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Celestial Gala Honored Jim and Linda Lee, Celebrated Planetarium

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“It was a really nice event, a great evening,” said Bobinsky.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott celebrated the five-year anniversary of the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium while honoring ERAU patrons, the Lees, at a Spring Celestial Gala that raised more than $70,000 to support the facility and STEM programming.

The Lees have been strong contributors to the success of the Quad Cities area for decades in a number of ways through charitable donations and business endeavors. They have donated to many community organizations and have impacted the area’s economic growth through upscale residential and commercial developments. The Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium, the only Arizona planetarium north of Phoenix, is one of their most visible contributions.

“The Planetarium has created a wonderful venue to bring not only our own students, but also high school, middle school and elementary students here to see what a STEM education can provide,” said ERAU Executive Director of Philanthropy Steve Bobinsky. “It also encourages Quad Cities residents to venture onto our campus, engage with faculty and students and see that we’re not just a flight school. We also offer incredible STEM-related majors such as aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, cybersecurity, gaming and simulation.”

A live auction at the gala offered bidders unique opportunities such as a private event in the planetarium for 100 guests; a 60-minute flight in an ERAU Cessna 172S NAV III aircraft; a European culinary tour for eight people at the home of ERAU Chancellor Dr. Anette Karlsson and her husband, Dr. Rick Lehman, compliments of chef and restaurateur Barry Barbe; and a four-day live-flight experience for a parent and student.

Bobinsky said $33,000 was raised through the live auction and an additional $40,000 gift was received to support the expansion of the planetarium’s show catalog and technological capabilities provided for the public as well as STEM outreach educational opportunities.

More than 100 people attended the gala and were treated to an evening of images and discovery from the James Webb Space Telescope, set to a London Symphony Orchestra recording of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, created by Planetarium Director Eric Edelman.

“It was a really nice event, a great evening,” said Bobinsky. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Courtesy Photo: ERAU President Dr. P. Barry Butler and ERAU Prescott Chancellor Dr. Anette Karlsson honored Jim and Linda Lee (center) and thanked them for their involvement with the planetarium. 

ERAU Planning Expansion to Keep Up with Growth

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“Our No. 1 priority is personal attention to student success,” said Butler.

With the announcement of record enrollment this semester, 3,166 students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Chancellor Anette Karlsson says a new five-year plan for growth and expansion is being introduced, including new facilities on the Prescott campus.

Major construction efforts will include a new wind tunnel to replace the current one. Also being planned are a new contemporary student union building, a new residence hall to accommodate the growing student population, and renovation and improvement of existing buildings.

Deans of the four colleges – Engineering, Aviation, Business, Security and Intelligence, and Arts and Sciences – report growth in their respective programs.  Engineering Dean Ron Madler says students and faculty continue to increase internships and partnerships with NASA and other top research and industry leaders worldwide. Aviation Dean Timothy Holt says the number of students in training to become pilots has grown significantly with 110 flights a day. He expects 1,100 or more pilot trainees next year. Business, Security and Intelligence Dean Tom Draper says the college is increasing the number of degree programs it offers. In the College of Arts & Sciences, Dean Zafer Hatahat says a new bachelor’s degree in simulation science, games and animation is being introduced.

Philanthropic Initiatives Rank High on Prescott Campus

Meanwhile, philanthropic efforts supporting ERAU continue to increase. “We awarded $2.3 million in scholarship support to students and we continue to increase the numbers and amounts of scholarships available,” said Office of Development Executive Director Steve Bobinsky. “Keep in mind that philanthropy is not just for scholarships only. Generous contributions help support undergraduate research, networking and internship opportunities, and STEM outreach efforts, especially in the surrounding communities, in Northern Arizona and the greater Phoenix Metro area.”

He noted that the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium and STEM Education Center particularly enhance outreach in local K-12 schools.

National Recognition

In its just-released latest ratings of universities across the nation, U.S. News & World Report ranked ERAU as the No. 1 Regional College in the West. And for the second year in a row, ERAU is ranked No. 1 Best for Veterans.

The Prescott campus also was ranked No. 1 in the list of “Most Innovative Schools in the Western Region.” It ranked No. 2 for “Best Undergraduate Aerospace Engineering Programs without the Ph.D. option.”

On Oct. 6, during his “State of the University” address, ERAU President P. Barry Butler and Chancellor Karlsson acknowledged the prestige of being known nationally as one of the best. “Our No. 1 priority is personal attention to student success,” said Butler. “This independent ranking underscores our unwavering commitment to prepare tomorrow’s leaders in aviation, aerospace, business, cybersecurity, engineering and STEM fields.”

Butler also announced the university has received full accreditation from the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges (SAC-SCOC).

Homecoming Activities Included Drone Show

Board members and guests, alumni, faculty, staff and students participated in several activities, including a drone show with 200 multi-colored drones, which replaced what had been the traditional homecoming fireworks.

Western Region Alumni Relations Director Michelle Day introduced the following award recipients:

  • Jody L. Davis, Distinguished Alumni Award
  • Damon D’Agostino, Distinguished Alumni Award
  • Dominic A. Narducci IV, Entrepreneur Award
  • Mineris Figueroa, Volunteer Award
  • Sam Morris, Young Award
  • Hannah Morris, Network Leader Award

The fall term will end with commencement at ERAU, 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, at Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

ERAU Creates Unique Business College

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Program connects business, intelligence and security.

Growing demand for increased knowledge of the interrelationship of business, security and cybersecurity prompted the administration at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) to create the College of Business, Security and Intelligence (CBSI).

It is the only college of its type in the nation, said Chancellor Anette Karlsson. The unique college was announced formally during the annual Board of Visitors meeting Sept. 29 on the ERAU campus. During that afternoon meeting, Karlsson introduced Thomas Drape as the interim dean of CBSI.

“I have met with many industry partners over the past year,” said Karlsson. “They have been overwhelmingly positive and supportive of this new college. In fact, a senior executive at a large aerospace company told me, ‘This is exactly what we need in 2021.”’

She explained that through the merger of business with intelligence and security, the university could leverage multidisciplinary expertise and opportunities. For example, by linking cybersecurity in aviation business to fraud investigations in forensic accounting, global security in supply chain management and business analytics with machine learning, students can enter internships and job opportunities with extraordinary skill levels.

In comments to Quad Cities Business News, Drape, the interim dean said, “Security and business are inextricably linked. We are having dynamic conversations with faculty, industry [leaders] and students on the connections and how we strengthen our programs through the merger. For instance, one of those connections is fraud investigations and the combination of security investigations, forensic accounting and cybersecurity. Another link is centered on the role of physical and cybersecurity in global supply chains and the need for lessons on anti-counterfeiting, brand protection and digital forensics. Another conversation includes cybersecurity and airport management after the very successful aviation ISAC Collegiate ‘Capture the Flag’ competition about the protection of a tier 1 airport. It was developed and hosted by our cybersecurity faculty and students.”

A former executive with Cox Communications, Alan Saquella, said of the new college, “We need workers who understand the language of business. The College of Business, Security and Intelligence is taking the lead by providing its students with the education, training and certification to prepare them. This will have a direct and positive benefit by creating great career opportunities for ERAU graduates.” Saquella is director emeritus of Security and investigations with Cox Communications.

CBSI JOINS THREE OTHER ERAU COLLEGES

The new college will join the College of Aviation, the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences. Collectively, the four colleges will offer 25 undergraduate degrees and three graduate programs to the record enrollment of about 3,200 students on the Prescott campus.

Administrators, students, faculty and invited guests had a special event in October in the AC 1 Atrium to celebrate creation of the new college. Assistant professor Reg Parker said that the graduates from the new college will be able to add value to any organization that hires them because they will be able to integrate knowledge of organizational behavior of people and awareness of supply chain movement and operational process.

Drape told board members that integrating the various disciplines will provide students with skill sets and knowledge that have immediate practicality in the “real world.” He also noted that students will have unique consulting and internship opportunities with firms from the aviation and aerospace industry. Students in CBSI program can select from among four individual degree programs.

Drape, who will administer the college, has been at ERAU since 2015. Prior to that, he had a distinguished military and academic career. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1992, he served 20 years in the Air Force working with defense and civilian contractors in project management and procurement within the aerospace supply chain. He has a Level III Certification in Program Management in advanced spacecraft technology and rapid launch flight programs.

Beyond that, Drape has an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business and a bilingual Ph.D. from the IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain. He also taught at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Germany.

Prior to coming to ERAU, Drape had been chair of graduate and MBA programs in the School of Business at Azusa Pacific University. While there, he was named 2015 Teacher of the Year. He has several professional and scholarly publications in major research journals. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Embry-Riddle Planning Major Expansion

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It ranked No.2 overall for Best Regional Colleges in the West.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Chancellor Anette Karlsson shared plans for major expansion on the ERAU Prescott campus in coming years with the Board of Visitors during its fall meeting Sept. 29.

Karlsson said expansion proposals were prompted by the increasing enrollment on the Prescott campus. This fall, enrollment is approaching 3,200. In 2020, enrollment was 3,004; and in 2019, enrollment was 2,946. Those numbers include both undergraduate and graduate students.

Major multi-million construction needs being considered include a new residence hall and demolition of the existing student union building and construction of a new one. Karlsson said these two facilities currently are being considered by the ERAU Board of Trustees.

It was noted the consistent high national ranking of the ERAU-Prescott campus by U.S. News & World Report created positive visibility and attraction for the campus. This past month, the magazine rated the Prescott campus as “No. 1 in the Nation Best College for Veterans.”

It ranked No.2 overall for Best Regional Colleges in the West.

Its engineering program also received high marks nationally: No. 7 best undergraduate program in electrical engineering; No. 11 for best undergraduate program in mechanical engineering; No. 14 for best undergraduate program in computer engineering.

College of Engineering Dean Ron Madler said growth in that college was such that a new aeronautical complex and a propulsion laboratory are under consideration.

Representatives from the Department of Flight note that 35 new aircraft have been added to the ERAU fleet in order to accommodate the increasing number of students training to become pilots. Approximately 900 students are taking pilot training.

The Golden Eagle Flight Team, which won its 13th national championship last spring, now has 27 active members and is looking to add a third aircraft to its competition fleet of Cessna 150s.

The athletic program continues to grow with the addition of intercollegiate men’s baseball and other sports. In fact, ERAU will host the CAL-PAC conference volleyball championship. Interim Athletic Director Phil Hess said athletic facilities – both indoor and outdoor – need major upgrading.

Steve Bobinsky, executive director of philanthropy, reported that five philanthropy councils had been formed, with local community members to assist the university by serving as ambassadors in creating public awareness of projects for which support was needed. More details about those councils are available through Bobinsky at bobinb97@erau.edu or by calling 928 777-4210. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Center for the Future Makes its Home in Downtown Prescott

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Six high-tech firms are now partners.

What was formerly a City of Prescott annex building behind City Hall is now home to the Center for the Future, a hub for innovation, incubation, business attraction, growth and retention of cutting-edge technology firms.

It became official at noon, Friday, July 13, when CFF President and Director John Haass, Ph.D., was joined by leaders from the community, city, Yavapai County, State of Arizona and representatives of Congress in declaring the CFF officially at home at 220 South Marina.

Phase 1 of the project will be housed in approximately 3,500 square feet of leased space in the former City Annex. High tech firms located there include Simple WAN, SEG West (Systems Engineering Group is a subsidiary of AXIENT), CyberCore International, GSIS and a stealth start-up named NEWCO. Also in the complex is Cyber Warfare Range, a digital jungle gym that offers training and competition to participants.

During a program organized by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and emceed by spokesperson Sanford Cohen, several speakers emphasized how the center will stimulate the economy by supporting employment and retention of local college and university graduates.

Harry Oberg, former Prescott mayor and now District 1 Supervisor on the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors (BOS), said, “I want our bright, talented young people to remain here in the Quad Cities.”

Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli said when he first heard the term “incubator” associated with the CFF, he thought of the incubators his parents used in Kansas when they were hatching chickens. “That’s an apt analogy. What the CFF will do is hatch new businesses.”

It was noted that one of the slogans for the CFF is “Accelerating regional economics through technology.”

During remarks to the more than 80 people attending the ribbon-cutting and grand opening, Haass said he was pleased that CFF, incorporated as a non-profit organization, has in less than a year attracted a number of high-tech companies that want to call Prescott home. “Our having the support of the city and the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Foundation, as well as a number of community businesses and organizations, is making what once seemed impossible possible.”

Haass, who is also a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, said the past six months have been especially successful. Several grant proposals have been submitted for Rural Economic Development Funding and a number of local philanthropists have made contributions to the CFF.

He noted that architects are working on plans for a potential Phase III 15,000-square-foot multistory home for the center.

The vision for the CFF began about six years ago during a fall “brainstorming breakfast” led by then ERAU Chancellor Frank Ayers. He challenged those present to set aside preconceived boundaries. Someone tossed out the “Center for the Future” notion. “It caught on, with the result that today, the greater community has enthusiastically endorsed the CFF,” said Jim Robb, a former economic development consultant for the City of Prescott. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information, email
info@centerforfutureprescott.com.

Center for the Future Set for Cyber Mobility

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Cyber mobility is a theme that will see technologies continue to grow and dominate through the next several decades.

The Center for the Future (CFF), a project dedicated to the creation of economic development growth and quality job creation, has moved into office space provided by the City of Prescott.

The Prescott City Council approved a lease agreement on March 9, making the space available to the Center for the Future and its parent organization, the Prescott Regional Opportunity Foundation (PROF), a non-profit organization.

The space, formerly identified as the City Hall Annex just east of Prescott City Hall, was made available when the city reorganized several departments as a result of so many employees working from home during the pandemic. A total of 10 office suites are available in Building 218. Other offices in the basement of 216 and the 220 South Marina facility will soon be available after some renovation.

CFF director Jon Haass, also a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), said almost 3,500 square feet of office space will be remodeled, refurnished and available to accommodate the companies participating in the center. Some office furniture has been donated and moved into offices to help the CFF partners.

Haass said a ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally announce the opening of the CFF is expected this month.

The intention of CFF is to be an incubator, accelerator and attractor of companies to the greater Prescott region. “Cyber mobility is a theme that will see technologies continue to grow and dominate through the next several decades,” Haass said.

The CFF website suggests that by joining the CFF, “…you will gain access to partner with established and proven providers throughout Arizona and the western U.S. Mentors in our ecosystem are experts and leaders in their industry, having built successful businesses, and want to help build yours.  Our innovation platform is the single best place to find your next big customer.”

The first company to move into the new office space was SimpleWAN, which focuses on assembling remotely-managed network devices so that it is easier to connect, secure and automate distributed and remote networks. SimpleWAN’s CEO Eric Knight moved the company from Phoenix to Prescott.

Another partner company is Cyber Core International, which works with large corporations to provide executive security. As a result of its move to Prescott, the company will expand its offerings to include managed cyber security offerings. It was relocated from San Jose, California, by CEO Gabe Navarette, an ERAU-Prescott alumnus.

Additional companies are seeking to join the Center, Haass said. Systems Engineering (SEG) is considering growing in Prescott since its lead engineering manager moved here last fall. Additional space for expansion is being sought.

CFF is a program created through the PROF, sponsored by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Foundation. PROF has formed partnerships with many local and regional organizations, including the Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona Technology Council and Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG).

“We’re pleased to be involved in nurturing the partnership among these organizations and these educational institutions,” said NACOG Regional Director Teri Drew. “It’s such a pleasure to work with professionals who have solid economic and financial goals that benefit the greater community.”

In addition, CFF and PROF are reaching out to students and alumni of local institutions of higher education such as ERAU, Yavapai College and Northern Arizona University. CFF also is establishing relationships with Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.

Jim Robb, vice president of PROF and a former City of Prescott economic development consultant, said support for the project has been enthusiastic. The City of Prescott set aside $92,000 as initial support for the center. Various corporate and individual contributions, plus grants from local state and federal sources, will continue to provide financial assistance.

Zach Ferres, co-founder of Coplex, Hal Hayden, an executive with Trinity Capital, and Tony Hamer, president of Growth, Strategy and Innovation, have joined the CFF advisory board. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information, visit

centerforfutureprescott.com.

ERAU Closes Out 2020 with Vigor

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Despite a year of detours along the academic pathway, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) President Barry Butler and Chancellor Anette Karlsson say 2020 ended with noteworthy achievements.

Hundreds Graduate in Virtual Commencement

Recognizing students by name, degree and academic honors, Chancellor Karlsson and other academic leaders granted degrees to 621 undergraduate and graduate students during virtual ceremonies Dec. 12. In addition, 50 students received military commissions – 36 from the Air Force ROTC, 13 from Army ROTC and one from Navy ROTC.

Students Selected for Space Force

The newest branch of the military, the U.S. Space Force, selected five seniors from the Prescott campus to be in the initial class of only 250 chosen competitively nationwide. The Space Force is designed to oversee space surveillance and satellite command and control.

NEW AIRCRAFT ADDED TO
EAGLE FLEET
Fifteen new aircraft were added this year, and 19 more are coming in 2021 to meet the constantly growing demand for collegiate professional aviation programs, according to ERAU Vice President for Enrollment Management Jason Ruckert.

Twelve new Cessna 172 Nav Skyhawk aircraft and three Diamond DA 42 NG VI “Twin Star” aircraft joined the Flight Department fleet in 2020. An additional 19 new Skyhawks will be added in 2021, bringing the total number of aircraft used for flight training to 45 planes.

Flight Department Chair Parker Northrup said ERAU anticipates having more than 1,200 flight students within the next five years at the Prescott campus. “We want to ensure our students fly the most up-to-date aircraft with up-to-date avionics in the industry.”

Center for the Future is Reality

The innovative Center for the Future (CFTF) has become a reality and is part of the Prescott Regional Opportunity Foundation. The Center is a hub for innovation, incubation, attraction, growth and retention of companies in key technological industries such as cybersecurity, aerospace, global security operations, materials, agricultural technology and related services.         Recently, the Prescott City Council approved setting aside $1.7 million in existing funds to support the project. Further, the city provided office space for the CFTF Incubation Space at City Hall.

Several major high-tech firms already have become partners and more are expected. Officials say ERAU and Northern Arizona University are working to secure support through the National Science Foundation.

Book Drive Contributes Volumes

Hundreds of youngsters in local schools will be the beneficiaries of the ERAU chapter of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (PKP).

Honor students collected more than 500 books to be distributed among area schools and to Goodwill Industries in order to support and honor the annual “Read Across America Day” on March 2.

According to Anne Boettcher, director of ERAU Honors Programs, and Curtis James, PKP president, student members collected non-textbooks from throughout campus and within the greater community.

“Thank you, Phi Kappa Phi, for your generous donation of books to the K-12 schools in the YC system,” said Yavapai County Librarian Suzie Rother. “These books are a welcome and needed addition to library holdings.”

ERAU Director of Philanthropy Steve Bobinsky calls 2020 a “highly” successful year. “We are anticipating even more successes in 2021, when we hope our programs and activities return to some sort or normalcy.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Center for the Future Taking Shape in the Present

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What was an ambitious College of Security and Intelligence (CIS) vision just four years ago during the annual OctoberWest activities at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERAU) Prescott campus has now become a reality.

That vision, called Center for the Future, was conceived by Jon Haass, who was a founding CIS faculty member and professor. He later was department chair and then interim dean of the ERAU Cyber Intelligence and Security program.

“Our center will form the nucleus for technology job growth and innovation,” Haass told the Quad Cities Business News.

The proposed site for the multi-story center is on the east side of the Deep Well Ranch/Chrystal Lane and SR 89 intersection near the Prescott Regional Airport. Haass and his colleagues are currently working with architects and a builder in defining the needs and concept. Construction is expected to begin this coming year, thanks to support from local individuals and groups, Haass said.

Several anchor tenants for the center already have signed on. One is Katalyst Space Technologies, which was created by ERAU grads Ghonhee Lee and Kaleb Beebout. It will focus on lower cost and more sustainable approaches to satellite operations.

Another tenant will be Simple WAN from Phoenix, a networking company focused on small and mid-sized businesses and their need to secure employee home office connectivity.

Additional innovative companies that have expressed interest include GSIS, an international global security firm with headquarters in Washington, D.C.; Cybercore International from Silicon Valley, California; and GOPADZ, from Southern California.

As defined by Haass, the mission for the center is to become a hub for incubation and innovation, accelerate growth of companies, create local jobs for local residents, and attract companies to locate in the Quad Cities area and to provide employees and their families with opportunities for high quality of life in the greater Prescott region.

When Haass first proposed the center, it was supported by then-ERAU Chancellor Frank Ayers, now retired, and several city and community leaders. Current Chancellor Anette Karlsson has enthusiastically endorsed the objectives of the center.

The advisory group, which helped define and propel the center, is now initiating the paperwork to create a separate 501(c)3 corporation. Those legal documents should be completed within the next few months. That status will allow donations, gifts and other philanthropic opportunities to have a tax advantage and to create eligibility for grants restricted to the non-profit sector, Haass said.

“Central and Northern Arizona are ideal locations to retain talent and to avoid the churn of employees that some larger tech hubs are experiencing,” he said. “Faculty, students and technology at Embry-Riddle-Prescott as well as other institutions of higher education have a unique opportunity to fuel the development of companies – both existing and to-be-formed – in a variety of exciting fields.”

Haass anticipates it will take five to seven years to see the center grow to the potential that has occurred in other rural communities. He speculates that over time, more than 100 jobs will be created through local incubation and 485 indirectly through attraction. He also predicts more than $111 million in additional taxable income eventually, because of the new job creation.

Emerging fields have been identified, including cyber security, global security, autonomous and robotic systems, data science, simulation science, block chain, supply chain and software.

“I believe these will be among the top areas for private and public investment in coming decades,” he said. “We are forming partnerships with the Quad Cities, with regional developers, existing tech companies, and higher education institutions such as Yavapai College (YC) and Northern Arizona University (NAU). We’re also borrowing ideas from other technology centers such as Skysong in Scottsdale, Plug and Play in Sunnyvale, California and the Southwestern Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs.

Haass earned his Ph.D. in mathematics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also earned two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Wyoming, Laramie.

Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli wholly endorses the Center for the Future. In a written statement following unanimous approval by the Prescott City Council to set aside up to $3.7 million in existing city funds to support the project, Mengarelli said, “We recognize the vital role the center will play in the current and future economy of Prescott. We have invaluable partnerships with many stakeholders, including our four local universities and colleges. We seek to retain a much greater proportion of the talented graduates who are educated and trained in Prescott but who unfortunately have to leave to pursue their careers.”

City of Prescott Economic Development Consultant Jim Robb said of the center, “This opportunity will serve as an incubator for major high-tech companies. It will be the start of creating organically high-paying jobs for our local graduates and citizens. The proposed location near the new regional airport terminal is perfect.”

Haass praised the people who have supported the creation of the center through the last four years. He specifically cited the local governments of Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley. “It takes a village to make something like this happen. We see this as a regional resource because the employees will be living throughout the Quad Cities area. Everyone will win with this venture.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Satellite Design Start-Up Chooses Prescott

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Prescott’s technology sector revved up in May with two 2018 aerospace graduates from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) returning as entrepreneurial professionals to jumpstart their new business venture, Katalyst Space Technologies, LLC.

“While many of my students over the years wanted to stay and start their careers in Prescott, Ghonhee Lee is the first one to actually do it,” said Rick Gibson, an associate professor in ERAU’s School of Business and a mentor to Lee. “I think Katalyst Space Technologies will be very successful.”

Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Ghonhee Lee had kept ties with Prescott while starting his career with a major aerospace industry firm in Tucson after graduation. Chief Technology Officer Nicholas Liapis went on to earn his master’s in aerospace engineering at ERAU-Daytona. Co-founder Kaleb Beebout acquired four patents for inventions in a previous startup.

“We want to challenge ourselves to the limit,” Lee said. “The industry needs innovators to drive acceleration in satellite development. Our technology is absolutely necessary to push the world to adopt more sustainable approaches to satellite operations.”

Katalyst specializes in satellite design and architecture to build satellites from the ground up utilizing systems and components readily updated and replaced at the end of their useful life, Lee explained. The firm offers proprietary Communication Network Design to government, commercial, private and public sector entities such as global satellite telecommunications operators, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

“Our company culture respects people as individuals with a strong emphasis on different needs, bypassing a rigid organizational structure that essentially pays people to sit in chairs for nine hours a day,” Lee said. “This cultural approach, along with our philosophy of work, is just as exciting to me as our technology.”

Lee, Liapis and Beebout “thrive on wearing many hats,” Lee explained. “While my focus is the long-term strategy and vision, Nick dials in the engineering solutions, and Kaleb pushes innovation. Our strength stems from individual immersion deep into these very diverse disciplines and the ability to ‘cross over’ when making mission-critical decisions.”

With a growth trajectory to 27 full-time employees by year-end 2021, Katalyst just wrapped up a five-student summer internship program and currently supports two interns in fall co-ops. The firm was in a unique position over the summer to offer internship opportunities to students as other programs collapsed under the pandemic.

Internships hasten “proper professional guidance of highly motivated student talent, the growth opportunity for participants to expand well beyond the standard curriculum at their schools, and the potential to introduce a ‘rapid-fire accelerated green-field project that comes around once in a career to start from scratch,’” Lee said. “It is amazing what a team can accomplish when you trust and empower them with the final responsibility while providing the support they need to get the job done. Our summer internship has been an excellent example of synergizing with and capitalizing on the untapped resources of the area.”

Prescott’s “natural beauty, strong outdoor recreation, tight community, and very strong backbone of intellectual talent pool” drew Katalyst to the community, Lee shared. “We love all that Prescott has to offer and want to blend that into our vision for the future.”

ERAU Professor of Cyber Intelligence and Security Jon Haass, Ph.D., said that the “timing dovetails with the city’s newly-approved seed investment in the Center for the Future business incubator, for which the Prescott City Council just released $92,500 in preliminary startup funds that will allow outreach and attraction to other companies like Katalyst.”

Meanwhile, Katalyst has received support from the Northern Arizona Technology Alliance (NATA), former ERAU Chancellor Frank Ayers, and Scott Hathcock and David Johns of Flagstaff’s Moonshot at the Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NACET).

“These young people started their company with money they saved,” said Jim Robb, NATA founding member and City of Prescott economic development consultant. “They left jobs at Boeing and Raytheon to incubate in Prescott. They are to be admired for their courage and inspiration to help with Prescott’s future. I enjoy working with them because they are as enthusiastic as they are smart.”

Lee’s motivation for Katalyst arose from disenchantment with what he described as the slow pace of development at traditional aerospace companies, despite industry promises of deep space exploration and colonies on the moon.

“Our ability to build the right team and intellectual capital is critical to our success here in Prescott,” Lee concluded. “Just as our products offer incredible flexibility to our customers, we as a team must remain flexible, adaptable and agile. It’s all about mindset and willpower: the mindset to challenge accepted norms and the willpower to take novel approaches to the wall.

“Prescott has a lot of potential, but as it is, it doesn’t offer everything we need to keep our company here in the long run. We need something like the Center for the Future to make that happen.” QCBN

By Sue Marceau, QCBN

 

ERAU Economic Impact Approaching $400 Million

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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott (ERAU) has grown in 42 years from a small campus with 264 students to what now is rated the world’s No. 1 aerospace and aeronautical university.

In addition, the ERAU-Prescott campus is now estimated to have had an economic impact of $392 million across Arizona last year, a 41% increase in the past four years. The university provides about 3,000 permanent jobs, up 38% from four years ago.

These data were supplied by Washington Economic Group (WEG) experts who conducted a comprehensive study of the entire ERAU organization – the Arizona campus, the Daytona Beach, Florida, campus and the approximately 125 worldwide campus locations for the university. Overall, ERAU collectively educates more than 33,500 students in degree programs that range from baccalaureate and master’s to doctoral degrees.

The WEG consulting firm that specializes in analyzing emerging and global economies said in its report the university is a leading creator of high-wage employment in both Arizona and Florida economies.

In Yavapai County, ERAU is rated a major and essential economic driver. Immediate support in the Quad Cities community totals more than 2,853 jobs, which result in $318 million in total economic impact, according to the report. WEG estimates that ERAU’s activities added $173 million to the county’s gross domestic product (GDP), the total value of goods and services produced.

WEG also projects that future ERAU cumulative capital spending plans during FY21 to FY25 in Arizona will have a total economic impact of $161 million and create 181 jobs.

It’s estimated that ERAU alumni generated about $86 million in total economic activity in Arizona this year.

ERAU President Barry Butler, whose main office is in Florida, praised Board of Trustees Chairman Mori Hosseini for leadership that is “paving the way for future high-paying jobs and economic prosperity.”

Butler noted that between the Arizona and the Florida campuses, coupled with the influence of worldwide campuses and online courses, the combined overall impact of ERAU now surpasses $2.3 billion.

“For more than 40 years, ERAU has made a substantial impact on Prescott,” said Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli. “Now, more than ever, we are grateful for not only the economic impact but also the university’s continued partnership with the city.”

Chancellor Anette Karlsson of the ERAU-Prescott campus told Quad Cities Business News, “We’re so proud to call Arizona, especially Prescott, home. Not only is it important to us to provide quality employment for hundreds of Yavapai County residents, it’s also important for us to educate and graduate a very high-caliber student.”

Karlsson says ERAU and Prescott enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship and that it is important for the university to give back to the community through activities such as planetarium shows, athletic events, the Wings Out West Airshow and Homecoming.

Many Fall Events Canceled
Karlsson expressed regret that several traditional fall activities have been canceled because of concerns for the health and safety of the university community and thousands of parents, fans and supporters. “We simply cannot risk holding large gatherings and events amid this ongoing pandemic,” she said.

Among those are the OctoberWest Homecoming and the Wings Out West Airshow ordinarily scheduled for October.

Also canceled – for the second time – is the Spring 2020 Commencement, which was postponed because of the COVID-19 shutdown mandated in May. The ceremony had been rescheduled for Oct. 2, but now has been rescheduled for some time in Spring 2021.

Eagle varsity athletes and sports fans of soccer, volleyball and cross-country are disappointed that the California Pacific Conference (Cal-Pac), of which they are members, has announced that all fall sports competitions will be moved to Spring 2021. Though coaches and athletes may undergo some training, competition schedules will be realigned in cooperation with the Cal-Pac and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Current projections indicate that fall enrollment will be equal to, if not slightly higher than, last year with approximately 3,000 students. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN