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Ray Newton

ERAU Named One of Arizona’s Top 125 Companies for Employees

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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott (ERAU) has been named one of the “Top 125 Companies in Arizona to Work For,” based on results of a statewide survey sponsored by the Arizona Commerce Authority and Republic Media, which partnered with Best Companies Group (BCG) and BestCompaniesAZ.

It is the sixth year the survey has been conducted, said Heather Kivatinos, regional executive with the USA TODAY NETWORK. She indicated that identifying the top companies had become even more competitive this year, so the number of organizations honored was increased from 100 in previous years to 125 in 2018.

Only three of the top companies named are from communities outside the Greater Phoenix area or Tucson. Those communities are Prescott, with ERAU; Flagstaff with Lowell Observatory; and Yuma with the Navy Federal Credit Union.

The description of ERAU said it was an educational institution with 432 employees in Arizona. The citation also said, “ERAU demonstrates appreciation for employees with a generous time-off package, fitness onsite, a four-day work week in the summer, discounts to services and businesses, a massage therapist, free tuition for employees and their families.  Every year the university gives service awards and service excellence banquets.”

“We believe the key to success is to bring the very best faculty and staff together,” said ERAU Chancellor Frank Ayers. “We support them in a way that respects their abilities and talents, and create a campus culture that places our students’ success at the top. We call this the ‘Embry-Riddle Family.’ It explains why our colleagues are so committed to the success of our students, to each other and to this great university.”

Survey data were collected by experienced researchers in a three-step process:

  • A confidential 76-question Employee Engagement and Satisfaction Survey was used to evaluate employees’ workplace experiences and the company culture.
  • The employer was asked to provide specific information about the company’s benefit packages and policies, practices and other general information about the organization.
  • The combined data were then evaluated by experts from the BCG. That analysis involved looking at the strengths and challenges within each company. BCG experts then made the final decision about who should be on the final list of the top 125 companies in Arizona.

Peter B. Burke, president and co-founder of BCG, said being among the top employers in the region is yet another way of attracting talented people into a company’s workforce.

Sandra Watson, president of the Arizona Commerce Authority, commented about the recognition given Arizona firms, “The top companies are job-creators, risk-takers and entrepreneurs who are building amazing companies and a culture of innovation that is competing on a global scale.”

The complete multipage report was published as a supplement to the Arizona Republic and distributed statewide in early June. QCBN

 By Ray Newton, QCBN

Halfway ‘Home’ – Literally and Figuratively

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Touchmark Sales Manager Christy VanderMolen greets Marilyn Early from Atlanta, Ga., as Early prepares for a tour of Touchmark facilities. (Photo by Ray Newton)

Tom Biel, executive vice president of Touchmark at the Ranch, has a gleam in his eye and broad smile when he tells prospective buyers that the upper-end retirement living facility is half complete.

He is right on two counts.

First, more than 50 percent of the 45 single-family homes and even more of the 162 units in the Grand Lodge have been sold.

Second, construction at the 45-acre site atop a hill overlooking the east side of Prescott is now more than half done.

All this progress has occurred in the past year. Biel said he anticipates completion of the 200,000-plus square-foot Grand Lodge in March 2018.

“Response to what Touchmark is offering has been awesome,” Biel said. “We are getting inquiries and visitors from throughout the United States.”

Biel explains that Touchmark at the Ranch is offering retirement living to those 55 and older. “Given the demographics of the baby boomers, we know that millions of people will be looking for quality facilities which have amenities and hospitality services that can serve them as they grow older. And given that Prescott is frequently cited as one of the top 10 retirement communities in the United States, we at Touchmark want to provide the best we possibly can to appeal to retirees.”
Biel escorted several groups on an inaugural tour of the Grand Lodge in mid-May. One of those on the inaugural tour was Anne Babinsky, a retired Yavapai College faculty member and administrator who has already bought a unit. “I am so eager to get into the Grand Lodge. I won’t have to worry myself about yardwork or housekeeping anymore. If I don’t want to, I won’t have to cook. I can go to any of the three restaurants in the lodge. I’m ready to move in.”

 

Beyond the Typical Retirement Community

Christy VanderMolen, sales manager and retirement counselor for the Prescott development, described the Touchmark campus as “…diverse, yet cohesive.” She said that approximately 350 active adult single family or apartment homes will offer a full range of services. “We’ll have everything from independent living to assisted living to memory care – which will accommodate those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia illnesses.”

For those opting for single-family homes, a wide range of home sizes and floor plans featuring Southwestern style architecture can be reviewed, VanderMolen said. Already, more than 15 homes are under construction. Several more plans for the remaining lots available are pending approval so that construction can begin.

The Grand Lodge will have three distinct dining facilities, ranging from fine dining to a casual restaurant to a bistro. Residents in the Grand Lodge can select from among 99 independent living homes, 53 assisted living homes, or 10 Pembrook Program homes, which support individuals with early cognitive or physical challenges.

All occupants will be able to select from a wide range of amenities, such as restaurant-style dining.

She said other internal amenities included a beauty and barber shop, a chapel, a library, computer center, movie theater, arts and crafts center and activity and game rooms.   Housekeeping and assistance with personal care will be available, too. Underground parking will be available at the Grand Lodge.

She mentioned that for residents who have visitors, the Grand Lodge will have five guest rooms available, which are fully furnished and have kitchen facilities.

She described an 18,000-square-foot, multi-story clubhouse as having aquatic and fitness center facilities. It will be open to all residents of the development and to persons in the greater community who are 50 and older. The clubhouse also will include a convenience market, community center and meeting spaces for civic and social organizations and groups.

“We’ll have a Wellness and Life Enrichment program supervised by Director of Health and Fitness Lisa Fry, a trained professional. What’s more, the campus will feature an amphitheater, where we will bring in performing groups. It also has a barbeque area and pickleball courts,” VanderMolden said.

She noted that developers said more than 60 percent of the acreage will be dedicated to open space, with miles of hiking and nature trails which are open to the public as well as to residents.

Biel and VanderMolen both acknowledged that the full-service retirement community will require a large staff. In addition to the 12 full-time executive staff, there are expected to be about 130 full-time employees. “We already are accepting job applicants,” Biel said.

Monthly fees for the retirement community begin at about $2,200.

“At first glance, some people may think that’s fairly expensive, but then we explain that those fees include many costs that homeowners pay in separate bills – electric and gas services; water, sewer and garbage; cable TV, housekeeping, yard maintenance, property taxes, HOA fees,” said VanderMolen. “We think that once most people take a look at their current living expenses and then compare them to what we are offering, they realize that a full-service retirement community is more affordable than they might have thought.” QCBN

For more information about Touchmark at the Ranch, call 928-288-2080 or visit Touchmark.com. Touchmark is located at 300 N. Lee Blvd., in Prescott.

By Ray Newton, QCBN

 

Suggested captions are below.   Photos will be transmitted in separate message.

#1        Touchmark Executive Vice President Tom Biel briefs persons waiting to take an inaugural tour of facilities under construction. (Photo by Ray Newton)

#2

#3        Touchmark Executive Vice President Tom Biel points out where various offices and homes will be located in the Grand Lodge currently midway through the construction phase. (Photo by Ray Newton)                                    (More captions on next page)

#4        Many persons who took the inaugural tour of Touchmark facilities under construction also enjoyed a hot buffet luncheon. (Photo by Ray Newton)

#5        The Grand Lodge at Touchmark will contain 162 homes when construction is completed sometime in March 2018. (Photo by Ray Newton)

 

Another set of photos will follow—lovely rendering of what completed facilities in the Grand Lodge are expected to look like. Below are suggested captions for those renderings.

#1        This architect’s rendering is of the formal dining room in the Grand Lodge, where guests will look to the west at a typical Arizona sunset. (Courtesy photo)

#2        This architect’s rendering is of the front entrance of the 162-home Grand Lodge currently under construction at Touchmark at the Ranch.   (Courtesy photo)

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Valuing, Protecting the Verde River

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  Vincent Randall from the Yavapai-Apache tribe in the Verde Valley told the Citizens Water Advocacy Group that he would welcome its support in the fight to protect the Verde River. Photo by Ray Newton

Yavapai-Apache leader shares spiritual beliefs about water, urges awareness

The Verde River should be treated as “a living spiritual entity,” says Yavapai-Apache Director of Cultural Resources Vincent Randall. Randall was the featured speaker at the Citizens Water Advocacy Group (CWAG) at a May 13 meeting in Prescott.

An active in water rights and water issues almost his entire life, Randall is insistent that people throughout Arizona and the Southwest must begin to acknowledge that water cannot be treated just as a commodity or simple natural resource. Rather, he says, “Water provides all of us with sustenance in our traditional social, cultural and religious practices. Our daily lives are intertwined with water, and we cannot ignore that it is a lifeline for us all.”

Randall served for several years on the Yavapai-Apache Tribal Council and for several terms, was tribal chair. He advocated for years that local, state and federal officials must resolve the issue of who has what rights to water, especially the Verde River, with headwaters in Northcentral Arizona.

Randall told the group that the Verde River is the last free-flowing river in Arizona. “Not just the Yavapai-Apache Nation, but all of us must work to protect the Verde River and negotiate a future settlement of the nation‘s water rights so that we can assure the long-term sustainability of the river and the communities it supports.”

As part of his presentation, Randall showed a 2015 documentary video of an earlier speech he has given during a statewide forum about water and water rights. Called “Indigenous Perspectives in Sustainable Water Practices,” Randall discusses the history of Native American tribes throughout the United States. He specifically focuses on those issues in the Southwest, especially Arizona.

Much of what he shared through the video was related to the spiritual beliefs that not only Yavapai-Apaches but also Navajos and other tribes have about water. “For millennia, the Yavapai and Apache people have relied upon the Verde River and its surroundings springs, seeps and creeks. These provide for all elements of life. Our stories, our ceremonies, our lessons about the land, how we interact with each other and how we live. Our daily lives are all intertwined with these waters.”

Randall noted that after he received a teaching degree from Northern Arizona University, he taught biology in the Jerome-Clarkdale schools from 1963 until 1992 – 29 years.

He said he used his scientific training and background to help educate other tribal members of how important water was to their future.

He said that in Apache tradition, they believed the Creator gave water power. Water started as a spring, then a creek, and a stream, then river and finally, the ocean. But the birthplace—a spring—was sacred and powerful. He warned that many believe the springs are in danger, and that when the springs disappear, so will life along the waterways.

“We’re all in the same boat. We must work together to protect and preserve our water in Arizona and the Southwest. And it has to start where the water starts. It’s like trying to stop a snowball. You have to stop it at the top before it gains momentum, not at the bottom after it is rolling.” QCBN

For more information about the Citizens Water Advocacy Group, visit cwag.org or call 928-445-4218.

 

 

Housing Arizona’s Softball Hall of Fame

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What could be more appropriate in “The Softball Capital of Arizona” than the Arizona Softball Hall of Fame?

That is what is in the Grace Sparkes Activity Center at 824 E. Gurley Street in Prescott.

For the past 12 years, memorabilia paying tribute to renowned Arizona softball players – male and female – to coaches, sponsors, umpires and other contributors has been housed in a small alcove of this facility operated by the City of Prescott.

On display are trophies, plaques and photographs of men’s and women’s teams, of individual Hall of Fame elected members, umpires and sponsors. Also displayed are uniforms, softball equipment and other memorabilia associated with the popular sport.

Originally, when the Arizona Softball Foundation was established in 1973, its intent was to honor those whose achievements warranted Hall of Fame status.

Before being permanently located in Prescott on May 27, 2005, the Hall of Fame had been located in several “homes,” including the Hayden Library at Arizona State University. But because of regulations forbidding permanent displays at Hayden Library, the collection ended up being shelved until the City of Prescott Parks, Recreation and Library Department agreed to give it a permanent home at its current location.

Access to visiting the exhibit is through the Recreation Services Department, located in the same building at 824 E. Gurley Street, Prescott. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Prescott Scores with Softball Women’s World Series

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Women’s softball is among the most popular sports in Prescott and the Southwest, and Prescott leads the state in sponsoring tournaments.   

Prescott, already known as the “Softball Capital of Arizona,” just hit another home run to bolster that image.

The city has been selected by the National Softball Association (NSA) as the site for the women’s 2017 Southwest World Series, July 11-16.

It is the first time NSA has designated the community for such a prestigious sanctioned tournament.

City of Prescott Recreation Services Department Director Joe Baynes said the city was honored to work with NSA in offering that level of competition to outstanding female athletes from the Western United States.

Teams are expected from Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon and Washington.

“I think it’s a tribute to the city and the greater community that we’ve been picked to work with what has been called ‘the most successful softball association’ in the United States.

What’s really gratifying is the tremendous economic impact such a tournament will have on the community. It will amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Baynes said.

Baynes credits City of Prescott Recreation Supervisor Rick Hormann and his staff with bringing the tournament to Prescott.

Over the years, Hormann and his team have created the reputation of excellence for the quality of softball experiences they provide softball teams, not just from Prescott, but also from the greater Southwest, Baynes said.

Hormann has considerable experience in managing recreational programs. He attended Northern Arizona University on a tennis scholarship and earned a degree in recreation management. He then worked on the West Coast for several years before coming to Prescott.

“We’ve hosted dozens of tournaments over the years, but this one is really ‘big time.’ The weeklong event will use every ballfield – 12 of them – the city has, plus school fields. And if need be, we can work with our neighbors in Prescott Valley and use fields there. We have always worked closely with Brian Witty, PV’s director of parks and recreation,” he said.

Hormann is proud of the condition of the ballfields where teams will compete. “We’ve been told that our fields are the best in Arizona. That’s because of our moderate climate and the staff expertise [that] we have in Prescott’s recreation and parks services.”

Hormann says he has no firm idea yet of the number of teams that will be in the tournament. “I’m anticipating at least 40 to 50 teams – and we could have many more than that. That translates to a lot of people. Each team has 14 girls and two coaches, and we know that many parents and friends will accompany them.”

Because it is a double elimination tournament, games will begin early each morning and be staggered into the early evening hours.

Teams and their fans will be staying in hotels throughout the Quad Cities area, Hormann said. “We think the entire Quad Cities area will benefit economically from having all these visitors here for that extended period of time. Based on past experiences and what we know about spending habits of visiting teams, we figure that if we have just 40 teams, the economic impact could be as much as $600,000 to $700,000,” Hormann said.

The City of Prescott hires umpires and announcers to cover all the ballgames. Their daily expenses and lodging in Prescott and Prescott Valley accommodations are covered through the Recreation Services budget. It will use the $750 per team entry fee to pay such costs.

“The city loses no money in hosting tournaments like this,” Hormann explained. In fact, an empirical analysis of 2016 Recreation Services events estimated that in 2016, out-of-town spending had an estimated $2,162,100 positive direct spending impact on the community.

Hormann emphasized that those estimates were based on the total year’s recreational events. He pointed out that Prescott has more than 140 softball teams and hosts several tournaments every summer. Other recreational programs include youth and adult baseball, volleyball, youth football and soccer. They all bring visitors and money to the area.

“Most people don’t know that Prescott has more softball teams – youth, men’s and women’s –than any other city in Arizona – bigger than Phoenix and Tucson. In fact, on a per capita basis, we’ve been told we have the largest softball program in the country.”

Hormann insists that credit for such successful recreational programs begins with Director Joe Baynes, who gives complete support to the Recreation Services staff.

“I speculate that when NSA sees what we can do with that softball world series this year, it’ll be coming back and asking us to do it again.” QCBN

For more information, visit prescott-azgov/services/parks or call 928-777-1122.

Written by Ray Newton, QCBN

 

 

 

 

Seen By Millions, Recognized by Many

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marchcomprofMost of us can go shopping locally or travel throughout the country and generally be anonymous.

Not so with Alice Ferris.

Prescott residents may know Ferris because of her longtime “hands-on” commitment to fundraising, strategic planning and leadership training at the Highlands Center for Natural History.

That is a role she has had for almost 15 years.

It is also a role that Ferris takes considerable pride in, as the Highlands Center was her first client when she founded GoalBusters Consulting in 2001.

“I honestly value the Highlands Center as a client as much as any we have, for I’ve been able to stick with them, and they’ve stuck with me,” she said.

Dave Irvine, executive director for the Highlands Center, has nothing but praise for Ferris and her team.

“Alice initiated some of the initial strategic planning for this organization – well before I came here eight years ago. And she continues to serve us. She is our ‘institutional memory,’ if you will, and she had regularly helped us modify and make contemporary our strategic planning process. She has the capacity to energize our board, to help us prioritize, and to make us set achievable, realistic goals.”

 

Ferris’s Impact Reaches Beyond Arizona

In recent years, it is difficult for Ferris to travel anywhere in the United States without someone recognizing her and saying “Hey, didn’t I see you on PBS…?” and name one of the more than 350 public television stations in the U.S. and Canada that Ferris regularly appears on.

It is happening more and more often, too. The Wisconsin native routinely flies more than 100,000 miles each year and spends more than 200 days on the road, away from the physical offices of the Flagstaff-based business she founded in 2001: GoalBusters Consulting.

Major clients for her business include PBS, local public radio and public television stations throughout the country. She also consults with scores of non-profit service organizations – Native American groups, healthcare, education, social services, the arts, animal welfare – almost any type of non-profit imaginable has been served by Ferris and her team.

Perhaps the highest profile position she currently has is being an on-air fundraising personality for the highest rated dramatic series in public television history, Downton Abbey. Appearing in as many as 17 million households weekly, Ferris and her on-air cohost, Ken Verdoia, producer at KUED, Salt Lake City, are featured in nationally distributed PBS fundraising programming for the critically acclaimed series now in its sixth season. These fundraising programs have helped raise more than $70 million for local PBS stations.

 

Fundraising Career Provided Multiple Opportunities

Ferris is a frequently requested presenter on the international speaking circuit of the non-profit training and professional development world.

She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Wisconsin. Involved in public broadcasting for more than 25 years, she started at Wisconsin Public Television as a human “bubble machine” blowing bubbles from behind a set piece during the long-running “Lawrence Welk Show.”

Ferris has been featured as on-air national fundraising talent for many programs, such as Suze Orman’s “Financial Solutions,” and the 25th Anniversary of Ken Burns’ “Civil War.”

Most recently, she worked with the cast of “Manor of Speaking,” an Emmy-award Houston PBS produced talk show that often follows “Downton Abbey.”

Ferris sometimes has to remind viewers that while she is seen on TV frequently, it is often the magic of digital recording, not live performance. In fact, her TV work represents no more than 10 percent of her professional work. She and her business partner, Jim Anderson, CFRE, have home offices in Flagstaff but usually are on the road serving clients in Arizona and throughout North America. GoalBusters is a team of seven staff members and contractors. For more than 15 years, they have provided fundraising training, professional development and executive coaching for myriad clients. Besides the Highlands Center for Natural History, other long-term clients include North Country Healthcare, The Hopi Education Endowment Fund and KAWC Public Radio.

GoalBusters’ lines of services also include strategic planning, capital campaigns, feasibility studies, social media management, donor acquisition and direct mail campaigns.

In addition to spearheading GoalBusters, Ferris is a dedicated volunteer serving as chair for the Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive board (ACFRE). She is one of only 108 fundraising professionals to earn this designation, which is the highest credential of the fundraising profession. She also is on the Certified Fund Raising Executive board (CFRE) and provides volunteer service to many other non-profit organizations. QCBN

 

What business words of wisdom do you live by?

“The concept of ‘one size fits all’ really means that it fits everyone poorly. Every client we serve deserves specialized individual attention.”

 

Where do you see yourself and your business five years from now?

“In our business, we have a chance to meet people and organizations that have a deep passion for changing the world, so I assume we’ll still be traveling the world working with interesting people!”

 

Where’s your favorite place to travel?
“Places where I can have unique experiences with people who like to share what they love about their culture.”

 

What do you do to unwind?

“I cook, or I eat at restaurants that give me an opportunity to try foods that someone has put a lot of love and care into it. And I take pictures of the food to share on social media.”

 

GoalBusters can be reached at www.goalbusters.net.

By Ray Newton

 

Women’s Air Race Classic Taking Off From Prescott

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womensairraceThe 40th annual Air Race Class (ARC) for women pilots will see approximately 55 teams from throughout the country and the world take to the skies in the only race of its kind in the United States.

Officially, the race begins with take-offs early on June 21 at the Prescott Municipal Airport. The finish line is Daytona Beach, Florida, on a pre-determined course that takes pilot teams out of Arizona forests and deserts across the Mid-America heartland to eastern Florida beaches.

Unofficially, preparation of planes and briefing of pilots for the 2,716-mile flight begins several days before, when the women pilots and support personnel begin arriving.

“We’ll have scores of people from all over the country here in Prescott for several days,” said Michelle Day, event chair and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University western region director of alumni relations.

She noted that ERAU is hosting events at both the beginning and the end of the ARC.

What’s more, ERAU-Prescott has two collegiate teams entering. Hannah Rooney (a senior from Youngstown, Ohio) and Rachel Hutzell (a junior from Urbandale, Iowa) are the pilot and co-pilot for one team; and Hannah Burright (a senior from Rancho Cucamonga, California) and Shelby King (a graduate student from Broomfield, California) are the pilot and co-pilot for the other.
In the past, the age span for women participating in the air race ranges from teenagers to experienced pilots in their 80s and 90s.

 

Significant Community, Regional Involvement

Jason Kadah, ERAU communications and media relations manager, noted that the aviation community in Prescott is already receiving inquiries from throughout the region about attending scheduled events. He said a group of more than 40 Girl Scouts from the greater Phoenix area plans to be here. They will be coming as a part of a “Discover Aviation” program intended to introduce young women to aviation.

“The economic impact of having something like this will be significant. And even better, it gives the community an opportunity to participate and observe many of the ARC activities,” he said.

Registration and credentialing of pilots will occur on Friday and Saturday, June 17-18. Experts will inspect each aircraft, too, to ensure they are fit to compete.

On Sunday, teams will spend time planning and developing race strategies. They will complete the day with a banquet at the Prescott Resort. “The banquet will be open to the public and will provide a genuine educational experience about air racing for those who attend,” Day said.

Monday will require competitors to attend intense briefings about air safety, weather conditions and all other regulations that govern the ARC.

The actual race beginning starts with the “take off” of planes from the airport beginning early on Tuesday, June 21.

“We anticipate hundreds of people visiting the airport just to see planes lining up – five at a time, one behind the other, 30 seconds apart – to begin the race. With 50 to 55 planes readying for takeoff, that’ll be quite a sight,” she said.

 

The Pilots; The Race

Lara Gaerle, ARC president of Fort Wayne, Indiana, has said, “We look forward to welcoming back veteran racers and meeting new competitors at this year’s start.”

The ARC began in 1929, with the Women’s Air Debry. It continued through the 1930s but was interrupted by World War II. It began again in 1947 and was known as the Powder Puff Derby, where women would compete in cross-country flights.

In 1977, what ultimately became the Air Race Classic had evolved into an organization that encourages woman to become pilots and promotes flying and aviation.

Today, ARC is considered the epitome of women’s aircraft racing. Pilots of all ages and diverse backgrounds will have four days to fly, daytime only, starting in Prescott with intermediate stops across the country and a final touchdown in Daytona Beach.

Two categories of race competition are open: Competition and Non-Competition. The Competition category will receive prizes and awards valued at several thousand dollars.

Another division – Collegiate – promotes participation from women who are enrolled in the accredited university they represent.

The race teams of two or three pilots must have at least 100 hours as a pilot-in-command to qualify. One of them must have at least 500 hours as pilot-in-command or a current instrument rating. Any teammate must have no less than a student pilot certificate.

Pilots must fly normally aspirated, piston-powered fixed-wing airplanes with engines of from 100 to 570 horsepower.

A unique scoring system is used to compute a “handicap” specific to each airplane. The objective is for each team to plan carefully and plot a flight plan to accommodate the kind of plane they are flying, weather, wind and other factors to let each team race against its own best time, not against each other.

“We’ll be inviting the community, especially those interested in aviation, to several of the events we are planning,” said Day. “We’re delighted already to have many local people and organizations volunteering to help in this historic cross-country air race.”

By Ray Newton

 

For more information, contact Day at michelle.day@erau.edu or 928-777-4210.

 

Prescott Becoming Favorite Tourism Destination

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TourismA recently released visitor and tourism impact study paints a positive picture for Prescott.

Among the highlights:

  • The estimated economic impact of direct and indirect effects of visitor spending amounts to more than $340 million for the 2014-2015 year.
  • Prescott is a favored tourist destination in Arizona.
  • Those visiting the area ranked their “Satisfaction Level” at 90 percent.

Such findings are part of more than 30 bullet points announced by the Prescott Area Hospitality Association (PAHA).

The survey, conducted by the Arizona Hospitality and Research and Resource Center at the W. A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University, was designed to provide both quantitative and qualitative data for objective analysis. Researcher Tom Combrink says the surveys were distributed once a week during each month of the 2014-2015 year to ensure a representative sample with data collected from many locations throughout the city.

 

Exceptional Level of Visitor Satisfaction

In response to the question about overall satisfaction “with your experience in Prescott,” respondents overwhelmingly selected “9 to 10,” with 10 being the top rating possible.

“In my more than 27 years of analyzing surveys of visitors to various communities, it’s the highest I’ve ever seen. Ninety percent satisfaction is off the charts,“ said Combrink.

Other key results from the study included these:

  • The average age of visitors was 57. Males comprised 53.6 percent of the visitors.
  • Not quite half – 46.8 percent – of visitors were 61 years old or older.
  • Almost one third of the visitors – 32.5 percent – were from Arizona. Most of those were from Maricopa County, which includes the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.
  • Out-of-state visitors came predominantly from California – more than 15 percent. Others in the top 10 states were (in order) Wisconsin, Florida, Washington, Illinois, Colorado, Oregon, Nevada and Michigan.
  • Canadians topped the list of international visitors – almost 50 percent. Combrink noted that contrary to what some might speculate, Canadians were not visiting primarily during winter months, but rather spring – March through May. “They probably visit Prescott as they head north to go home,” Combrink suggested.
  • United Kingdom visitors were second on the list of international visitors: 17.7 percent. They were followed by Australians and Germans.
  • In all, visitors from 18 different countries responded to survey questions. Combrink did note that perhaps Mexico was under-represented in survey results, “…possibly because of a translation or language barrier.”

 

Day Trippers and Overnighters         

Distinct differences, especially in spending, existed between those who only spent a day and those who stayed overnight. For instance, day-trippers spent most of their money on restaurants or groceries, souvenir shopping and transportation (fuel); whereas overnight visitors spent a significant amount – more than $100 a day – on lodging and more than $70 a day on meals and groceries.

Most overnight visitors – 75.7 percent – stayed in hotels or motels. Others stayed in recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds or with family or friends.

Combrink said survey results showed the total estimated expenditures for day and overnight visitors amounted to direct spending of $289,707,000 in 2014-1025. By far, the largest number of dollars were for lodging and camping – almost $123 million. That was followed by money spent for restaurants and groceries – almost $100 million. Other major expenditures were for transportation (gasoline), some $33 million; shopping and souvenirs, $29 million; and recreational fees, tours and other expenses at $4 million.

Those visiting Prescott tended to be fairly affluent, with an average household income of $104,000.

Among top attractions for visitor is the historic downtown area of Prescott. “The Courthouse Plaza and surrounding area are unique in Arizona,” said Combrink. The plaza has been recognized as one of the Top 10 public squares in the United States by TripAdvisor.

Other favored activities for visitors were cited (in descending order) as hiking and biking local trails, bird-watching and wildlife viewing, camping or RVing, boating/canoeing, golfing, rock climbing, sports events and horseback riding. Some visitors noted they participated in multiple activities among the various categories.

 

Hospitality Industry Pleased with Results

Amore Clanciola, director of catering and events for the Hassayampa Inn and PAHA president, says she is gratified to “…have recent data about visitors so we in the community can better target our marketing and promotion plans.”

City of Prescott Tourism Director Don Prince says it has been more than six years since a similar study had been conducted. The cost for the $10,000 study was split between the Arizona Office of Tourism and the City of Prescott.

“One of the most impressive findings in this survey is the high number of repeat visitors who select Prescott as a destination rather than a pass-through,” said Margo Christensen, vice president of marketing and public relations for the Prescott-based Ponderosa Hotel Management group. “Also, with a satisfaction rating of nine out of 10, this seems conclusive evidence that proves we are a desirable destination that provides visitors a good and memorable experience.”

Christensen also is active with several state and national travel-tourism organizations.

Prince says he particularly was pleased that Prescott received such high rankings among places in Arizona to visit. “The entire hospitality industry in this community can be proud of what we’re doing, especially since our competitors in Northern Arizona – Sedona and Flagstaff – spend double and triple the amount of money we have to attract visitors.”

Heather Hermen, owner of Front Burner Media in Sedona, recommends an emphasis in social media for future emphasis marketing and promotional efforts.

The complete research report can be viewed online at www.visit-prescott.com.

 

By Ray Newton

Arizona’s Christmas City Offering Sleigh Full of Events

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This vividly lighted float is typical of the entries that entertain viewers during the annual Holiday Light Parade around the Courthouse Square
This vividly lighted float is typical of the entries that entertain viewers during the annual Holiday Light Parade around the Courthouse Square

“Bigger and better than ever!”

That is what Kendall Jaspers, executive director of the Prescott Downtown Partnership, says about upcoming events, which have brought worldwide recognition to Prescott as “Arizona’s Christmas City.”

Jaspers, with considerable pride, cited a recent article published in USA Today ranking Prescott as a “must see” community in Arizona, especially during the exuberant Christmas season.

“I am more and more impressed every year with how many people and organizations work together to make the celebration so successful,” said Margo Christensen, Ponderosa Hotel Management vice president and marketing director.

She praised the Prescott Downtown Partnership (PDP), the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, the Tourism Advisory Committee, Tommy Meredith of Jersey Lilly Saloon, Matt and Marco with the Enchanted Christmas and other supporters.

“I hope residents and visitors will realize the tremendous amount of time it takes to produce all the events we sponsor to maintain our official ‘Christmas City’ status,” she said.

More than just local residents will know about “Arizona’s Christmas City,” when the Cox TV “Arizona Weekend Explorer” show is broadcast throughout the Valley of the Sun. City of Prescott Tourism Director Don Prince says TV crews shot a 30-minute travel program about Prescott in October. The show is airing this month.

Acknowledgement of Prescott as a community that celebrates Christmas in a unique way goes back 53 years. In 1962, then Gov. Paul Fannin declared Prescott to be the official Arizona “Christmas Town.”

It was 27 years later that the more recent name, “Christmas City,” came to be when then Gov. Rose Mofford issued an official proclamation to that effect, according to Prescott Chamber of Commerce CEO David Maurer.

The economic impact of having thousands of residents and visitors involved in eating out, spending money on lodging and, of course, shopping throughout a month-long period is incalculable, Jaspers says.

A Holiday Light Parade on Saturday, Nov. 28, signaled the beginning of more than a month of Christmas celebrations. For the first time, the Memorial Island Triangle at the intersection of Gurley and Sheldon will be decorated.

 

Christmas Parade, Courthouse Lighting Attract Thousands

Thousands of people will line downtown streets at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, to view more than 100 parade entries, including 10 marching bands.

“The Chamber of Commerce coordinates the parade,” said Maurer. “We’re pleased to have Marlin Kuykendall, the retiring Prescott mayor, as Grand Marshal,” Maurer said.

Later, at 6 p.m. that day, streets around the iconic Courthouse Square will be jam-packed at opening ceremonies marking the 61st annual Courthouse Lighting. For the 25th consecutive year, Prescott native Ken Bennett, former Arizona state legislator, secretary of state and now a Congressional candidate, will read the Christmas story. Afterward, a kaleidoscope of colors will brighten the courthouse and adjacent trees when the switch is turned on.

Those lights will remain on during nighttime all the way through Martin Luther King weekend in January 2016, Maurer said.

The cumulative cost for the various celebrations amount to “…$75,000 to $85,000 annually. The city contributes $30,000; the Chamber of Commerce, $5,000; and the PDP, $5,000.

Jaspers and Maurer both praised Jersey Lilly Saloon owner Tommy Meredith and the Friends of Jersey Lilly for setting a goal of an additional $30,000 to be collected from the private sector as support for the Courthouse Lighting.

 

Acker Music Night Showcases Quad Cities Performing Groups

Acker Music Night is another Prescott tradition that brings thousands of people together.

Following the opening ceremony at 5:15 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11, in front of Bashford Court on Gurley Street, the public can wander streets to hear performers entertain from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“Acker Night has become so popular that we’ve expanded the venues to include the Depot Marketplace and SpringHill Suites on Sheldon,” said J.S. Acker Music Park Association President Scotty Currey. “More than 110 performing groups will be scattered throughout downtown Prescott at virtually every business along the way.”

The festive Wells Fargo stagecoach will be parked downtown for those who want a photo opportunity.

A special event is planned for 7:15 p.m. near the platform at Bashford Court. “We’re inviting everyone from throughout the community to join together and fill the evening air with the joyous sound of the ‘Hallelujah’ Chorus’ from Handel’s Messiah,” said Currey.

He added that a rumor – not yet confirmed but fairly reliable, was “…that some aliens, possibly from Star Wars, were going to visit Prescott to get the feel of the Christmas season. We want people to be aware of this possibility,” he warned.

 

Many More Entertainment Activities

The popular Prescott POPS Symphony Orchestra is presenting “Home for the Holidays” at 3 p.m., Sunday Dec. 13, at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center (YCPAC).

The Texas Tenors will perform “Deep in the Heart of Christmas” at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 19 at the YCPAC.

Several other programs are scheduled at the YCPAC. Visit www.ycpac.com for a complete listing.

 

Boot Drop Welcomes 2016

The city invites all to close out the Christmas festivities and ring in the New Year by attending the traditional Boot Drop scheduled for 10 p.m. and midnight on Thursday, Dec. 31. Hundreds are expected to celebrate with the lowering of the illuminated custom-made cowboy boot across the street from the Courthouse Square. A carnival, ferris wheel and fireworks will be part of the festivities. QCBN

 

 

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Entrepreneur Incubator Designed to Improve Economy

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REDC Yavapai CollegeGiven that regional approaches to economic development have gained considerable momentum in the past few years, sustaining that momentum is a priority for Alexandria Wright and her colleagues at the Yavapai College Regional Economic Development Center (REDC).

To better fulfill that and other economic opportunity interests, Wright has initiated the Yavapai Rural Center for Entrepreneurship (YRCE) within the REDC.

The vision and mission, Wright explains, is to nurture innovative and creative talents and to encourage entrepreneurship through providing technical expertise in a structured and focused support system for invention and commercialization of companies that support high quality jobs and economic vitality.

“This will be Yavapai County’s first incubator,” she said. “We will combine incubator counseling services at the same location where the concept of ‘FabLabs’ has been incorporated into curriculum design.”

Wright and her staff recently moved their offices and resources from their Sheldon Street location to a much larger building where FabLabs are functioning. That new location is at the Career and Technical Center, 220 Ruger Road, just north of the Love Field Airport on the northeast edge of Prescott. The specific FabLabs include Machining, Robotics, Welding, Microelectronics, Mill Right and Gunsmithing.

“We’ll be directly linked to students in the FabLabs,” she said.

Those relocated offices also will house the REDC and the YRCE. The facility also will contain the Small Business Development Center, which provides counseling and educational services to entrepreneurs throughout the county. The SBDC also has sites at the Yavapai College Verde Valley campus in Clarkdale, at the Sedona Center for Arts and Technology in Sedona and the main campus in Prescott.

 

Ambitious Initiatives Are Characteristic of REDC

The REDC is fully integrated into academic programing at the college. Even so, Wright says because of the close tie between economic development initiatives and institutional advancement resources, she reports to the campus vice president of institutional advancement.

“This is a progressive model being implemented at community colleges throughout the nation,” said Wright. “Linking the economic analyses I produce with small business resources and job placement services, the incubator and corporate training for employers serves as a best practice model. It creates an efficient and effective approach for facilitation of economic development across the country.”

Wright believes the REDC can be of significant value to economic growth in Yavapai County and the region in a number of ways. She says the REDC produces various industry and work analyses to assist local communities. “I work with eight municipalities and a handful of unincorporated areas within the county. The analyses identify areas of current needs and future opportunities for growth and expansion, because they cross-reference quantitative data from state and federal resources with local information gathered from private, public and non-profit sector participants.”

Ordinarily, such data are not available to rural communities, she says.

“We’ve been able to identify new local credentials needed to accommodate employer demand. We can provide additional content needed in existing academic programing to fill skill needs. We can provide novel program initiatives, which build a bridge between academic and local economy and employment.”

The industry and labor analyses provided to municipalities in the region are “..pro bono [work undertaken for the public good without charge]. ” Wright said, “We also produce pro bono work such as a broadband demand study and labor market reports for business attraction. Those were for the Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization, the Prescott Valley Economic Development Foundation and the Greater Prescott Regional Economic Partnership.”

Another example of free service provided by the REDC is the coordination of Youth Town Halls in cooperation with the Arizona Town Hall organization and some of its partners. So far, three such youth town halls have been sponsored, all in an attempt to give students the experience of participating in democratic deliberation and consensus building.

Not all efforts are free. Wright explained, “Because we, too, are entrepreneurial in our mission, the REDC provides fee-based services for customized training and research needed by private sector companies.”

She said fees are used to fund the running of the REDC to help it provide community services and to be a bridge between academic and employment at little or no cost to taxpayers.

 

REDC Staff Members Have Diverse Backgrounds

Though a California native, Wright says she much prefers the economic atmosphere of Arizona, especially that in the rural communities. In fact, she is completing a doctorate in political and economic sciences at Northern Arizona University. Her dissertation is tentatively titled, “Sustainable Development Indicator Model for Capital Project Selection.”

Wright manages a staff of three employees and two career coaches. One of them is Kurt Haskell, who serves as the Small Business Development Center director. He had been a successful inventor and entrepreneur before working for Yavapai College.

Another is Al Carlow, a business analyst, who teaches coursework in entrepreneurship. Carlow has long-term experience in providing analytics and business plans. His career prior to joining the REDC included specializing in rural economic development at the regional and national levels.

Carlow says his passion is to “…help clients as much as possible, as long as is needed.”

One of the career coaches is Linda Brannock, a Prescott native. “My job,” she said, “is to match our students and other people with jobs that fit their training and abilities in a sound economic environment.”

Program Assistant Katherine Anderson devotes a significant amount of time to various communities in Yavapai County.

Just recently, staff at the REDC conducted a Fall 2015 Job Fair in Prescott Valley in cooperation with the Town of Prescott Valley, the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Goodwill Industries of Central Arizona.

“That event was so successful, we’re already planning yet other jobs fairs for other communities in the county,” Wright said. “We’re confident that what we are doing will create economic opportunity and prosperity for all who live in Yavapai County. QCBN

 

By Ray Newton, QCBN