GREATER
Flagstaff
Chamber of Commerce
Celebrating
1891-2021
PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SINCE 2010
CONGRATULATIONS ON 130 YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE FLAGSTAFF BUSINESS COMMUNINTY
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Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
1955
1891
Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce founded
APS and Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce partnership begins
2021
Happy 130th Anniversary to Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
Congratulations and thank you for over a century of leadership. From the pine tree that served as the area’s first “flag staff,” to the thriving business center today, you’ve always been a part of Northern Arizona’s growth. We’re proud to have been your partner for more than 66 years and look forward to working together long into the future.
Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
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Contents Welcome.....................................................................Page 6 Long-term members...................................................Page 7 The current board and past chairs.............................Page 8 The ATHENA Awards.................................................Page 10 Celebrating 130 years of growth...............................Page 12 What the Chamber means to Flagstaff.....................Page 16 The Chamber Foundation.........................................Page 20 Flagstaff Young Professionals..................................Page 21 Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic....................Page 22 Economic development............................................Page 24 What does the Chamber stand for today and over the past 130 years?...................................Page 26
Thank you to our sponsors Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
About the cover: The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce building was first constructed along Route 66 in 1952. A second story was added in 1979 and the entire building was rennovated in 2018. This special publication was created in collaboration between the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and the Arizona Daily Sun. Contributors include Tashia Bakurza, Bree Burkitt, Keith Hickey, Sabrina Proffitt and Jake Warren. Thank you to the Special Collections and Archives at Northern Arizona University’s Cline Library.
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SPECIAL COLLEC CLINE LIBRARY, TIONS AND ARCHIVES, NAU
101 W. Route 66 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 928-774-4505 info@flagstaffchamber.com www.flagstaffchamber.com
The Northern Gateways of Arizona publication was produced by the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce to attract tourists to Flagstaff. This issue featuring an unnamed Navajo girl was published around 1965.
Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
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Celebrating decades of growth A message from the Chamber CEO JULIE PASTRICK
President and Chief Executive Officer
I
t goes without saying, celebrating a 130 year anniversary is an epic achievement. And each year of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber’s engagement in building business and building community is not possible without the financial involvement of hundreds of local businesses, non-profits, community leaders and both city and state partners who value our vision that a healthy business climate and a thriving community are inseparable. As a private non-profit, member business organization, we are amazed at the diversity, talent and entrepreneurship of these businesses and organizations and we are greatly honored to represent you and be a resource for your business success. Together, we are a microcosm of our community reflecting our resiliency, strength, ingenuity and accomplishments. The Chamber was established in 1891, when businessmen led by W.L. Van Horn, Dr. Dennis J. Brannen and D. M. Riordan founded the “Board of Trade” to promote commercial opportunities in Flagstaff. Some things never change! As the needs of the business community have changed through the decades, however, so has the Greater Flagstaff Chamber. The latter half of 2021 found our community moving forward out of the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing new realities in an ever-changing economy. Many businesses have been forced to adjust their operational practices and many benefitted in unique ways from increased business opportunities during the pandemic. This Chamber of Commerce never rested on its laurels but rather kept abreast of our member investor needs and new community priorities. We reached out to each member individually, provided a large tool kit of financial resources, connected many with PPE, kept current with constant conversations with Arizona’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. and with our Governor in his frequent business roundtables. The Chamber remained focused on our constant goal of expanding the region’s economic vitality, which is so essential to preserving and boosting the quality of life we enjoy in this fabulous mountain town. In the long run, the Greater Flagstaff Chamber maintains a strong voice for business as advocates for change that has a positive impact on growth and prosperity; we believe firmly that education is the foundation for economic development and invest in our local youth through business education partnerships, STEM training, and scholarships for first gen and
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first year students at both CCC and NAU; we value and cater to our Flagstaff Young Professionals who are our NextGen leadership. Our partnership with our military installations provide us scientific and national security advancements we never realized before. Since Chamber member investors represent just about every sector of our economy, we have the joy of serving individually the manufacturing, service, education, healthcare, and retail/hospitality sectors with industry specific initiatives and Chamber of Commerce Divisions. We are conveners of volunteer leaders and influencers who get together as problem-solvers in our community; we are the catalyst for economic development on many different levels, local, state and national; and, of course, the Champion for a strong and vibrant community. In 1976, Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce President Joe Rowan commented, “A City without a Chamber of Commerce is a city without a future.” As much as the Greater Flagstaff Chamber celebrates tradition and honors its past, it is equally eager to embrace future challenges and new directions. The Chamber has never been more active in business advocacy, communicating with each other and all levels of government about what businesses need to thrive. Our forefathers couldn’t possibly have imagined how technology, science, space, small business, large industry would all be so entwined and advanced today. Cheers to 130 years and hopes for many more to come!
Julie Pastrick President and Chief Executive Officer
Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
Saluting our long-term membership investors As the Chamber celebrates 130 years of building business and community, we would like to recognize the businesses and organizations that have stood by the Chamber and made our mission possible. Thank you!
75+ YEARS NACKARD Pepsi
65+ YEARS APS Meteor Crater Enterprises, Inc.
60+ YEARS Babbitt Ford
50+ YEARS Arizona Daily Sun Arizona Department of Economic Security BNSF Railway Canyoneers, Inc. Swire Coca Cola CopperPoint Insurance Companies Empire Machinery Grand Canyon National Park Lodges High Country Motor Lodge
J. Michael Flournoy Attorney at Law 92.9 KAFF Country Flagstaff KOA Legacy Beverage Lowell Observatory Mangum, Wall, Stoops & Warden, P.L.L.C Mormon Lake Lodge Twin Pines Gaser UniSource Energy Services W.L. Gore
40+ YEARS Anthony Choi, CPA Arizona Mountain Inn & Cabins Aspen Mini Storage Atomic Pest Control Best Western Pony Soldier Inn & Suites Black Bart’s Steakhouse & RV Park Domino’s Pizza Flagstaff Mall Fleming Brothers, LLC Grand Canyon Deer Farm Haynie & Company: CPA and Management Consultants Heath’s Paint Center Hensley Beverage Company Little America Hotel Flagstaff Moving Management Museum of Northern Arizona
N.J. Shaum & Son, Inc. Nestle Purina PetCare Company Nordstrom & Associates Northern Arizona Building Association OneAZ Credit Union Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters Sizzler The Guidance Center, Inc. Total Grand Rental The Weatherford Hotel and Charly’s Pub & Grill Western Technologies, Inc.
Copper State Bolt & Nut Co. Country Club Meadows Dahl Chiropractic Clinic Days Hotel by Wyndham Flagstaff and The Northern Pines Restaurant DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff East Flagstaff Family Medicine Sedric Cade, Edward Jones Flagstaff Chevrolet Flagstaff Dental Arts Flagstaff Unified School Dist. #1 Foliage Unlimited Frederick Fisher Jewelers Goodman Electric Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona 30+ YEARS Grand Canyon Visitor Center American Legion, Mark A. Holiday Inn Express Moore Post #3 HomCo Lumber & Hardware Armour Self Storage Jackson Associates Babb Financial Group Junipine Resort Big Brothers Big Sisters Katlon RV & Boat Storage of Flagstaff Macy’s European Coffeehouse Blue Cross Blue Shield & Bakery of Arizona Maverick Helicopters Butterfield Apartments Mike Furr Construction, Inc. Canyon Pet Hospital Mountain Charter School Christ’s Church of Flagstaff Coconino Federal Credit Union Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Coconino National Forest Navajo-Hopi Observer Comfort Inn Northern Arizona Association Consolidated Investment Co., Inc. of REALTORS
Northern Arizona Healthcare Northern Arizona University Northern Arizona UniversityW.A. Franke College of Business Odegaard’s Sewing Center Peace Surplus Performance Staffing Personnel Safety Enterprises Pine View Village Apartments Pinewood Realty Pink Jeep Tours Pioneer Title Agency, Inc. Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona R & A Import Auto Parts & Repair Red Feather Lodge Rivers & Oceans, Adventure Travel Company Salsa Brava Santa Fe Realty, Inc. Sonesta ES Suites Flagstaff Spellman Hardwoods Superior Restoration Services The Ginsberg Group @ REMAX Fine Properties United Way of Northern Arizona University Square Apartments Village Land Shoppe WalMart Warner’s Nursery & Landscape Co. Woodcrest Apartments
Here’s to
130 YEARS
of Helping Businesses & Our Community
GROW
“For four generations, our family business has been a proud member of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has always been a champion of Flagstaff’s businesses, and its programs, advocacy and networking opportunities are priceless in helping small businesses grow.” —Misti Warner Andersen Owner, Warner’s Nursery and Landscape Co. Board Member, Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce 1101 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 | (928) 774-1983 | warnersnursery.com
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2021 Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Clay McCauslin, Chair Great Circle Media/KAFF Guillermo Cortes, 1st Vice Chair Shephard-Wesnitzer, Inc. Misti Warner, 2nd Vice Chair Warner’s Nursery & Landscape Co. Mark Harris, Treasurer Flagstaff Chevrolet Mark Love, Immediate Past Chair Massage Envy Julie Pastrick, President and CEO Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
DIRECTORS Bonnie Bouschet Flagstaff Mall Cecily Maniaci Toasted Owl Restaurants Colleen Brady Arizona Daily Sun Emily Giralt Benefit & Financial Strategies Flo Spyrow Northern Arizona Healthcare Fred Reese Little America Jacquie Kellogg West USA Realty
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Jeff Springborn Nestlé Purina PetCare Company Kelly Tulloss Sutcliffe Floral Michael Horton Suddenlink by Altice Monica Attridge Hozhoni Foundation, Inc. Palmer Nackard Nackard Companies Tyler Mark Wespac Construction Walter Crutchfield Vintage Partners
Randon Cupp, Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, Foundation Chair, Foothills Bank Dr. Colleen Smith, President of Coconino Community College Stephen Thompson, Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, Business Advocacy Chair, Glazer Hammond PLLC Josh Maher, Northern Arizona University
GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD CHAIRS The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Board has been led by a local chairperson for more than a century. The chairperson, who is a member of the community selected by the Board, holds
this role for one year before passing on the torch. The roster includes numerous notable names that played important roles in both Flagstaff and Arizona’s history. Del Strong, 1936 W.D. Bennett, 1937
Harold Huffee, 1938 James Babbitt, 1939 Jerry Midgley, 1940 Frank Sufea, 1941 Charles Brown, 1942 Russell Sweitzer, 1943 Ira Hart, 1944 Chester Anderson, 1945 W.D. Bennett, 1946 F.L. Christensen, 1947
Massage Envy is a proud member of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and Happy to CONGRATULATE the Chamber on 130 years of support for the business community!
Ott Morrow, 1948 Ralph Bilby, 1949 Dr. John Stilley, 1950 Brantley A. Myers, 1951 Nelo Rhoton, 1952 Russell Sweitzer, 1953 Merle Sauer, 1954 W.D. James, 1955 Charles B. Wilson Jr., 1956 Charles J. Saunders, 1957 R.W. Prochnow, 1958 J.L. Walkup, 1959 William Young Sr., 1960 Ted Babbitt, 1961 Paul Weaver, 1962 J.M. Potter, 1963-1964 Merrill Young, 1965 W.W. Davis, 1966 J.E. Neihart, 1967 James L. Garner, 1968 H.B. Warnock, 1969 G. Raymond Lopp, 1970 Del Kindred, 1971
Thomas McCarty, 1972-1973 Jack Holmes, 1974 Doug Bledsoe, 1975 Joe Rowan, 1976 Ron Jones, 1977 Ron Lee, 1978 John Gisi, 1979 Frank Besnette, 1980 Ken Brown, 1981 Dave Williams, 1982 Burl Lyons, 1983 Steve Jackson, 1984 Al Johnson, 1985 Tom Pickard, 1986 Dick Parcell, 1987 Jack Duffy, 1988 Bob Shafer, 1989 Chuck Bene, 1990 Paul Greer, 1991 Lon Franklin, 1992 Jim Warren, 1993 Julie Pastrick, 1994 W. David Chambers, 1995 J.R. Murray, 1996
Peter Bloomer, 1997 Jack Dempsey, 1998 Ron Boyer, 1999 Sue Curd, 2000 Leslie Connell, 2001 Steve Carlson, 2002 Bill Calloway, 2003 LaVelle McCoy, 2004 Linda Lance, 2005 Bill McGrath, 2006 Joy Staveley, 2007 David Evans, 2008 Blake Rolley, 2009 Gary Seley, 2010 Mike Loven, 2011 Greg Sampson, 2012-2013 Guillermo Cortes, 2014-2015 Cindy May, 2016 Joe Polzar Jr., 2017 Randon Cupp, 2018 Brenda Hazlett, 2019 Mark Love, 2020 Clay McClauslin, 2021
FLAGSTAFF 1235 South Plaza Way Off Milton next to Ross and Safeway (928) 526-3689 M-S 8a-10p | Su 9a-9p Following all health and safety protocols for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.
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Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
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ATHENA Awards honor local women leaders
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or more than three decades, the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce’s ATHENA Awards has celebrated and honored women who demonstrate excellence, leadership and creativity in their careers, valuable service to the community and inspire other women in reaching their full leadership potential. The ATHENA Award was founded nationally in 1982 by Martha Mayhood Mertz and ATHENA International, a nonprofit organization that seeks to support, develop and honor women leaders. The goddess Athena was chosen as the symbol for the program to reflect the qualities the award honors—strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment. The ATHENA leadership model identifies eight tenets of leadership that reflect women’s unique ways of leading. Infused with the 21st-century demands
Coconino Community College President Dr. Colleen A. Smith gives her acceptance in 2020 JAKE BACON PHOTOS, ARIZONA DAILY SUN after she was named the recipient Julie Pastrick, president and CEO of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber Commerce, introduces the keynote speaker during the 2019 ATHENA of Commerce ATHENA Award. Awards at the High Country Conference Center. for balance, accountability and continuous learning, the model is a guide for leadership behavior and emphasizes the tenet’s interdependent relationship to the practice of dynamic leadership. The principles include the au-
Congratulations on 130 years!
The Guidance Center is a proud member of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and appreciates the Chamber’s dedication and service to the local business community. The Guidance Center is dedicated to making a positive difference in the health and well-being of our community, and with the Chamber’s help, we are able to continue our mission. Whether it is supporting someone in crisis, guiding someone through substance use treatment, addressing concerns of living through a pandemic, or helping navigate the stress of everyday life, we are here to provide the services the community has come to depend on from us. The Guidance Center wishes to thank all those in our community who make a difference and who assist in supporting our mission. We appreciate your kindness and generosity.
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thentic self, relationships, giving back, collaboration, courageous acts, learning, fierce advocacy, celebration and joy. Up to a dozen women from a variety of industries and backgrounds are nominated by the public for the award each year. A panel of judges ultimately selects two recipients who are then honored during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Luncheon each February. The event is attended by hundreds of movers and shakers from across Flagstaff and Coconino County, as well as numerous statewide elected officials and more. The Chamber also recognizes an emerging female leader with the ATHENA Young Professional Award, designed to honor women under the age of 40 who have demonstrated excellence in their careers, who contribute to the community, and clearly stand out as role models for young women both professionally and personally. In the past, ATHENA and ATHENA Young Professional award recipients say living in a community like Flagstaff drives their desire to mentor and teach others and volunteer at numerous local organizations. “It was the support of the
Jesica Barker, owner of Dancevolution, accepts the ATHENA Young Professional Award during the 2020 Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Awards lunch. Flagstaff community, as I was growing up, that taught me to care for the community and others,” said 2016 ATHENA Young Professional award recipient Margaret “Marney” Babbitt. “It’s just this community,” said 2015 ATHENA recipient Kim Ott. “Flagstaff is small enough that you can see the impact you make.” The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce has recognized and honored female leaders with the ATHENA Awards for 33 years. For more information, visit https:// www.flagstaffchamber.com/ about-the-chamber/chamber-initiatives/athena/. Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
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Chamber bridges together Flagstaff businesses
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lagstaff is built of businesses of many sizes. The business climate varies drastically from large businesses employing thousands to small storefronts and shops run by only a handful of people. Regardless of size, many face the same challenges. The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce has helped them navigate whatever arises for the last 130 years. The Chamber is an independent, non-profit organization focused on promoting Flagstaff businesses and advocating on their behalf on the local, statewide and national levels. Chamber President and CEO Julie Pastrick explained that the Chamber’s business relationships are diverse working with large institutions like Northern Arizona University and APS to fledgling businesses navigating their first year. The Chamber Advocacy Division led by Joe Galli creates a solid base of research for Flagstaff by conducting surveys and convening meetings around important topics that directly impact the business community, such as labor force, environmental sustainability, healthcare, affordable housing and other similar topics. Conducting this research and collaborating with businesses makes it easy for the Chamber to make decisions that directly benefit business growth in Flagstaff. “We are solely privately funded, therefore our relationships with our investment partners are quite strong,” Pastrick said. “Representing business before government is a major role the Chamber plays daily. Chamber programming serves as a catalyst for businesses and nonprofits’ success and growth. We believe a healthy business
climate and a vibrant community are inseparable.” The Chamber engages the community on issues important to the local economy, leading to many collaborations by connecting businesses to one another. The more than 800 members come from throughout the business sector, encompassing Flagstaff’s restaurants, insurance companies, banks, large corporate retail shops, apartment complexes, and so many other industries. This has benefited companies like OneAZ Credit Union numerous times in recent decades. OneAZ Regional President Northern Region Miguel Maldonado explained that working with the Chamber has been critical to developing relationships with other Flagstaff businesses and the community. The credit union currently works with more than 9,000 businesses throughout Arizona, and Maldonado contributes their reach to the long-term partnership with the Chamber. “The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce is such an important part of the Flagstaff community,” Maldonado said. “The Chamber truly connects
Nestle Purina Plant Manager Bill Calloway presented the Business Achievement Award for economic impact in 2012. business owners and leaders throughout Flagstaff. This allows us to build bonds with businesses and makes our entire community stronger. Whether it’s connecting businesses or organizing events to give back, the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce helps to make Flagstaff a friendlier and better place to live.” NAU is another such community partner. NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera said the relationship between the Chamber and NAU has greatly benefited the advocacy of education in Flagstaff. With the help of the Chamber, NAU has been able to connect students with local internships while they are in school and find jobs after grad-
uation, allowing them to stay in Flagstaff and contribute to the community. “The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce has supported NAU’s initiatives to address critical education and workforce needs for the community and region,” Cruz Rivera said. “As a convener to help identify the needs of businesses and bring organizations together to partner on internships and job placement, the Greater Flagstaff Chamber serves as an important partner in advocating for increased access to postsecondary education and the connection to a vibrant economy.”
See CHAMBER OUTREACH, Page 18
To learn more about the Chamber and its community engagement efforts, visit www.flagstaffchamber.com/about-the-chamber/ 16 December 2021
Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
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Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
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Chamber outreach From 16
Dave Cosper, a certified public accountant and partner at Haynie & Company, commended the Chamber for its ability to unite the community through every challenge and celebration Flagstaff has faced during the past century. “At Haynie & Company we strive to exceed expectations. This is something the Flagstaff Chamber has done for 130 years,” Cosper said. As proud members of the Chamber, we look forward to many more years of serving the Flagstaff business community together.” Many of the Chamber’s members have invested in that partnership for decades. One of the longest-standing members is APS. After 66 years of collaboration, APS Public Affairs Manager Janet Dean said APS feels
Celebrating the new lift expansion at Arizona Snowbowl. strongly about supporting the Flagstaff community, and that they have been able to put this into action with the Chamber. “We’re really pleased and proud of our relationship with the Chamber because we have a lot of synergy in what we’re trying to achieve as organizations,” Dean said. “APS is really focused on helping build vibrant diverse
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communities and we see small businesses as the backbone of our communities. Our partnership with the Chamber aligns beautifully because the Chamber is also focused on small business and advocating for small business and helping them overcome barriers.” APS often sponsors Chamber initiatives and events, like sponsoring the annual Ready, Set, Code Camp, the ATHENA awards and small business education programs. Dean said this is because these initiatives align with APS’ desire to help elevate STEM careers, small businesses and business owners. That same level of support extends to Flagstaff’s small businesses, such as The Toasted Owl restaurant. Founder Cecily Maniaci said she appreciates the way the Chamber always helps support Flagstaff businesses by keeping them up to date on anything that could impact them. “For my business, they have helped me be a better businesswoman and member of the community by keeping me informed and helping my business grow and thrive through connections,
advertising and educational events within the community,” Maniaci said. The Chamber has served as a constant light in the darkness for Toasted Owl, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “For my business specifically, the Chamber had enormous outreach during the pandemic and after,” Maniaci said. “They provided websites and signage saying who is open and who needs help. They encouraged everyone not to give up and to reach out if the Chamber could be of assistance. For the Owl, the whole Chamber team was a positive outreach during these turbulent times.” D e a n agreed, adding that this support was critical to many small businesses weathering the pandemic. “They really stepped up during COVID,” Dean said. “They helped make sure that small businesses’ voices were heard and that the small businesses had access to resources like funding or other resources they might have needed. This was during the past couple of years, which have been some of the hardest years Flagstaff small businesses have faced.” Every year, the Chamber hosts the annual ATHENA Awards to celebrate Flagstaff’s women in business who have achieved excellence, served the community and cemented their place as a notable figure in Flagstaff’s business world. In 2007, The Young Professional Award was added, which celebrates an emerging businesswoman in Flagstaff. The Chamber touts itself as a community problem solver, and the strong relationships with Flagstaff businesses further proves this self-proclamation to be true. Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
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Flagstaff Young Professionals
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he Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce plays a big role in building Flagstaff’s next generation of leaders through its Flagstaff Young Professionals (FYP) initiative. Flagstaff Young Professionals, a division of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, is in its sixth year of connecting young adult between the ages of 21 and 39. Since its inception many years ago, the group has grown to a community of more than 100 members and hosts a myriad of events focused on community service, professional develop-
Strong chambers have strong foundations
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he Flagstaff Chamber Foundation was created more than 10 years ago to provide a tax deductible vehicle for private and corporate donations as a 501©(3) charitable non-profit organization. The Foundation operates educational programs and scholarships, especially programs for labor force development and low cost programs for emerging businesses; the promotion of economic development in and around Flagstaff thus relieving similar burdens upon government; promotion of the arts; and other programs that increase employment, payroll, business volume and the overall quality of life with Flagstaff and our surroundings. Randon Cupp, Foundation Treasurer and Chamber Board Member, described the Founda-
ment and connecting with each other as well as with other professionals they might not know otherwise. According to FYP Board Chair Emily Giralt, the goal is to help young people find sustainable employment and their true footing in building community together. It’s the Chamber’s resource for young professionals to make meaningful connections and ultimately become more informed and connecting community leaders. “The biggest thing about our organization is making those connections,” Giralt said. “It’s
really difficult to be a young professional, especially in Flagstaff. Jobs are fought for and there’s a lot of really experienced and highly-educated people who come out to apply for positions and so not having a lot of experience even though you are ambitious makes for a very competitive environment. It’s not what you know, but who you knowand that really holds true in our small town.” That’s where FYP comes in. The organization helps prepare visionary young adults who are working in diverse industries
to play a role and be engaged in shaping the way for Flagstaff’s future success and growth. Sometimes, something as simple as a nudge, meeting the right person or just talking about individual experiences can create change. FYP holds an Leadership Mentoring Summit each year as the signature event. Members hear from and can question local professionals who are well established in this community in a roundtable-style conversation.
tion as one of the Chamber’s best tools to create change. “The Greater Flagstaff Chamber itself fulfills the day-to-day needs of our member business investors region wide”, Cupp said. “This includes business resources of many types for all sectors, business advocacy, small business promotion and connecting businesses to each other through convening meetings and events on a wide array of issues and topics. Our Foundation is dedicated to transformational change and to support specific economic development and educational/labor force needs relating to the business community and their owners.” It’s common for strong Chambers to operate a Foundation and Julie Pastrick President and CEO of the Chamber said their Foundation provides an ability to secure grants and tax deductible donations for work that would otherwise go unfunded. Businesses need all sorts of assistance to rebound into a stronger economy. “Strong Chambers have thriving Foundations,” Pastrick said. “Our Foundation work is centered on boosting economic development and community vi-
brancy, and therefore healthcare, affordable housing, education and business retention/ expansion are at the forefront of discussions and action by its Board”. Through the years there has been major impact on local youth through Foundation grant funding. In collaboration with the Helios Education Foundation, STEM summer learning experiences have been held for the past seven years enriching the basic business skills that employers look for such as teamwork, critical thinking, and digital experience. Coding, 3D printing and building their own websites have been popular concepts with parents and students alike. In addition, scholarships have been awarded to five Coconino Community College students who are first generation and first year college students with hopes of helping them gain the educational footing they need to better their futures. Five students have received $1500 each and communication with them is ongoing. As a result of Flagstaff’s housing shortage for workers such as nurses, teachers and firefighters, but don’t rule out middle level managers either, the Founda-
tion is now strategizing a private sector relief plan that could help employers keep existing staff and recruit those that they need. Many businesses across the board are operating at about a 25% reduction of staff which presents many hurdles fulfilling their success plans. Nonetheless, we know that Flagstaff’s scenario is also felt nationally with 2.9% of the labor force leaving by August, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to combat some of the reasoning behind labor force shortages, the Foundation launched a website titled Hiring Flagstaff and an Internship site which matches local job seekers with local companies as well as local youth with companies they’d like to have a workplace learning experience in. This is a community based place for your company or your student to find business information and employment. Any individual, business or corporation can make a donation to the Greater Flagstaff Chamber Foundation to create positive change in our community with a tax-deductible advantage due to the charitable status with the Arizona Corporation Commission.
For more information, please contact Randon Cupp, Foundation Chair at 928-774-4505. 20 December 2021
Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
“It’s a really inspiring event,” Giralt said. “We typically host from 15-20 different business professionals that are the backbone of our business community. The ability to sit down with them and make that connection is really helpful and valued by young professionals. This way you can understand what it takes to be at the top of your game to ascend the career ladder.” FYP hosts multiple networking events throughout the year, ranging from coffeehouse talks, activity nights, group hikes or volunteering at the local Food Bank to make a difference. Community engagement is a core value for the organization and charity-based events go hand-in-hand with this value. In 2019, FYP members adopted downtown Flagstaff’s Columbus Avenue. They meet quarterly to pick up trash along the area and keeps it looking great. The group has also volunteered for the 911 Color Run, Full Circle
People’s Pantry, hosted an Earth Day Clean Up at Bushmaster Park and volunteered at the Coconino Humane Society. These community service projects help to build the spirit of giving back to our community in the next generation of leaders. “It works hand in hand with the networking,” Giralt said. “You’re giving back to the community, but you’re also really
getting to know other Flagstaff professionals. You should want to get involved in community service because of the circle we’re creating.” Young professionals can join by signing up online or by attending an upcoming event. Learn more at https://www. facebook.com/FlagstaffYoungProfessionals.24h or https:// www.flagstaffchamber.com/ flagstaff-young-professionals/.
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Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce — first responders of the COVID-19 pandemic
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hen businesses were forced to close during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic spread in Flagstaff in March 2020, the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce took immediate action to assist businesses that would ultimately be shuttered for an indefinite time. The Chamber convened — with leadership by Senior Advisor of Public Policy Joe Galli — with key small-business and banking partners after 5 p.m. on the last Monday of March 2020. They gathered in the Chamber conference room to discuss how they could help businesses during this unpredictable time. Federal relief programs were just an idea at that point, but the Chamber had received word from the U.S. Chamber in Washington, D.C. that federal relief would be coming in some form, and likely be pushed out to businesses via our community banking partners. From the start, the Chamber encouraged banking leaders to be prepared for large numbers of applicants, and lots of federal dollars to be disbursed throughout the community. As local shutdown orders remained in place and the local business landscape shifted greatly from March through May of 2020. The Chamber drew up a plan of action and went to work harder than ever. Several new Chamber programs launched immediately to help local businesses, many of which were available quickly and simultaneously. The Advocacy Division lobbied U.S. congress to support the $4.4 million CARES Act relief bill, which led to the creation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and provided employees unemployment assistance in mid-April 2020. During this time, the Chamber was key in connecting Flagstaff businesses with the resources needed to understand and access what’s available, while also voicing the needs of Flagstaff’s businesses to Arizona’s key political representatives. They brought local businesses together with local bankers for support and guidance in navigating the PPP process in addition to connecting employers and employees with staff at the Arizona Department of Economic Services to better assist with employee unemployment collection hurdles. 22 December 2021
The Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center was one of eight recipients of a COVID-19 relief microgrant designed to assist businesses that did not receive federal relief. Throughout the pandemic, the Chamber offered member-education webinars on PPP and other federal relief programs while also constantly monitoring additional relief bills in Congress. The Membership Division, led by Kat Ross, launched new programming in March to better meet the needs of the community, including: “Chamber Check-In” with local businesses. Membership staff phoned more than 1,000 local businesses to check people’s status and offer assistance. Creation of a business promotions and operations page, which listed businesses and their revised operation schedule during the pandemic. This resource was the only one of its kind. The launching of the Member Advantage Weekly Newsflash and PIVOTFLG, alongside the use of Chamber social media channels to promote local businesses. As the initial COVID-19 wave subsided in early May 2020, it was apparent Arizona would return to some semblance of business-as-usual. However, that new normal included important safety protocols. The Chamber convened a business owner/retailer “Reopening Task Force” to create and help disseminate re-opening guidelines with great consideration to health and safety. The Task Force met several times and concluded with a set of retail store protocols that help guide local businesses through a safe re-opening. The Chamber continued with federal lobbying and member education efforts related to federal relief, which was particularly important as Congress changed programming guidelines in months after the CARES Act,
throughout the summer of 2020. Additionally, the Chamber Foundation accepted a $60,000 donation from a prominent local businessman and immediately made that money available through eight microgrants to businesses that did not receive federal relief. After a thorough review of applications, the funds were disbursed directly to local businesses. The Greater Flagstaff Chamber focused on the additional federal relief bill, during the latter half of 2020, which ultimately passed Congress in late December and was signed into law by outgoing President Donald Trump. This round of federal relief provided more money in PPP assistance, opened PPP to 501 C (6) non-profit associations — including Chambers of Commerce — established the Restaurant Act and the Save Our Stages grant, providing direct assistance to shuttered venues. Knowing the importance the COVID-19 vaccination would have in reducing the spread of the virus, the Chamber launched a website (flagstaffvax.com) providing updated local vaccine information in December 2020. The website has consistently provided important content throughout the many phases of the vaccination rollouts since January 2021. The Chamber’s world gradually tilted back toward normal operations in 2021 as the vaccine became widely available. The Chamber successfully held its 33rd Annual ATHENA Award and Young Professionals Award, albeit virtually. The Chamber did successfully hold its annual Golf Tournament in May of 2021, the largest and most successful event ever in the history of the Chamber’s Golf Classic. The Fourth of July Parade followed on the heels of the successful golf tournament, and the parade was the first and largest event of its kind – combining a large, outdoor public gathering with an online option available for live streaming across the world — and successfully held without incident. As the Chamber moves into 2022, we are working hard at restoring normal operations and planning big things for the Flagstaff business community as we carry on with our very important institutional events and exercise leadership that continuously moves our community forward! Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
Suddenlink congratulates
the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce on their 130th anniversary.
Proud Chamber member for 27 years.
Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
December 2021
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Chamber advocates for all Flagstaff businesses to create a strong local economy
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he Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce has served as a solid figure in the city’s local economy for the past 130 years. Throughout that time, the Chanmber has cemented its place as a valuable lifeline for businesses of all sizes by acting as an advocate for the Flagstaff business community when faced with adversity, connecting Flagstaff residents with jobs, and keeping businesses informed about governmental decisions that might impact them and their businesses. The Chamber is an independent and private non-profit organization supported by its members through contributions, membership investments and fundraising events all with the goal of promoting businesses and advocating on their behalf fighting against the high cost of living. Economic development is at the core of all work the Chamber undertakes. They serve as the conveners of Leaders and influencers who come together to grow the economy and solve problems that are barriers to growth; catalysts for economic development providing endless resources and tools businesses need to succeed; and The Champion for a vibrant community. At its core values is the belief that a healthy business climate and a thriving community are inseparable. The Chambers purpose in helping businesses be successful is the creation of wealth to grow our area, to keep families here gainfully employed, job creation, business growth and business attraction. “Staying at the center of building a strong local economy happens through many different activities at the Chamber but we believe economic development’s foundation is education,” Chamber President Julie Pastrick said. “It is proven that educational attainment is the key to reaching a quality of life that we wish for ourselves.” The Chamber’s Education Division is focused on workforce development, labor force retention and attraction as well as connecting numerous business and education partnerships to expose youth to local careers they might not know exist. Businesses enjoy working with classrooms to convey the basic skills needed to be hired into their companies and welcome students into their workplaces
A Chamber/Flagstaff City Council work session.
Fighting against high cost of living
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema presents at the Chamber.
Former Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans presents to the Chamber Board. for that first hand behind the scenes look. Economically speaking the Chamber’s collaboration with CCC and NAU students on internships provides workplace experiences that can lead to a local career opportunity. This is all a part of the Chamber’s Education Division work through many member business thought leaders on a volunteer basis. Pastrick sits on numerous statewide boards representing the Chamber to focus on boosting local economies. Through these leadership positions she is able to elevate the needs of the northern-tier communities and Flagstaff. Some of them include the CTE Quality Standards Commission, where the career and technical education programs are
“We believe economic development’s foundation is education.” 24 December 2021
grown and monitored region-by-region; the Governors Rural Business Economic Advisory Council representing Coconino County, which allows the Chamber to bring the latest and best resources to the Flagstaff region in order to boost business success; the Arizona Mexico Commission Board of Directors which is focused on cross border trade, boosting bi-national tourism, and working to sustain the megaregion world status enjoyed by the US, Mexico, and Canada economies which work collaboratively for the good of our populace. The community conversation about the rate of growth and cost of living has been a hot topic for years and, according to Pastrick, the Chamber strives to support “smart development, while keeping a close eye on policies that can have big impacts on increasing housing prices.” “As the largest business association in northern Arizona, the Chamber’s continued support for smart development includes broad infrastructure improvements, quality healthcare expansion, housing construction, commercial, retail, and manufacturing development which all have a tremendous impact on northern Arizona’s economy,” she continued. The Chamber’s impact was felt firsthand in October 2020 when the city considered increasing construction fees significantly. The Chamber penned a letter to the Flagstaff community urging members to contact city leaders about their opposition to the new housing and commercial construction fees being considered. In the letter, the Chamber Advocacy Division said the fee increases were too steep with more than tripling the existing costs. “Tacking new and higher fees onto new construction only drives up the cost for Flagstaff consumers, making it more expensive to live in Flagstaff,” the letter read. “Make your voice heard on this important issue. Email the Mayor and Council and tell them not to increase fees on new construction projects.” See CHAMBER ECONOMY, Page 26
Julie Pastrick Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
Catalyst for business growth
Convener for leaders and influencers
Champion for strong communities
S N O I T ACommerce L U T A Ramber of G N O Clagstaff Ch 0TH F
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What does the chamber stand for today and over the past 130 years?
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in an informed and confident manner on a wide array of relevant issues, topics and opportunities. UNIMPEACHABLE TRUST: We always present OUR BRAND a complete and truthful WE ARE IN THE perspective. Our top values are BUSINESS OF CREATING A convener and connector integrity and honesty. for the business realm and THRIVING COMMUNITY. WE ARE THE ADVOCATE the community at large. We We exist to be the FOR BUSINESS: We make operate with a results driven CATALYST for economic sure th needs, issues and focus; we are a proven hub development and business concerns of the business of information within the success. community are addressed and We are the CONVENERS of business community. work towards solutions. leaders and influencers who can UNIVERSAL RESPECT: OUR BRAND PILLARS solve problems We have earned our place in DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE: the community through 130 We are THE CHAMPION Our experience and for a vibrant community. years of consistent professional connections allow us to speak In short, we serve as a trusted performance. e hold strong onto our motto that a healthy business climate and a vibrant community are inseparable.
Chamber economy From 24
The Chamber serves as a strong advocate for business. Pastrick said that they have made real impacts on Flagstaff’s business success through both public statements and their actions. “The Chamber’s advocacy work in recent decades has led to a lower, albeit still high, cost of living and the Chamber remains committed to reducing the cost of living through support of sound community enhancements, both public and private,” Pastrick said. “The Chamber also provides information about new relief bills, economic impact reports and other information on our local economy that might be important to both Flagstaff residents and businesses. They are viewed as a go to for any and all information about our cost to do business and live in our commu-
nity which is what private investors want when considering locating in our community.” “The Chamber’s advocacy work in recent decades has led to a lower, albeit still high, cost of living and the Chamber remains committed to reducing the cost of living through support of sound community enhancements, both public and private,” Pastrick said. “The Chamber also provides information about new relief bills, economic impact reports and other information that might be important to both Flagstaff residents and businesses. They are a go to for any and all information about the cost to do business and live in the community which is what private investors need to know and want when considering locating in our community. Cecily Maniaci, the owner of the Toasted Owl, said the Chamber has always been a resource that has kept her in the know. “The purpose of the Cham-
ber is to represent the business community,” Maniaci said. “They help support businesses by engaging in current policy issues and keeping businesses up to date on the affairs that might affect the business community. They have helped me be a better businesswoman and member of the community by keeping me informed and helping my business grow and thrive through connections, advertising and educational events within the community.”
Building a better job market
The Chamber focuses on business retention and expansion, with efforts that connect businesses to the resources and local talent they need to survive. One on one discussions, group meetings and summits convened around issues at hand, are the way the Chamber delves into the challenges businesses face. A top priority is seeing the Northern
OUR VOICE OUR TONE
Friendly, warm and engaging, welcoming diverse points of view and opinion.
HOW DO WE ACHIEVE OUR PURPOSE
Working together with numerous volunteer thought leaders, elected leaders and non profits to solve the challenges business leaders encounter Inspiring and connecting community leaders in support of business friendly policies THAT BUILD A STRONGER COMMUNITY And seeking out and raising up our next generations of local leaders.
Arizona Healthcare Village break ground in 2022. While economic changes in any city are to be expected, the Chamber has a huge impact on Flagstaff’s economic state. The Chamber was organized 130 years ago to be an advocate for Flagstaff business and has a mission to keep the economy balanced so businesses can thrive, the job market can flourish and Flagstaff can be a place in which people want to live, work and play. About 10 years ago the Flagstaff Chamber Foundation, a 501©(3), was formed to enable the establishment of funds from private and corporate donors for use in charitable endeavors, promoting economic development in Flagstaff, increasing employment, payroll, business volume and the overall quality of life within Flagstaff and its surroundings. A new focus has been providing scholarships for local youth to attend CCC as first generation and first year college students.
To learn more, visit flagstaffchamber.com/about-the-chamber/ 26 December 2021
Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
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CALL FOR INFORMATION: 928-354-2227 Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
December 2021
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28 December 2021
Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
