Tag: Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA)

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Milestones, Workforce Program Focus of Economic Development Week

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2022 • Comments Off

This is Economic Development Week, an annual event created by the International Economic Development Council to increase awareness of local efforts to promote economic vitality, highlight programs that create jobs, and celebrate entities that improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.

Which makes this the perfect week to note some important milestones being reached by northern Arizona businesses and organizations. In Flagstaff, this year is the 10th anniversary of two very popular businesses, Flagstaff Xtreme and Mother Road Brewing Co. It’s also the 20th anniversary of the latest iteration of The Orpheum as a entertainment venue.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Sustainability on the Ground and in the Skies

by Community Contributor • April 28, 2022 • Comments Off

With Earth Day just behind us and Arbor Day tomorrow, it seemed like a good time to discuss the myriad of sustainability initiatives in northern Arizona, which are both on the ground and in the skies.

In Flagstaff, many of these green efforts are centered around Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.

Both commercial airlines that operate at the airport – American and United – are working towards reducing their carbon footprint through the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which has the potential of providing the power of traditional jet fuel but without being refined from petroleum.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — BioScience Roadmap Update Coming Next Week

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2022 • Comments Off

This year the Bioscience Roadmap turns 20 and we hope you will join us next week and attend a special virtual event that will focus on how far we’ve come – with an overview of what still needs to be done – to make our state a national leader in this sector by 2025.

The Flinn Foundation, which originally commissioned this long-term strategic plan two decades ago, will be hosting the free Zoom session from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20. You can register to attend HERE.

The event will feature a presentation by Mitch Horowitz and Ryan Helwig, principals of TEConomy Partners, who will reveal new performance metrics, including comparisons to 20 years ago when the Roadmap was launched.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — A Changing of the Guard

by Community Contributor • March 22, 2022 • Comments Off

It is the end of one era – and the beginning of a new one.

Chris Bavasi, who was instrumental in the formation of the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona and served as the Chairman of its Executive Board since it began in 2010, stepped down from this post earlier this month. He will remain on the board, however, as a lifetime emeritus member.

Joshua Maher, Northern Arizona University’s Associate Vice President for Community Relations, has now stepped into the chairman’s role with Heidi Hansen, the City of Flagstaff’s Economic Vitality Director, serving as vice chair. Joe Barba, Director of Government Relations at Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is our Secretary, while Steve Eiss, Vice President, Construction & Real Estate Development for Northern Arizona Healthcare is our Treasurer.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Winslow Levee Project Wins Federal Support

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2022 • Comments Off

The City of Winslow and several regional communities along the Little Colorado River are facing a more secure, prosperous, and drier future with the announcement of almost $66 million in federal funding for the Winslow Levee project.

The project is critical for the region’s economic development, but also has implications for the national economy as well. More than 100 BNSF trains double stacked with cargo containers cross over the Little Colorado River in Winslow every day, and the City serves as a critical link in the movement of billions of dollars in goods between the port of Long Beach and Chicago.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — NAH Expansion: Better Health Services & A Stronger Economy

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2022 • Comments Off

The ambitious plans of Northern Arizona Healthcare to build a new hospital and a ‘Health and Wellness Village’ on land just north of Fort Tuthill County Park is a bold vision that goes well beyond the traditional healthcare model.

For those not familiar with the expansion proposal, which was the subject of two virtual public neighborhood meetings last month, it would begin with the construction of a new hospital to replace the current Flagstaff Medical Center. Subsequent phases on the 180-acre parcel would include almost 200 units of housing, mixed used retail (with an emphasis on health-focused retailers and restaurants), and ultimately a medical research and development zone.

NAH is currently working with the City of Flagstaff to refine the plan in advance of NAH applying for a rezoning of the property.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Finding Your Workforce in 2022

by Community Contributor • January 18, 2022 • Comments Off

Whether you call it the Great Resignation, the Big Quit, or the American Job Reshuffle, the challenge is real for companies trying to attract and retain employees. The tumultuous changes due to Covid resulted in a restless workforce that is redefining what they are looking for in their place of employment.

And if they don’t find it – either in their current job or when they apply for a new position – they will move on to the next opportunity.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — 2021 Economic Highlights

by Community Contributor • December 22, 2021 • Comments Off

Despite lingering concerns due to multiple variants of the coronavirus, supply chain issues, and fears that inflation might dampen the recovery, our region had a fair bit of good economic news this past year.

Consider the fact that in 2021, the number of leads that we fielded for businesses interested in locating in northern Arizona increased by 15% over the last calendar year. At the same time, ECoNA’s Business Retention team reports that few businesses closed in the past 12 months and many are looking to expand.

That’s the macro view on our local economy. Zoom in a bit, however, and you’ll see a lot of exciting developments that made 2021 an excellent year for northern Arizona and indicate that 2022 might be even better.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Lynn Hagen Business Library at ECoNA

by Community Contributor • December 9, 2021 • Comments Off

This past April, we lost a man whose unique talents, fearless entrepreneurial spirit and insatiable curiosity left both our community and the business sector a better place. Now, thanks to his family, his impressive collection of business books is available to the public through The Lynn Hagen Business Library at ECoNA.

George “Lynn” Hagen was a serial entrepreneur, the named inventor of 29 patents, and the founder or executive of several notable and pioneering companies. You’ll probably recognize many of the businesses he was associated with: Osborne Computer, creator of the first commercially successful portable computer; Upper Deck® trading cards; and Tagworks®, maker of laser-engraved pet identification tags.

Happy Thanksgiving from ECoNA

by Community Contributor • November 24, 2021 • Comments Off

As we prepare to spend time with family and friends, sharing love and thoughts of gratitude, we wanted to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving and express some of what has made us grateful this year.

On the top of that list is you. Your support, insights, collaboration and drive to see a more economically vibrant region are what fuel our mission.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Innovation Powering ETM Success

by Community Contributor • November 16, 2021 • Comments Off

As part of our celebration of Manufacturing Month, ECoNA’s Business Retention and Expansion Team had a special guest at its October meeting – Scott Reynolds, Director of Engineering at Electric Torque Machines.
In its 13-year history, this producer of direct drive motors has gone from a garage-based startup to being acquired last year by a major manufacturing company.
It began in 2008 under the name Motor Excellence. Started by engineer Tom Janecek and David Calley (founder of Southwest Windpower), the company’s goal was to create an improved design for direct drive motors.
These motors eliminate the need for transmissions such as gearboxes and belts, are lighter and more efficient than traditional motors and are used in numerous applications that require high continuous torque at low to moderate speeds, such as conveyor belts, pumps and fans. In fact, you can see ETM’s work if you go to the Flagstaff Airport, where ETM motors power the high volume, low speed ceiling fans in the terminal.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Flagstaff Revives Sister Cities Program

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2021 • Comments Off

Flagstaff is reviving its Sister Cities program and looking for input from the community as it determines which municipalities it will reach out to in order to forge these unique international relationships.

The Sister Cities program was created in the 1950s, spurred by President Eisenhower’s White House Conference on Citizen Diplomacy. The goal was simple for the man who had led the Allied Forces during World War II: Create a way to encourage people from different countries to learn about each other as a means of avoiding future wars.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Happy Manufacturing Day!

by Community Contributor • October 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Good morning, and Happy Manufacturing Day, the kickoff to a month-long nationwide celebration of this sector, which has grown dramatically in northern Arizona over the past few years.

In fact, manufacturing is now one of the five top business clusters in our region (the others are health care/social services, food service/accommodations, education and retail.) Manufacturing pulled us through the pandemic as one of the few industries that grew during the past 18 months. This past year alone, our office has fielded more than 35 different inquiries about establishing manufacturing operations in northern Arizona.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Transportation, Trees and Our Local Economy

by Community Contributor • September 14, 2021 • Comments Off

The recent ECoNA Advisory Council meeting was proof positive that many of our community’s efforts to make our environment cleaner and safer also serve the needs of our local economy.

The Council heard from representatives of the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Transportation Authority (NAIPTA), which operates the Mountain Line bus system; the regional MetroPlan organization and a professor with the Ecology Restoration Institute (ERI), an independent research branch of Northern Arizona University.

Voters have always been supportive of NAIPTA and its environmental goals. Back in 2008, NAIPTA received voter approval to begin transitioning from diesel to hybrid buses and now the entire fleet of 29 fixed route buses are hybrid. In 2016, voters renewed extending the transit tax that helps support NAIPTA with an impressive 71% voting in favor of the measure.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Using Virtual Reality for Workforce Development

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2021 • Comments Off

Coconino County and the Workforce Development Board are leading the way in helping dislocated workers and students explore new careers through virtual reality.

Using a workforce development platform called Transfr VR, the program allows job seekers to experience working in a warehouse, a manufacturing plant, an auto repair shop and even the hospitality industry.

These short simulations are hands-on, allowing people to “work” in the space using motion controllers similar to ones available in V/R gaming devices. Therefore, in the automotive simulation, you don’t just observe what it’s like to change the oil in a car, you actually are doing that job in the virtual space.

“It’s great because a lot of times, people don’t know what they want to do professionally unless they already know someone in that industry,” said Ali Applin, Virtual Reality Program Manager for the County. “A lot of today’s youth are visual or experiential learners, and this is perfect for them because they can picture what a job actually entails.”

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Meeting the Challenge of the Delta Variant

by Community Contributor • August 12, 2021 • Comments Off

As the Delta variant causes a surge in new infections and hospitalizations, the public and private sectors are scrambling to keep up with rapidly shifting recommendations on how to deal with the highly transmissible fourth wave of Covid-19.

Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff both reinstated requirements for masks while in City or County buildings, regardless of vaccination status. Yesterday, Northern Arizona University announced that masks will be required in classrooms and labs. Meanwhile, the Flagstaff Unified School District is requiring masks until at least September 29, in spite of current state law forbidding mask mandates in K-12 schools. (Requirements are evolving all the time; check an institution’s website for the latest information on their mask protocols.)

Leading the way in the response to the Delta variant, however, has been the business community. Large companies like Ford Motors, Walmart, United Airlines, and Target have recently enacted mask and/or vaccine requirements for workers. Some are also trying to coax vaccine hesitant workers to get their shots with cash bonuses.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Q&A with Flagstaff City Manager Greg Clifton

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2021 • Comments Off

Two years ago next month, Greg Clifton became Flagstaff’s City Manager after a search that took almost a year and half.

Greg, who also serves as a member of the ECoNA Executive Board, brought more than three decades of experience from several Colorado cities and towns, including stints as the Town Manager of Telluride and Vail.

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

by Community Contributor • July 15, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Workers wanted

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • April 29, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2021 • Comments Off

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:

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

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

ECoNA — Celebrating Our Local Beer and Brewers

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • January 21, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

ECoNA — Thornager’s Opens Up Kitchen to Food Entrepreneurs

by Community Contributor • January 7, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • December 8, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

ECoNA — 4FRI Contractor Acquires Former SCA Facility

by Community Contributor • November 20, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

ECoNA — APS ‘SizeUp Arizona’ Tool Helping Small Businesses

by Community Contributor • November 5, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

ECoNA Camp Navajo Moves Closer to Economic Development

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

ECoNA Virtual Startup Weekend Starts Oct. 23

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

[ECoNA] 2020 Not Slowing Down Food & Beverage Manufacturers

by Community Contributor • October 9, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

ECoNA — Happy Manufacturing Month

by Community Contributor • October 1, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

ECoNA — Senator McSally Meets with Advisory Council

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

ECoNA — County Fair & SciFest at a Screen Near You

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2020 • Comments Off

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).

ECoNA COVID-19 update — Schools & Child Care

by Community Contributor • August 27, 2020 • Comments Off

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%.

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

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2020 • Comments Off

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%.

ECoNA — COVID-19 and the Arts

by Community Contributor • July 23, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

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.”

ECoNA —Highgate Senior Living Poised to Hire 80+ Workers

by Community Contributor • June 4, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • April 27, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

ECoNA COVID-19 Bulletin #4: Paycheck Protection Program

by Community Contributor • April 9, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

ECoNA — COVID-19 Bulletin #3: Gov. Ducey Town Hall Tonight

by Community Contributor • April 2, 2020 • Comments Off

As government response to the coronavirus outbreak increases, there’s news to report on many levels that affects northern Arizonans and our business community, so let’s dive in.

ECoNA — COVID-19 Bulletin #2: Flagstaff Local Urges ‘Carry-Out and Settle In’

by Community Contributor • March 26, 2020 • Comments Off

Dear Friend, Hope this email finds you and yours healthy and safe. We have more local economic news to share ranging from a local video (that hopefully will make you smile) to new services at the county, state and federal level as…

ECoNA — TGen Developes COVID-19 Test

by Community Contributor • March 12, 2020 • Comments Off

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…

ECoNA — Flagstaff Bioscience Roadmap Luncheon

by Community Contributor • March 5, 2020 • Comments Off

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…

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

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2020 • Comments Off

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…

ECoNA — Promoting Our Region to Attract Companies

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2020 • Comments Off

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…

[ECONA] Looking to the Future for ECoNA

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2020 • Comments Off

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…

ECoNA — Saying Goodbye/Changes at ECoNA

by Community Contributor • November 20, 2019 • Comments Off

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,…

ECoNA — Deadline Nears to Register for NAU Economic Outlook Conference

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2019 • Comments Off

Dear Friend, Dr. Jennifer Golbeck, a computer scientist who is an expert in social networks, social media, privacy and security on the web, will be the keynote speaker at the 44th Annual Economic Outlook Conference next month at Northern Arizona…

ECoNA — Q&A with Chris Verrill of Theatrikos

by Community Contributor • October 11, 2019 • Comments Off

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…

ECoNA — Q&A with Flagstaff Art Council’s Jonathan Stone

by Community Contributor • September 5, 2019 • Comments Off

Click here for the entire e-newsletter 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…

ECoNA — NAU Internships Provide Experience and Employee Pipeline

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2019 • Comments Off

As Northern Arizona University students return for the fall term later this month, many will be looking for the chance to use what they’ve learned so far through internships. Some are working for course credit, some are meeting…

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

by Community Contributor • July 11, 2019 • Comments Off

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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