Show Low, Arizona

6 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 9 Although tourism is the city’s largest economic driver, the Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Centre and its affiliate industry also employs almost 1,000 people and offers a wide range of care options. It specializes in cancer treatments among other things. The city is also investing in a variety of green energy initiatives including wind and solar projects between Show Low and Holbrook. Grace Payne, the city’s Communications Manager raved about the city’s electric vehicle charging stations. Through a partnership with Arizona Public Service Company (the primary electricity provider), they’ve installed four charging stations at what Payne calls the municipal campus. Payne states, “I think we are most proud of our recent partnership with APS. It was a very natural move when this partnership came up – an opportunity for us to say, ‘Yes, let’s do this, let’s install four charging stations for electric vehicles and have it right here amongst amenities that we already know folks are taking advantage of.’ At least 1,000 people a week take advantage of the library, the recording studio, all the events and activities we have for toddlers, all the way up to our more sophisticated age groups. We’re trying to get ahead of the curve. It is an initiative that not only supports visitors and residents, but our local industries as well.” The chargers are also in an area where most of the local restaurants are located and where many events the city puts on throughout the year take place. Payne adds, “We’re right on our two main arteries for roads and it allowed us to open ourselves up to this whole new driving demographic in the state. To say, ‘Look, we’re aware of your charging needs and we want you to visit us. We want you to spend time here and enjoy the activities, but now you can do it in your electric vehicle.” The city also has the Show Low Regional Airport which operates commuter flights to Phoenix, and North says there are many shovel-ready sites for companies who require access to runways. They’re also working to install fibre optic cable throughout the city. Payne says, “We’re really busting down the impression people have that we are rural and therefore we don’t have amenities, which isn’t true at all. All of this traffic up here really gave good initiative to our county leaders, C I TY OF SHOW LOW, AR I ZONA our cities, and town leaders to invest in the infrastructure for high-speed internet – for the sake of our citizens, our businesses, public safety, and our schools. Northern Pioneer University (NPC) is a wonderful, accredited school that works closely with the high schools to get kids into training programs. These young people take their education very seriously, whether they move into trades or university or what have you. We’re building them the foundation for success.” As a rural city, Show Low thrives on partnerships and has community, business and political leaders who value those partnerships. North pointed out many of the communities close by in Navajo and Apache counties are close partners, as well as REAL AZ (Resources Energy Access and Lifestyle Arizona). Payne says NPC, the Show Low School District, Navajo County leaders, public safety professionals, healthcare professionals, and others make up many of the city’s valued partnerships. She notes, “I do think there’s a large benefit in the traditional sense of us being a rural community, in the sense that these leaders have partnership and comradery and communications deep in their hearts.” In the next three to five years, Payne hopes to see the city continue on its path to modern initiatives as they, “work hard to continue to provide our visitors and our citizens with the most well- rounded life experience possible. We’re trying to support folks in a complete 360 view with their businesses, their lifestyle, industry. Anything advantageous that supports what we love about this community – the beautiful rural nature with city amenities.” PREFERRED VENDORS/PARTNERS n Southern Airways Express www.iflysouthern.com Show Low’s New Airline, Southern Airways, offers seamless connections at Phoenix to American, United, and Alaska Airlines. Flying from Show Low is easy with free parking and quick TSA screening. Avoid the long drives and fly between Phoenix and Show Low! Tickets can be purchased online at iFlySouthern.com or by calling 1-800-329-0485. North sees the community becoming a more business-friendly destination, sharing, “This is a great community for people to operate a business in a place where you would vacation. You can leave work and go play out in the woods on the same day and have access to all of the amenities that you’re used to in the metro areas. That’s really how we see Show Low growing as a community.” Mayor, John Leech shakes hands with City Councillor, Bryce Judd Mayor, John Leech shakes hands with a marathon runner