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Understanding Labor Market Trends in Yavapai County

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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.

How Prescott is Funded for City Needs

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Property Tax is a consistent funding source, while sales tax is subject to the cycles of the economy and tourism variations.

As we conclude budget approval for Fiscal Year 2024, which begins on July 1, questions arise about the city’s tax structure and how we are funded. Many are surprised to learn that transaction privilege tax (TPT, or sales tax) is the primary source of revenue for the city’s general fund, which pays for public safety and other critical city services. Property tax in Prescott accounts for less than 4% of revenue for the general fund.

As growth continues in and around Prescott’s city limits, the low city property tax plays a minor but important role in funding our public safety and other critical services. The Prescott property tax rate is much lower than the rate in the unincorporated county areas. For this reason, growth and increased property values disproportionately benefit the county, with their higher property tax rate. However, growth in the north Prescott area, both in the city and county areas, is stretching city public safety services capability and response times.

This means that the police, fire and emergency medical services are funded from the city’s general fund with a vastly lower property tax rate. Currently, for example, a property with a $400,000 assessed value outside of the city limits located in the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority’s district, pays an additional $1,041 annually above the same valued property in the City of Prescott.

As council moves to approve the Fiscal Year ‘24 budget, for the first time since 2017, we are considering an increase in the property tax levy by the maximum allowed 2%. This increase will trigger a Truth in Taxation process, which will include public notices and public hearings. What does this increase mean for Prescott homeowners? The answer is about $13.04 a year for a similar $400,000 property. While not a significant sum, the additional revenue will help the city keep up with the need for more police and firefighters.

Property Tax is a consistent funding source, while sales tax is subject to the cycles of the economy and tourism variations. Police and fire protection is a constant need and requires a more stable funding source. Property tax and its role in funding critical city services must be considered as a way to provide a more balanced source of revenue to meet the needs of our growing community. QCBN

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

New Camp Verde Economic Development Director is Committed to the Region

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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.

Planning for Transportation Needs into the Future

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State (ADOT), and the feds use gas taxes as a principal funding source for transportation needs.

Welcome to “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” This month, Tom and I thought we would take a “road trip” as we veer away from our normal column. Settle in. This is going to be wonderful!

Sandy: Hi Tom! Happy April! For our detour topic this month, I have invited Mr. Vincent, or, as we all know him to be, Vinny Gallegos, to talk with us this month. Vinny is the executive director of the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization, (CYMPO).

Tom: Excellent, welcome Vinny!

Vinny: Greetings to both of you. Thanks for inviting me.

Sandy: There is a lot to talk about, so diving right in, Vinny, when did CYMPO get started and who is a part of it?

Vinny: Formally, 2003. Based on the 2000 Census, the Feds declared this area a metropolitan area. As such, all the political entities in the area, including Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and this part of Yavapai County, came together to form CYMPO as a mechanism to plan for the growing transportation needs of our area.

Tom: How big of an area are you talking about?

Vinny: The planning area covers approximately 400 square miles, and currently includes Dewey-Humboldt, which was not a separate political entity back then.

Sandy: All the cities, towns and county are represented on the CYMPO boards and committees. That is very important for our readers to know. I bet that has to be kind of like herding cats!

Vinny: LOL, actually since the beginning, all the entities have come together quite well. The purpose is to plan for regional, multimodal transportation. Our system of highways, trails and bike paths touches every community. And it is with that understanding, all the representatives lean toward cooperation to plan for and collectively seek funding from state and federal resources.

Tom: Back in 2000, I recall this organization getting started. I have watched CYMPO become a very successful and effective organization responsible for many of our major road improvements over the past 20 plus years. What are some of the projects and challenges on your plate currently?

Vinny: The main challenge we always face is getting the resources we need to implement the organization’s plans. Revenue sources have not changed much in the last 30 or so years. State (ADOT), and the feds use gas taxes as a principal funding source for transportation needs. As for projects, currently, there are three primary areas we are focusing on. First, creating an active transportation plan for bike and pedestrian infrastructure. This includes bike lanes, sidewalks and trails.

Sandy: That sounds super fantastic. Biking and walking are a huge part of the communities in our area. I love hearing that CYMPO is on board.

Vinny: It is all part of the integrated transportation system in our area.

Vinny:  Another project is the State Route 69 Master Corridor Plan. This addresses both safety and capacity issues along this corridor from Prescott through Dewey-Humboldt. The third major focus is the Sundog Design Concept report and Environmental Overview.

Sandy: This isn’t the first time that a potential route has been discussed. I have been hearing about it for many years.

Tom: It actually started way back in the early ‘90s with the Prescott Strategic plan where we said we did not want L.A.-style superhighways in our area. While on the Prescott City Council at that time, we approved a preliminary plat for Yavapai Hills unit 9 that included a piece of the Sundog Connector in the plat. That was for 1,814 units, a mix of multifamily and single-family living.

Vinny: All your fault, Tom.

Sandy: LOL. I have got something else to blame him for now!

Tom: Yeah yeah, well, it did happen then, but it of course wasn’t all me. The city included a commitment to a portion of the connector as part of the development agreement if I remember correctly.

Vinny: I understand that as well. The General Plan update in 1997-98 precipitated by the Growing Smarter legislation, set the stage for Prescott to develop the Prescott East Area plan. That referenced the need for what was then called the 69 to 89 connector. That is now Prescott Lakes Parkway. It also referenced the Sundog connector.

Tom: That plan was developed including participation by council representatives, Planning and Zoning, and a healthy component of citizens mostly from Yavapai Hills and the Ranch. It was quite inclusive. If I remember correctly, that plan reiterated the desire to have smaller roads rather than making 69 a superhighway.

Sandy: Prescott Valley actually constructed the east end of the route in 2000.

Vinny: In 2007, the City of Prescott approved the preliminary plat for the Storm Ranch subdivision. That was for 227 single family lots. That plat also includes a segment of the Sundog connector.

Sandy: The City of Prescott built the roundabout on Prescott Lakes Parkway as the west end of the connector in 2010.

Tom: Didn’t Prescott do its own Sundog Corridor Study?

Vinny: Yes, that was done in 2013.

Sandy: Having all these plans in place is great. Vinny, tell us a little about how these plans get implemented and the time it takes to realize them.

Vinny: Our job is to take the direction given to us by elected officials over the years. We use that direction to generate the plans for our transportation systems. Many plans, like the ones mentioned, can take decades to see their implementation.

Sandy: Can you give us an example?

Vinny: Sure. There has been a plan to add a single lane in both directions on Highway 69 from Lowes to the mall, about a mile of road. Planning, engineering and funding for that project has taken 10 years.

Tom: There is no instant gratification in the planning business, is there?

Sandy: I suppose not. Sheesh!

Tom: The Sundog connector has just recently been the target of a few area residents who don’t want this road. I for one, think it somewhat weird that our leaders are often targeted with admonitions of uncontrolled growth. That insinuates a lack of planning. Here we have an example of a plan that has been vetted through the last 25 years and even that gets attacked.

Sandy: In making these plans, our elected officials take so many different issues into account. With another 2,000-plus households coming on line in the future, public safety plays a large part. Response times are critical and our road designs play a large part in how quickly our first responders get to your house or business.

Vinny: Leadership sets plans in motion, plans for the future. CYMPO was given the charge by elected officials to take the steps necessary to implement them. That is what the Sundog Design Concept Report is all about.

Sandy: Vinny, I applaud CYMPO in educating the community and citizens. You have a terrific website,

https://www.cympo.org/sundog-connector/ which has so much information on the Sundog Connector – so readers, take a look at the website, this is a great way to stay informed.

Tom:    I recall Town of Prescott Valley Mayor Palguta talking about the importance of the Sundog Connector as the connector will drastically reduce police and fire response times to the residents on the back side of Yavapai Hills.

Vinny:  Another positive to the many positives for the connector is with the anticipated purchase of Glassford Hill by Prescott Valley, Prescott and Yavapai County. This would prevent any future residential development by any developers along the Sundog route.

Sandy: And let’s not forget the Sundog Connector has been voted on by both Prescott and Prescott Valley’s General Plan for more than 20 years.

In closing – we three give a thumbs-up to the Sundog Connector.

Thanks for stopping in and reading “At Home with Tom and Sandy.”  You’re in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN

Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association, 928-778-0040.

Vinny Gallegos, CYMPO, 928-442-5730.

Tom Reilly, Architect, Renovations, 928-445-8506 renovationsaz.com

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM/99.9 FM/95.5FM or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.

Arizona’s Hiring Woes May Be Here to Stay

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Experts offer tips for employers seeking workers.

As the national worker shortage is mirrored in Arizona, many employers are wondering how they can attract good people.

Charn McAllister, a management professor at Northern Arizona University’s Franke College of Business, says the pandemic delivered a one-two punch. “The losses suffered by most people reminded them of their own mortality and they had time on their hands to think about what mattered to them.”

McAllister sees more employees who want to work for organizations doing good in their communities and the world, a trend he says savvy leaders will integrate into their business practices to potentially aid in recruitment and retention.

Companies offering staffing help are especially busy this fall. In Arizona, employees of Express Employment Professionals talk to hundreds of would-be workers each week, looking for good candidates for the state’s prospering economy.

Daria Orozco, an owner of one of Arizona’s nine Express offices, says the high demand for employees comes at a time when people are taking themselves out of the workforce either temporarily or permanently.

“Employers need to listen to the call of what employees are wanting,” said Orozco. “For a lot of companies, that means reevaluating their compensation plans to attract new workers.”

The pandemic also has created additional remote work possibilities, a movement employers can embrace to become competitive, added Orozco.

Another primary piece of advice she offers is for businesses to increase the amount of training for employees. “There could be a candidate who has all the soft skills, but if the company doesn’t have a training program in place to help that person get the [additional] skills needed, the company is not hiring that candidate.”

Like Orozco, McAllister sees additional training options as pivotal, especially for people who have potential to succeed. “If those employees do excel, offer opportunities for them to grow as professionals, whether that be increased levels of responsibility or by earning external credentials,” said McAllister, who adds that companies committed to employees’ growth may be rewarded with greater loyalty.

Retaining employees is especially important in this competitive hiring environment.

“Organizations need to look at why employees are leaving, if they are leaving, and close that back door,” said Orozco. Offering leadership training to managers could be a key to keeping good people, she added.

The problem facing employers trying to recruit talent is not going away, Orozco predicts. “Employees want more from their jobs than they did before the pandemic, and employers who are listening are the ones who will continue to grow during this time.”

Ironically, Orozco’s company, Express Employment Professionals, is looking to expand in Prescott and Flagstaff, dependent on qualified, would-be franchisees.

Citing a robust economy, Baby Boomer retirements, and Arizona’s unprecedented business growth, Orozco sees her company and other staffing agencies continuing to thrive in the long term. QCBN

By Theresa Bierer, QCBN

Prescott Valley Dedicates Historical Obelisk

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“I want those who see the obelisk to understand what an aesthetically, historically and environmentally rich area this is,” he said.

Prescott Valley now boasts a unique 18-and-a-half foot tall obelisk that symbolically illustrates the centuries-old history of the area.

Called The Jenkins’ Obelisk after the man and family who funded it, the new landmark was formally dedicated Friday, Aug. 28. The site is near the corner of Skoog Boulevard and Lakeshore Drive on the west side of the Prescott Valley Library.

Created by award-winning local sculptor Ed Reilly, the bronze bas-relief artwork is destined to become a new landmark in what was once a dirt trail but now is the most populated incorporated community in Yavapai County, approaching 48,000 people.

Reilly and his wife, Kathy, own and operate the internationally-known Bronzesmith Fine Arts Foundry and Galley at 7333 E. Second St., in Prescott Valley. When he first conceived the obelisk design, he says he wanted to highlight as much as possible the vibrant history that characterized the region for generations. To do so, he decided four panels would carry the message – Granite Mountain Yavapai, mining, ranching and a present and blossoming future.

“Critical to understanding the area’s history is first understanding the contribution of the Yavapai Indians. They thrived in Central Arizona, and their blankets, weaving, tribal artwork – all these reveal their intense relationship with nature and the environment,” Reilly said, describing the delicately patterned designs and patina finish on the first panel.

He did the same with the second panel, noting that in 1983, gold miners changed the culture of Yavapai County. They discovered gold at Lynx Creek near what was to become Prescott Valley. That era brought hard-rock miners, their tools and their animals to some previously ignored areas of the Arizona Territory. A grubby miner is next to a gold-encrusted mine entrance community.

The third panel is rich in detail as it portrays a shift in social, economic and cultural growth. Reilly said the introduction of cattle ranching, arrival of railroads and beginnings of commercial and residential communities forever changed the dynamics of the region. The panel also portrays famous Western silent movie actor Tom Mix, who located his ranch here in the early part of the 20th century. A grinning donkey in the foreground is a reminder of the original Jackass Flats name for the frontier.

The fourth panel is west-facing. Translucent and lighted by a rich glow from the interior, the panel features ascending shapes climbing skyward, symbolizing the upward future for PV and its inhabitants.

The 12-foot-tall bronze panels are supported by a stainless-steel interior skeleton. Panels are mounted on a six-and-a-half foot native granite base, onto which are placed two-by-three foot plaques with descriptive historical copy written by Reilly to explain the various images he created. “I want those who see the obelisk to understand what an aesthetically, historically and environmentally rich area this is,” he said.

Monument Years in the Making

The original call for a commemorative monument came more than six years ago from the PV Town Council. Several artists then submitted proposals. Reilly’s was the one that was accepted. However, it took several more years for the town to raise funds to cover costs for the sculpture. A bit more than a year ago, a generous contribution or more than $100,000 from PV resident Ray Jenkins and his family to the town’s public arts fund finally made it possible to proceed.

“This is the fulfillment of a 20-year dream we on the Commission had,” said Lora Lee Nye, former PV vice mayor, council member and longtime member of the Arts and Culture Commission, who added that the plan is to place art along the streets surrounding the Civic Center. “This gift from the Jenkins family is making that possible. We are delighted with Ed’s depiction of the rich and varied history of our community and we now can share with all.”

For more than a year, Reilly and his team at Bronzesmith have constructed the various panels and welded them to form the obelisk. The complex structure is unlike anything else he has sculpted, he says. He has been creating bronze castings and sculptures since earning his arts degree at Northern Arizona University in 1978. Further, when he founded Bronzesmith, he insisted the structure be large enough to accommodate any artistic creation up to 20 feet tall.

Through the years, he has worked with top national and international artists and sculptors in producing high quality bronze castings. Reilly’s own works are held in public and private art collections and museums across the U.S. and in several foreign countries. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information about Bronzesmith, visit bronzesmith.com/about-us.

School Bells Will be Ringing and Resources are All Around

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It’s important to remember, as the school year begins, that support is available to families that may need it.

The 2020-2021 school year presented a great many obstacles for administrators, teachers, students and families. As with most everything we all experienced over the last year, school looked quite different than any other time. But, as is always the case here in our beautiful community, everyone rose above the challenges to give our children the best in difficult times. I would like to personally extend a heartfelt thank you to Prescott’s teachers, administrators, staff, parents and students for their dedication and perseverance during the last school year.

Now, as we all begin to come out of the pandemic and move forward to better times, students will be returning to school this academic year with things looking a bit more normal. I’ve said time and again that the resiliency and togetherness of this community is something that I take great pride in and students having the opportunity to return to some normalcy feels like a wonderful reward for all they’ve had to endure in recent memory.

It’s important to remember, as the school year begins, that support is available to families that may need it. The Family Resource Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment, and provides school supplies, coats, shoes and more for those in need. They also provide resources for families suffering from homelessness, those enrolled in the Indian Education Program and supplies for teachers through the “Teachers Closet.” And organizations like the Launch Pad Teen Center provide a safe space for Prescott’s youth. The help and support that are available to our citizens is truly something to be proud of and a great reminder that even in dark corners there is light and help to be found.

In addition to resources for families and students, there are a multitude of local organizations that are available for those in the community that may need help in other areas. The Yavapai Justice and Mental Health Coalition has developed a website with a wealth of resources for members of the community that are in need of assistance. You can visit https://justicementalhealth.com/ to find a complete resource guide. Additionally, organizations like Prescott Area Shelter Services, Agape House of Prescott and the Coalition for Compassion and Justice provide resources and support for our citizens in need. Yavapai County and Prescott continue to do an incredible job of providing for the community and meet the needs of people experiencing a need for support.

As we put summer in the rear view and move into the fall months, we are all looking forward to the positive things to come. I wish all of our students and families a wonderful school year and am anxious to see what it holds for our community. QCBN

By Greg Mengarelli

Greg Mengarelli is the mayor of Prescott.

SCORE Helping Businesses Succeed for Decades

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Lifelong learning both for our volunteers and clients is an ongoing process at SCORE.

I moved to Prescott in 2018 after 41 years in the commercial audiovisual industry in Southern California. We opened and ran a successful manufacturers’ rep company for 33 of those years, serving a five-state region. I had several terrific mentors, but I wish I had known of SCORE in those days. I like to say, “I could have had a V8.” SCORE is a non-profit, volunteer-staffed, free business mentoring service.

SCORE is America’s premier source of free, confidential small business advice, and was founded in 1964 as a non-profit resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Because SCORE receives government funding, and thanks to our more than 10,000 dedicated volunteers, we are able to deliver most of our offerings at no cost.

During and after the pandemic, SCORE personnel were the go-to people for education on loans, grants and stimulus funds. We continue to fill that role, and our parent organization, the SBA, feeds us inquiries at a high rate.

SCORE volunteers go through a training curriculum before working with our staff of Certified Mentors. We are trained to listen and suspend judgement on clients and their ideas until we fully “get” what they’re saying. Although SCORE mentors do not actually perform physical tasks for the client startup companies, we lead, guide and recommend. Most SCORE mentors assign homework for their clients – including creating a business plan or doing a SWOT analysis (Strengths/Weaknesses/Opportunities/Threat).

The SCORE mentor/client journey can take as long as the client needs. Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor were Prescott, Prescott Valley, Cottonwood, Sedona, Flagstaff or Kingman. Some clients see their SCORE mentor for years every month; others take a few meetings then go on their way.

The pandemic and video conferencing created an opportunity for SCORE. Called One SCORE, now clients can take on a volunteer to suit their needs anywhere in the country. One may shop for a mentor based on their specific experiences and backgrounds at score.org.

With all its years in existence, SCORE has volumes of work in the form of documents, articles, videos, podcasts and workshops on everything from finance to legal, sales, marketing, social media, search engine optimization and much more. Did I say it’s all free? Actually, some workshops do have a nominal fee.

Our Northern Arizona chapter, voted 2020 Most Improved Chapter in our District and 2020 Platinum Chapter, is managed by a six-person Leadership Team, comprised of myself as chair; Dick Milon, past chair and workshop leader; Terry Fearn, incoming chair and client intake director; Bud Heitman, marketing director; Joe Jenkins, finance manager and treasurer; and Mark Bagnall, volunteer input coordinator.

SCORE mentors are a diverse group of professionals who typically have held key positions in corporations or military, or have owned and run businesses themselves. Regardless of our experiences, we relish the chance to serve and to share our working knowledge with clients.

Lifelong learning both for our volunteers and clients is an ongoing process at SCORE. Our volunteers are educated in the latest methods of mentoring by the top thought-leaders. Clients are similarly exposed to a wide variety of subjects, such as Grow With Google – a roadmap for success within that search engine. All learning programs have proven success standards.

By using the methodology of co-mentoring, we are able to employ the knowledge and skills of two SCORE mentors. This has proven to be a very valuable tool for our mentors – two heads are better than one.

A new council has recently been created within our chapter, the Hispanic Business Owners Council (HBOC), which was co-created by our Chapter Leadership Team and Alianza News owner Rosanna Feyerabend. The purpose of HBOC is to foster improved startup practices in the growing Hispanic business community.

SCORE is always seeking volunteers. The gratification of serving others and the community by shooting the arrow forward in success is why we’re here. To be part of SCORE, either as a client or as a volunteer, go to score.org and click on “Find a Mentor” or “Become a Volunteer.” Or, email me directly at logan.enright@scorevolunteer.org. QCBN

By Logan Enright

Logan Enright is the chapter chair and certified mentor for SCORE Northern Arizona.

Restaurants Feeling Relief

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Area establishments credit SBA funds and loyal customers for easing the economic impact of the pandemic.

Business is improving at restaurants in Prescott, Flagstaff and Sedona as we emerge from the pandemic, which has hit restaurants especially hard.

In early May, Arizona Congressman Tom O’Halleran announced that the Small Business Administration’s $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund had begun accepting applications. Many restaurants in Central and Northern Arizona have either already received or applied for these funds.

Priority for the first 21 days was given to restaurants owned by women, veterans or groups that are socially or economically disadvantaged. Rep. O’Halleran issued a statement acknowledging that independent restaurants are important to their communities, but many are at risk of closing their doors because of the pandemic.

Restaurant owners can find information and apply to the Restaurant Revitalization program at sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund.

Lisa Dahl, CEO and chef at Dahl Restaurant Group, said it has been a challenging time for her five Sedona restaurants. “Because our core group is strong, we put our heads together to strategize each and every move. The large picture is complex and involves everything from forecasting, supply chain issues and seeking a qualified workforce,” she said.

The Dahl Restaurant Group operates Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano, Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, Pisa Lisa, Butterfly Burger and Cucina Rustica Tuscan Grill. Dahl said she’s never experienced anything like this, where one day they would be open and the next day they would be closed.

“After 25 years in the restaurant business, I have to say it is very different. The new normal is being hyper-focused on the health of our employees and guests,” she said. “The past workflow of preparing to welcome guests has changed. The emotions for everyone run deep. And we see guests crack and employees need a day off more than usual. Everyone has changed as a result of COVID. Normal is redefining itself before our eyes.”

The Dahl Restaurant Group was able to obtain funds from the SBA for restaurant revitalization. During the pandemic, Dahl said, they had to spend more money on signage, sanitation stations and supplies like masks and gloves. “In a few instances, we’ve added additional guest relations [services] so we can communicate effectively and help set guest expectations,” she said.

Her goals throughout the pandemic included keeping employees safe, well advised and realistic about expectations through changing circumstances. “Our guests during each stage were complimentary. And most appreciated our preventative measures which we took to safeguard their health and ours,” she said.

The new normal that is likely to continue may include smaller numbers of guests. “I’ve always been vigilant about quality control, consistency and cleanliness. Our staff has focused on these standards and I am very proud of them. We always had a strong culinary presence, but it has been a challenge with a reduced workforce. We will continue to improve through this process. Part of our early strategy was to build back stronger and be more efficient with better training,” she said.

Kelly Hanseth, owner of Lumberyard Tap Room and Grille, said it was a struggle during the pandemic because the establishment had to pivot every six months. “We’re almost getting back to normal. Social distancing and expanding our patio has really helped,” she said. “But we’re not at 100%. We have no bar seating and our country dancing is not back up to speed yet.”

Lumberyard Tap Room and Grille did not apply for the most recent round of SBA funds, as Hanseth says they are not needed at this time. Although, she says the Lumberyard had to spend more during the pandemic because of the need for plexiglass partitions, masks and gloves. Small pivots have large impacts. For example, she says it costs more to buy ketchup packets rather than ketchup bottles.

In the last year, the Lumberyard saw a lot of new customers as the regulars kept coming. The restaurant offered take-out through much of the pandemic. With the restaurant back to full service, customers were lining up again outside on a recent Saturday, waiting to get in. “We’re really happy with how patient our customers have been,” she said. “We still wear masks, gloves and practice social distancing.”

Goods from the Garden at the Gateway Mall in Prescott offers catering services, take out, dine-in service and a Sunday brunch. Co-owner Debbie Maranville said they lost most of their catering events during the pandemic. “We’re not normal yet, but we’re regrowing,” she said.

Goods from the Garden has received SBA grants to help the business through the pandemic, which, like other restaurants, required more spending for supplies and additional labor to serve fewer customers because of social distancing rules.

“Amazing” is how she describes her customers during the pandemic. “Customers were very supportive. They would get weekly meals from us. Some used social media to get the word out.” QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Play On: Musicians Singing a Merrier Tune

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Calendars are filling again for local performers.

Musicians who have been upstaged by COVID-19 are thrilled that live entertainment is making a comeback and that the music scene is returning to a more normal situation in Arizona.

Chuck Hall, who recently played at Charly’s Pub and Grill in the Weatherford Hotel in Flagstaff and Page Springs Vineyards and Cellars in Cornville, said he looks forward to playing at The Windsock Cocktail Lounge in Prescott and other area venues.

“I never completely stopped, but I was picky about what I was doing, and I want to maintain space. I’m not ready to completely dive back in,” said the musician, who also teaches guitar and took his lessons to Zoom.

Hall, who has been inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame, said the last time he performed at The Windsock, his band performed in the parking lot because not many people were allowed into the bar during the pandemic.

“We did one [concert] inside, but it was hard to get people in. Now, the numbers are crawling back up,” he said.

Before the pandemic, Hall was performing six or seven days a week. “It was kind of scary at first, wondering whether you would be able to stay afloat.”

Hall was surprised that he was able to obtain state and federal funds for the money he lost because of closures associated with COVID-19.

Christian Berry, president of the Northern Arizona Blues Alliance, recently performed outdoors at Mogollon Vineyards in Dewey, with tables socially distanced. He is scheduled to play from 1-5 p.m., Saturday, July 3, at A.C. Williams Granite Creek Park in Prescott, and Sunday, July 4, at a mini festival at Alcantara Vineyards in Cottonwood. But the guitarist is most excited about the First Annual Greater Prescott Valley Blues Festival, planned for Saturday, May 22, at the Prescott Valley Amphitheater.

When the pandemic struck last year, Berry was scheduled to perform at Cliff Castle Casino, and that was canceled. He, like so many musicians, experienced the dramatic drop in business as venues were closed. Some were in the middle of tours when everything stopped. He said some musicians became creative. For example, Taj Mahal booked his band into a theater and sold tickets for the online show.

Berry was able to continue with some solo performances and some duo gigs with friend Paul Epoch on harmonica. The duo is known as the Swamp Poets. “As long as everybody is safe, people need to have their music outlet,” he said. “It’s an integral part of everybody’s life.”

Darryl Porras, lead singer and guitarist with Big Daddy D and the Dynamites, performed recently at The Route 66 Roadhouse Bar and Grill in Bellemont and Windsock in Prescott. Porras plays at the Blues Jam that the Roadhouse offers every two weeks. He said the Prescott area has been quicker to open music venues than the Flagstaff area and is looking forward to the Prescott Valley Blues Festival this month.“We have a lot of followers who love live music,” said Porras. “It’s nice to see people you haven’t seen for a while. Everybody’s glad to be back.”

Hall says he will be hitting all three blues jams – at The Windsock, the Roadhouse and the Old Corral Bar in Cornville. “I think it’s huge when we’re able to have shows because we’ve been pushing up against whatever limits were in place. People are clamoring for music,” he said. “I expect great turnouts when the pandemic is under control.”

Musicians applaud Arizona’s bars that follow safety protocols, including masking, social distancing and seating capacity. “People didn’t realize how much was on the line for the clubs if they were caught breaking protocols,” said Porras. “I felt safe because the safety protocols were followed. Regardless of your perspective, you have to follow the rules.”

“Some thought we shouldn’t be playing because of the danger and others were relieved to have something going on, but I was real conscious about it. I was careful,” said Berry.

“Some thanked me for being willing to come out to perform,” said Hall. “Once this clears up, live music will really be going strong.” QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN