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jerome

A Toyful Beginning

July 1, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Owners say children’s toy store is a dream come true.

Toyful, a new toy store in downtown Prescott, is a love story about the couple that created it and the community that welcomed it.

It was a toy store in Jerome that first grabbed Brad James’ imagination. And for the past 13 years, he has dreamed about opening his own toy store, working as a web designer to save money for the investment.

His fiancé, Alice Ross, not only fully supported his dream, but told him the toy store would need a tree in the middle. On vacations, the two would visit other toy stores to get ideas.

Today, the dream has been manifested, including the tree. And there are plenty of toys – with more than a thousand different kinds, including bouncing balls, bows and arrows, puzzles, wooden trains and stuffed animals. As an added attraction, James gives impromptu juggling lessons.

Ross brings her own expertise as a kindergarten teacher at Skyview Elementary School. “Working in the classroom, I know what’s magical to the kids, so I know what they want,” she said.

The couple has been together eight years and a September wedding is planned. He grew up in Prescott. She was raised in Jerome. They also have a love affair with the community, as family, friends and community members have been following their long-awaited goal of the toy store.

“It turned out great because opening the store was a collaborative effort,” James said.

The joyous response from the community was palpable on June 15, the day the store opened. Many locals came in, not just to shop, but also to hug the new owners and join in the celebration.

“The locals are 100% behind us, and we are also getting people from out of town. On opening day, we had people from Phoenix and the retired community wants to bring their grandchildren here,” said Ross. “Our first day was off the charts. We have beautiful friends and community support.”

One of the goals is to bring more creativity to all ages, especially to youngsters. “I want to bring back old-fashioned play so children can create art or whatever they want,” said James. “Technology seems to do the opposite.”  QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Toyful is located at 205 N. Cortez. For more information, the owners can be reached at shoptoyful@gmail.com.

Photo by Stan Bindell: Toyful owners Brad James and Alice Ross hold toys by the big tree in the middle of the store.

Filed Under: Business, Local News, Tourism Tagged With: Alice Ross, Brad James, jerome, toy store, Toyful

Understanding Labor Market Trends in Yavapai County

May 26, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

It’s important to note that labor trends can change over time and the specific conditions in Yavapai County may evolve with industry needs.

Yavapai County has its own unique labor trends and characteristics. General information about labor trends in Yavapai County are based on historical information from September 2021 to the present.

Yavapai County has a diverse economy, with multiple sectors driving employment. Some of the significant industries in the region include health care, tourism, education, government, retail, construction and manufacturing.

The healthcare sector is a major employer in Yavapai County. The county has numerous healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and specialty care centers. Jobs in health care range from medical professionals to support staff and administration. The current average hourly rate of pay is $41.35 in the healthcare sector.

Yavapai County is known for its natural beauty, scenic landscapes and historical attractions. Popular tourist destinations in the county include Prescott, Sedona, Jerome and the Verde Valley. The tourism industry provides employment opportunities in hospitality, lodging, restaurants, outdoor recreation and retail. The current average hourly rate of pay is $17.31 in the tourism sector.

Yavapai County has several educational institutions, including colleges, community colleges, universities and school districts. These institutions offer employment opportunities for educators, administrators, support staff and other related roles. The current average hourly rate of pay is $25.05 in the education sector.

Government jobs, both at the county and local level, contribute significantly to the labor market in Yavapai County. These jobs include positions in administration, law enforcement, public safety, public works and social services. The current average hourly rate of pay is $21.88 in the government sector.

The construction industry plays a crucial role in Yavapai County’s economy, driven by residential and commercial development projects. Infrastructure development, such as road construction and improvement, also provides employment opportunities. The current average hourly rate of pay is $23.11 in the construction sector.

Yavapai County has a small but growing manufacturing sector. Manufacturing jobs can be found in industries such as aerospace, electronics, food processing and more. These jobs often require specialized skills and training. The current average hourly rate of pay is $20.62 in the manufacturing sector.

It’s important to note that labor trends can change over time and the specific conditions in Yavapai County may evolve with industry needs. It is always advisable to consult local employment agencies, economic development organizations and government sources that specialize in labor market data for the region. With Yavapai County’s unemployment rate at 2.9%, there are still many employment opportunities in each of the listed sectors. Visit Yavapai County | ARIZONA@WORK (arizonaatwork.com) to learn more about labor market trends, employment and training opportunities. QCBN

By Teri Drew

Teri Drew is the executive director of the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board.

Filed Under: Columnists Tagged With: jerome, Prescott, Sedona, Teri Drew, Verde Valley, Yavapai County, Yavapai County Workforce Development Board

New Camp Verde Economic Development Director is Committed to the Region

April 3, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Molly Spangler weaves historic charm with modern benefits.

Molly Spangler beams with excitement about embracing and enhancing the Town of Camp Verde as the new economic development director.

“We have a competitive advantage here in Camp Verde,” said Spangler, who served as economic development director in Sedona for six and a half years. “Camp Verde is one of the last communities that has agricultural rural character and a very cool historic downtown. There’s a lot of opportunity here and a great plan in place, alongside a coordinated effort and direction from the council, to move forward.”

Maintaining the persona of the Town of Camp Verde is one of Spangler’s top priorities. “Change is inevitable, like death and taxes, but I think our job is to make sure we’re balancing those community needs and values. We want Camp Verde to stay the way it is, but we also want the good stuff, like jobs. My role is not to copy what Sedona or Cottonwood or any other municipality is doing but to leverage what we want and define what our niche is.”

The Verde Valley encompasses Sedona, Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Prescott, Cornville, Jerome and Lake Montezuma. “When you work in one municipality here in the Verde Valley, you work regionally.  It’s the only way to make changes happen, so I’ve been working with my counterpart, former Town of Camp Verde Economic Director Steve Ayers, for several years.” Ayers just recently retired.

“When it came time to start a succession plan, I knew my first choice would be Molly. She has the skill set Camp Verde will need over the coming years to move forward in a thoughtful and strategic way,” said Ayers.  I couldn’t be happier that she accepted the position, knowing she will be the person leading Camp Verde’s economic development efforts for the foreseeable future.”

Small-town living is familiar to Spangler, as she grew up in Bluffs, Illinois, where the population was about 800. After college, Spangler joined the Peace Corps and spent a lot of time doing economic development work because she wanted to focus on environmental studies, which was not popular at the time.

“I was told that nobody cared about environmental work, so that’s when I started working in community and economic development and got my master’s in economics. I worked in Illinois for a few years before moving to Wyoming, where I stepped into the position of their state’s economic development agency, the Wyoming Business Council. I was there eight-and-a-half years and ran their Investment Ready Communities division.”

“Molly and I haven’t worked together long, but so far I’m really impressed with what she brings to the table,” said Camp Verde Interim Town Manager Gayle Mabery. “She has literally jumped in with both feet and has engaged the business community, working collaboratively with all the departments. I look forward to great things to happen in Camp Verde as a result of her efforts.”

Spangler joked that her primary goal is to find the bathrooms and conference rooms and learn everyone’s name. “The goals here are not my goals but the goals of the Town Council,” said Spangler. “Everyone I’ve been working with has been pretty wonderful. Our primary objective is to make sure we are moving along in our five-year community and economic development strategic plan. Top on the list is Main Street development and revitalization. We just had our first meeting.”

Another primary objective is to construct a sewer line along Highway 260 to have adequate infrastructure for future development.

The team at Town of Camp Verde Economic Development consists of Economic Development Specialists Crisi Clark and Sean Brooks, as well as three ambassadors at the visitor’s center.

“I feel that Camp Verde is very fortunate to have Molly on board. With her experience in economic development and her love of the area, she will be a great leader for our team and community,” said Clark.

“I worked with Molly in Sedona for about a year when I was with AmeriCorps Vista, also serving as economic specialist,” said Brooks. “I couldn’t be happier that she’s my director again. The transition has been smooth and positive and she will do great things for this community. She’s a great boss and incredibly smart. She knows economic development inside and out and I’m looking forward to our accomplishments together. She will do great things for this community.”

Outside of work, Spangler spends time with her husband, Andy, an elementary school teacher, and their 9-year-old son.

From the economic development front, FrameTec, a manufacturer and framing services company, has announced its expansion to Camp Verde. The business plans to operate out of a 110,000-square-foot facility and is scheduled to be open by 2024. FrameTec expects to create more than 180 new jobs.

 Best Advice
“Smart people ask questions,” was the advice I’ve been given, and I routinely give the same advice. In an effort to not make assumptions and to better understand the issues, we have to ask questions. I now say this regularly to my son, my team and myself, for the only way we can learn and help is to ask questions.

My Role Models 
Nothing’s more inspiring than watching a professional live their values of creating change, being brave and doing what it takes to see their goals come true. It’s inspiring when people volunteer their time to serve on boards and run for elected office to make a positive impact on their community. Many of my role models balance motherhood, professional jobs and adversity and that’s what motivates me to keep doing the work I get to do!

What I Would Tell My Younger Self 
I would tell her to spend more time enjoying the process and journey. Some of my fondest professional moments have been working with great partners on difficult projects. Those projects often felt insurmountable, but it was a true pleasure working alongside great people.

My Ideal Vacation
My ideal vacation involves spending time with people I love and exploring beautiful scenery. I love seeing different parts of our country and the world, meeting new people, experiencing new things and culture, and partaking in their local foods and traditions.

On a Day Off  
I love to read, hike, cook new recipes, do art and painting with my son, volunteer, and help family and friends. QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Camp Verde Economic Development Director Molly Spangler loves the historic town’s character and possibilities.

Filed Under: Business, Community Profile, Education, Elections, Spotlight, Tourism Tagged With: camp verde, Camp Verde Economic Development Director Molly Spangler, Clarkdale, Cornville, Cottonwood, jerome, Lake Montezuma, Molly Spangler, Prescott, Sedona, Town of Camp Verde Economic Director Steve Ayers

Seasonal Sipping

October 31, 2021 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Willcox, Verde Valley cultivate ripe conditions for winter wines.

Winter fog hovers over the deck outside. A fire is lit and stacked logs crackle and pop as the hostess puts out a cheese, fruit and cracker tray on a side table. Four wine glasses stand ready to receive intoxicating treats from the bottle she presents.

The hostess turns the distinctive gold label so her guests can read, “Carlson Creek, 2018 Rule of Three, Red Blend, Arizona,” a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre grapes that defines the style of Cotes du Rhone wine.

Her hospitality sets the stage for the world of winter wines, a perfect pairing for the cooler temperatures of the holiday season.

Standing as a prime example of Arizona’s winter wine offerings, one of the state’s largest and family-owned vineyards, Carlson Creek Vineyard, has just introduced its newest winter wines, the 2018 Rule of Three, 2018 Malbec, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2020 Odyssey.

All four winter wines are available for seasonal sipping and purchase at the Carlson Creek Vineyard tasting rooms in Cottonwood, Scottsdale and Willcox, where the Carlson family operates its 320-acre vineyard in the heart of Cochise County, in southeastern Arizona.

“Winter wine tends to reflect and pair well with winter cuisine,” said Robert Carlson III, the co-founder who spearheaded the creation of the family business in 2008. “They are richer, heartier and higher in alcohol, and go well with the heavy holiday meals we associate with winter. In the summer months, wine is meant to be refreshing; in the winter it is to be warming. It is an excellent time for Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec or our Rule of Three blend.”

According to an October press release on the Carlson winter wines, the 2018 Rule of Three is an award-winning wine, which has a dark and mysterious nose and tastes of overripe blackberry, blueberry and crushed violets, as well as a touch of vanilla and sweet sage.

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon has an aroma of black cherry liqueur, uncut violets, and a subtle waft of cinnamon, followed by hints of Maraschino cherries and bright fresh raspberries on the palate.

The 2020 Odyssey is a unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec that was made especially for Carlson and his wife, Britney, for their wedding day in 2021, but a limited number of bottles are available for purchase at the three tasting rooms.

The Carlson extended family history includes farming in pre-war Poland and in the Midwestern fields of Illinois.

In 2008, Carlson, now 40, left his career as a stockbroker to pursue a less stressful life. He decided to reinvent the family dream of farming with vine planting on the original 40-acre plot of Carlson land in Willcox.

“We have always had a love of wine and viewed it as essential to a well-set table,” Carlson recalled. “But I was the one who brought the idea of starting a wine estate to my family just before the Great Recession. Our family had been farmers for generations in the United States and in Europe. Though our grandfather had mentioned some distant winemaking in the family’s past, we had no current experience. It was the burgeoning wine industry in Arizona that truly kindled our fascination. Once we saw the quality and the potential for growth, our love of wine grew into a passion for winemaking.”

Family roots in Arizona run deep, as most members have lived in the state “at one time or another,” Carlson said, “from my father’s parents time in Nogales, to my father’s time stationed at USMC Yuma, to all my siblings attending Arizona universities, and even as the location that my grandmother entered the United States.”

The Willcox area provides a favorable terroir, or complete natural environment for producing wines, which encompasses soil, topography and climate.

“It is an excellent area, as evidenced by the majority of Arizona wine grapes being grown there,” Carlson explained. “There are several factors that put it as the top wine-growing region. One is the elevation, which moderates temperature. The second is our sandy, loamy soil that is excellent for grapevines. Third is our unfettered access to water, for now. The last factor is often overlooked, and it is the agricultural community. The support network of this community from farm advisor, irrigation expertise, fertilizer production, ready at hand labor, to tractor mechanic and dealers, is essential to support an expanding growing region.”

Carlson encouraged other members of his family to join in the wine enterprise, including his younger brother, John, 33, who came on board as the head winemaker after studying winemaking and viticulture and interning at local wineries to gain experience.

Their father, Robert “Bob” Carlson, Jr., 70, longtime lawyer and a retired Marine fighter pilot, worked every step of the way with his sons, as a co-owner, financial advisor and even a day laborer in the vineyards.

Their mother, Elizabeth Carlson, handles everything from accounting and retail merchandise, to representing Carlson Creek at wine festivals throughout the state.

Their sister, Katherine Carlson, managed the development of the distinctive Carlson Creek logo, wine labels and other design needs and handles the company’s legal affairs.

The eldest Carlson son, Robert, who lives in Gilbert, now splits his time between Willcox, Scottsdale and Cottonwood, overseeing sales, retail operations, distribution and the vineyard’s three tasting rooms, in addition to managing the vineyards and production facility with his brother, John, who lives in Scottsdale.

“My brother, John, and I develop the wines together,” Carlson noted, “though we take full input from our cellar staff. Good ideas are always welcome, so we encourage a collaborative atmosphere.”

In addition to in the tasting rooms, Carlson wines are available for purchase in Sedona at Art of Wine, Made in Arizona Wine and Gift, and Bashas’, as well as Sedona, State Bar, Cottonwood, The Grand Canyon Wine Company, Williams and at Vino Zona, Jerome.

Another good terroir for vineyards is the Verde Valley, where the Carlson family opened their third tasting room in December 2018 in Cottonwood on North Main Street.

“The terroir of the Valley is also outstanding, though more expensive and challenging to farm,” Carlson said. “I have always enjoyed the difference of the two regions. Water rights tend to be more difficult and the ag community is not as large, a good spot on either the Verde River or Oak Creek produced excellent concentration.”

There are some challenges for growing grapes in the Verde Valley, such as frost along the riverbeds that can provide channels for cold air and insects in the riparian areas can act as vectors for disease for grapevines, he added.

Carlson’s previous experience in the Verde Valley led to expansion of the family business into that region.

“I chose the Verde Valley because it is where I got my start in the Arizona wine industry. I worked harvests on many of the vineyards in the area, interned in one of the top cellars in the state, and got to know the character of the pioneering industry there. Plus, I just like spending time in such a beautiful place.”

The Carlson family has felt welcomed and encouraged by Verde Valley residents and visitors.

“The response we received was overwhelmingly positive,” Carlson said. “We made our wine in Verde Valley for almost half the winery’s existence before consolidating production in on our vineyard in Willcox. You can still find bottles in our tasting room that say either Camp Verde or Cornville. So, it was less of us going there to expand and it was returning. All of our ‘new neighbors’ were really just our old friends.”

Carlson does not see other wineries as competitors. In fact, he says the more wineries in the area, the better, as they attract more visitors.

“It is about growing the pie, instead of arguing over the pieces. But that is the Arizona wine industry for you: positive, supportive and forward looking. That is why I love it — that, and the delicious wine.”

Plans for Carlson Creek Vineyard include tours in Willcox after the New Year.

“The grounds surrounding our winery are currently being redone and we are excited to share all the improvements with our guests in early 2022.” QCBN

By Betsey Bruner, QCBN

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: 2018 Malbec, 2018 Rule of Three, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2020 Odyssey, Carlson Creek Vineyard, Cotes du Rhone wine, Cottonwood, jerome, Robert Carlson, Robert Carlson III, Sedona, State Bar, The Grand Canyon Wine Company, Williams and at Vino Zona, winter wines

Wine Tasting Like a Rock Star

February 8, 2021 By quadcities Leave a Comment

The Arizona brand has produced wines that have won national and international awards.

Want to experience the definition of homegrown? Cottonwood’s Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Osteria could be your answer.

The restaurant, which opened in 2016, offers its customers an alluring experience, where everything from the pasta to the wine is made in the Verde Valley. The restaurant is located at 1001 N. Main Street, Cottonwood.

Merkin Vineyards is a division of Caduceus Cellars, touted as a small, family-owned operation. Both the business and restaurant have sprouted nicely since the first grapevines were planted.

Caduceus Cellars is owned by winemaker Maynard James Keenan, a Grammy award-winning artist and the lead singer of three bands – Tool, Puscifer and A Perfect Circle. The Arizona brand has produced wines that have won national and international awards.

The customers “get an immersive experience,” Keenan said, “one hundred percent Arizona wines paired with Arizona produce and house-made pastas, breads and gelato. Our ducks provide the eggs for our pastas and quiche. Our greenhouses, gardens and orchards provide a significant amount of produce for our menu.”

Keenan moved to Jerome in 1995, where he owns two tasting rooms and a record store. His other tasting room is located in Old Town Scottsdale. He and others help farm 110 acres in Willcox and the Verde Valley combined – a key factor in making the wine unique.

“We grow our own fruit, which, in our opinion, makes a significant difference in the final result,” he said.

National Sales Director Calvin Arnold says the soil in a particular region plays a big role in the end product. “I have brought winemakers here and some of them will absolutely reach into the ground and pick up and taste a rock. That will tell them kind of the story of that place.”

Arnold said the environment around the vineyard could also change the way the wine tastes. “I mean, you may have flowers growing right next to the vineyard,” Arnold said. “The bees and the pollen –  some of the characteristics and things like lavender can absolutely find their way into the soil. Just coming outside of Sedona, that’s ancient sea there. There are some times where you may be able to pick up saline because there is still saline and salt in that soil.”

The wine growers stick to what works best with varieties of grapes that thrive in Arizona’s hot, dry conditions. Wines can range from $20 to more than $100 per bottle, depending on the type and brand. Red wines found in the Spain and Portugal region, such as Tempranillo and Grenache, and a white wine, Alvarinho, are among those featured at the tasting room locations.

“With us, it was a lot of trial and error,” Arnold said. “Ultimately, we are in Arizona. It’s an up-and-coming region. Even though we may have liked this particular grape, it didn’t want to be here.”

But what did want to be here has found its market. The wine is sold in Australia and New Zealand, along with 43 U.S. states. “Some guy called me and it was the middle of the night,” Arnold said. “I’m like, ‘Where are you?’ He said he was in Hobart, Tasmania.” A local bar was hosting a Caduceus Merkin wine tasting event and there was a line to get in.

Arnold encourages Arizona residents to make a day trip out of visiting Cottonwood and Jerome. In Jerome, guests can sip wine and get a haircut at the in-house barber at Caduceus, or pick up a vinyl or two at the record store. Wine enthusiasts can experience tasting rooms by different businesses on both sides of the street. The area is a short drive to the Southwest Wine Center in Clarkdale.

“We want people to experience Arizona,” Arnold said. “Whether you already live here or not, we’d like to show off our little corner.”

By Brent Ruffner, QCBN

For more information, visit caduceus.org or merkinvineyards.org.

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: 1001 N. Main Street, A Perfect Circle, Alvarinho, Caduceus Cellars, Cottonwood, Grenache, jerome, Maynard James Keenan, Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Osteria, Old Town Scottsdale, Perfect Circle, Puscifer, Tempranillo, Tool, Verde Valley, white wine, wine, winemaker

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