first place in the Western Pleasure category of the Heroes on Horses world championship event. The 70-year-old Marine Corps veteran is considering participating in a Scottsdale competition in March. 

Filed Under: Local News, Tourism Tagged With: Heroes on Horses

Carmen Frederic Receives ATHENA Leadership Award

September 28, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

ATHENA symbolizes strength, perseverance, success for Quad Cities women.

An invisible, yet powerful, thread of overcoming adversity to achieve long-held dreams wove its way through the audience of more than 100 attendees during the 4th Annual Quad Cities Leadership Awards as women came together to honor and celebrate each other Sunday, Sept. 24, at Starting Point in the Prescott Gateway Mall.

As Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine and Prescott College President Dr. Barbara Morris shared deeply personal stories of their own challenges, women could empathize with their struggles, some could see themselves in their stories, and many fought to hold back tears.

Carmen Fredric Shelters Those in Need

With a standing ovation and roar of applause, Prescott Area Shelter Services (PASS) Executive Director Carmen Frederic was honored with the 2023 ATHENA Leadership Award. As she accepted the prestigious award, she didn’t share her story, but later reflected on how alcoholism and homelessness in her family motivated her to rise above her circumstances and then to commit herself to a career of supporting and encouraging other women.

“The Athena award is such a high honor and something I will always remember and treasure for the rest of my life!” she said in a Quad Cities Business News interview. “The award itself is beautiful and placed currently at the shelter office for all to see and enjoy. It will be a talking piece and maybe an inspiration to all of the women in shelter to aspire to someday, a pathway to be taken to be compassionate and build up other women as a goal in their life.”

Frederic left home for college after graduating from high school. “I helped to open the first teen pregnancy shelter in my hometown and worked for the education service district helping struggling families keep their kids in school. My biological father was a severe alcoholic and experienced homelessness himself. I often ran into him in my hometown when I would be working with my own clients.”

Today, she is credited with leading the evolution of PASS from a winter shelter in a church basement to a 26-bed facility at its own location, plus the creation of two transitional houses. The organization now serves about 180 women and children a year.

“All of these challenges in life have made me a better person and given me the insight and empathy in my work at the shelter,” she said.

Tracy Rogers Helps Students Stay in School

Cheered on by friends and associates from Yavapai College, YC Radiology Program Director Tracy Rogers was in disbelief as her name was called to join the stage to receive the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award.

“I was in total shock,” she said of the moment.

Rogers told QCBN how she burst into tears hearing about Dr. Rhine’s difficult childhood. “Her story is very similar to my upbringing. So many people have faced things you’d never expect. She is such an inspiration. I look at her and think, ‘That could be my future!’”

Rogers recalls a time when she could not imagine herself as a successful professional. “Growing up in a poor home, we didn’t know if we were going to have Christmas, and work was a priority to help provide for the household, not school. But I realized school is what makes a better life possible. I just kept pursuing education.”

Through a difficult divorce three years ago, she felt her world crumbling around her. As a single mom, the thought of balancing all of life’s challenges felt impossible. “Women especially find themselves in this situation, but I had an amazing career as an X-ray tech. I am so thankful to have this career. I always wanted to be an instructor for the [YC radiology] program. Before I knew it, I became the program director!”

As with many women, Rogers says she struggles with feeling like an imposter in her work. “Every day I feel like I’ve got to prove my worthiness. I think, ‘Is this real? Am I really doing this? Am I working hard enough?’”

At YC, her colleagues call her a transformational and servant leader. She established an emergency fund to support students struggling with unexpected expenses and recently received the Great Ideas for Teaching (GIFT) Fellowship Award for Teaching Excellence.

“This award reminds me that I have something to continue to be worthy of,” she said. “I just feel really empowered now to keep moving forward and inspired to help other women.”

Prescott Woman Showcases Women

As with the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, QCBN added another award this year. Breeanya Hinkel accepted the ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award for her business, Prescott Woman Magazine.

“I’m honored and surprised to be the recipient of the first ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award,” said Hinkel. “Typically, we love to be the ones honoring other women and it is such a privilege to have stood on the stage and be recognized along with other outstanding organizations.”

Hinkel and Prescott Woman Magazine worked with Quad Cites Business News to bring the ATHENA Leadership Awards to the region in 2020. “I’m thrilled that Quad Cities Business News has kept the tradition of ATHENA going and for their commitment to honor women throughout the area.”

ATHENA Wisdom

Keynote speaker Julie Jones motivated the attendees to “Stop Waiting, Start Living,” which is also the name of one of her books. The former police officer and SWAT team member reminded the audience that tomorrow is not guaranteed. She urged women to be authentic and live the lives they were born to live.

ATHENA Leadership Program Founder Martha Mayhood Mertz delivered a recorded message congratulating the nominees. ATHENA International President and CEO Traci Costa reminded audience members that there is still work to do to support women in leadership. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Hear more from Julie Jones and Martha Mayhood Mertz on Zonie Living at StarWorldwideNetworks.com.

Filed Under: Business, Education, Elections, Local News, Tourism Tagged With: Martha Mayhood Mertz, Prescott Area Shelter Services, Quad Cities Leadership Awards, Yavapai College

Ex-Cop Urges All to Act Now on the Life They Want

September 20, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

She brings her motivational message to the 4th Annual Quad Cities Leadership Awards this Sunday at Starting Point.

“Someday” is a word we hear a lot — someday I’ll join a gym, someday I’ll get that degree, someday I’ll write that book. As a police officer, Julie Jones saw all too often that “someday” didn’t come for someone.
Julie has transitioned from cop to coach to help people “Stop Waiting Start Living,” which is the name of one of her books. She brings her motivational message to the 4th Annual Quad Cities Leadership Awards this Sunday at Starting Point. Read about her here:    https://www.quadcitiesbusinessnews.com/ex-cop-urges-all-to-act-now-on-the-life-they-want/.
Hear from Julie now at Zonie Living on Star Worldwide Networks: https://starworldwidenetworks.com/episodes/stop-waiting-start-living-with-julie-jones-video

Filed Under: Business, Local News Tagged With: Quad Cities Leadership Awards

ATHENA Founder Continues to Encourage Women to Step into Their Leadership Potential

September 11, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Tickets are available at PrescottAthena.com.

Just as Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, gave strength and encouragement to ancient Athens, the steadfast support of ATHENA Leadership Program founder Martha Mayhood Mertz continues to be felt around the world. This month her pioneering work as a champion for women will be celebrated at the Fourth Annual Quad Cities ATHENA Leadership Awards, 3-5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 24, at Starting Point in the Prescott Gateway Mall.

It will be an event for “the community to celebrate and inspire people,” she says, as the Quad Cities names three recipients: ATHENA Leadership Award, ATHENA Young Professional and ATHENA Organization.

Tickets are available at PrescottAthena.com.

Hear more from Mertz on Zonie Living at StarWorldwideNetworks.com

Watch now: https://starworldwidenetworks.com/episodes/encouraging-celebrating-women-in-leadership-with-athena-program-founder-martha-mayhood-mertz-video

Filed Under: Business, Local News, Tourism Tagged With: ATHENA Leadership Award, Martha Mayhood Mertz, Prescott Athena Awards

Virtual Nurses Working Bedside Day and Night

September 6, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

YRMC West is the first hospital in the Southwest to offer this service.

Hospital patients in Prescott, along with their families, can now talk to a nurse on demand, virtually, at any time, with the tap of a screen. Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) West is the first hospital in the Southwest to provide this high-tech service. Hospital officials say the new Virtually Integrated Care program (VIC) is designed to improve the patient experience and reduce the workload of bedside nurses.

Through a high-definition camera, video screen and two-way audio, each patient at YRMC West can talk with a live human registered nurse 24/7. Chief Nursing Executive Officer Tracey McCollum says virtual nurses can answer questions, provide information about procedures, follow through on dietary requests and make rounds with physicians.

“The virtual nurses can look into the room and see if everything is in place,” she said, pointing out that this is especially important for patients who are at risk of falling.

The virtual program also helps to address the nursing shortage that is an issue in Arizona and nationwide. March statistics show that nationally, 75% of hospitals have a 15.7% vacancy rate for nurses. Making the shortage worse, in the West, there is a 22.4% annual turnover rate on average. At YRMC, it is reported to be about 18% per year.

By 2027, officials say the U.S. could be short 800,000 nurses. “We need to be creative to stretch our workforce,” said McCollum. “This virtual program expands the ability of the staff to take care of the patient.”

So far, five nurses have been hired for the VIC program. When fully staffed, that number is expected to increase to 11. Those joining the virtual nurse team must have a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in surgical nursing.

While working to retain current nurses, Dignity Health also encourages people to join the profession. McCollum says those with nursing aspirations can start as nursing assistants, so they are making money while they are going to school. She adds that many nursing students at Yavapai College have their school paid for by grants, and new graduates can start working at $35 per hour.

The VIC program was developed by the Dignity Health/CommonSpirit network. It is expected to be available for patients at YRMC East in Prescott Valley in 2024. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Courtesy Photo: Virtual nurses are registered nurses hired specifically for the new YRMC program, available to talk with patients in real time around the clock.

Filed Under: Business, Local News Tagged With: Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center, virtual nurses

How Much Wood Would a Woodworker Work?

September 6, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

BrooxWood Studio finds Prescott space to keep up with global demand.

How much wood would a woodworker work if a woodworker could craft wood? Courtney Wilson wasn’t looking for the answer to that question, but she got it anyway when she asked her husband, Chris, to build a wooden mantel over their fireplace.

The wooden mantel, plus six pieces of heavy, large hand-crafted wooden furniture later, Courtney said, “Stop!”

“We had way too many pieces and nowhere to put them!” she explained.

So, the Wilsons took their furniture to the Phoenix Flea market and sold out within hours.

They also attracted clients, which led them to starting their Live Edge Lust wood furniture shop in Central Phoenix. Six years into their business, a large contract required a larger space for them to store and work with huge slabs of wood. It also provided enough financial security that they realized they could operate anywhere.

They chose Prescott because of the natural beauty and the weather. Also, Chris was born and raised in the area. They found a 1,500-square-foot space with high ceilings to support their woodworking shop and studio at 820 E. Sheldon St., in historic downtown Prescott.

“We build custom furniture for private clients,” said Courtney. “We’ve found love and creativity in every piece.”

They also rebranded the business to BrooxWood Studio and Broox Plants under the company name of Broox Collective.

“Brooks is a family name,” said Courtney. “Chris’s Uncle Brooks had a huge influence on him and we wanted to honor him. We changed the spelling to ‘Broox’ because it has a more modern and artisan feel to it.”

When the couple opened the doors for their grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 12, about 400 people showed up to see their sustainable organic luxury furnishings for the home and office, as well as exotic plants that promote healthier air quality.

Finished hand-crafted pieces such as conference tables, credenzas, headboards, coffee tables and nightstands enticed home and business owners. Unfinished slabs of golden acacia and mango wood from Thailand, known as urban jungle wood, inspired hobbyists and entrepreneurs.

“We are really proud of our high quality, high-grade wood,” said Courtney. “We get it from trees that have been blown down from storms or are left over from new construction.”

Courtney says customers can order what they want. “The woodworking is done on site, including milling and flattening.”

The Wilsons ship their creations to destinations all over the world and are quickly becoming known throughout the Quad Cities area as they have settled into the community, attending and supporting local events. The couple plans to work with Yavapai College woodworking classes and hopes to offer classes on site. They also want to offer BrooxWood Studio as a venue for events. QCBN

By Stan Bindell and Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

To find out more, call BrooxWood Studio at 928-412-5310.

Photo by Kay Lyons: Chris and Courtney Wilson found their future in wood and their home in Prescott. 

Filed Under: Business, Local News Tagged With: Broox Collective, BrooxWood Studio, Chris Wilson, Courtney Wilson

Desert Pines Resort Offering Manufactured Housing Community

September 6, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

“These homes are attainable and in a great price range with great amenities,” he said.

Construction for the Desert Pines Resort project featuring 179 homes in Prescott Valley is underway for the 55+ community that will offer more affordable housing and amenities for seniors.

The manufactured homes will cost $200,000 to $280,000. Homes vary from 780 to 1,600 square feet; most have two bedrooms and two baths. Residents will own the homes, but not the land.

The purchase will also give the homeowners access to the community center, which includes a swimming pool, pickleball courts, a weight room, a dog park and a cornhole area. A public golf course is not part of Desert Pines Resort, but is nearby.

Eric Granillo of Granillo Homes is one of the owners of the project and is in charge of construction. Mike Middleton, another owner, is a real estate agent who is overseeing sales.

One of the manufactured homes is under construction and two homes have been purchased. Desert Pines has also received deposits for several other homes. Phase one of the project will involve 50 lots and take about two years. Middleton says he expects all 179 homes to be full in five to six years.

“These homes are attainable and in a great price range with great amenities,” he said. “It’s resort-style amenities without resort-style prices. This is a beautiful home park.”

Popular amenities in Desert Pines Resort include the professional grade pickleball courts. “It’s one of the nicest outside pickleball courts in the area,” said Granillo.

Middleton said Desert Pines will also be enticing to those who travel a lot because the property from the road to the porch is maintained by the resort. The development owners also are looking into having an RV storage area on site.

Granillo’s father started Granillo Homes 41 years ago. As a kid, he can remember being around the family business since he was 8 years old. He became heavily involved 12 years ago. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Desert Pines Resort is located off State Rt. 69, south of Fain Road.

Photo by Kay Lyons: Sales team Darby and Mark Middleton want to open the door to “attainable” housing in Prescott Valley.

Filed Under: Business, Local News Tagged With: affordable housing, Desert Pines Resort, Prescott

Sharing the Lane at High Gear Bike Shop

September 6, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Long-time family business services and sells e-bikes, mountain bikes, racing bikes and kids’ bikes.

Love, according to owners Steve and Cindy Alward, is the oil that has kept High Gear Bike Shop rolling smoothly through more than 45 years in business – love for all forms of biking, love for community and love for each other.

Steve opened the business in 1976, but has been biking since he was 8 years old. Cindy joined the business in 1996 and they later married. Cindy says Steve is the heart and soul of the bike shop because he has a passion for bicycling, while she is more of a social rider.

One thing they have in common is they both have been hit by cars while riding their bikes. Steve broke his neck and couldn’t ride for three months in 2014, but got back into the sport as soon as he could. Cindy eased back into riding after her 2018 accident that hurt her shoulder and banged her head.

Their experience gives them the street cred to talk to their customers about bicycling safety. They are also meticulous about repairs.

Cindy says cyclists should pay attention to what’s around them, wear helmets, follow the rules of the road and be familiar with the rules of every city they ride in. She adds that mountain bikers need to pay extra attention to make sure they have the correct amount of air pressure in their tires. And bicyclists who ride after dark should have lights.

“Like Lance Armstrong says, ‘Knowledge is power,’” she said.

That wisdom extends to knowing their customers as well, which has increased to include commuters, homeless people, college students, police officers and those who ride to stay fit.

High Gear provides tune-ups as well as accessories and clothes.

Cindy says one of the keys to their success is the employees. “The right employees always elevate you. They work hard at customer service. We all have bad days, but they leave it at home,” she said.

Steve is proud that they now are serving third generation cyclists with the grandchildren of original customers. “It’s important to listen to the customers and know their needs,” said Cindy, as some customers have to have their bike out of the shop by the next day and some may not need it back for several days.

High Gear Bike began selling e-bikes about six years ago, but mountain bikes, racers and kids’ bikes also remain popular. E-bikes changed their business because most of them weigh 50 pounds or more. They had an electrical lift built to raise the e-bikes so technicians can work on them.

Regardless of whether it’s an e-bike or another type of bike, Cindy said there are special moments such as when a kid gets his first bike or when a senior citizen learns they can ride.

Another change that the e-bikes brought is that repairs used to be all mechanical but now involve electrical and wireless skills. “We’re constantly learning something new,” she said.

High Gear Bike Shop also stays active in the community by sponsoring races, helping high school bike racing clubs and donating to local charities like Kiwanis. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

High Gear Bike Shop has two Prescott locations: one at 237 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. and the other at 505 E. Sheldon St. For more information, call 928-445-0636.

Photo by Stan Bindell: For nearly half a century, Steve and Cindy Alward have been keeping the wheels turning at High Gear Bike Shop.

Filed Under: Business, Local News, Tourism Tagged With: Cindy Alward, e-bikes, High Gear Bike Shop, mountain bikes, Steve Alward

Produce Only Market Offers an Experience in Fruits and Vegetables

September 6, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Owner Chad Tidlund said customers can expect competitive prices and quality fruit.

Produce Only Market on Goodwin Street in Prescott offers 200 types of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with a smoothie bar.

Owner Chad Tidlund said customers can expect competitive prices and quality fruit. With 30 years of experience selling produce to supermarkets in Southern California, he prides himself on knowing when and where to find the best fruits and vegetables.

“I know produce quality and the time to get it in,” he said.

Tidlund said the summer fruits are going strong right now as grapes, apples and pears are plentiful. This is also a good time for corn. The only fruit expected to increase in the fall is pumpkin.

Tidlund, who opened Produce Only Market about four months ago, gets fruits and vegetables in from many countries, with Chile, Peru and the U.S. among the most popular. He hopes to work with Whipstone Farm in Paulden and other local farms.

In the short time he’s been in the Quad Cities, school have found him. Classrooms of kids come to Produce Only Market as an experience. Tidlund walks them through and has a demonstration table where they can taste the fruit. “I let them try it and give them smoothies,” he said.

Tidlund explains that fruit can be inconsistent. For example, he says you can buy two apples that are next to each other and one will be good and one won’t. “It’s nobody’s fault, as it’s the nature of fruit because it has sugar in it.”

Tidlund said there are ways to check fruit. For example, with watermelon, you can put it through three tests. First, you put it through the vibration test. Bang on it, and if it vibrates, it’s good. Then, check for yellow spots and bird peck. Both of these mean the watermelon will be sweeter.

Color and texture, however, don’t help buyers discern whether fruit is good. Vegetables, he says, are more consistently good year-round, although sweet corn is best in summer.

Produce Only Market offers organic and non-organic fruits and vegetables. Pesticides or fertilizers are more likely to be absorbed by fruits that are grown on the ground, like strawberries, he says.

Tidlund encourages customers to view Produce Only Market as a destination, because he educates customers about fruits and vegetables and will answer any of their questions. He loves networking with the community and has donated produce to United Way. He also enjoys being an active member of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.

Tidlund grew up in Minneapolis. He moved to the Los Angeles area to get away from the harsh winters and participate in the produce business. Three years ago, he and his wife, Cynthia, moved to Prescott to enjoy the four seasons. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Produce Only Market is located at 405 W. Goodwin Street. For more information, call 928-379-5504.

Photo by Stan Bindell: Owner Chad Tidlund says it’s a good time to buy apples, pears, grapes and sweet corn.

Filed Under: Business, Local News, Tourism Tagged With: Chad Tidlund, Produce Only Market

Chino Valley Banker Helping to Build Community

September 6, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Julia Ruttle appreciates the outdoors and manageable growth.

Having worked in the banking business for 36 years, Julia Ruttle enjoys serving as branch manager for National Bank of Arizona in Chino Valley because of its commitment to the community.

Certificates in the lobby are from Toys for Tots because of the bank’s involvement there, but Ruttle makes sure the bank helps the community in many areas.

Ruttle recently joined the board of directors at the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce. She has also been involved with the YMCA, Horses with Heart, food banks, food for the homeless, trash pickups and back-to-school supplies for kids. During COVID-19 shutdowns, National Bank provided cleaning supplies for homebound senior citizens.

Ruttle left National Bank of Arizona some years back to work for a competitor, but decided to return because she says the other bank did not have the same commitment to the community. “I’m big into community banks because decisions can be made locally,” she said. “It sets us apart and we can be more involved locally.”

Ruttle is involved with the Women’s Network, which highlights women-owned businesses in the Quad Cities area. She plans to be more active with the Chino Valley and Prescott chambers of commerce. She praises Prescott Chamber President and CEO Sheri Heiney and Interim Chino Valley Chamber Director John Courtis for their work in the community.

As a board member of the Chino Valley Chamber, Ruttle wants to assure that the organization has a budget, that the budget is followed and that the chamber is doing good work. “I want to work in tandem with the community to help businesses and work with the town of Chino.”

Ruttle said the chamber should highlight all the great businesses that Chino Valley has to offer, including gift shops and restaurants. She said the town also needs to do a good job of giving people information who are considering locating here.

“I see the value of being a chamber member and I want others to see that,” she said. “I think we will accomplish a lot of great things. Nobody wants to see crazy growth, but we want manageable growth. We want to provide the knowledge to help visitors do that.”

Early on, Ruttle did not think she would go into banking but found that it has many different facets and enjoys working with both the customers and staff. “I am blessed to have a great team and I am close with them. I also like the diversity of the customers because everyone has a story to tell and I want to hear it.”

One of the most challenging parts of banking, she said, is working with customers who have been victims of fraud. She said the most important way to fight it is to not give out information to people you don’t know. She has seen banking fraud throughout her career and has seen it increase since the pandemic. “We need more resources for seniors. So many are by themselves,” she said.

When she’s not working, Ruttle enjoys spending time with grandchildren and being outdoors, hiking, fishing and hunting. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Filed Under: Business, Local News Tagged With: Chino Valley, Julia Ruttle, National Bank of Arizona, Toys for Tots, Women In Business

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