Arizona rates second among the states that would be most impacted if a trade battle were to unfold with Mexico. So predicts WalletHub, a personal finance website, which analyzed all 50 states and the District of Columbia across five categories of exports, imports and jobs. Incurring an overall score of 92.83 on a 100-point scale, the Copper state was surpassed in economic risk only by Texas, which amassed 95.46 points in the study. “With President Donald Trump’s plans for financing the border … [Read more...] about Reports Says Arizona Relies Heavily on Trade with Mexico
Cheering for Professional Sports, Economic Benefits
With no hesitation, speakers during an economic development symposium endorsed multi-purpose sports and recreational facilities as positive economic contributors to the fiscal well-being of communities in which they are located. The dominant theme: no matter the size of a community, robust recreational and/or participatory sports venues and activities have economic benefits. Chris Presson, president of the Northern Arizona Suns professional basketball team, notes that the NAZ Suns have … [Read more...] about Cheering for Professional Sports, Economic Benefits
Cottonwood Landmark Undergoing Major Renovation
The historic Cottonwood Civic Center may soon be full of life with weddings, school plays and community meetings when the city’s renovation effort is completed. The project got a boost from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) when the city was awarded a $37,734 Brownfields Grant to revitalize the Old Town area by performing asbestos and lead-based paint abatement on the Cottonwood Civic Center. Brownfields are abandoned or underused and potentially contaminated … [Read more...] about Cottonwood Landmark Undergoing Major Renovation
Satisfying an Appetite for Locally Grown Food
Those who crave organic fruits and vegetables from the Quad Cities area have options beyond their backyards. They can contract with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations such as Whipstone Farm in Paulden or The Yavapai County Farmers and Ranchers Cooperative (YCGrown) in Chino Valley; participate in community gardening; or shop weekly at farmers markets in Chino Valley, Prescott and Prescott Valley. Depending on the CSA, typical options priced at about $25 per week per share … [Read more...] about Satisfying an Appetite for Locally Grown Food
Managing Reservoirs for Water Supply, Recreation
Water is always an important subject in Arizona, and there is an old saying here in the West: “Whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting.” As mayor, I receive many comments and emails from constituents asking the water levels in the Willow Lake and Watson Lake reservoirs not be lowered, but left "as they are." Present water levels are at a six-year high, making these community assets particularly scenic. The sentiments expressed in emails and verbal comments are understandable. With … [Read more...] about Managing Reservoirs for Water Supply, Recreation
Understanding Water Resources is Important to those Relocating to the Quad Cities
Welcome to “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” This month we’re discussing water issues in the Quad Cities area. Sandy: Tom, what is one of the first questions folks ask you who are interested in relocating and building a home in Prescott? Tom: The number one question is, “What is the water situation in the Prescott area?” Sandy: I am sure the answer to that would be what is the area that someone is interested in living? Water has such a long history in our area, it would be important for … [Read more...] about Understanding Water Resources is Important to those Relocating to the Quad Cities
Creating a Balanced Portfolio: Are Your Assets Properly Allocated?
In today’s uncertain financial landscape, we believe it is more important than ever to establish a well-maintained portfolio that can help you reach your financial goals. Your portfolio needs to not only meet your need for capital, but also provide you with financial peace of mind. While there’s no simple formula to help you figure out how your portfolio should be constructed, determining the right asset allocation should be the first step in the process. In order to properly ascertain your … [Read more...] about Creating a Balanced Portfolio: Are Your Assets Properly Allocated?
Ladybugs: Do they Really Work in the Garden?
There are many reasons to love ladybugs. This little red beetle started as a legend during the middle ages. European farmers, about 1000 A.D., struggled with insects that would eat and destroy their crops. At the first sign of crop damage, farmers would pray to “Our Lady the Virgin Mary” for help. The little bugs would come and eat the harmful insects, so farmers, assuming that ladybugs were in answer to their prayers, named the bugs "Our Lady's Beetles," which eventually morphed into … [Read more...] about Ladybugs: Do they Really Work in the Garden?
Yavapai College Using ACT Workkeys as a Tool for Student Career Pathways
Currently, employers across the country are overwhelmed by stacks of applications for only a handful of open positions. Sifting through these applications is time consuming and inefficient. You need a way to quickly pinpoint individuals with essential, verifiable workplace skills. One solution may be the ACT National Career Readiness Certificate (ACT NCRC), called ACT WorkKeys. WorkKeys, is a skills assessment system that helps employers select, hire, train, develop, and retain a quality … [Read more...] about Yavapai College Using ACT Workkeys as a Tool for Student Career Pathways
Is it a Cold or the Flu?
Oh no, here it comes again. The cough, sore throat, stuffy nose. It’s that time of year when the cold and flu become prevalent. But how can you tell the difference? A common cold and the flu are similar because they’re both respiratory illnesses. Even though they’re caused by different viruses, they share many of the same symptoms. This makes it hard to know for sure which you may have unless you visit your doctor. Symptoms for both illnesses can include a cough, sore throat, runny or … [Read more...] about Is it a Cold or the Flu?