Public companies prepare for 2000.

Here is a list of Arizona companies' Y2K progress, as reported in their most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This list includes all Arizona-based public companies not considered a part of the technology industry. Information on high-tech firms will be listed next week in the second half of this series.

Action Performance Cos. Inc.: Model-car maker began installing a new information management system in 1997, scheduled to go online in the last quarter of 1998. Is still investigating the compliance of third-party suppliers, including its credit-card processors, and warns that failures could have a material adverse effect.

Allied Waste Industries Inc.: General ledger, accounts payable and fixed assets systems Y2K compliant; operations support and billing systems need upgrades, expected to be complete by first quarter 1999. Expects to have its other systems evaluated by mid-year and will revise disaster recovery plan throughout year. Anticipates no significant problems, but warns that failures in or outside company could affect performance.

America West Airlines: Predict that $36 million Y2K efforts will require "substantial external resources" and expects to finish project by third quarter. More worried about potential failure of airports or traffic control systems. Is working with major vendors and suppliers, particularly those that interact with its data systems.

Apollo Group Inc.: Adult-education company has made several information technology purchases over the past few years that are either Y2K compliant or warranted as such. A bigger fear is government-operated student funding systems, which make up a substantial portion of income. U.S. Department of Education has reassured schools the agency's computers will be compliant and has offered to let schools run tests in the first half of 1999. Specific dates have not been announced.

Arizona Land Income Corp.: Real estate investment trust has not finished studying potential impacts, but does not expect adverse effects from a failure.

AZCO Mining Inc.: Recently replaced accounting system for compliance and expects no other Y2K issues. Has not determined readiness of outside suppliers or customers.

Aztar Corp.: Casino hotel operator is in final phases of $7 million casino, slots, hotel and point-of-sale system upgrades at all five properties. Majority of projects scheduled to be complete by April, and the last are scheduled for September. For non-information technology systems such as fire safety, security, elevators, heating and cooling, is asking vendors and suppliers to verify compliance or upgrade. Process is expected to be complete by March. Any problems are likely short-term, but have a higher chance of occurring during New Year's weekend, typically one of the busiest times for casinos. No formal contingency plan.

Central Newspapers Inc.: Has been replacing core system components since 1995, though not specifically for Y2K compliance. Expects to spend $8.5 million on Y2K-related issues. So far, desktop systems, application software and servers are compliant, and database modules are being upgraded. Testing was scheduled to be complete by the end of 1998. Is also developing a contingency plan that will include publishing smaller newspapers and stockpiling a 30- to 45-day supply of newsprint and ink.

Cragar Industries Inc.: Automobile wheel manufacturer has sped up its already planned purchases and upgrades of business software but warns that others systems may not be ready in time. No formal …