The 2023 Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce/Optimum Annual Meeting and Awards luncheon, one of the largest business events of the year in Northern Arizona, was packed. More than 525 people, including elected officials, businessmen and non-profit leaders, attended his February 10th event to honor the volunteers and recipients of his prestigious ATHENA Awards.

The room was buzzing with anticipation for the announcement of ATHENA, with 18 women nominated. This is her one of the biggest groups in over 30 years. For that reason, the Chamber of Commerce awarded her two of her ATHENA awards for the first time. one in the private sector and one in the public/non-profit sector.

Chamber CEO and President Julie Pastrick said:

After a thundering “drumroll” on the table and the opening of “Give me an envelope”, two women were awarded the prestigious ATHENA award. Dr. Jenny Siess, veterinarian and owner of Westside Veterinary Clinic, was declared the winner of the private sector. Flagstaff Shelter Services Executive Her Director Ross Shaffer was named the Public Sector Winner in a Leadership Award recognizing outstanding professionalism, community service and mentorship.

“To be here with all the other women who have done so much for the community is an honor in itself,” Sheath said. “I look forward to contributing more to this community.” I am doing it.”

“I am so inspired by all the women here,” said Schaefer, who picked up the ATHENA trophy. “Athena was a warrior. She was a badass.

The ethos of ATHENAs is based on tenets of leadership: live with integrity, always learn, build relationships, foster cooperation, act with courage, advocate zealously, give back and celebrate. ATHENA International is a non-profit, bipartisan organization dedicated to “building a global pipeline of female leaders, from the classroom to the boardroom, to create a balance of leadership voices around the world.”

economic indicators, forecasts

Ahead of the expected announcement, keynote speaker Danny Court, senior economist at Elliot D. Pollack & Co. in Scottsdale, spoke on economic indicators for the country, state and Flagstaff. “Watch the consumer,” he said, pointing to the Consumer Confidence Index graph. “As consumers go, so does the economy.” He also noted that the country has record high levels of credit card debt.

In addition, he confirmed the lowest unemployment rate in 60-70 years. “There are more job openings than people looking for work,” he said.

Looking at the states, Cort said: Greater Phoenix is ​​her sixth employer in the nation, and he predicts he will see a 1.7% job increase this year and a 2.3% job increase in 2024. But it warns that housing continues to be in short supply.

In the Flagstaff case, the court revealed that economic data and growth forecasts project an annual increase of 200 households between now and 2027. Regarding rent control, they reported that neither rent reductions nor rent maintenance have been proven except in very short-term cases. He added that rent regulations would reduce housing.

Economists working with ECoNA, a multi-agency-backed economic cooperation organization in northern Arizona, challenged regional leaders. “Innovation and creativity are necessary for housing solutions.”

The event’s premier sponsor was Optimum. Optimum offers Internet service up to 1 Gig speed, Smart WiFi 6, and built-in security.

Chamber of Commerce Volunteer Award

Chamber of Commerce volunteers were recognized throughout the annual meeting. Ambassador of the Year was awarded to Will Hernandez, Community His Relations Director of The Peaks Senior Living, his leader in the business of volunteers attending and supporting the most Chamber events. Volunteer of the Year went to Little America’s Director of Human Resources, Colleen Snyder. His co-owner of KAFF, Clay McCauslin, was named Chamber of Commerce Champion of the Year in recognition of his efforts towards building a positive brand for the Chamber.

Green Business Award

The event also unveiled the 2nd Annual Desert Finance and Credit Union Green Business Awards, sponsored by UniSource Energy. Scott Kirshbaum of the Desert Financial Credit Union presented his QC Office with the Small Business Green Business Award for diverting printer cartridges and e-waste from landfills. The Arizona Snowbowl received a Corporate Green Business Award for a program that recycled 1,300 pounds of materials and created a free park-and-ride system with the city’s public transit agency, Mountain Line.

2023 Athena Candidates

There were eight finalists from the private sector. Rochelle Daniel of Atria Restaurant, Janet Dean and Evans Garrey of APS, Erin Evans of PLLC, Paula Gilbert of OneAZ Credit Union, Jenny Siess, owner of Westside Veterinary Clinic, and Miranda Sweet, owner of Rainbow’s End. , Tasha Vigil of Angels Care Home Health, and Katie Wittekind of Lancaster Leadership.

Ten finalists from the public sector competed. Jennifer Brown, NACOG Head Start, Heather Dalmolin, Mountain Line, Patty Hansen, Coconino County Recorder, Terry Madeksza, Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance, Heather Marcy, Northland Family Help Center, Colleen Maring, Northern Arizona Healthcare, Marti Neff, North Country HealthCare, Ross Schaefer of Flagstaff Shelter Services, Emma Wharton of Grand Canyon Youth, Diana White of Moonshot for NACET.

NARBHA Institute and Nordstroms and Associates CPA have sponsored the ATHENA Awards for over ten years. FBNMore

Stacey Wittig, FBN

Courtesy photo: Dr. Jenny Sheath, veterinarian and owner of the Westside Veterinary Clinic, received the Athena Award, which represents the private sector. Flagstaff Shelter Services Executive His Director Ross Schaefer said he received the ATHENA award on behalf of the public sector in the leadership program.