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Prescott Ranking High for Well-Being

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Prescott residents are so accustomed to earning accolades for their unique lifestyle – there were 16 last year alone – so when it was named fourth in the nation for well-being by a Gallup poll, that made city officials do a double take.

“We were surprised by it. It is really quite a wonderful thing for Prescott being fourth in the nation,” said City Councilmember Billie Orr, who is also mayor pro tem. “I would like to see what we can take from this and what we can learn and ways we might be able to improve. This is something we need to put our arms around.”

The report analyzed well-being across the following five elements.

The categories were:

Social: Do you have supportive relationships and love in your life?

Purpose: Do you like what you do every day?

Financial: Are you managing your economic life to increase security and reduce stress?

Physical: Do you have good health and energy to get things done?

Community: Do you like where you live, feel safe and have pride in your community?

 

“I think people do love living here. They love Prescott. We are a safe community and we have pride in our community,” Orr said. “To me, that really speaks to our citizens, just being a wonderful place to have a great life.”

Orr says she has never seen a community like Prescott. “People here reach out to each other. We have 700 Friends of the Library and hundreds at the hospital.”

In fact, there are so many opportunities to volunteer, it is not hard to find a niche to support others. Speaking to the “social” portion of the survey, she said: “People have strong relationships with each other.” Coming in seventh in the financial portion of the survey proves Prescott is a pretty nice place to live, she says, even though the cost of houses are a little higher than other places, it is still very affordable.

“It is still a good place to get a bargain on a nice home, and food and utilities are reasonable. There are things to do that don’t cost a fortune.”

Leland Moreno-Hilburn is an agent for Firesky Realty and Rosa, his wife, has her own business, Virgo Original Designs. Both are ambassadors for the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.

He said what makes Prescott stand apart from other communities is that while residents might have different political or religious beliefs, they still have shared values, a great sense of community.

“It has been my experience that people really do get up every day looking at the opportunity that is here.

There are recreation opportunities, employment opportunities, civic opportunities, fine arts opportunities or whatever they want to do. There is a diverse population here and the Yavapai Regional Medical Center has everything from soups to nuts. We don’t have to go out of the region for medical care.”

In the financial category, “If you have the ability to purchase a home here, the cost of living is moderate. The cost of utilities, food and gas are less expensive compared to other states.”

And, he says, selling homes is hardly a challenge. “I don’t sell houses, I sell Prescott. I facilitate finding a house on the needs of the customer.”

The top in the poll is Naples-Immoklee-Marco Island in Florida and the bottom was Fort Smith, Arkansas.

To learn more visit the Prescott Chamber of Commerce website. QCBN

 

 

By Patty McCormac, QCBN

 

 

 

 

Electric Airplanes Proposed for Prescott

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Some of us are just getting used to the idea of electric cars. But electric airplanes? Yes. And possibly manufactured and marketed in Prescott.

It might happen if two visionary entrepreneurs from Kadima Zoran, Israel can find support in the greater Prescott area, Arizona and elsewhere.

Omer Bar-Yohay and Aviv Taidon, Israeli founders of Eviation Aircraft met with the mayor, several Prescott City Council members and representatives from both the city and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Their objective was to unveil plans for the manufacture of an all-electric commuter airplane designed to fly up to 600 miles at a cost substantially less than a commercial airliner – or even a land-based bus.

Bar-Yohay, CEO and co-founder, told a group a during a morning meeting at ERAU that he and his company in Israel had already built a prototype electric light aircraft, propelled by three electric-motor driven engines: one main propeller mounted on the tail and two smaller propellers at each wingtip.

That plane was earlier unveiled at a Paris Air Show in June.

Called the “Alice Commuter,” the estimated cost for one of the aircraft is somewhere around $2.6 to $3 million. The estimated initial cost to start the manufacturing plant – around $20 million.

Bar-Yohay said his preliminary evaluation of Prescott as a site for manufacturing was particularly appealing because of the availability of space at and near the Prescott Municipal Airport, clean air, year-round moderate climate and potential for developing a relationship with ERAU, the nation’s leading aerospace and aeronautical university.

Bar-Yohay described what he thought were advantages of an electric-engine aircraft.

“Those electric engines have enough power to let us fly that plane about 600 miles at 250 miles per hour,” Bar-Yohay explained. He continued that Eviation’s aeronautical engineers determined that a 980 KWh lithium-ion battery pack would provide enough electricity to keep propellers spinning. He also noted that propeller design was totally different from those used on conventional airplanes.

The silhouette of the aircraft looks similar to many other contemporary small passenger planes such as the Beechcraft King Air. About 40 feet long, it has a 44-foot wingspan and a distinctive V-shape twin tail design. The fuselage is designed to carry up to nine passengers and two crewmembers.

Bar-Yohay said the 10 members of his company had created a technologically sophisticated airplane that met all safety regulations, including those of the Federal Aviation Authority.

He emphasized that “fuel” costs for operating an electric aircraft would be significantly below that of providing high octane aircraft fuel for a propeller-driven plane or jet fuel for a jet aircraft.

“Compare the cost of 200 kWh hours of electricity to that of commercial aircraft fuel, and it’s absurd,” he said.

Aviv Tridon, Eviation chairman, added to Bar-Yohay’s comments about the low cost of flying an electric airplane. “The rigorous FAA and other aircraft inspection requirements are that internal combustion engines and jet engines must be inspected. They are literally torn apart and rebuilt or replaced regularly after so many hours in the air. That is quite expensive and takes a lot of time.”

He continued, “That’s simply not the case with electric engines. We know they can run for up to 100,000 hours with no problems whatsoever. In short, maintenance costs are minimal when compared to other aircraft. For example, no oil changes.”

Bar-Yohay added, “And zero emissions.”

He then said that Alice Commuter would be perfect for short-range commutes, for example from San Diego to Los Angeles, or Seoul to Beijing. “Or Prescott to Phoenix,” he added. A big advantage of having a smaller electric-engine commuter plane would be that it provides an economic alterative to large commercial aircraft.

Following private discussions with several Quad Cities officials about the possibility of locating the manufacturing plant in the area, Prescott Mayor Harry Oberg said, “I attended a presentation by this Israeli aircraft company. It is looking for a U.S. hub at which to manufacture its electric engine aircraft. With ERAU as a partner, we can offer this company a unique opportunity to establish a facility here at the Prescott Airport with light clean manufacturing. This will greatly benefit Prescott, ERAU and Eviation.”

ERAU Chancellor Frank Ayers said that the university is happy to partner with the greater Prescott community in any effort to bring new high tech businesses to the area.

City of Prescott Economic Development consultant Jim Robb commented that attracting such a manufacturing company to the Prescott area would create new high-paying jobs while at the same time helping to solve what is becoming a huge transportation issue – high cost of commercial air travel.

The reason Eviation executives became aware of the Prescott connection was because of local entrepreneur Henry Gellerman. The founder of Arizona Hop (which Gellerman hopes will become a charter “on demand” air service operating out of Prescott) had been in contact with Eviation. He learned they would be in Las Vegas in October. He arranged for them to visit the Prescott area before they returned to Israel. QCBN

 

By Ray Newton, QCBN

 

Photo by Ray Newton

Banking on Natural Beauty

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Surrounded by more than a million acres of National Forest, especially popular among mountain bikers, 16 parks and three lakes for kayaking and canoeing, Prescott has been named the best destination in the state for nature lovers by Expedia Inc.

Prescott Downtown Partners Executive Director Kendall Jaspers calls Prescott the obvious choice in Arizona. “Just think, too, of the economic impact of having millions of people hear about our community’s ideal natural environment. The combination of what Mother Nature has provided, along with the help that Recreation Services Director Joe Baynes and his staff give her – everyone wins. More and more people are finding out and will visit Prescott.”

It is not the first time in recent months that Prescott has been selected as an exceptional natural environment. It was also named as one of a dozen “Distinctive Destinations” by the National Trust for Historical Preservation and “No. 1 in Top 25 for Clean Air” by the American Lung Association.

“Prescott’s perfect weather provides an average temperature of 70 degrees, with four seasons and breathtaking landscapes complete with granite mountains, lakes, streams and rolling meadows filled with wildlife,” reports the 2017 Greater Prescott Area Visitors Guide.

Two Canadian visitors agreed with the praise the area has been receiving as they stood on a ridge at mid-morning, overlooking crisp blue Watson Lake and jagged snags in the continually changing tan, brown and caramel colors of the Granite Dells.

For 10 years, Laraine and Howard Hobbs have visited from central Canada and spent months in Avondale, on the west side of Phoenix.

“Tell ‘ya what,” said Howard, now retired. “I wish we’d have found this place many years ago. If we had, we’d be living here now. I’ll guarantee we’re coming back to look for a place to buy. I hope we can afford it.”

“This is one of the most beautiful places we’ve seen in Arizona,” said Laraine. “What took my breath – the diversity of what you have. We’ve driven from Phoenix up Yarnell Hill. We toured around at Williamson Valley and Chino Valley. We saw so many different terrains and life zones within such a snug area. It was unbelievable.”

Another couple climbing out of a Nevada pickup truck called the area the most visually appealing site they had seen since leaving their home state.

Cars in the Watson Lake parking lot reflected the wide range of visitors with license plates from California, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Canada.

Park Ranger Jim Lohay says the Prescott trail system is considered the best in in the state. “Rock climbing is excellent, too. And bird watching,” he said. “You’ll see more kinds of birds here than you do at a pet shop.”

Expedia Inc., is one of the world’s largest global distribution websites that markets travel, tickets, car rentals, vacation packages and other tourism and visor related amenities. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

(Photo by Ray newton)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solving Prescott Pension Deficit Poses Complex Problem

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 Calling it the “elephant in the room,” Prescott Mayor Harry Oberg said solving the City’s $81 million shortfall with the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) is the foremost issue facing city government.

“It’s bigger than anyone had imagined it to be,” he said.

Currently, the Prescott City Council is analyzing various options to address sustainability of the PSPRS and payment of the multi-million-dollar-deficit obligation.

Oberg says local voters will be asked to consider a 0.75 sales tax increase at the polls on Aug. 29, the same day as the primary election for City Council and mayor.

Explaining that the PSPRS was established in 1968 by the Arizona legislature as a special retirement system for certain full-time certified police and fire department personnel, Oberg said the system was solvent until the interest return rates on investment began falling far behind what was required to pay pensions as more and more people retired.

“After 2000 – a critical year – actuarial analysis showed that return rates were consistently below the amount going out. Since then, return rates never kept up with the amount being distributed as pensions,” he explained.

In 2003, Prescott was able to pay 100 percent of its pension obligations. But in 2017, that payment is only at 31 percent. “It is likely to get worse,” said Oberg.

Town and city officials involved in the Arizona League of Cities and Towns have been working together to try to find solutions to the growing problem.

Stressing that Prescott was not unique in facing a shortfall, Oberg said dozens of leaders from throughout the state have been meeting with Arizona legislators to demonstrate that it will take state-level action to solve the funding issue.

Actions earlier taken by the Arizona legislature to allow new police and fire employees to opt into a pension system similar to a 401-K style plan have no impact on reducing the existing outstanding debt.

 

National Authority Stresses Complexity of Pension Issues

Leonard Gilmore, who consults with community leadership throughout the country, says the pension problem is a massive issue that needs major solutions nationally.

“What happened was that in the 1960s and early 70s, interest rates were high and investments yielded good returns. But when fiscal crises happened nationally and internationally, money did not generate interest. Yet, payments continued to go out. It’s like a major chemical spill. We simply have to put a cap on it,” Gilmore said.

He cited the major challenges that made solving the problem more difficult:

  • Massive reductions in federal and state support, and increases in unfunded benefits;
  • Skyrocketing employer costs;
  • Legislative reforms, which have been struck down by the courts, or yet remain in litigation.

He also said that promises of pension reform did not reduce benefits or eliminate unfunded liabilities.

 

City Manager Suggests Options

Recently named Prescott City Manager Michael Lamar says solving the $81 million deficit is a tremendous challenge to the budget for the next several years.

Lamar suggests passing a sales tax increase and reducing city spending through alternative service delivery. For instance, he said some duties of firemen and police officers could be assigned to civilian employees not enrolled in the PSPRS.

He also mentioned selling or leasing city properties that have minimal use or are not needed for the regular functioning of city services or operations. Lamar said that likely would not involve a huge amount of money.

And, he suggests shifting some tasks to qualified volunteers such as the COPS (Citizens on Patrol) who assist with various city activities.

“We will be as creative as we can to shift what seems an unmanageable problem to one that is manageable,” he said. QCBN

 

By Ray Newton, QCBN

 

Photo caption:

#1-2     Pension Integrity Project Senior Managing Director Leonard Gilroy of the Los Angeles Reason Foundation and Prescott City Manager Michael Lamar presented detailed analysis last month of challenges the City of Prescott faces in resolving the $81 million deficit in the PSPRS pension shortfall.

Photo by Ray Newton

 

Prescott Makes the List of Best Places to Live

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Real estate prices, jobs, restaurants and outdoor activities earn the city high marks


Natural beauty and outdoor recreation activities helped Prescott earn its place as one of the country’s Best Places to Live.
Photo by Kay Lyons

Turn to page 56 in the February issue of Sunset magazine to see something that Prescott residents have always known. Prescott is great city in a desirable location. In fact, Prescott is named #4 in Sunset’s list of Best Places to Live in the West. Taking into consideration real estate prices, the number of jobs with reasonable salaries, great restaurants and shops, and opportunities for recreation. Prescott was only beaten by Nevada City, Calif., that was chosen the best place to live, followed by Ventura, Calif., and Boise, Idaho. Number five on the list was Vancouver, Washington.

“This has been my home for over 32 years and it is the most welcoming, beautiful place on Earth,” said Sanford Cohen, chairman of the board for the Prescott Chamber of Commerce. “Where else can you find the combination of four mild seasons, outstanding scenery, a fantastic mix of retail and services, all within close proximity to many natural wonders like the Grand Canyon.”

Mary J. Fusinski, a long time resident and broker/owner of Pinon Realty LLC, said she is seeing people coming to Prescott from all over the country.

“They are looking for a safe, active, affordable community to retire or raise children,” she said. “They want to be involved in the community, and they like the idea of a small town with so many things to offer.”

She added that people are excited to learn about the local airport offering flights to Los Angeles daily.

“The sports arena bringing professional basketball to town, the many choices available to build a life in Prescott filled with beauty, outdoor activities and options of social and business opportunities, (also attract people).”

The article was titled “The Adventure-seekers Playground.”

Prescott scored high marks in outdoor sports because of its 28-mile multi-use trail network that links the city to wildlands including easy access to the Kaibab and Prescott national forests.

“It’s a great place to go outside to play,” said Raigan Fundalewicz, co-owner of Hike Shack that supplies outdoor gear. “The trails we have in Prescott are very rare the way they are mapped out and maintained.”

Beyond popular recreation activities such as hiking, biking, climbing and horseback riding, Prescott is popular for water sports.

“We paddle board on all the lakes in the city. You are not allowed to swim in them, but you can be on them,” she said.

Of course there is camping. A lot of people come here to do that,” she said.

Greg Raskin was born and raised in Prescott and runs a third generation of Raskins Jewelers. After living in Washington D.C. for a while, he and his wife moved to Prescott to raise their children “in more of a hometown where everyone knows your name.”

Another reason to stay in Prescott is that he is an avid mountain biker.

“It’s a good life,” he said.

Fusinski said those who love the West, but want to live in a cooler climate say Prescott is the place for them. “People say my eyes light up when I talk about Prescott. I feel excited every day to live, work and play in this amazing town – the town we call everyone’s Home Town.”

The magazine also showcases the Palace Restaurant and Saloon, which is reputed to be Arizona’s oldest frontier saloon, and Whisky Row, which at one time was home to more than 40 post-gold rush saloons, but now has more art galleries and specialty shops.

Runners up to Prescott at #4 on the list of Best Places to Live were Scottsdale, Los Alamos, N.M., and Silver City N.M.

 

 

The Trinity of Hearing Part 3: The Audiologist

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This is part three of a three-part series on hearing loss and the relationship of the three primary elements, or the Trinity of players, involved in facilitating hearing as efficiently as possible. This Trinity includes the family, the hearing-impaired person and the hearing health-care provider.

 “Blindness cuts us off from things; deafness cuts us off from people.”

Helen Keller

What is the big deal about hearing loss?

Most humans need to communicate every day, many times a day. Communication is what connects us to people. The significant impact of hearing loss on communication and interaction with others is that, when a hearing loss is gradual, it will sometimes go unrecognized by the family members and some health care practitioners as well. However, if a person has a sudden change in hearing, it is very apparent and everyone is interested in finding out why the hearing changed and what can be done about it. With gradual hearing loss, family and co-workers assume the hearing-impaired person just does not care to communicate anymore and gets frustrated with them.

Coping with hearing loss is different from other disabilities because it is an invisible handicap. The reactions or behaviors associated with hearing loss may not be apparent, and even the sight of a hearing aid doesn’t guarantee recognition of a difficulty. Many times, if someone sees a hearing aid, they will assume that the hearing aids make the individual hear normally. Another assumption is that if you see a hearing aid, you need to yell at the person!

 What caused this hearing loss?

Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to noise, damage to the auditory nerve, ear infections, blood infections, ear canal wax build-up and aging. It can be caused by changes in the blood supply to the ear because of heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. Other causes are head injuries, tumors, side effects from some medicines, including aspirin and even some antibiotics.

 Who needs to be involved with the treatment of hearing loss?

Family-centered care is a common buzz word for medical providers working with a pediatric population. However, when working with hearing loss, it is equally as important to focus on the entire home and work environment with adults as well. The family will need to learn how to communicate the best way possible and learn tricks of the trade, so to speak, so they can take advantage of the hearing that their loved one does have. The physician will want to evaluate for any medical issues that may be contributing to the hearing loss. The audiologist will need to evaluate the degree and type of hearing the individual has and make recommendations that take into account the family’s normal daily activities and special events.

How do I find an audiologist to help with my hearing loss?

Select an audiologist you are comfortable talking to and working with. This may seem to be a given, but some professionals are just easier to talk to than others. Take a family member with you and go interview a few prospective audiologists. Call their office and ask to schedule a consultation. The manner and openness the audiologist has with you and your family will be evident during that short visit. The audiologist you select needs to be patient with you and allow you to discuss what is going on and how you and your family are affected by the hearing loss. The relationship you establish with the audiologist may determine how successful you are with understanding and managing your hearing needs.

In closing, it is important to be mindful of the Trinity of parties involved in the management of hearing loss and what part you are playing. You should now be better equipped to help your loved one, or, if you have the hearing loss, help your family understand the common issues faced on a day-to-day basis. It is all about teamwork!

 

By Dr. Karon Lynn, Au.D

Trinity Hearing Center is located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit the website at TrinityHearing.net. Karon Lynn is a doctor of audiology with 30 years of experience working with hearing impaired individuals. Dr. Lynn may be reached at 928-522-0500, or at audio@trinityhearing.net.

Recyclers Promoting Green Planet

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recyclingTo Christapher Freeman and Damian Rivas, recycling is not about freeing up landfills. It is more about saving the planet for children, grandchildren and the whole future bloodline.

Freeman says the average couple throws away five pounds of trash a day. In a year, Americans toss 220 million tons of trash. “We can’t keep going the way we are going, filling up landfills.”

Freeman and Rivas own and operate Green Planet Recyclers in Prescott Valley.

“It has been open three months and business has been good,” Rivas said. “I’ve had people drop in just to thank me.”

Rivas, 23, is a solid believer in recycling. “The thing is that, honestly, you and I will never have to experience the effect of just throwing things away in a landfill, but probably our grandkids will have to deal with this issue. It’s important to take care of this problem now instead of later.”

Rivas, who grew up in Southern California, says he remembers how his family had three separate bins: “One for garbage, one for cans and one for compost.”

When he moved to Prescott about a year ago, he noticed there was a need for a recycling business. “I saw the opportunity and I just jumped at it.”

Freeman says the company recycles everything except for newspapers, cardboard and glass. But, they are in the process of locating buyers for those items.

“We recycle plastic metal, glass, copper, glass and aluminum. There is a three-page list of things you can recycle,” he said. “You can recycle anything from plastic detergent bottles all the way down the line.”

The business is not a processor, but it ships raw items to other businesses for processing. Tons and tons are shipped to China for processing.

Green Planet has several ways of in-taking the items. People can drop by with their items without getting out of their cars. “We open their cars or trucks and take it out,” said Freeman.

Then, the items are weighed and the person is paid.

Kim Hines, a regular customer, says she has recycled for 30 years. She appreciates that Green Planet is close by and friendly. “Their customer service is outrageously fun. They are not afraid to talk with you a minute,” said Hines, owner of dragonsalts.com, a food seasoning company. “It is a little extra money and it keeps it out of the landfill. I hate throwing things away in the landfill.”

“We try to make it as user friendly as possible,” said Freeman, 36.

He says the business is the only recycler in the Quad Cities area that recycles plastic. “They [customers] are very happy about that.”

Green Planet also picks up from trash companies and some businesses. They will recycle electronics.

“We have two employees and me,” Freeman said.

Freeman, whose father was in the recycling business, was hired by Rivas as general manager to oversee the day-to-day operations. Rivas manages the administration and marketing efforts.

“We are still relatively small, but growing,” he said of the 2,800-square-foot facility. QCBN

By Patty McCormac, QCBN

Green Planet Recyclers is at 6550 E. 6th Street in Prescott Valley.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

For more information, visit greenplanetrecyclers.com or call 928-775-2400.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prescott Airport Expansion Plans Holding Steady

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expansionPrescott Mayor Harry Oberg insists that the Prescott Airport is a diamond in the rough that has impact far beyond commercial and general aviation.

Oberg and Prescott mayor pro tem Jim Lamerson say the city is going to give high priority to not just expanding the aviation aspects of the airport but also to the collateral area surrounding the airport.

“We’re confident that as we expand the runway and construct a new terminal, other businesses will be drawn to the site,” said Oberg. “Some will be to serve the aviation public – car rentals, restaurants, lodging – but others may include businesses totally new to the community.”

Oberg emphasizes that any new businesses considering being near the airport will not be water intensive. “What we envision is light industrial commercial enterprises. We already have one that recently came here and built near the airport – Vinyl Visions. We have others who are looking seriously at what we have. Some are from aerospace and others from the medical services industries.”

Vinyl Visions relocated from Southern California and soon will open its 50,000 square-foot facility to manufacture windows and doorways for residential and commercial builders.

Additionally, two residential sub-divisions recently have been approved for development. Both are near the airport. One is Antelope Crossing, a 48-acre sub-division for 255 homes west of SR 89 and south of the Deep Well Ranch Road Roundabout.

The other is Walden Ranch, a 227-acre property that will be platted for 215 lots. It is located just south of SR 89A on the east side of Phippen Museum.

A strong influencing factor on potential growth is SR 89. The highway goes directly from downtown Prescott north to Interstate 40 and is being expanded to a four-lane divided highway as it passes just west of the airport.

 

Regional Cooperation, Not Competition

“What I’m really pleased about is that the mayors from our Quad Cities communities are involved in the committee that is promoting expansion of the airport and its allied business. We all realize that cooperation, not competition, is the key to economic success for our region. Our airport, in truth, is a regional airport, not just a Prescott airport,” Oberg said.

He says the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is interested in seeing the airport expand. “The more regional we are, the more likely we are to have strong economic growth and more jobs.”

Lamerson said one hope is that grant funds will support an environmental assessment study about airport expansion. “If we can move ahead rapidly with that study and get something done in three to four months rather than 12 to 18 months, real progress is eminent. We’re working closely with the Yavapai County officials, the FAA out of Los Angeles and many others to set our priorities.”

Both Oberg and Lamerson agree that the highest priorities in the entire process are public safety and security. Another major priority is maintaining high standards for whatever developments occur.

Two specific physical developments are the expansion of the runway from 7,500 feet to 9,000 feet, and the construction of a new terminal.

The longer runway, Oberg explained, is especially needed for the new Forest Service slurry bombers being used to fight wildfires. Large jet aircraft have been converted to haul the heavy slurry, so they need more runway length to take off, especially during summer months when air density is affected by higher temperatures.

Extended runways also are more attractive to air cargo services and businesses that ship products by air.

The estimated cost for the runway extension is $15 million.

Oberg says a new terminal is needed to replace the current one, which will be relocated for safety reasons. Estimated cost for a new terminal is $6 million.

The Prescott airport is the 35th busiest in the nation, which, along with surrounding businesses, provides about 3,100 jobs. Both Oberg and Lamerson believe that number will grow significantly as the airport expansion attracts new enterprises.

One of the mayor’s goals is to work with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in assessing and evaluating ideas that will stimulate economic development. Oberg says he hopes to see something like a business “incubator” evolve.

ERAU chancellor Frank Ayers has said he hopes to help the city develop business ideas, especially those related to aviation and the aerospace industry.

 

Survey Asks about Airline Service

City officials say they will use findings from a scientific survey regarding airline service out of Prescott to improve and expand the airport. The survey, created through the Robertson Safety Institute at ERAU, asks questions about what major airlines are most often used, how often people fly, and what concerns exist for those flying from Prescott Airport or elsewhere.

City leaders say they hope to entice commercial air service to and from Prescott from destinations such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Denver. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information, visit prcairport.com.

Photo by Ray Newton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prescott Municipal Airport Now Offers More

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dsfdfdEffective December 17, Great Lakes Airlines (GLA) is adding more flights and larger aircraft to air service in and out of Prescott Municipal Airport (PRC), including renewed service to Denver. Great Lakes has provided basic air passenger service to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) an average of twice/daily since 2013 in an aircraft with 9 seats. Due to increased customer demands, Great Lakes will be testing the market in a 30 seat aircraft with increased amenities.

 

The Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia, is a twin-turboprop commuter airliner with a flight attendant and restroom facilities (see attached photo). It will make two roundtrip flights a day to Los Angeles (LAX), and two roundtrip flights a week to Denver (DIA)—one on Wednesday and one on Saturday. DIA flights will stop briefly in Farmington, NM. “The announcement of this increase in air service comes at a perfect time as people prepare for the Holiday travel season,” states John Cox, PRC Airport Manager, “Passengers can fly to Denver as the ski season is in full swing, or can connect through Denver for travels to the East Coast.”

Prescott Mayor Harry Oberg has been instrumental in delivering increase airline service out of Prescott Airport. “Negotiations will Great Lakes Airline Officials have been very positive recently, and the citizens of this community will be ‘voting’ via ticket purchases if they support this improved service for the benefit of the entire region. “

Tickets are on sale now for flight beginning on Saturday, December 17 departing for DIA at 7:30am at a one-way minimum rate of $130 and LAX at 1pm at a one-way rate of $90 for advanced ticket purchases. Tickets are selling now at flygreatlakes.com or call 1-800-554-5111 .

Tourism Taking Off with Prescott Fly-In

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fly_InIf the record-breaking registration for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) event is any indication, the Sept. 30-Oct. 1 “Fly-In” at the Prescott Municipal Airport is going to be a mega-event for the area.

As many as 4,000 people are expected to participate in the weekend of flying, food and fun, according to Dave Roy, the Prescott-based AOPA Fly-In event chair. Roy is the director of Safety and Communications for Guidance Aviation headquartered in Prescott.

“We’ll see hundreds of airplanes and thousands of visitors,” Roy said.

Every year, the AOPA sponsors Fly-Ins around the country. This fall, Prescott was selected for the fourth and final Fly-In of 2016. Previous events this year have occurred in Beaufort, North Carolina; Bremerton, Washington; and Battle Creek, Michigan.

The AOPA is the world’s largest, and considered the most influential, general aviation association. The economic impact is anticipated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars in the Quad Cities area. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University alumni director Michelle Day, who serves on the Prescott AOPA committee, says the estimated amount is approaching $750,000.

Day credits Roy and City of Prescott Airport Manager Jon Cox for being diligent and thorough in completing necessary paperwork and other details to make the fly-in possible.

“The event will have positive effects for years, especially among pilots and their passengers looking for unique places to visit,” City of Prescott Tourism Director Don Prince.

“I know from even my limited experience with AOPA Fly-Ins that communities throughout the country compete seriously to bring them to town,” said Day. “Fly-Ins provide great visibility and exposure to a community – and they bring a lot of ‘fresh’ money.”

Prescott and the Quad Cities will also receive news media exposure from the monthly AOPA magazine.

“This Fly-In will put Prescott on the map for the rest of the country,” said Prescott Chamber of Commerce CEO Dave Maurer. “It also will demonstrate that this community is among the best in the nation for this kind of event.”

Margo Christensen, an active member of the Prescott Tourism Advisory Committee, said, “Ever since the state centennial BestFest and our own Prescott Centennial celebration, the business community and city leadership have become experts at coordinating mega-events such as this. It’s rewarding to be a part of a planning process that executes these types of events, which bring new money and new people to our unique area.”

Hotels and motels throughout the region are being booked. Many are giving special AOPA discount rates and complimentary van shuttle services to and from the airport to hotels, including Quality Inn and Springhill Suites.

Rental car dealers are also giving similar discounts. Fly-U Shuttle is designating luxury vans and drivers to provide exclusive service to those arriving at Ernest A. Love Field, located on the northeast edge of Prescott.

Day says planners began organizing for the Fly-In right after the first of the year, when Chris Eads, AOPA’s director of Outreach and Events, brought several AOPA team members from the Frederick, Maryland, headquarters to Prescott to meet with ERAU, city officials, community leaders, airport personnel, representatives from local groups and individuals interested in aviation.

Though some pilots and their friends may arrive before Sept. 30, the formal event schedule does not begin until 6:30 p.m. with a Barnstormer’s Party, including food and entertainment. Reservations are recommended for all scheduled activities.

ERAU has scheduled its annual Homecoming “OctoberWest” the same weekend. In conjunction with the Fly-In, the university is sponsoring an aerial demonstration at the airport. It will feature performances by ERAU alumni Melissa Andrzejewski, Bill Stein and Skip Stewart.

“I think that the AOPA Fly-In, held in conjunction with ERAU’s annual alumni events, will be a great event for the greater Prescott area,” said City of Prescott Mayor Harry Oberg. “I hope this will be a prelude to re-establishing the Prescott Air Show that was cancelled about 10 years ago, for it was highly popular with local resident and tourists.” QCBN

For more information, contact Dave Roy at email PRCflyin@gmail.com.

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Photo by Ray Newton