FLAGSTAFF – A new study shows that the nonprofit arts and culture industry has an annual impact of $90 million on Flagstaff’s economy, according to a news release from the Flagstaff Arts Council.
The study, “Arts & Economic Prosperity: the Economic Impact of the Non-Profit Arts & Sciences in Flagstaff, Arizona,” was published in September 2017 by Americans for the Arts.
It was produced with data collected by the Flagstaff Arts Council. This is the second study Flagstaff has participated in and documents the economic contributions of the arts in 341 diverse communities and regions across the country, representing all 50 states.
The Flagstaff study included 50 arts, science and cultural nonprofits with a 90 percent participation rate.
Nonprofits supported 3,035 full-time-equivalent jobs in the community. Tourists pumped $20.6 million into the local economy every year thanks to local arts and science events.
Per-person tourist spending in Flagstaff is $86.87, which is almost double that of comparable cities ($46.22 pp) and the national average ($47.57).
The study has also shown growth in the sector from the last study that was produced in 2012, and showed an overall impact of $73 million.
“Flagstaff is growing,” said John Tannous, executive director of the Flagstaff Arts Council, “and the nonprofit arts and sciences contribute heavily to local economy. This study demonstrates that Flagstaff needs to increase its investment in this sector to build infrastructure to support that growth.”
The study also shows a return on investment for local government. Nonprofit arts and sciences sector generates over $4.6 million in city and county tax revenues each year.
The city of Flagstaff, which invests about $500,000 in non- profit arts and sciences programs, and Coconino County, which invests about $250,000, each receive a strong return. Another $4.3 million is generated every year in state tax revenues.
Northern Arizona business forum scheduled
The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Arizona will host a first-ever “Northern Arizona Small Business Forum” on Sept. 28 and 29 at the Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites in Tuba City, according to a news release from the chamber.
The purpose of the forum is to bring together Native American business owners and entrepreneurs to participate in panel discussions and to meet buyers through a procurement fair.
A cultural reception will take place the evening of Thursday, Sept. 28, at the hotel from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Friday, Sept. 29, the forum will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“This will be the first time (the chamber) will be hosting an event in northern Arizona,” said Loren Tapahe, CEO of the chamber. “Most of our events are in communities have been around the Phoenix metro area. This year, the board really wanted to reach out to other communities to have events that will have the most opportunities for Indian owned businesses.”
An opening session with Vice Chairwoman Carmen Bradley from the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians is scheduled. Panel discussions include contracting opportunities and financing your start-up business. A luncheon will feature Wade Rousse, an assistant professor of practice in economics at Northern Arizona University, who will speak about the history and economic impact of the Navajo Generating Station.
The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s Procurement Technical Assistance program and the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California PTAC are in charge of the procurement fair.
Construction nearing completion on plaza
ALBUQUERQUE – Indian Pueblos Marketing Inc. has announced that construction is nearing completion on Phase I of Avanyu Plaza, its development project on the tribally owned property just north of I-40 on 12th St., according to a news release from Indian Pueblos Marketing.
The 46-acre parcel is managed by IPMI, which was founded in 1982 by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico to provide economic and employment opportunities for Pueblo and Native Americans.
IPMI is now working to transform the former site of the Albuquerque Indian School into a unique Pueblo-owned commercial and cultural corridor.
The land, located on the corner of 12th St. and Menaul Blvd., has lain dormant for many years. It’s now being fully developed, including office and commercial tenants, a conference center, lodging, retail, dining, and security operations.
“As we move into the next phase of development, Avanyu Plaza is poised to become an even larger attraction,” said Dwayne Virgint, executive vice president and chief operating officer of IPMI.
Avanyu Plaza will be built in three phases over the coming years. Phase I broke ground in spring of 2015 with the construction of IPMI’s Pueblo-owned Starbucks, which had its grand opening in December 2015. In 2017 the project extended northward with the construction of a new 6,000-square-foot building set to host two new tenants in the coming months.
The Albuquerque Indian School property is already home to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, a Holiday Inn Express, and Starbucks.