Circular Arizona hosts Northern Connection event in Flagstaff
Flagstaff, Arizona — On Thursday, June 11, Circular Arizona hosted its 2026 Northern Connection event at Nackard Pepsi Bottling Co. in Flagstaff, bringing together sustainability professionals, local government representatives, nonprofit leaders, and business partners for an afternoon of learning, networking, and collaboration.
The lunch-and-learn featured a series of rapid-fire presentations by leaders across Northern Arizona advancing circular economy principles through waste reduction, resource conservation, sustainable business practices, and community engagement. Lunch was generously sponsored by Nackard Pepsi, which also welcomed attendees for a behind-the-scenes tour of its Flagstaff bottling facility.
Following the presentations, guests toured the Nackard Pepsi plant to learn about the company's sustainability initiatives and how circular economy principles are being integrated into beverage production and operations.
Speakers included:
Brynn Katz, Sustainability Operations Supervisor at Nackard Pepsi, shared how the company is advancing recycling and zero-waste initiatives across Northern Arizona. She highlighted diversion programs that have kept more than 565,000 pounds of material out of landfills across 35 communities and discussed efforts to expand sustainability programming through grants, partnerships, and community engagement.
Glenn Proudfoot, Solid Waste Operations Manager for the City of Kingman, discussed opportunities and challenges facing municipal solid waste systems and shared insights from his more than 12 years of experience in the industry.
Lisa Page, Sustainable Small Business Program Manager with Local First Arizona, presented on helping locally owned businesses identify practical opportunities to reduce costs, minimize environmental impacts, and strengthen long-term resilience through sustainable business practices.
Sam Wyckoff of Restoration Soils and Flagstaff Foodlink highlighted the connections between food systems, soil health, community education, and sustainability, sharing how local initiatives can support both environmental and social outcomes.
Susan Manganiello, Director of Sustainability for Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, discussed the organization's extensive sustainability efforts, including renewable energy, waste reduction, water conservation, environmental compliance, and sustainable operations within one of the nation's most iconic destinations.
Cheresa "Cher" Taing, Sustainability Specialist for the City of Flagstaff, shared updates on the city's ReThink Waste Plan and highlighted community-based strategies for waste prevention, diversion, and resource conservation that help build a more resilient future.
Throughout the event, attendees exchanged ideas and explored opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, reinforcing the importance of regional partnerships in advancing Arizona's circular economy.
Circular Arizona hosts regional events such as the Northern Connection to help fulfill its mission to "foster an equitable circular economy and connect Arizonans through innovation, education, and collaboration."
Circular Arizona envisions an equitable circular economy for a sustainable Arizona. Learn more about our mission and programs at CircularArizona.org.
Media Contact:
Ryan Gurr
Circular Arizona
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