Business View Civil & Municipal l November 2022

151 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 Mayor, John Leech shakes hands with City Councillor, Bryce Judd