Steve Bracety is ready to lead the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce with a strong connection to members and as an important resource to small businesses. “I want to make sure we stay in touch with our membership and that we’re offering value,” Bracety said. With a career steeped in leadership and community engagement, the chamber’s new president and CEO plans to leverage his experience to strengthen local businesses and foster growth while maintaining community character. One key area he … [Read more...] about Steve Bracety Leads the Prescott Valley Chamber into the New Year
Local News
Restaurateur Shifts Gears to Revive Airstream Trailers
Silver Airstream trailers are unmistakable symbols of America’s wanderlust, traveling the nation’s roads and nesting in campgrounds since the 1930s. The iconic American brand with tens of thousands of shiny aluminum trailers still on the move has gained popularity in recent decades with their retro design and reputation for long-haul reliability. Indeed, your uncle’s “silver bullet” trailer is now a hip home on wheels. This has spawned a niche business for Flagstaff Airstream Renovations LLC, … [Read more...] about Restaurateur Shifts Gears to Revive Airstream Trailers
Arizona Snowbowl Going Strong after Earliest Opening Date on Record
Like Santa’s elves, Arizona Snowbowl employees are working day and night, making snow as temperatures allow, moving it around the mountain and grooming trails. Following its longest ski season on record – closing on Saturday, June 1, 2024 – Snowbowl has set another record with its earliest opening day ever, Friday, Nov. 8. “Opening Nov. 8 certainly had and continues to have many people talking about the ski season,” said Discover Flagstaff Marketing and Media Relations Vice President Lori … [Read more...] about Arizona Snowbowl Going Strong after Earliest Opening Date on Record
British Cook Fancies American Classics with Gran’s Tips for the New Year
On YouTube, she’s known as James’s mom. Charming, down-to-earth and deeply caring, Vicki De La Haye loves to cook. Folding in fresh eggs, butter and vegetables from her farm, ideas from social media followers, British rituals and tips from her very proper and frugal grandmother, “Gran,” De La Haye not only cooks for her family, but often for the whole neighborhood on rural Jersey Island in the British Channel of the United Kingdom. “It’s four miles by eight miles, with a population of 95,000 … [Read more...] about British Cook Fancies American Classics with Gran’s Tips for the New Year
Former Pro Baseball Player Helps Chino Valley Parks Hit Home Run
Jason Olson, a former Triple-A baseball player turned parks director, is leading Chino Valley to new heights with a top environmental honor. His department recently earned the prestigious Sports Fields Management Association (SFMA) certification for outstanding environmental practices – one of only two awarded statewide. “It’s awesome because it shows our hard work and that we’re cognizant of how everything we do impacts the environment,” said Olson, who oversees an 11-member team dedicated to … [Read more...] about Former Pro Baseball Player Helps Chino Valley Parks Hit Home Run
Warm Personality
Lost In Socks, on the third floor of Bashford Courts in downtown Prescott, is a go-to destination for sock lovers. Since opening in 2017, this store has delighted customers with 15,000 pairs of socks ranging from cozy winter essentials to quirky, themed designs. Highlights include a kids’ corner featuring popular dinosaur and unicorn socks; Arizona-themed styles showcasing roadrunners and cacti; and wildlife socks featuring cute animals like otters holding hands. Also, sports fans can represent … [Read more...] about Warm Personality
Lowell Observatory Puts Space Discovery at the World’s Fingertips
Marley Foundation CFO Nancy Ball nailed it when she said, “If I were 6 years old, I would definitely spend the day here!” As if to prove her point, 6-year-old Brooks Sedlak of Scottsdale was one of the first to settle in at the Orbits Curiosity Zone of the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center. “He wants to be an astronaut,” explained his mom, Stephanie. Likewise, hundreds of supporters, businesspeople, community leaders and space enthusiasts of all ages eagerly waited under light … [Read more...] about Lowell Observatory Puts Space Discovery at the World’s Fingertips
Serial CEO T. Paul Thomas Offers Leadership Lessons in New Book
In his roles as CEO or president of more than 15 publicly traded, venture-backed and technology start-ups around the world and across the United States, Paul Thomas wasn’t interested in overseeing companies that were humming along smoothly. In fact, he was the guy the board of directors would call when they couldn’t decide whether to shut the company down or continue to invest in it. With tumultuous situations as the theme of his career, one might imagine he has stories to tell. Fortunately, he … [Read more...] about Serial CEO T. Paul Thomas Offers Leadership Lessons in New Book
Local Advocate Recognized for Supporting Young Lives
Sherie Gifford, program manager for Little Learners at High Country Early Intervention, has been named the Yavapai region recipient of the prestigious Champions for Young Children Award by First Things First. Gifford, a Prescott native, along with a dedicated staff and therapists, supports 30 children under age 6 facing challenges in movement, speech and behavior. A social worker since 1989, Gifford joined Little Learners as program manager in 2019. She says the award highlights the impact of … [Read more...] about Local Advocate Recognized for Supporting Young Lives
Emmy Award Winner Vicki Lawrence Brings ‘Mama’ to Sedona
Comedy legend Vicki Lawrence, known and loved for her Emmy-winning performances on The Carol Burnett Show and her iconic role as “Mama” in Mama’s Family, is bringing her new production, “Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show,” to the Sedona Performing Arts Center, 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, as a separate ticketed event during the Sedona International Film Festival. This evening will feature a mix of stand-up, musical comedy and comedic observations about life. Fans can expect Lawrence’s … [Read more...] about Emmy Award Winner Vicki Lawrence Brings ‘Mama’ to Sedona