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Serenades and Symphonies to Open Arizona Philharmonic’s Sixth Season

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You will enjoy the precision and elegance of the combined forces of these two esteemed ensembles.

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) welcomes world-renowned conductor Maestro Peter Bay back to the stage to begin its sixth season, which features six compelling performances. Bay will be leading the full orchestra in Serenades and Symphonies on Sept. 10 at the intimate Ruth Street Theater, featuring Beethoven, Dvořák and Martinů.

Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony showcases Beethoven’s mastery of classical form, while hinting at the more daring and innovative Romantic expression that would come to define his later works. Dvořák’s Serenade for Winds, Cello and Bass showcases much of Arizona Philharmonic’s wind section in a colorful work of lyricism and Czech rhythms. Martinů’s lively Sinfonietta La Jolla evokes the spirit of the sun-drenched Californian shores. We are excited to present these diverse and exciting works in the exquisite acoustic environment of the Ruth Street Theater, located on the Prescott High School grounds. Season tickets are on sale through Sept. 10, offering 20% savings for the full season and 10% savings with Pick 3. Visit AZPhil.org for tickets and information.

The Nov. 19 concert welcomes back the Sonoran Winds Quintet, composed of Arizona Philharmonic’s five principal woodwind players, returning to the stage for another captivating performance. Featuring rich, melodic and lively classical works of Reicha, Muczynski, Rubtsov and Farkas, this concert offers a beautiful variety of colors and rich harmonies presented with both virtuosity and lyricism.

On Dec. 17, experience the wonder and hope of the holidays as Arizona Philharmonic presents We Wish You Christmas, featuring the beautiful vocal stylings of three esteemed Arizona sopranos, accompanied by Arizona Philharmonic chamber musicians. This unique ensemble brings back some favorites of the sold-out 2021 performances and celebrates other Christmas tunes in new settings. No holiday season is complete without the music that excites the senses and warms the heart.

The Jan. 7 concert introduces Pianist Anton Nel, an internationally renowned, major-label musician, who joins Maestro Peter Bay and Arizona Philharmonic on stage for Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat Major, K. 271. The concerto is considered to be one of the first masterpieces of the classical style. Einojuhani Rautavaara’s Divertimento for String Orchestra is a beautiful work reflective of the same Finnish tradition of his predecessor, Sibelius. Gershwin’s gentle Lullaby was a favorite of Gershwin’s social circle. It was only performed at private parties during Gershwin’s lifetime, and it was first publicly performed well after Gershwin’s death. Closing out the performance is Haydn’s Symphony No. 45 in F-sharp Minor, best known as the “Farewell” Symphony.

The Feb. 18 concert showcases an annual audience favorite, local pianist and Steinway Artist James D’León, who joins a trio of Arizona Philharmonic principal string players for another stunning performance. D’León’s curated concert includes Gabriel Fauré’s penultimate work, the Piano Trio in D minor, Op. 120, Arvo Pärt’s deeply contemplative Spiegel im Spiegel for cello and piano, Rebecca Clarke’s expressive and innovative Piano Trio, and Robert Schumann’s charming and romantic Piano Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 47.

To close out the season on March 24, Dr. Joshua Harper and his professional chorus Quartz Ensemble return to Prescott to perform with Arizona Philharmonic. The concert features beautiful and emotional works by a variety of composers spanning well over 300 years: Bach, Mendelssohn, Whitacre, Buxtehude, Rheinberger, Vasks, and Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw. You will enjoy the precision and elegance of the combined forces of these two esteemed ensembles. QCBN

By Henry Flurry

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is beginning its sixth season in 2023-2024 as Prescott’s regional professional orchestra, presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. Based in Prescott, AZ Phil draws musicians from across Arizona and is committed to offering transformative music, while nurturing community participation and supporting the needs and growth of the Prescott-area performing arts scene. Recognized in 2021 by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Arts and Culture, Arizona Philharmonic is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization performing at Prescott High School’s Ruth Street Theater. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org and on Facebook.

Henry Flurry is the Arizona Philharmonic executive director.

Courtesy Photo: Maestro Peter Bay returns to conduct Arizona Philharmonic’s Serenades and Symphonies, Sept. 10, at the Ruth Street Theater. 

City Highlights Projects for Year Ahead

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Public safety infrastructure is a priority for the years ahead.

Recently, I presented the State of the City address to business leaders at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Annual meeting. As I stated in my presentation, the state of the city is strong. Here are some of the highlights from my presentation.

We have a new Mayor Pro Tem, Brandon Montoya. I wish to thank Cathey Rusing for her service in this role during the past year, and I look forward to working with Mr. Montoya in this capacity. As you know, we welcomed Connie Cantelme as new councilperson, filling the vacancy left by Jessica Hall who resigned in 2022. Sadly, we also said goodbye to Councilwoman Billie Orr who passed away in January. We offer our condolences to her family and many friends.

The search is underway for a new city manager. After six years, Michael Lamar announced his resignation as of Feb. 14. Tyler Goodman was named interim city manager while the city conducts a national search for his replacement. We wish Mr. Lamar well and look forward to working with Mr. Goodman as we search for a permanent replacement.

The spirit of service is alive and well in Prescott. The city has 28 boards and commissions, of which seven have openings. The city has received 78 total applications from interested citizens. Three important commissions that will be working this year include the Water Policy Review Commission, the Charter Amendment Review Commission and the General Plan Review Commission. Each of these commissions, along with the city’s other boards and commissions, will play an important role in shaping city policy and actions in the year ahead.

The overall financial health of the city remains very strong. Taxable activity and bed tax collections continued to see year over year increases, as of the latest reports. The .75% sales tax to pay down the Public Safety Retirement System unfunded liability has done its job. After just five years, the city’s liability went down from $86 million to about $1.5 million. Therefore, we were able to end the tax on Jan. 1, bringing Prescott’s overall sale tax rate down to 8.35%, the lowest in the area.

Prescott Regional Airport continues to be a focus for the city. Prescott Regional Airport has been consistently in the Top 25 busiest airports in the nation. We will continue to work to encourage industrial and commercial uses around the airport and make sure that residential development is located in appropriate areas, well away from potential impact zones and noise contours. We are also awaiting word about the proposed runway expansion to allow more effective operations at the airport.

Public safety infrastructure is a priority for the years ahead. We are taking a data-driven approach to make sure we are placing resources in appropriate locations to meet the demands of today and tomorrow. We are also taking a proactive approach to recruitment and retention of our public safety personnel to ensure they are well staffed and ready to meet the needs of our growing city.

The city’s revised water policy has been in place since spring 2022. The revised policy is designed to appropriately manage water use and moderate impacts on our water portfolio. Council recently reaffirmed the policy for the next six months. Looking ahead, the Water Policy Review Commission will discuss the procedure for appeals when a development exceeds the allocation limit, then Council will decide how to proceed in those situations

I will close with a few exciting updates about commercial development. In late 2022, FedEx opened their 200,000-square-foot ground and express facility near the airport. In the past two years, there have been 28 commercial industrial parcels acquired, with another 15 in escrow. Espire Sports opened a sports complex, centered around pickleball, at the former Sears location at Prescott Gateway Mall. Speaking of the mall, recently, a new owner took possession of the mall. He will invest a great deal to restore and repair the facility, then will work to bring quality retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues back for our community to enjoy. QCBN

By Phil Goode, QCBN

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

Celebrating the Holidays in Arizona’s Christmas City

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From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and a prosperous and Happy New Year!

During this time of year, our thoughts turn to all of the wonders of Christmas and the holiday season. Prescott is Arizona’s Christmas City. This was done by proclamation by Arizona Governor Rose Mofford in 1989. Prescott has proudly carried this title, and we have endeavored to live up to it ever since. A few years back, Prescott was named one of the best cities in America in which to experience Christmas.

We invite you and your family to join us for the many events that take place between Thanksgiving weekend and New Year’s Eve, including the Holiday Light Parade, the Christmas Parade, the Courthouse Lighting, Acker Night and the Whiskey Row Boot Drop.

The Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza will be lit with thousands of festive lights every evening starting with the Courthouse Lighting ceremony on the Courthouse steps, Dec. 3, including the reading of the biblical Christmas story and traditional Christmas music. The lights will remain through mid-January for all to enjoy. New this year is the Prescott Christmas Village and “Christkindlmarket.”

Also new this year, the Prescott Office of Tourism is offering a chance for folks who are colorblind to experience the true colors of Christmas. They have made special colorblind glasses available at the Prescott Public Library, the Visitor Center at the Prescott Chamber, our three museums and two centers. They are free to borrow for individuals who are colorblind. They even have children’s glasses available.

All of this Christmas City splendor would not be possible without the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and Prescott Downtown Partnership. They are the event organizers and they are supported by hundreds of volunteers giving thousands of hours, as well as sponsors and grants.  This year’s Christmas City festivities are sponsored by Friends of the Jersey Lilly Saloon, Desert Financial Credit Union and the Prescott Office of Tourism.  There are dozens of other companies and individuals who also support Arizona’s Christmas City with donations and volunteer time.

I invite you to come out, stroll the plaza, and while you are there, support the many fine shops and establishments. For more information including dates and times for the Arizona Christmas City events, go to ArizonaChristmasCity.com.

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and a prosperous and Happy New Year! QCBN

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

Market Strategist Discusses Supply Chain, Interest Rates, Inflation, Cars

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He noted that the U.S. economy is bouncing back from one of the worst years since the Great Depression and the potential for growth was one “of the best in nearly 40 years.”

Despite increasing mortgage interest rates, the worst inflation the nation has experienced in 40 years and a falling stock market, a senior analyst and technical market strategist for LPL Financial Investment says, “Don’t panic. The U.S. economy still remains the strongest around the world.”

Scott Brown, based at the LPL office in Charlotte, North Carolina, delivered this message to dozens of business and financial professionals in Prescott. Using the theme, “From Hand-up to Hand-off,” Brown said the market is especially volatile and likely will remain that way through the year.

Brown was invited by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with One AZ Credit Union to speak at the annual spring Economic Forecast 2022 program on May 3 on the Yavapai College Prescott campus.

He emphasized that caution rather than panic should govern stock market decisions. He noted that the U.S. economy is bouncing back from one of the worst years since the Great Depression and the potential for growth was one “of the best in nearly 40 years.”

During a detailed presentation, he defined several major issues for investors:

  • Increasing costs for commodity products such as computer chips.
  • Rising retail sales markets and, at the same time, rising product costs, especially food.
  • Unpredictable and disrupted supply chains, particularly for items necessary in the production of appliances, computers and vehicles.
  • The almost-total shutdown of China, halting any exports.
  • Coal plant closures, which over time affect energy supplies for the country.
  • Increasing housing shortages across the entire nation. In fact, he said that was an “elephant in the room.”
  • Increasing costs of both new and used cars and trucks, with no defined timeline when prices would start dropping again.

“We do know this. We recognized early in the year that 2022 would not be as strong as 2021. The continually increasing higher interests rates will lower bond rates and purchases. Bonds have had two bad years in a row. Changes in the past several months have been abnormal,” Brown said.

He was positive about the U.S. corporate scene. He emphasized that overall, corporate America was quite strong, and that 77% of companies were meeting or exceeding their 2022 estimates. In fact, he saw three positives in the immediate future, items that could keep the market stable. He noted that the COVID-19 impact was now taking a backseat in the United States.

“Globally, Europe and Japan were hit especially hard during the pandemic. But as COVID cases fall internationally, those countries are now ripe for better economic growth in 2022. We do have to watch China, though. It may disappoint us in its growth because of the extreme regulatory crackdown on populations, hence, production, in major cities.”

He predicted the war in Ukraine would not likely have too severe an impact on the U.S. market, and that the majority of investors are really quite “bearish” at this time – not acting aggressively.

He speculated that the upcoming midterm state and Congressional elections will have an ultimate impact on which way stock markets drift for the balance of 2022 and later, 2023.  “Midterm election years are always volatile.”

Brown had a few suggestions about investing during the next several months. Specifically, he said stocks were preferable over bonds, especially U.S. stocks. Brown thought it critical that stock market purchases be “versatile, and not focused on the top 10 or 12 stocks in the market, such as Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Tesla and Google.” He said cyclical factors, such as supply chain improvement, will drive stocks upward. Additionally, if the economy accelerates because of demand for more bank loans, that may reduce interest rate sensitivity.

Responding to several questions from the audience, he recommended being cautious in investing in real estate, especially when mortgage rates were changing so radically. He said too many unpredictable factors, such as a limited labor market, the chronic bottleneck in building and construction supplies, and increasing oil and gas prices, were affecting residential and commercial construction.

Brown reiterated that prices for vehicles were at an all-time high, especially since automotive industries domestically and internationally were not manufacturing enough cars to meet consumer demand.

In conclusion, Brown said an unknown is the impact of inflation and how long it will last. He said the move by the Federal Reserve to increase the benchmark short-term interest rate by half a percentage point was perhaps just the first of several pending rate hikes. “All these moves are in a bid to tame inflation,” he said.

Brown was joined by several other investment executives from One AZ Credit Union, including President and CEO Kim Reedy, Executive Vice President Laura Worzella and One AZ Wealth Management Senior Vice President Tom Mitchell. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Prescott Mayor Calls Economic Outlook ‘Strong’

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“The State of the City is incredibly strong. Our economic vitality is resilient and diverse. An exciting future is ahead of us.”

Prescott Mayor Phil Goode said economic growth in the greater community seemed “…more than just solid for the coming year” when he shared his State of the City comments with hundreds of local residents.

Goode was the featured speaker during the Prescott Chamber of Commerce annual meeting on March 1 at the Prescott Resort.

The mayor’s remarks followed those of outgoing Chamber Board Chair Danielle Rickets, manager at Sir Speedy, and incoming 2022-23 Board Chair Mackenzie Rodgers, a local APS executive. Rodgers said that despite challenges of the past two years, the chamber had taken the lead, adapted, grown and found new and innovative ways to serve the business community.  She pledged she will continue to support events, networking opportunities, partnerships and collaboration during her term as board chair.

Goode emphasized key focus areas for the Prescott City Council, including:

  • Filling the 27 city boards and commissions. So far, more than 95 people have applied for positions.
  • Developing critical initiatives to guide and revise water policy and water use for the city. “Prescott is viewed by the state as having one of the top two water management programs in Arizona.”
  • Reviewing provisions in the city charter to prevent the legislature from overriding locally determined regulations and procedures.
  • Preparing the 10-year City of Prescott General Plan to take effect in 2025. This is required every decade.
  • Providing more support and enhancement of Prescott Regional Airport (PRC) services and facilities, including an extended runway for larger commercial planes.
  • Completing relocation of city offices into the new City Hall on Montezuma and Sheldon Streets.
  • Filling vacancies in city staff caused by retirements and relocations.
  • Reviewing and upgrading fire services. “We haven’t built a new fire station in 30 years. With our growth and expansion, it’s time for several new ones – three more, if possible. We also need a new fire truck. If we order one now, it will take three years for it to be built,” he said.
  • Completing and initiating final steps in the Granite Creek Corridor upgrade and renovation. “The city is seeking more grants and some significant innovations are going to begin this coming summer and fall.”

Goode emphasized that city bed taxes are up considerably, which permits rapid reduction of the City’s PSPRS indebtedness. “Taxes are a strong indicator of economic health. We’ve seen a 40% increase over the past year and I am confident that we’ll continue to see strong growth, even with inflation as a factor.”

Goode cited examples of positive growth. One is the construction of a FedEx distribution center on Centerpointe Dr., south of Hwy 89A in northeast Prescott. “That 220,000-square-foot building lets FedEx bring in considerably more ground and air freight to distribute throughout the region. For perspective, that building is about the size of four football fields. More important, they’ll be hiring dozens of employees.”

A second example was the Espire Sports complex, now under construction in what was the Sears Center at Gateway Mall on Hwy 69.

“This multi-sport, fitness and wellness complex with over 100,000 square feet of sports and entertainment features will be unique in Arizona. Not only will it have 13 indoor pickleball courts, it’ll have a full-size basketball court, four golf simulators, a putting green, volleyball and dodgeball courts, and a restaurant.”

Goode concluded, “The State of the City is incredibly strong. Our economic vitality is resilient and diverse. An exciting future is ahead of us.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Granite Creek Corridor Improvements Delayed

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Goodman said several groups and organizations have been involved in planning corridor improvements.

Long-anticipated improvements along the Granite Creek Corridor will be delayed for at least a year because bids for the requested construction came in substantially higher than what had been originally estimated.

Instead of beginning the improvement project last October, initial construction now likely won’t begin until October 2022, with completion anticipated in April 2023.

Only two bids were submitted, one by Asphalt Paving and Supply for $2.55 million, the other from Fann Contracting Inc., for $3.4 million. Both were significantly higher than the original $1.9 million cost estimate. Bids were received by the City of Prescott and presented to the City Council on Oct. 26.

Tyler Goodman, assistant to the city manager, told Quad Cities Business News that costs were higher because construction and materials costs and supply chain issues had increased dramatically during the past several months. City officials commented that higher estimates on many bid requests are not unusual at this time, and in some cases, costs had increased by as much as 30% to 40%, they said.

“We’ll have to go out to bid again,” Goodman said. “That most likely will take place in late spring or early summer 2022. We’ll be submitting this bid request again through the city’s budget process and will have to receive continued City Council support.”

Another complication is the $500,000 grant the city had applied for through the Land & Water Conservation Fund in 2021 will be delayed until the 2022 round for grants.

Goodman said he and City Recreation Services Director Joe Baynes will pursue that grant request opportunity again and believe they can ask for even more than a half-million dollars.ed

What Corridor Improvements Will Include

For years, city personnel and local groups have considered Granite Creek Corridor, the riverbed that runs through the center of downtown Prescott, as a potential destination in itself, like a miniature riverwalk, similar to the one in San Antonio.

When complete, it is expected to include better overhead lighting, new signage, Greenway Trails and improved trail surfaces, better access for those with physical disabilities and major improvements to creek channels.

Goodman said several groups and organizations have been involved in planning corridor improvements. They include the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Public Service, Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott Creeks, City Tourism Advisory Committee, Northern Arizona Council of Governments, and the Planning and Zoning Commission. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Sheri Heiney Focuses on Strengthening Businesses

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We are all here to help each other. All of us stayed together.

Sheri Heiney, president and CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, is close to completing her fifth year as head of the influential organization that provides business and economic leadership for a community approaching 48,000 in population.

“It’s hard to believe all that happened during these past few years. When my husband, John, and I first arrived the day after Christmas 2016, the economy was booming. Prescott and surrounding areas were in the midst of major growth. That’s what prompted me, as one of my first actions, to begin a strategic planning process. I wanted to know what membership wanted to keep businesses healthy and growing.”

The Heineys moved to Prescott from their former careers in Rochester, Michigan. John had accepted a position with the City of Prescott as community outreach manager. “We began by reaching out to the many businesses and organizations within Yavapai County. I’m thankful we did, for who knew there would be a pandemic. Certainly in our lifetime, it was a first. Our Chamber has had a huge role in sharing information during the pandemic.”

Heiney said the C of C is in a strong position, despite the pandemic, because it took an aggressive, yet positive, role in providing information, which helped keep businesses healthy.

The Chamber and many organizations within the county met weekly to discuss how to help businesses and communities. They shared what needs were identified by the business community with state legislators.

“Many members stepped up and gave us input, which we were able to take straight to the governor’s office and actually have some impact,” she said. “We are constantly listening to what the needs of the business community are. We try to reconcile those opportunities with all the resources we can band together. I would say communication and collaboration are key factors. We also work really hard with the Yavapai County Health Department. We discuss how to move forward if we are having community events, what we need to do.”

The C of C partners with the City of Prescott to help businesses, as well. It’s currently working with the Prescott Cares program, where the city received $427,000 in emergency federal funding to help individuals and businesses. “Our foundation is processing applications,” said Heiney. “The foundation, with its 501(c)(3) arm, has the capacity to really help the Chamber and the business community at large. It’s broad enough where it can make a difference. We’re leaning toward the foundation to assist in helping grow the area, to help support the business community and the Chamber with changing needs. We’re actively going after grants. We look at ways to partner with people so we can provide the best resources possible.”

Heiney gave examples of assistance the C of C provided. “We offer mini-videos to help our businesses promote themselves. Buying locally has always been our messaging. We really pushed it to help keep our businesses stable during the heat of closure. Even though we closed our C of C state-designated Visitor Center to keep things safe, we also pivoted and had networking groups online. We had more than 6,000 folks participate in networking via Zoom. We were able to sponsor some community events outside. We followed proper CDC guidelines and what the county had requested we do. Feedback I got from those actions is that the Chamber constantly evolved and kept moving things forward in a positive way. We’d help get businesses information they needed to get the PPP (Payment Protection Plan) and EIDL [Economic Injury Disaster Loan] to stay in business. It required constant evolution and remaking of the Chamber during troubling times. We still have PPP loans, hand sanitizers and masks and resources available for our businesses that they can pick up at no charge. That’s in addition to Phase 2 of the Prescott Cares program, where any business or individual that has been affected by COVID can still get some reimbursement and relief.”

Through the pandemic, Chamber membership has remained stable. “That’s one thing we’re proud of,” said Heiney. “In January 2020, before COVID, we were a little over 1,000 members. Now, we’re right around 960. One thing I’d like to share is that we now have a very positive retention rate. Our current year-to-date retention rate is 93.4%. Our 12-month retention rate is 84%. Those are great numbers. That speaks to the programming and connectivity, the welcoming atmosphere we create and our caring. We are all here to help each other. All of us stayed together. We communicated and articulated what was needed and helped resolve those issues as best we could.”

The Heineys are very happy they chose Prescott. “We are living our dream with a little ranch, garden, rescued mini-pony and mini-donkey and two spoiled Shih Tzus, Belia and Bailey. We absolutely love Prescott.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Straight to the Table

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“For us, it is a privilege to host this event at the farm and help support the business community and the Chamber of Commerce.”

The Prescott Chamber of Commerce Farm to Table Experience is being presented and organized by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, with Dignity Health as the main sponsor. Mortimer Farms, the host organization, speculates that this, the fifth year for the event, will be the largest and most successful yet. The experience is scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Sep. 18, or Monday, Sept. 20, if it is rained out on Saturday.

Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sheri Heiney said this year will feature an expanded Business Expo for firms and organizations from throughout the Quad Cities. “We’re delighted to have a wide range of respondents from the greater business community participate in this unique event. They view the afternoon and evening as a memorable way they can share information about their business enterprises, while at the same time enjoy an informal and generally non-traditional way of greeting old friends and making new ones.”

Mortimer Farms Chief Marketing Officer Ashlee Mortimer, daughter of Mortimer Farms owners Gary and Sharla Mortimer, said they are already receiving inquiries from all over Arizona about how soon people can buy tickets.

“So many folks want to enjoy a business expo in what amounts to a rural environment,” she said. “They can order a complete meal, from salad to main course to dessert, where all the seasonal ingredients have been harvested that very day. That’s what our four hand-picked chefs are planning – that everything will be crisp, fresh and wholesome.”

Mortimer Farms Head Chef Brett Vibber has enlisted three other well-known chefs – David Duarte, Ken Davis and Paul Beatty – all with different specialties to help prepare food for several different stations, each with a distinctive culinary appeal such as Italian, Mexican, American and the like.

“But what makes it special is that all the food being served is truly farm to table. The chefs have hand-created menus based on what is in season at Mortimer Farms. In fact, it will be that morning that we hand-harvest all the ingredients we will use to create an event that is dedicated to the entire community,” said Mortimer. “For us, it is a privilege to host this event at the farm and help support the business community and the Chamber of Commerce.”

She explained that her parents both grew up on farms. When the opportunity came up that they could buy the ranch and farmland where Mortimer Farms is currently located, they jumped at it. They opened the food store in 2010. Growth since has exceeded expectations. “We are so blessed to be in such a supportive area.”

“This is a way we can thank everyone and express our appreciation for all that people do to make the greater Prescott area what it is,” said Heiney.

She noted that guests will have not only freshly prepared food but also live entertainment, exhibits where they can stroll around, hayrides, games and activities for all ages of children. Later in the evening, everyone can gather for s’mores and fondue next to campfires. There will also be wine-tasting opportunities.

Tickets are $50 for adults and $20 for children and may be reserved ahead of time. For more information, call the Prescott Chamber of Commerce at 928 445-2000. Mortimer Farms is located at 12907 E. State Rt., in Dewey. 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.

Small Businesses Struggle with Labor Shortage

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Lack of workers is the latest blow delivered by COVID-19 as exhausted owners and managers continue to do whatever it takes.

Restaurateur Paul Moir may well have summed up how small business owners are feeling: “The labor shortage is the cherry on top of what has been a very difficult year.”

The co-owner of Brix and Proper Meats and Provisions and many other small business owners in the state are reporting a similar challenging timeline throughout the past 15 months. Businesses were closed in March 2020. Some were able to adjust and open through the summer and fall with curbside service and strict social distancing guidelines. Winter’s cold brought people indoors in a limited capacity.

“In December, everything went inside; business slowed dramatically. We made the decision to close Criollo for the winter,” he said about the downtown Flagstaff restaurant.

And then, the holidays hit Moir with another debilitating punch. “Brix had a COVID outbreak. We closed the restaurant on Christmas Eve because we had no staff. It freaked me out when everybody got sick.”

Pre-COVID, Paul and Laura Moir employed 45 people. During COVID-19, they were down to four who kept the Proper Meats artisanal butcher shop and deli open for grocery take-out.

Battle weary from the fight to have three restaurants staffed, supplied and running at various levels throughout the pandemic, the Moirs did not reopen Brix again until April 15, 2021. At the same time, they made the difficult decision to close Criollo Latin Kitchen permanently, after a decade of operation.

Today, casual fine dining at Brix on San Francisco Street is bustling again five days a week – down from six before the pandemic, because finding workers is a daunting problem. “We’ve been incredibly busy since re-opening Brix. We’re trying to hire, train and serve on the fly. I’ve waited stations and worked behind the bar. We’re doing what we have to do to get it done and slowly but surely bringing people on one or two at a time.”

Moir and other business owners say people are not showing up for job interviews and many do not want to work full-time. “I don’t know if that’s the result of laying low during COVID or attitudes and priorities have changed as people are trying to find that balance in their life. We feel badly when employees say they may only want to work three or four days. We need everyone working full-time to cover all the shifts.”

Meanwhile, Simply Delicious caterer Nancy McCulla is turning business away. With weddings back on the books, she says Sunday events are difficult for her to take on. “You have to give staff a day off, and usually we work really late on Saturdays. I work seven days a week and every single restaurant owner that I know is doing the work of three people.”

McCulla has turned to online hiring services for help, such as Indeed and Monster. “I scheduled two interviews last Monday. Neither one of them showed up. It’s very strange.”

“The workforce shortage has been a challenge for everyone,” said Prescott Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sheri Heiney. “I hear the same concerns from my colleagues around the state.”

Margo Christensen, vice president of marketing and public relations for Ponderosa Hotel Management Services, which owns and manages five hotels in Arizona, including SpringHill Suites by Marriott Prescott and Residence Inn by Marriott Prescott, agrees. “We are having a very hard time finding people.”

Alondra Flores, general manager of Ponderosa’s Prescott properties, has been with the company for nine years. She says she’s never seen anything like today’s workforce situation. “This is really, really strange to me. The hotels used to receive 20 to 30 applications a week without advertising for applicants. I do know that I’ve never had that experience before where I don’t even get replies to my ads and if I do and we set up a meeting, they don’t show up for the interview.”

She says the hotels were able to keep their core staff and most of those in management positions through the pandemic. “We never actually closed or had to force a furlough, and for that we are blessed. But we’re struggling with finding housekeepers, or even front desk employees. It’s very tough and frustrating.”

Flores is regularly approving overtime requests and salaried workers are doing more. “One of the things we did internally was look at the people we did have who are working way more hours than they used to and provide a slight bump in pay to thank them.”

But, still, she knows employees are stretched. “I’m here today making beds and doing whatever I can to get us through the day. We wish people would want to work because we definitely have work for them.”

Heiney says the business community is looking at creative ways to attract and obtain a strong workforce again. “We’re partnering with HR directors on solutions as well.”

She points to a back-to-work incentive being implemented at Rosa’s Pizzeria on Gurley Street in Prescott. “Skyler Reeves has created a college scholarship fund for his employees,” she said. “Having a restaurant owner step outside the box like that is a really neat idea.”

“About six weeks ago, I got frustrated trying to out-compete other employers to fill jobs,” said Reeves. “I decided to look at the situation as a challenge, not an obstacle.”

The scholarship at his restaurant is available to benefit eligible employees who maintain an average of 32 hours of week while taking a full schedule of classes at Yavapai College. “It shows we are willing to reinvest in our employees and that speaks to the culture of our company. It gives employees something they can take with them forever and leaves them with a love and affinity for the company for a long time, hopefully referring their friends to come work for us.”

And, the investment is paying off. “I have to say I didn’t know what to expect, but it has raised the profile of Rosa’s in the community and spurred a ton of interest.”

The pizzeria owner has incorporated other ideas as well, such as investing in better equipment to make jobs easier. “I believe a better place to work will attract better employee,” he said.

In May, Governor Doug Ducey announced his plan to support Arizonans getting back to work and help employers fill the thousands of jobs available across the state. Beginning July 10, he says Arizona will no longer be taking the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, and instead will offer bonuses to returning workers, along with child care support, educational opportunities and rental assistance.

“In Arizona, we’re going to use federal money to encourage people to work, instead of paying people not to work,” he said.

Through the Governor’s Back To Work program, Arizona will set aside $300 million of federal resources to offer a one-time bonus of $2,000 to eligible individuals who return to the workforce and get a full-time job, while those who return part-time will receive $1,000. The bonus will be awarded when the individual has left the unemployment insurance program and completed at least 10 weeks of work with an employer, and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We’re hopeful that when the governor’s order comes to pass, more people will sign up for work and be gainfully employed,” said Heiney. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN