Archive for the ‘Chamber’ Category
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 27, 2012
Steve Glueck Executive Director South Mountain/Laveen Chamber
The New Year is here; the holiday celebrations are complete; the outdoor lights and decorations have been put away. It is now time to begin this new journey which we call 2012. For all of Arizona it is our Centennial Year which begins officially on February 14, 2012 when we celebrate 100 years of statehood. We will all be learning more about our Arizona history then we ever learned in our K – 12 classrooms. That is a very good thing as we look to our future, and in particular, the immediate future for the communities of South Mountain and Laveen. We can learn much from our history that can help us to better define our community needs for the future in Education; in Business Development; in Public Transit and with Social Service Needs.
The South Mountain Communities’ greatest strength is based in our diverse cultures and unique geographic boundaries within the City of Phoenix. Our greatest challenge is to bring our diverse community together with a united community voice that clearly articulates what we all want to meet our community’s needs in the areas mentioned above. We have a multitude of business leaders; social service organizations; educators; religious leadership; non profit groups and elected officials, who all contribute to our collective community voice. We need that voice to be heard at City Hall; in the state legislator and most importantly in the board rooms where decisions are made on commercial investments that will bring the much sought after jobs and desired amenities to our South Mountain Communities.
On the campus of South Mountain Community College, a new environment for civic engagement and an agenda for public discussion of diverse community issues have begun under the direction of The South Mountain Community College Presidents’ Community Advisory Council. It is a promising beginning for 2012 to start the process of identifying a coalition of South Mountain Community leadership that will advocate for the economic development; community infrastructure improvements and social services that we need to reach our maximum potential. You will be reading and hearing about many opportunities in 2012, to participate in community gatherings at South Mountain Community College.
Celebrating our great South Mountain and Laveen Communities is what the Annual “Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards Dinner”, presented by The South Mountain – Laveen Chamber of Commerce, is all about! The 2012 Awards will be presented on May 17th at the new South Mountain Community Library – Community Event Center on the South Mountain Community College Campus. Nominations in 5 Award Categories: EDUCATION; NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS; LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES and LOCAL BUSINESS are being accepted through March 30th. Nomination forms are available on request at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net or by phone at 602 402 6086.
UPCOMING EVENTS
1/26 -“After 5 Mixer” @ Raven Grill 36 5:30PM
1/11 “Business for Breakfast Mixer @ La Cucina Italiana 9032 S. Central; 7:15-8:30AM
1/04; 1/18; 1/25 Leads Exchange Group 7:15am Raven Grill 36 – 3636 E. Baseline Rd
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, positive news, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: business, Chamber, Community | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011
Steve Glueck Executive Director South Mountain/Laveen Chamber
It’s the last month of 2011 and for some of us, 2012 can’t get here fast enough! This has been another difficult year for many South Mountain – Laveen businesses and residents, as we complete a 3rd year of a slow recovery from the 2008 worldwide recession. Is there hope, that we will see a stronger economy in 2012? In my view, absolutely there is hope, for the immediate and long term future economic growth in our South Mountain – Laveen communities. Yes, we need to see the evidence of real job growth; growth in new home construction and a real increase in homeowners’ property values throughout the South Mountain area. Looking back through 2011, I see things that have happened which, I believe, is evidence of even better things to come in 2012.
Major construction projects that were completed this year include: The South Mountain Community Library on the South Mountain Community College campus at 24th Street; the new Percy L Julian Elementary School at 21st St & Carver; Victory Place III Apartments for formerly homeless military veterans at 9TH St & Jones; the new Laveen Elementary School at 43rd Ave in Laveen. Major construction projects nearing completion or beginning next year include: The Salvation Army Kroc Family Community Center at 14th St & Broadway opening May 2012; the Roosevelt Schools Culinary – Community Center at 10th St & Baseline Road groundbreaking in January; Arizona Cactus Pine Council Girl Scouts Camp Sombrero multi million dollar renovations planned for 2012 at 16th St & Dobbins; an extensive remodeling makeover of the Ocotillo Library at 3rd Ave & Southern to be completed next year.
As for long term planning, a current City of Phoenix field study to determine the expansion of the Light Rail Transit System along South Central Ave to Baseline Road, began in April of this year and will now be supplemented by a Federally Funded Department of Transportation $1,000,000 award to the City of Phoenix to study all forms of public transit improvements to better connect Downtown Phoenix to South Mountain Village along South Central to Baseline Road and east-west connections along Broadway and Southern. The study will begin in 2012 and conclude in 2013. And of course the conversation continues about where to put the South Mountain Freeway Loop connecting the south leg of the 202 with the I 10 Freeway at or near 59th Avenue. The currently planned route including the state owned land has been on the books since the mid 1980’s. It will be built, with informed guesses looking at a 2018 construction start.
The South Mountain – Laveen membership continues to grow as we added 25 new members this year. We are a chapter of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce which has added over 300 members through 11 months of this year. Overall, there have been over 50 small business start ups this year and that doesn’t include new non profits and Charter School additions that began operating in our communities this year. There are many other examples of why we should all feel encouraged about what the future holds for our area. There is a natural scenic beauty and rich history in South Mountain that is unmatched anywhere else in the metro area. But first and foremost it is our diverse community that is our strength and our hope for our future.
UPCOMING EVENTS
12/1-“After 5 Mixer” @ Gallagher’s Sports Grill & Restaurant, 3220 E. Baseline Rd; 5:30 – 7PM
12/14 “Business for Breakfast Mixer @ La Cucina Italiana 9032 S. Central ;7:15-8:30AM
12/7, 12/21 Leads Exchange Group
7:15am Raven Grill 36
3636 E. Baseline Road
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, positive news, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: business, Chamber, Community | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on September 29, 2011
Steve Glueck Executive Director South Mountain/Laveen Chamber
We all are now officially on the last lap of completing a very difficult obstacle course, better known as 2011. In businesses, service organizations, governmental services offices and schools, this 3 month period is referred to as the 4th quarter. Even if your business or organization is directed by a fiscal year calendar, we all sense the ending of this year and the distant beginning of 2012, that is just on the horizon. It is why Halloween merchandise began to appear in your local Walgreens or CVS store just after Labor Day and Thanksgiving décor will begin to gain strength this month.
At the South Mountain – Laveen Chamber of Commerce, we are preparing for our 7th Annual 2012 Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards Celebration. That is your cue to think of a local business; a local individual volunteer; a local non profit service organization; a local school or educator or a local governmental service that has made a positive difference in our local communities of the South Mountain and Laveen Villages. Please contact me with the candidates that you want to have considered for our 2012 Community Spirit Awards.
New business enterprises continue to open in our community and I encourage you to check them out and welcome them to our South Mountain – Laveen community. Capin’s Car Wash is now located on the west side of South Central Ave, north of Alta Vista and south of the canal. Alex Corona has opened SoMo Catering & Special Events based out of Corona Ranch in Laveen. Alex invites everyone to a Wine & Tequila Tasting Event at Corona Ranch on Friday October 21st from 6PM to 10PM. Tickets are $25.00 PP. Zee Spot Restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner at 1301 E. Broadway Rd, just to name a few of the new retail services that continue to grow in our community.
Halloween events that the entire family can enjoy, include the Enchanted Trail at The Rio Salado Audubon Center on October 27 – 30 from 5:30PM to 10PM at 3131 S. Central Ave. The Haunted Hayride at South Mountain Park operates October 21, 22 and 23rd from 6PM to 9PM at 10919 South Central Ave in South Mountain Park. You need a planning calendar to keep up with all our community events scheduled from now until years end. You don’t ever have to leave the Mountain to enjoy the numerous holiday activities
If you would like to be reminded about future community gatherings, send me an email to steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
Events Scheduled
October 5, 19, 26 SMLCC Leads Club
7:15a.m. Raven Golf Club Grill
3636 E. Baseline Road
October 12 “Business for Breakfast”
7:15a.m. LaCucina Italiana
9032 So. Central Avenue
October 26 “After 5 Mixer”
TBA 5:30p.m.-7:00p.m.
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, positive news, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: business, Chamber, Community | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on August 10, 2011
Steve Glueck Executive Director South Mountain/Laveen Chamber
During last months’ MLB All Star Game activities, I had the opportunity to hear a luncheon presentation from baseball commissioner, Mr. Bud Selig. Mr. Selig spoke about the tremendous growth in attendance that professional baseball has experienced over the past 41 years. In 1970, MLB Game total attendance was a little over 25 million. Last year over 60 million attended MLB games and another 40 million attended minor league baseball games.
Listening to Mr. Selig, I thought about my own personal experience over the past 41 years since arriving here in August 1970. Arizona had 2.5 million residents; the Phoenix Metro area was 1.3 million people and the city of Phoenix was at about 800,000 people. The 2010 Census count is 6.4 million residing in our State; and the Phoenix Metro area has almost 4.2 million residents. The City of Phoenix has 1.4 million residents and ranks as the 6th largest city in the U.S.
The reason for sharing this history and growth with you is to point out that there were people; State, county, city officials; local, regional, national businesses; educators, non-profit organizations and community leaders who, in 1970, were anticipating what our state; our city, would look like in 2011. We all think about our future needs and we all plan to a greater or lesser degree, for our families, ourselves and our community’s future.
We have that opportunity as residents of South Mountain to participate in how we want our community to be defined today, next year; 5 years, or 40 years in the future. Just this past month, South Mountain residents have had the opportunity to voice their thoughts and ideas at several community gatherings including: The Del Rio Brownfields Project meetings at the Rio Salado Audubon Center; “The Berkshire Report” Community Commentary meeting at South Mountain Community College and The Mayoral Candidates Forum at South Mountain Community College.
This month, Tuesday, August 30th, you will have the opportunity to exercise your right and privilege to vote your choice for the next major of Phoenix and for those of you residing in District 7, choosing your Phoenix Council representative for the next 2 years. Your vote and your regular participation in community gatherings will help decide what the future looks like for your city and your community.
If you would like to be reminded about future community gatherings, send me an email to steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
Events Scheduled
August 3, 17, 24, 31 SMLCC Leads Club
7:15a.m. Raven Golf Club Grill
3636 E. Baseline Road
August 10 “Business for Breakfast”
7:15a.m. LaCucina Italiana
9032 So. Central Avenue
August 28 “After 5 Mixer”
TBA 5:30p.m.-7:00p.m.
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, positive news, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: business, Chamber, Community | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on May 31, 2011
South Mountain Village Fiesta of Independence
By George Young
Twenty-three years ago, a group of South Mountain Village residents and South Mountain Community College got together and decided to host a 4th. of July event for people wanting to become citizens. The College gym became a court room with an esteemed Judge and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services presiding. The first year fifty new citizens were sworn in, the numbers grew every year and one year we had four hundred and fifty and the Fire Department said that was too many as each person brings his own cheering section. So we cut back to three hundred and fifty and this year we will be doing two hundred and fifty. The event has become a community event and we average two thousand visitors. We have a speaker, sometimes from Washington D.C., a Color Guard, patriotic music and every candidate gets an American flag. There are refreshments following the program and mementos for the kids. This event is sponsored by the South Mountain Community College, South Mountain/Laveen Village Festival Inc., and South Mountain/Laveen Chamber of Commerce. What better way to celebrate our nation’s birthday than to welcome new citizens from over sixty countries to our diverse community.
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, positive news, SMCC, Volunteers | Tagged: Events, SMCC, SMLCC | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on May 20, 2011
CHAMBER CORNER
Steve Glueck
Executive Director/Membership Development
Steve Glueck Executive Director South Mountain/Laveen Chamber
“SOUTH MOUNTAIN COUNTS”….is the theme of the Phoenix Mayoral candidates’ debate scheduled for Tuesday, June 21st at the Performing Arts Center on the South Mountain Community College campus. Sponsored by South Mountain Community College, the event will feature the announced candidates for the office of the City of Phoenix Mayor in the August 30th city election. The debate is scheduled 5:30PM to 7PM in the 350 seat SMCC Performing Arts Center and will be moderated by South Mountain resident and Arizona Highways Publisher, Win Holden. The format will feature questions received from the community from online and published media, and from the audience attending the event, just prior to the introduction of the participating candidates. Questions will focus on the issues that most concern the residents, businesses, schools, and organizations, residing in our South Mountain communities. You are invited to submit your questions that you would like the candidates to address on June 21st. Please send by email to smcc@smcmail.maricopa.edu
Now is the time for all South Mountain residents to have a strong voice in the August 30th city election for the mayor and city council that we need to represent the quality of life and future development issues that will best serve the people of South Mountain. We can no longer afford for our community to be just a backdrop for photographs of the developing Phoenix downtown skyline with the majestic outline of South Mountain in the background. Make your plans to attend the June 21st Mayoral Debate at South Mountain Community College. Let your voice be heard and make sure “South Mountain Counts” in the August 30th city election.
Chamber Activities for June
June 1; 16; 22; 29 – Raven GC Grill – Leads Group 7:15AM
June 8 – “Business for Breakfast Mixer 7:15AM
La Cucina Italiana 9032 S. Central AVE.
June 23 – “After 5 Mixer” 5:30PM – 7PM
TBD
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, positive news, SoMo Village, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: Chamber, city election, South Mountain Community College, South Mountain Counts | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on April 27, 2011
A WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Steve Glueck - Executive Director South Mountain/Laveen Chamber
For all of us who get to live and/or go to work every day within the boundaries of the majestic South Mountains and the restored wildlife habitat of the Rio Salado Habitat Park, we know what a very special place this is. Our communities of the Laveen and South Mountain Villages have a natural beauty; such diverse cultures and a rich, storied history that just doesn’t exist anywhere else in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area. Most of all, there is a spirit and energy that you can almost reach out and touch, which is evident throughout the South Mountain area. Call it “South Side pride” or “South Mountain Spirit,” but it is alive and well and the primary reason that as a community, we are on the brink of seeing the South Mountain area reach the full potential that it has always had.
The message of your South Mountain-Laveen Chamber of Commerce continues to be that a great community is a result of the collaboration, and partnerships among local businesses; schools and educators; non-profit organizations; local governmental agencies and individual volunteers. If you want to learn more about how you or your organization can become better connected with your community, check out the community events listings or the South Mountain/Laveen Villages Festival Committee 2011 Events located elsewhere in this magazine you are now reading!! Or, drop me a note at Steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
Thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors and players, our 7th Annual “Golf Shootout at South Mountain” was a great success. Proceeds from the event which was held at The Legacy Golf Resort on Friday, April 22nd, help to support the Arizona Cactus Pine Girl Scouts Summer Camp Program at Camp Sombrero in South Mountain. In addition to the Girl Scouts, for the past 6 years the golf tournament has contributed over $12,000 to the South Mountain Community College General Scholarship Fund. This year, The South Mountain-Laveen Chamber has directed tournament proceeds to begin funding a South Mountain Community College Scholarship created by the South Mountain Precinct, available to graduating seniors at South Mountain High School. The South Mountain Precinct-Shane Figueroa Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to students interested in pursing a career in public safety or local law enforcement. For more information, contact Commander Chris Crockett or Lt. Darren Viner at the South Mountain Precinct.
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, Laveen, positive news, SoMo Village | Tagged: Chamber, Community, Events, SMLCC | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on March 25, 2011
South Mountain Laveen Chamber
The Sixth Annual Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards dinner took place last month and the South Mountain Laveen Chamber of Commerce the following 
recognized recipients in the following five categories:
- Education – Roosevelt School District, Superintendent/Governing Board Team;
- Local Government – Senator Leah Landrum Taylor;
- Nonprofit Agency – Nina Mason Puliam Rio Salado Audubon Center;
- Local Business – In & Out Chiropractic; and
- Individual Volunteer – Karen Mischlispy.
In addition, Commander Chris Crockett of the South Mountain Precinct recognized Officer Michael Paulson as the 2011 South Mountain Precinct Officer of the Year. Many thanks to all who organized, participated in and attended the event.
We are also pleased to announce that the 7th Annual Shoot-Out at South Mountain, the South Mountain Laveen Chamber of Commerce’s annual golf tournament, will be held on Friday, April 22 at the Legacy Golf Resort. Foursomes are filling up quickly. To book your tee time or to learn more about the benefits of a Chamber membership, contact our Executive Director, Steve Glueck, at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
As my two-years as chair of the South Mountain Laveen Chamber of Commerce comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to thank all those with whom I have worked and with whom I have become acquainted. The South Mountain and Laveen communities are filled with individuals and businesses that are striving for prosperity, wellbeing and economic growth. It has been an honor to work with you and to serve as a voice for our communities.
April Events
Business for Breakfast
Wednesday, April 13, from 7:15 – 8:30 a.m.
Bougainvillea Golf Club
5740 W. Baseline Road, Laveen
Business After Hours Mixer
Click on the events calendar link at http://phoenixchamber.com/SMLC/index.html for more details.
South Mountain Leads Club
The Raven Grill at the Raven Golf Club
Meets each Wednesday at 7:15 a.m.
3636 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, positive news, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: golf tournament, Legacy Golf Resort, Sixth Annual Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards dinner, South Mountain Laveen Chamber | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on March 22, 2011
South Mountain Community College will host Villages In Transition III, the third in a series of community dialogues designed to focus on issues including growth and development, education, transportation and public safety, on Friday, April 8, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The goal of the daylong session is for individuals from community organizations and leaders throughout the South Mountain region to come together and examine where these communities are today, and how to plan for their future. During the course of the day, participants will hear panel discussions and engage in open dialogue with community leaders on a variety of topics. A historical overview of the communities and personal stories reflecting the history of the area, facilitated by the SMCC Storytelling Institute, will also take place. Registration fee is $20 per person, and includes breakfast and lunch.
Posted in Chamber, Community, positive news, SMCC, SoMo Village | Tagged: community leaders, village history, VIT III | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on February 26, 2011
My wife and I have always enjoyed St. Patrick’s Day, mostly because it means eating copious amounts of 
corned beef and cabbage. Although I probably can’t identify Irish in my ancestry – notwithstanding that I have been referred to as a Euro mutt – in many ways, I consider myself Irish.
First of all, I have a firm belief in luck. I’m talking about the kind of luck that’s self-made. Samuel Goldwyn, founder of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), is purported to have said, “I think luck is the sense to recognize an opportunity and the ability to take advantage of it… The man who can smile at his breaks and grab his chances gets on.” If Goldwyn is to be believed, each of us has the opportunity to make his or her own “luck.” As we look around our communities, surely we can identify unmet needs or unmet consumer demands, even (or maybe especially) in this challenging economy. If we are willing to put in the time and effort, we can become lucky. As Goldwyn is quoted as saying, “The harder I work the luckier I get.”
Second, green is my favorite color. Of the many positive expressions associated with the color green, I like the term “green thumb.” As a person who inadvertently kills most plants in his custody, I have great respect for individuals with “green thumbs” who know what plants will flourish in our desert environment and seems to instinctively know what these plants need to stay healthy and vibrant. For business owners, now is a great time to take stock of our ventures and determine whether we are using the right combination of efforts to forth the growth and development we desire. The optimal business mix should result in some extra “green” in our wallets.
As this St. Patrick’s Day approaches, hopefully you are making plans to frequent the stores and restaurants in our South Mountain and Laveen communities in order to prepare for and celebrate the holiday. This year, may we each create our own Irish luck and may the South Mountain and Laveen communities continue to make others green with envy.
To learn more about the benefits of a Chamber membership, contact our Executive Director, Steve Glueck, at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
March Events
Business for Breakfast
Wednesday, March 9, from 7:15 – 8:30 a.m.
Bougainvillea Golf Club
5740 W. Baseline Road, Laveen
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, Laveen, positive news, SoMo Village | Tagged: Chamber | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 19, 2011
The 6th Annual Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards Dinner
The South Mountain – Laveen Chamber of Commerce will host The 6th Annual Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards Dinner on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at The Secret Garden Events Center, 2501 E. Baseline Road in South Mountain. A patio reception followed by dinner will begin at 5:30PM. The Spirit of South Mountain Awards program will follow at 7:30pm.
For the past 6 years the purpose of the Spirit of South Mountain Awards has been to recognize and celebrate excellence in our South Mountain and Laveen communities, by key elements, working together, to benefit the community. The 5 categories are:
Ø Education
Ø Individual Volunteers
Ø Non Profit Agencies
Ø Local Government / Civic Service Agencies
Ø Locally Operated Business
The Spirit of South Mountain Award is presented to one recipient in each category. In addition, 2 finalists in each category are acknowledged with a framed plaque.
The added highlight of the evening is when “The South Mountain Precinct’s Officer of the Year Award is presented and applauded by the 150+ community leaders and residents in attendance.
Dinner tickets are available online at www.phoenixchamber.com
Steve Glueck
Executive Director-Membership Development
South Mountain / Laveen Chamber
(O) 602-495-6469
(C) 602-402-6086
email: steveg.smlchamber@cox.net
Posted in Chamber, Community, Education, Events, non-profit organization, positive news, SoMo Village | Tagged: Education, Local Government, Locally Operated Business, Non Profit Agencies, The Spirit of South Mountain Award, Volunteers | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 14, 2010
Blaine Searle
Economic experts have told us for some time that the recession is over and that the economic recovery has already begun. However, these experts also predicted that job growth would be slow. Now – some good news. According to Manpower Inc.’s recent quarterly employment survey, hiring expectations nationwide (i.e., the number of employees to be added during the upcoming quarter) are the highest they have been in the last two years. These numbers are even adjusted to take into account seasonal employees hired to handle the holiday rush. While job growth is anticipated to occur slowly, it has begun.
Closer to home, in this survey, the City of Phoenix is ranked in the top 5 cities with positive hiring expectations and the State of Arizona ranks second in the nation in hiring expectations. After being hit with precipitous drops in real estate value and high job loss over the last two years, it is nice to finally have some good news. Here’s hoping that these positive trends will continue throughout 2011.
Please mark your calendars for the 6th Annual “Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards Dinner,” which will be held on February 24th. To obtain tickets to attend the event or to learn more about the benefits of a Chamber membership, contact our Executive Director, Steve Glueck, at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
January Events
Business for Breakfast
Wednesday, January 12, from 7:15 – 8:30 a.m.
Bougainvillea Golf Club
5740 W. Baseline Road, Laveen
South Mountain Leads Club
The Raven Grill at the Raven Golf Club
Meets each Wednesday at 7:15 a.m.
3636 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: Chamber membership, City of Phoenix, Events | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 21, 2010
Blaine Searle
I have been mentioning for some time that the 6th Annual “Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards 
Dinner” is scheduled to take place on February 24, 2010. The event affords the South Mountain and Laveen communities the opportunity to showcase those businesses and individuals in our communities who make a difference.
Last year’s award recipients in our five categories were as follows:
* Education – Phoenix Collegiate Academy
* Local Government – U.S. Vets
* Nonprofit Agency – Tigermountain Foundation
* Local Business – Cigna Medical Group/South Mountain Office
* Individual Volunteer – Honorable Cody Williams
If you know of an individual or business that is worthy of being recognized for their efforts this past year, please download an application at http://www.phoenixchamber.com/about/community-chapters/south-mountain/laveen and return the completed applications by December 15, 2010. In order to reserve your place at February’s event, you can also contact Executive Director, Steve Glueck, at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
Each year, the “Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards Dinner” is held at our very own jewel in the South Mountain – the Secret Garden. I am pleased to report that the Secret Garden recently announced the opening of the House at Secret Garden Restaurant. Under the supervision of executive chef and owner, Dustin Christofolo, the House is not only beautifully decorated but also offers creative cuisine like shrimp and grits with bacon and carrots and a mouthwatering potato and leek soup. I think I speak for the whole of the South Mountain and Laveen communities in wishing the House success.
To learn more about the benefits of a Chamber membership, contact our Executive Director, Steve Glueck, at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
December Events
Business for Breakfast
Wednesday, December 8, from 7:15 – 8:30 a.m.
Bougainvillea Golf Club
5740 W. Baseline Road, Laveen
South Mountain Leads Club
The Raven Grill at the Raven Golf Club
Meets each Wednesday at 7:15 a.m.
3636 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix
Posted in Chamber, Events | Tagged: Events | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 5, 2010
Blaine Searle
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the “Great Recession” ended in June 2009. While this may be true for a nationwide economy, many individuals and families in the South Mountain and Laveen communities are still feeling the hurt. Unfortunately, it may take some time for us to return to a healthy economy.
However, there is anecdotal evidence (i.e., what I see when I drive around in my car) that things are looking up for our communities. I’ve noticed an increase in street traffic and business traffic along the Baseline corridor. For instance, in October, Laveen welcomed L.A. Fitness to the southwest corner of Baseline and 51st Avenue. The parking lot and the racquetball courts have been packed ever since, which points to the fact that people have some disposable income and are willing to spend it. Both are good signs for our economy.
I have also gathered such anecdotal evidence from my work where I have seen a recent increase in the number of people desiring to either start a new business or to grow their existing businesses. Historically, when money is tight, people are inclined to sit out on new business opportunities and to focus on weathering the storm. The fact that entrepreneurs and business owners are ready and willing to entertain new ventures is very promising.
Finally, I have gathered this anecdotal evidence from talking with people in the community. I am constantly amazed at the number of new businesses that I see represented from week to week at South Mountain Laveen Chamber of Commerce events. Members of our communities are cautiously optimistic about our economic future.
All evidence, both analytical and anecdotal, points to growth. Here’s hoping that our busy holiday season gives us robust business growth. Considering my mother’s buttermilk pie she will make at Thanksgiving, I am expecting some personal growth as well before the New Year.
Please mark your calendars for the 6th Annual “Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards Dinner,” which will be held on February 24th. Application entry forms are available online at www.phoenixchamber.com or request a form by email: steveg.smlchamber@cox.net. In addition, to learn more about the benefits of a Chamber membership, contact our Executive Director, Steve Glueck, at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
November Events
Business for Breakfast
Wednesday, November 10, from 7:15 – 8:30 a.m.
Bougainvillea Golf Club
5740 W. Baseline Road, Laveen
Business After Five Mixer
To be announced
South Mountain Leads Club
The Raven Grill at the Raven Golf Club
Meets each Wednesday at 7:15 a.m.
3636 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events | Tagged: business, Chamber, Events, networking | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on September 19, 2010
I have three children, each under the age of 10 years old. Therefore, I am accustomed to spending inordinate amounts of time in doctors’ offices and in urgent care centers to address runny noses and ear infections. My past history has conditioned me to expect overworked front office staff, waiting room chairs held together by duct tape and an overpowering antiseptic smell.
However, my first impression on walking through the front door of the Laveen Medical Pavilion was that this was no ordinary doctor’s office. For starters, the office, located on the northeast corner of 35th and Southern Avenues, is clean and beautifully decorated. While we have a right to expect cleanliness, the modern office adornment was a pleasant surprise. Prominently displayed behind the reception area are two large pieces of contemporary artwork and the walls are painted a light blue color which, is calming and refreshing.
I met Luis Gonzales, the director of the new facility, at a South Mountain Laveen Chamber of Commerce After Five Mixer in August. Luis was enthusiastically publicizing the fact that the pavilion had just opened on August 20, 2010 and he invited me to take a tour. I took Luis up on his offer. In line with the old adage – “Nothing cleans a house like company coming” – I figured it was safe to assume that the staff of the Laveen Medical Pavilion would put their best foot forward when they knew that I was paying a visit in preparation for writing this article. However, although I had coordinated my visit with Luis, I got the distinct impression that the front staff had not anticipated my arrival. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised when I was greeted with a smile by a professional receptionist who indicated that, Luis would be arriving shortly and invited me take a seat in the waiting area? Another plus.
During the tour, Luis showed me the nine exam rooms and the various doctor and nurse triage and office spaces. He pointed out to me the exam room which will house all of the medical equipment necessary for a fully operational medical facility including an EKG monitor and various testing equipment. Although I came too late in the day to meet the doctors in person, Luis spoke glowingly about the three family practitioners and pediatricians currently working in the facility. As demand grows, the facility hopes to add internal medicine and an OBGYN – one-stop health care in the South Mountain and Laveen communities.
“Healthcare for everybody,” Luis says, is the facility’s motto. The Laveen Medical Pavilion will accept all major insurance providers and will work with patients to facilitate medical care even if the patients are not insured. The facility is also partnering with local pharmacies to make prescriptions more affordable.
As chair of the South Mountain Laveen Chamber of Commerce this year, I am excited to welcome the Laveen Medical Pavilion into our community. But the best endorsement I can offer is that, as a father, I am thrilled to have a doctor’s office close to home where I would feel comfortable taking my own children.
To learn more about the benefits of a Chamber membership, contact our Executive Director, Steve Glueck, at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
October Events
Business for Breakfast
Wednesday, September 13, from 7:15 – 8:30 a.m.
Bougainvillea Golf Club
5740 W. Baseline Road, Laveen
Business After Five Mixer
To be announced
Lunch and Learn
October 5, 2010, from 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
South Mountain Community College
South Mountain Leads Club
The Raven Grill at the Raven Golf Club
Meets each Wednesday at 7:15 a.m.
3636 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix
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