Tag: Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA)

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Navajo Nation and Twin Arrows Reopen

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It’s not an exaggeration to say that over the past 18 months, the Navajo Nation was one of the areas hardest hit by the pandemic. As of this week, the tribe reported a total of more than 31,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 with 1,362 deaths attributed to the virus, according to the Navajo Department of Health.

Over the past year, however, the vast tribal area that includes land in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, has gone from having one of the highest per capita infection rates to one of the highest vaccination rates in the country. Navajo President Jonathan Nez recently said that more than 70 percent of those eligible for the vaccine have received it.

That change prompted Navajo leaders to allow a limited reopening of the Navajo Nation to tourists this month. Navajo Nation roads are now available to visitors and tribal parks are opened at 50 percent capacity. On Monday, Twin Arrows Casino Resort also reopened, which is a huge boon to our regional economy.

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Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Flagstaff Airport Rebounds (and Builds)

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At the beginning of 2020, things were looking promising for Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. It had just come off its best ever year, with a historic 124,000 enplanements in 2019, about 50,000 more than in any previous year.

Then the pandemic hit and as the country shut down, the numbers plummeted. Instead of planning for new flights, the airport was looking for ways to assist businesses operating in the terminal.

Now as people feel free to move about the country again, Airport Director Barney Helmick says the airport is on track for a year almost as good as 2019.

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Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Workers wanted

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With almost half of all Arizonans fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and new infection rates dropping dramatically, our economy is poised to resurge. Businesses are ready to return to pre-pandemic norms as communities reopen.

There’s only one more thing that’s needed: workers.

There’s disagreement among economists and policy experts on why the national demand for labor seems to be outpacing supply. Lingering concerns about the virus and workplace safety; the scarcity of child care; and federally-enhanced unemployment benefits are the most common culprits cited.

Locally and statewide, however, we are seeing efforts to encourage people back into the workforce and events designed to connect businesses with the employees they need.

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Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Flagstaff Art Scene Making a Comeback

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After a very long pandemic year, the arts scene in Flagstaff is re-emerging, bringing music, performance and visual arts back to eager northern Arizona audiences.

Go to the calendar page of the historic Orpheum Theater and you’ll see there’s already half a dozen shows booked for next month, including two comedians, a mini blues festival (seven hours, five featured performers) and a Pride Party.

Meanwhile, June 4 will mark the formal return of the First Friday ArtWalk (now called ArtWalk FLG). The Viola Awards – Flagstaff’s answer to the Oscars for the arts and sciences community – will hold its ceremony on June 18. Then in July, Theatrikos will be back with an outdoor show at The Arboretum.

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Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Collaborative Communities Social Hour This Tuesday

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You are cordially invited to attend a special virtual celebration and networking event for business leaders, industry specialists and economic development professionals as we mark Economic Development Week on Tuesday, May 11.

The Collaborative Communities: Statewide Social Hour will be held via Zoom from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. The event is being sponsored by several economic development organizations in Arizona, including ECONA.

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Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — APS Helping Small Businesses Go Green

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APS has launched a new initiative to help small businesses embrace environmental sustainability and win more customers along the way.

The Going Green and Going Smart program is a free, on-demand certificate program that identifies ways businesses can save money on their electric bills by leveraging industry knowledge and best businesses practices.

Designed with smaller brick-and-mortar locations in mind – such as restaurants, offices, stores or warehouses – it teaches businesses how to conduct an energy audit and develop a sustainability plan. Going beyond that, however, it also shows how businesses can use their new energy efficiency to attract new customers.

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Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Biosciences Innovate During Challenging Year

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Yesterday, more than 300 leaders from around the state gathered virtually to discuss Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap, the progress we’ve made in the last two decades, and how innovation zones and collaborative efforts will increase the pace of investment in this vital sector of our economy.

The agility of bioscience related businesses and organizations was put to the test by the pandemic, as hospitals and health care workers were pushed to the brink by soaring admission rates and lack of essential equipment. Meanwhile, many of our local entities quickly shifted gears to meet the moment:

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Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Save the Date for BioScience Roadmap Update

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ECoNA will debut a video about our local bioscience sector at the annual Bioscience Roadmap hosted by the Flinn Foundation. This virtual meeting will be held from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14. To register for this free event, please click here.

In addition to updates from around the state, the event will feature keynote remarks from Thomas Osha, the board chair of the Global Institute on Innovation Districts. Osha is a global authority on leveraging research and technology into economic development.

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ECoNA — Celebrating Our Local Beer and Brewers

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Northern Arizona in winter has a lot going for it. The skiing and snowplay. The striking vistas of white-capped mountain peaks against a brilliant blue sky. The beer.

Actually, we enjoy our locally made potent potables all year long, but February is a special time as the state celebrates Arizona Beer Week, extended for a month this year due to the pandemic.

There are close to a dozen craft brew manufacturers from Williams (Grand Canyon Brewing Company, Historic Brewing Company) to Winslow (the RelicRoad Brewing Company), with the biggest concentration in Flagstaff. Some are standalone and others offer taprooms or restaurants.

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Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — New members join board

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As we celebrate a new year and look forward to the recovery of our local economy, I wanted to take a moment to welcome the newest members of ECoNA’s Executive Board. These individuals represent the education, government and private business sectors and we look forward to their leadership and input.

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ECoNA — Thornager’s Opens Up Kitchen to Food Entrepreneurs

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A commercial kitchen that until recently was the catering arm of Thornager’s on Kiltie Lane is finding a new life as an affordable testing ground for food entrepreneurs who do not have access to a fully-stocked professional cookery.

After 30-plus years in catering, including three decades as the owner of Thornager’s, Karen Sorensen was ready to hang up her apron. She even toyed with the idea of selling the Equestrian Estates event venue, but ultimately decided to shut down the catering portion of the her business while continuing to rent out the clubhouse.

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Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — 2020 in Review

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There’s no doubt that 2020 was a year like no other. Despite massive uncertainty caused by the pandemic, our local businesses adapted as best they could, changing operation models, providing curbside services, shifting online where possible and constantly pivoting to match conditions on the ground.

They were supported by highly responsive local and state governments that strove to balance public safety with economic survival.

Based on inquiries received by ECoNA this year, many were looking beyond the current pandemic to a possible future in northern Arizona. We received more than 50 inquiries from companies looking to start or relocate a business here. Together, these companies have the potential of bringing more than 14,000 jobs to the area.

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Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Governor Ducey Order & Grants Promoting More Outdoor Dining

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Governor Ducey has announced an executive order designed to allow restaurants to more easily expand outdoor dining facilities as leaders look for ways to help an industry hit hard by COVID-19.

The move, which reduces regulatory hurdles, has been paired with $1 million in grants to help eateries purchase barriers, heaters and outdoor furniture to convert open areas into dining spaces. The spaces do not have to be physically connected to the restaurant, but must be within 60 feet of the dining establishment.

The state began accepting applications for the grants yesterday. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis and will undergo a peer review process to ensure all documentation is submitted and verified. The deadline for applications is January 8, 2021.

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ECoNA — 4FRI Contractor Acquires Former SCA Facility

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Good news on the forest front: NewLife Forest Products has acquired the former SCA Tissue facility in Bellemont, allowing it to scale up operations as the largest contractor in the Four Forest Restoration Initiative, or 4FRI.

The move into the 425,000-square-foot warehouse will allow the company to hire 200 local workers and move forward with its charge to thin roughly 300,000 acres of forest land over the next several years.

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ECoNA — APS ‘SizeUp Arizona’ Tool Helping Small Businesses

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APS has rolled out a free digital tool that help small and medium businesses fine-tune their business models and be more competitive by connecting them with market research and business intelligence for their sector.

The SizeUp Arizona platform allows businesses to input their specific information, such as annual revenues, number of employees, average salaries and more, and then instantly compare themselves to similar businesses locally, statewide and nationally.

“Access to this information allows smaller companies the competitive intelligence necessary to establish and grow their businesses,” said Kelly Patton, APS Senior Economic Development Consultant for Statewide Programs.

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ECoNA Camp Navajo Moves Closer to Economic Development

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As we get ready to close out our celebration of Manufacturing Month, we set our sights on Bellemont, which may soon be primed for significant economic development.

Provisions in both the U.S. House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act 2021 (NDAA) would transfer about 3,000 acres – almost 5 square miles – of land at Camp Navajo to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. That move would allow businesses to more easily locate in and around the military base.

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ECoNA Virtual Startup Weekend Starts Oct. 23

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As we continue to celebrate manufacturing month, we wanted to let you know about an upcoming virtual event designed to cultivate tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, including those in the advanced manufacturing sector.

ECoNA is very pleased to announce that we are a launch partner for Arizona’s first-ever, statewide, online Techstars Startup Weekend, which will kick off on Friday, Oct. 23.

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[ECoNA] 2020 Not Slowing Down Food & Beverage Manufacturers

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When you ask local manufacturers to describe 2020, the words that keep popping up are things like unexpected, rollercoaster and whirlwind. For the food and beverage sector, one more word could be added to the list: expanding.

Despite the challenges of this year, several local manufacturers of food and drink have taken the plunge with plans to expand current facilities or move growing companies into new locations. Some pivoted their businesses to produce other items needed because of COVID-19. Still others found themselves scrambling to meet exploding demand.

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ECoNA — Happy Manufacturing Month

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Welcome to Manufacturing Month!

Nationwide, the industry uses the month of October to showcase the potential of modern manufacturing and generate interest in manufacturing careers. According to the Manufacturing Institute, the sector will be looking to fill 4.6 million high-skill and high-paying jobs over the next decade.

Northern Arizona has a wide range of manufacturing businesses in the region, from the area’s largest private employer, W.L. Gore, to smaller companies producing everything from defense products to spices.

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ECoNA — Senator McSally Meets with Advisory Council

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Last week, members of the ECoNA Board and Advisory Council met via teleconference with U.S. Senator Martha McSally to talk about the state of our recovery, chances for a new stimulus package and the resurgence of manufacturing in Arizona.

The lunchtime discussion was just one day before a major vote on the Republicans proposed “slimmed” down relief package, a $500 billion plan that ultimately was blocked by Senate Democrats the following day.

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ECoNA — County Fair & SciFest at a Screen Near You

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As we head into this holiday weekend, I want to congratulate the organizers of two of the biggest events on the Flagstaff calendar for their ingenuity in bringing us virtual versions of these annual celebrations.

For fans of the Coconino County Fair, it’s not easy to capture the sounds, smells and thrills of the Fair, but the folks at Coconino County Parks & Recreation have done their best to bring the experience into your home.

Would you like to see the 4-H Livestock Show? How about 7-plus hours of steers, pigs, goats and lambs right here. (They’ll also be hosting the auction over these next three days online).

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ECoNA COVID-19 update — Schools & Child Care

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School is back in session in northern Arizona, although it looks unlike anything we’ve ever seen before, with most K-12 school systems opting for virtual classes at least for the first quarter of the school year because of coronavirus.

#1 Benchmarks. One of the big statistical indicators for whether a school district is ready to begin in-person sessions has to do with three benchmarks from the Arizona Department of Health Services. They are:

A decline in coronavirus cases or less than 100 cases per 100,000 individuals for two consecutive weeks;
Two consecutive weeks with “percent positivity” below 7%. (This is exactly what it sounds like; that fewer than 7% of the coronavirus tests come back positive. It’s an indicator of transmission rates or that too few people are being tested.)
Two consecutive weeks with hospital visits for COVID-like illnesses in the region below 10%.

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ECoNA COVID-19 Bulletin #11: Historic GDP & HEALS vs HEROES

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This was a week of eye-popping numbers at the federal level, from the release of the Republicans long-awaited stimulus proposal to the data dropped yesterday by the U.S. Commerce Department that showed how coronavirus has impacted gross domestic product (GDP).

#1. Exactly how much did the GDP lose? Let’s take that last one first, because there is some confusion about the numbers released by Commerce. In fact, you might have seen two vastly different headlines – one saying the economy contracted by 9.5% during the past quarter and one saying it was 32.9%.

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ECoNA — COVID-19 and the Arts

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While everyone has been hard hit by COVID-19, it has been particularly difficult for the arts sector, where finding social-distancing workarounds can be challenging. Coronavirus has temporarily put an end to First Friday Artwalks, crowded summer festivals, and attending concerts and theater productions.

Not to say that the arts in our region have come to a full stop. The Museum of Northern Arizona reopened recently on a limited basis, with patrons having to purchase tickets and schedule their visit in advance so the museum can spread out visitors. Masks are required and multiple other measures have been taken to prevent COVID-19 spread.

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[ECONA] COVID-19 Bulletin #10: Hitting the ‘Rewind’ Button

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It’s been more than a month since our last bulletin on how coronavirus is affecting the regional economic landscape. Since that time, we’ve gone from cautious reopening to reversals as COVID-19 cases spiked in Arizona. Here’s the latest:

#1. Governor Doug Ducey hits the ‘rewind’ button on reopening with select business closures until at least July 27. Back in early May, the governor accelerated the state’s reopening, citing positive trends in coronavirus infection rates. By mid-May, the statewide stay-at-home order expired and within days of that, cases of COVID-19 began to spike.

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ECoNA — Restaurants & the ‘Slow & Stressful’ Road to Recovery

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Flagstaff’s dining establishments quite literally give “flavor” to our community. They play important roles as employers and are vital not only to our tourism sector, but as a part of the everyday quality of life we enjoy here as residents.

That’s evident by the loyalty our community and local leaders have shown to restaurants during COVID-19. You could find long lines for takeout at many establishments and increased requests for deliveries.

But even with that support, the road to recovery for this sector has been, as one restaurateur put it, “slow and stressful.”

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ECoNA —Highgate Senior Living Poised to Hire 80+ Workers

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As our region tentatively enters into its economic recovery, it is encouraging to know a new enterprise is coming to Flagstaff and planning to hire more than 80 workers.

Highgate Senior Living, a new assisted living facility under construction on 3.3 acres of McMillan Mesa, is starting to fill positions in advance of its grand opening next spring.

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ECoNA COVID-19 Bulletin #9: Rapid Employment Training Grants

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As we gradually move from crisis response to economic recovery, our region’s businesses are poised to reopen and a variety of entities are working to make sure that shift is both safe and successful.

To that end, here are some of the resources you may wish to consult during this time of transition.

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ECoNA — COVID-19 Bulletin #6: Round 2 of PPP Opens Today

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Round 2 of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) begins this morning, as the Small Business Administration accepts new applications for the potentially forgivable federal loans.

However, businesses with employees, sole proprietors and independent contractors need to act now if they hope to tap into the new $310 billion pool of funding, according to Bruce Nordstrom of Nordstrom & Associates P.C. in Flagstaff.

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ECoNA COVID-19 Bulletin #4: Paycheck Protection Program

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Probably the biggest economic news right now is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the pool of almost $350 billion in forgivable small business loans that is one of the main components of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. 

Today’s bulletin will be a little different as we do a deeper dive on this one topic – what the PPP is supposed to do, the hurdles and hiccups it has faced in its first week, and how the government and financial institutions are responding.

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ECoNA — TGen Developes COVID-19 Test

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Dear Friend,   TGen North, the Flagstaff-based division of the Translational Genomics Research Institute, has developed a test for the coronavirus and anticipates being able to deploy it in the near future.   “This is part of our role as a…

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ECoNA — Flagstaff Bioscience Roadmap Luncheon

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Dear Friend,   The Flinn Foundation will be hosting its annual luncheon in Flagstaff next month to discuss progress made on the Arizona Bioscience Roadmap, the long-term strategic plan to make the state competitive and a national leader in select areas of…

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ECoNA — W.L. Gore Makes ‘Top 100’ List Again

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Dear Friend,   W.L. Gore & Associates has been making an impact on Flagstaff as the city’s largest corporate employer and a committed community member for the past half century.    For 21 of those years, the company also has been named as…

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ECoNA — Promoting Our Region to Attract Companies

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Click here for more information on ECoNA   Dear Friend,   Greetings from Anaheim, California, and Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West – the world’s largest trade show for MD&M companies. More than 20,000 bioscience professionals are here, including representatives from W.L. Gore, POBA…

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[ECONA] Looking to the Future for ECoNA

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Dear Frank,   I am very excited to be serving as the Interim President and CEO of the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) and wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some of the experience I bring to this…

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ECoNA — Saying Goodbye/Changes at ECoNA

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Dear Friend,   As many of you know, I’m entering into my last few weeks as head of the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona and, indeed, as a resident of this great state.   Nov. 30th will be my official last day,…

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ECoNA — Q&A with Chris Verrill of Theatrikos

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  Since the start of the year, four of northern Arizona’s major arts organizations have undergone a change in leadership. With the arts being one of the our region’s major economic drivers, we wanted to check in with these new executives…

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ECoNA update for July 11 — Educators Learning to Beat the Odds

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School may be out for summer, but a group of 23 educators in Flagstaff recently embarked on a 14-month program designed to foster strong learning environments and provide executive leadership training to current administrators and aspiring educational leaders.   The first unit of the…

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ECoNA update for Sept. 25

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Click here for more information   In recent years, Flagstaff has made a name for itself as a pioneer of responsible, earth-friendly building practices, particularly the construction of large-scale “green” projects designed to ensure energy efficiency.   One of the leaders…

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ECoNA update for Sept. 4

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Click here for more information   The Town of Tusayan would be the perfect place to call home for those who work at the Grand Canyon National Park or the many tourism enterprises in the area.   It’s in a picturesque…

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ECoNA update for July 31

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Click here for more information   One of the many ways ECoNA measures the state of our regional economy is looking at amounts of jobs in the annual wage survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for our area. Digging into…

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