Spring is a great time for new beginnings, and for thousands of homeless animals across the country, it may be just the right time to find loving, responsible forever families. That’s because the national 2023 Tour for Life event runs through April in collaboration with shelters and rescue partners in 66 cities and towns across 39 states. For example, four dogs are settling into a happy home life with families who have just adopted them. Lotus, a Basenji fox terrier mix; Poncho, a Bernese … [Read more...] about Shelters Seeing Uptick in Pet Adoptions
Education
Understanding Your Customers Through Data
Knowing where Quad Cities customers are traveling from helps business owners know where to send marketing messages about their products and services. Regional Economic Development Center economist and data analyst Ryan Jones says knowledge about demographics are key to making effective business decisions. He shared information about tools that can help inform businesses with the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce last month. Customer tracking data is extremely valuable, he says. Whenever cell … [Read more...] about Understanding Your Customers Through Data
Two-Day Pecan, Wine Festival Returns to Camp Verde
Saturday, March 18 through Sunday, March 19 marks the 22ndAnnual Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival hosted by the Verde Valley Wine Consortium and the Town of Camp Verde, sponsored by Yavapai College and the Southwest Wine Center, SRP, the Arizona Office of Tourism and Larry Green Chevrolet. Celebrating two of the area’s prime tourism draws – wine and pecans – the free festival will feature 15 Arizona wineries along with a variety of pecans for pairing, a very competitive Pecan Pie contest, a … [Read more...] about Two-Day Pecan, Wine Festival Returns to Camp Verde
Verde Valley Caregivers Driving Healthcare Solutions
Miller Bizardi loves his job as driver for Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition (VVCC), and it’s just as rewarding for him as it is for the neighbors he drives. VVCC gives clients, fondly referred to as “neighbors,” rides for kidney dialysis, doctor appointments, grocery shopping, medication pick-up, friendly visits and more. “We even take care of pets when our neighbors are hospitalized,” said Bizardi. “That includes taking pets to veterinary appointments as well.” “Caring always comes … [Read more...] about Verde Valley Caregivers Driving Healthcare Solutions
Arizona Scientists Working to Control Galapagos Rat Population without Poison
The chain of 19 islands that make up the Galapagos archipelago have been called “a priceless living laboratory.” The vast biodiversity of these islands that lie 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador is said to have inspired the theory of evolution. Now, a Northern Arizona organization is working to help protect the islands from an invasive rat population that is threatening not only many of the endemic species of the Galapagos, but also the farms that are vital to the islands’ 40,000 human … [Read more...] about Arizona Scientists Working to Control Galapagos Rat Population without Poison
Learning Business Skills Early
You only have 3,484 packages left to sell to reach your goal of 3,500, and the annual Girls Scout Cookie drive has just begun. For Madisyn “Madi” Van Hemert, a 12th grader in Girl Scout Troop 212, these goals are exciting, achievable and educational. “After 12 years of scouts, I have learned many valuable life skills,” said Van Hemert. “Money management has been the biggest skill. Additionally, I have learned customer service skills, budgeting and how to grow with the modernizing advances … [Read more...] about Learning Business Skills Early
Food Forest Growing with Volunteers, Sponsors, Programs
The launch of the Prescott Food Forest and Gardeners Of Destiny (GOD) Training Program has been a real success. In fact, the eight-week Winter Greenhouse Gardening Course is sold out and has hosted 30 passionate local residents that want to learn how to grow food. Located at B Organic Farm, Chino Valley, the program’s first week was on Jan. 21, 2023. While it was literally freezing outside, the greenhouse was a balmy 50 degrees with the help of heaters, provided by my non-profit “Make 100 … [Read more...] about Food Forest Growing with Volunteers, Sponsors, Programs
Academy of St Martin to Perform in the Fields Performs in Prescott
An Oscar-winning English chamber orchestra is coming to Prescott, with a groundbreaking international soloist and a program of Bach and Dorman to herald the approach of Spring. The Yavapai Symphony Association welcomes the Academy of StMartin in the Fields, with guest soloist Avi Avital, Tuesday, March 7 at 7 p.m. at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center. The Academy of St Martin in the Fields, led by music director and virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell, is one of the world’s finest chamber … [Read more...] about Academy of St Martin to Perform in the Fields Performs in Prescott
Yavapai College to Offer Business Bachelor’s Degree
During a Jan. 10 press conference, leaders at Yavapai College (YC) announced the intent to launch a new business degree program, the first baccalaureate degree in Arizona to be offered by a rural community college. Approval of the new degree process is in the final stages of review. If all goes as planned, the new degree program will begin accepting student enrollment as of April for classes that will begin with the fall semester. YC President Lisa Rhine emphasized that the degree was … [Read more...] about Yavapai College to Offer Business Bachelor’s Degree
Retired GM Executive Catches Leadership Tips from Little League
Mike Van Slyke, a former General Motors executive, learned from a Japanese Little League team that it is more important to have detailed, rigorous habits than to just tell workers that they need to produce more. Van Slyke worked in various executive jobs for GM from 1965 to 2000, with some of his roles including plant manager and international engineer program manager. His specialty was time and people management. “I was in charge of managing business and projects,” he said. Van Slyke … [Read more...] about Retired GM Executive Catches Leadership Tips from Little League