Oct. 14 press release from ADOT

South Mountain Freeway design meetings draw big crowds, important input

Hundreds pose questions, provide feedback on design plans

 PHOENIX – Nearly 800 people attended three public meetings on preliminary design plans for the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway, providing input and asking questions that will guide final design of the 22-mile-long link between the West Valley and East Valley.

The meetings, held in Ahwatukee Foothills, Laveen and west Phoenix, provided an opportunity for residents to learn more about the freeway’s alignment, traffic interchanges, noise walls, landscaping and aesthetics.

 Representatives from the Arizona Department of Transportation and the developer, Connect 202 Partners, answered questions, received feedback and encouraged attendees to provide comments on detailed design plans.

 “The South Mountain Freeway has generated significant interest, as evidenced by the great attendance at these design meetings,” said Rob Samour, ADOT senior deputy state engineer of major projects.

All input is being assessed by ADOT’s development team and, when possible, will influence how the freeway is constructed. 

A comprehensive summary of the public meetings, which will be posted at SouthMountainFreeway.com in November, will address any questions that remained unanswered after the three meetings. Participants submitted about 500 comment forms and question cards. 

The latest project information is available via the project website at SouthMountainFreeway.com, email and text updates (click “Subscribe for Updates” on the project website) and the project hotline numbers (1.855.763.5202, or para Español, 623.239.4558).  

Construction of the South Mountain Freeway began in September with improvements to the Interstate 10/Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) interchange. Work includes extending Loop 202 HOV lanes and widening the shoulders to Pecos Road near 48th Street. Construction of the mainline freeway is scheduled to begin in early 2017. 

Approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985 and again in 2004 as part of a comprehensive regional transportation plan, the South Mountain Freeway will complete the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeway system in the Valley when it opens to traffic by the end of 2019. 

For more information, visit SouthMountainFreeway.com.

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Laveen Woman Leading Workshop on Light Treatments

Tami Blake, owner of the Enlightened Horse, will be presenting a workshop “Discover the Revitalizing Power of Light,” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on June 8 at the Cesar Chavez Library, 3635 W. Baseline Road, Laveen.

LED light energy application is a process by which energy is delivered to various parts of the body via light-emitting diodes. The light is then absorbed by cells.

According to Blake’s flyer, the various energy wavelengths penetrate the skin to different depths and provide the energy that cells need to activate increased circulation and stimulate cells to release nitric oxide. NASA’s studies have shown that cells exposed LED light energy applications have a 150 percent enhanced to their cellular metabolism, which accelerates repair.

The light sessions are non-abrasive, non-invasive, painless and result in no downtime afterward. It is safe for all ages and skin types.

Blake said that light energy can support pain relief, increased circulation, skin rejuvenation, reduced inflammation and expedited recover of bruises, scars and wounds.

To register, email Blake at horseluvr59@gmail.com or call either Blake at 602-790-9404 or her co-presenter, Maggie, at 520-444-7643.

Local dairy offering butter-making classes

Danzeisen Dairy in Laveen is offering butter making class through the summer at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Danzeisen Dairy creamery, 6024 W. Southern Ave., Laveen.

The classes are open to parents and children. Classes are free with the purchase of a bottle of fresh cream to use during the class. Participants can bring their own container or purchase a butter jar at the creamery.

For more information and to reserve your space, call Danzeisen Dairy at 623-478-9494.

Kroc Center offering competitive summer swimming

If your child is interested in competitive swim this summer check out the Kroc Center’s Swim Team.

The price is $59 for a whole summer of swim team action. Kroc Center members pay $45. Practices and events are indoors at the center, 1375 E Broadway Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85040. Space is limited. Call 602-425-5055 for more information or to register online visit http://www.krocphoenix.org/

Do you have some news you want to share about your business? Email your information to the South Mountain District News with subject line: BUSINESS BRIEF. This is a perfect time to let people know about a business anniversary, special sales or events, an expansion, the addition of new staff, a promotion, etc. Send news to smdnews@cox.net.

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It’s been six years since Laveen residents Nindi and Carissa Wadhwa decided to take a chance as small business owners and launched Scooptacular, their now popular local ice cream shop and known for its award-winning homemade flavors.

While plans are still evolving for next month’s celebration, the Wadhwas and Scooptacular intend to offer 60 cent cones, schedule a visit with members of the Phoenix Fire Department among other activities that are still being finalized.

Six years ago in 2010, the couple noticed that Laveen was lacking in family-friendly destinations. The economy was being battered, foreclosures were through the roof and businesses were closing – including the Cold Stone Creamery location in Laveen, which they transformed into Scooptacular.

The Wadhwa family wanted to create a destination for families but to also help put Laveen on the Valley maps. “Our original vision statement was ‘to be a beacon of hope to the community of Laveen’.”

“Our friends thought we were crazy to leave a stable job and open a business in this negative environment,” Nindi said. “We just knew Laveen needed something positive.”

Scooptacular makes all its own ice cream in Laveen. The company sources ingredients from all over the world with vanilla beans coming from Madagascar and Indonesia. Chocolate powder is imported from Belgium.

Nindi said he has customers drive from all over the valley to visit the Laveen location, one of the reasons that Scooptacular expanded last fall. In October 2015, they opened a location in Gilbert. Ice cream for both locations is all still made in Laveen. In addition, Nindi said several valley restaurants now serve ice cream made by Scooptacular under a private label.

Their secret ingredients also include their employees, or Scoopies. “They are like an extension of our family,” Nindi said.

All Scoopies are required to read one to two  books per year and year one always includes  “The Total Money Makeover,” by Dave Ramsey. “We want our Scoopies to have a solid foundation as they grow with us and move on,” he said.

“Jocelyn, one of our Scoopervisors, has been with us since the very beginning. Watching her grow has been rewarding. She is our lead cake decorator, and is integral in our training of new Scoopies. And, our manager, Kalani, joined us one month after we opened. He has been a key player in Scooptacular’s success. His ability to connect with customers can be seen by his warmth when you walk in.”

In addition to their dedication to a quality service and product, the Wadhwas are committed to improving the quality of their community, where they live, attend church and their children attend school and take part in local activities. Scooptacular is a frequent sponsor of local youth groups and school events.

“We love being part of the Laveen community and putting Laveen on the map. This is such a great place to live and we want others to know about our little community out here,” he said. “We look forward to the next six years here with you in Laveen and watching the Scooptacular brand grow throughout the Valley.”

Over the past six years, Scooptacular has been seen on CNN, CBS and locally on nearly every Valley news station. The ice cream shop also been nominated as a “Best Of” by the New Times. Scooptacular received Blue Ribbons on their vanilla and strawberry flavors in 2015 at the National Ice Cream Convention, the highest award possible in ice cream quality.

Visit www.scooptacular.net for more information.

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(This article first appeared in the April 2016 print edition of the South Mountain District News)

The average sales price of existing homes continued to rise throughout Laveen and the South Mountain areas of Phoenix during the first quarter of 2016, which ended March 31.

Compared with the same time period in 2015, prices for existing homes sold during the first quarter were up nearly 9 percent in Laveen’s 85339 ZIP Code, while prices in 85040 were up nearly 16 percent. Home prices in 85041 were up just over 14 percent and ZIP code 85042 saw the largest increase in sales price with a 20 percent bump over 2015.

Realtor Jeffrey Hale with Turf Realty said multiple factors are influencing the local housing market.

“Laveen and South Mountain have very affordable houses.  These areas attract many first-time home buyers and with all of the down-payment assistance programs available, it becomes easy to purchase a home,” he said. “As long as these programs continue and expand, there will be more demand for the houses in our community.”

In general, the number of homes listed in each area was up over a year ago and the number of days it took to sell was down. The exceptions were in 85041, which showed a nearly 8 percent decrease in the number of active listings when compared with first-quarter 2015, and 85042, which had a nearly 9 percent reduction in listings for the time period.

The figures, compiled by Laveen Realtor Sam Lawmaster with Realty One, are based on information from the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service. ARMLS tracks active listings, homes sold, sales prices, length of time on market and other variables that are input by local Realtors.

“Home prices have been rising fairly consistently throughout the Valley over the past year,” Lawmaster said. “The available inventory of homes for sale is low, leading to shorter days on the market for homes that are priced well. Interest rates are still near historic lows, providing some good opportunities for buyers.”

Hale agrees that the market is in a good place for buyers, but sellers are seeing some nice increases in their home prices which might prompt them to sell and purchase a larger home.  “Many people who purchased homes within the last few years are seeing the value of their home rise quite a bit,” he said. “If the economy continues to improve, it will allow them to sell their homes and use the equity to upgrade their situation. “

Hale concludes with two other factors that are influencing the local market specifically: a high demand for rental houses and the construction of the South Mountain Freeway.

“We receive many calls a day from people asking if we have houses available for rent.  This demand has attracted some of the large investors back to the area.  They won’t be buying the more expensive houses, but they will push up the values of the homes in price ranges under $180,000 which will in turn push the entire market up,” Hale said.

With the freeway, Hale said that now people can actually see the dirt being moved, they will understand that it’s right around the corner and will want to move to an area that suddenly has quick access to all parts of the Valley.

Here is a breakout for local ZIP codes:

85339

From January 1 to March 31 of this year, 181 homes were sold in the 85339 area, a slight decrease of 3.2 percent compared with the 187 homes sold during the same three months in 2015. Homes selling for $160,000-$179,999 showed the highest number of closed purchases with 44 homes sold.

Listings for 85339 were up during the quarter this year with 500 active listings during the period compared with 469 a year ago, a 6.6 percent increase with 31 additional listings in 2016. More than 140 properties were listed at between $200,000 and $249,999, making it one of the largest price categories. Homes were on the market 25 percent fewer days in 2016, with an average listing time of 66 days.

85040

There were 80 homes sold in this ZIP code during the first quarter of 2016, up 11 percent over the 72 homes sold during the same time in 2015. The $140,000-$159,999 price range had one of the largest numbers of sales this year with 19 closed transactions in the quarter.

There were 168 actively listed homes for sale so far in 2016 compared with 154 year-to-date in 2015, a 9.1 percent increase. The $140,000-$159,999 price category had 27 listings, making it one of the largest overall listing categories. The number of days on the market dropped slightly by 1.8 percent reflecting a 54 listing time compared with 2015.

85041

The number of homes sold for first-quarter 2016 totaled 189, up .5 percent over 2015 which had 188 homes sold during the same time period. The $160,000-$179,999 price category had one of the largest numbers of homes sales this year with 46 completed transactions.

Listings were down 7.7 percent in 85041 with 417 active properties for sale in 2016 through the end of March compared with 452 properties during first-quarter 2015. With 87 homes for sale, the $160,000-$179,999 price bracket saw one of the greatest numbers of properties listed.  In comparison to this period a year ago, the number of days on the market was 70 days, down 2.8 percent.

85042

There were 138 homes sold in first-quarter 2016 compared with 119 a year ago, an increase of 16 percent over the 119 sold in first-quarter 2015. The $200,000-$249,999 price bracket reported one of the highest numbers of completed sales this year at 32 completed purchases.

Active listings dropped from 325 in the first-quarter of 2015 to 297 in the first-quarter of this year, an 8.6 percent decrease. With 65 houses for sale, the $200,000-$249,999 price category showed one of the highest numbers of properties listed. Compared to the same period last year, the cumulative days on market for active residential listings in 85042 was 66 days, a drop of 12 percent.

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Laveen-based Smoothie Run Internet Cafe is partnering with the Live Pure Kids program at Laveen Elementary School.

Live Pure Kids focuses on educating children on disease prevention, holistic living, the organic lifestyle, and things to be aware of in this world when it comes to the water they drink, the food they eat, and the air they breathe.

Gavin Tucker, an 8th grade ELA teacher  at Laveen Elementary School  started the after school program. “Our mission with LPK is to change the lifestyles of our next generation who have been stated to be the first in history to not live passed their parents,” Tucker said.

 When the group had its first event on Feb. 29, the kids “fell in love with Smoothie Run.  The students love how the smoothies have fruits and vegetables as well as their choice of almond milk.”

Smoothie Run owner Marcus Moody plans to sponsor the program with a Smoothie Run night every other Tuesday to raise money for Live Pure Kids.  Tentative plans call for all sales between 4 and 7  p.m. in  which a patron at Smoothie Run mentions Laveen Elementary, 20 percent of the proceeds will be given to the Live Pure Kids.  The next events are set for April 19, May 3 and May 17.

Below are photos from the most recent event on April 5 at Smoothie Run, 51st Avenue and Baseline Road.

 

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This article appears in the April 7 print issue of the South Mountain District News

Beauty and Business matches vendors and businesses

Two Laveen women have launched a business to help other businesses and small vendors make a splash in the community.

Jessica Cummings started Beauty and Business in 2014 with Crystal Marvin joining the team recently. The pair coordinates events at local companies by bringing in other small business owners as vendors.

“We help businesses match the vendors to their business demographics,” Marvin explained. “We do fundraisers for local nonprofits and youth sporting groups as well.”

For example, if a restaurant wants to host a “family night” there might be vendors selling jewelry, makeup and other items that would appeal to moms who rarely get the opportunity to shop. “They get to have dinner and shop at the same time,” she said.

Each vendor event is carefully curated to ensure only one of a particular service or product attends.

For more information, contact the women at (623) 980-6857 or (602) 622-4300, via email at beautyandbusinessaz@gmail.com  or visit their Facebook page.

 Ranch preparing for annual fund-raiser

Laveen-based Rider’s Ranch provides its Equine Assisted Life Skills Programs free to at-risk youth in the community. The programs are known nationally for their success in helping youth develop into better, more productive citizens. By developing relationships with horses, the youth can overcome mental, physical and social disadvantages.

The programs focus on teaching children about the value of team work, work ethics, communication skills, problem solving and empathy for others. Melissa Rider, program director for the 501c3 nonprofit organization, has been able to offer the program free to the community but only with the help of donations and community sponsors from groups such as Comfy Pets of AZ, The Enlightened Horse and many others.

For the third year, Rider’s Ranch will be holding a summer-long fund-raising campaign to keep the program free and helping children in the community. The effort will launch May 1 and end on Labor Day, Sept. 5, with drawings for many different prizes. Last year, gift baskets, sporting events tickets, and amusement park trips were some of the prizes offered.

During April, Rider is hoping community businesses will donate prizes that can be offered. Donations can be tickets, gift baskets, merchandise, etc. The items can be listed as charitable donations for tax purposes.

For more information, visit www.ridersranch.org, or contact Rider at ridersranchprograms@gmail.com or by calling 602-320-6016.

Cobblestone Auto Spa predicts May opening

Construction is underway for a Cobblestone Auto Spa Express on Baseline Road, just east of Dollar Storage. Company officials predict a late May opening of the drive-through car wash that also will offer self-serve vacuum cleaners for patrons.

Joey McMorris, director of marketing for the Phoenix-based chain, said the Laveen location will be the company’s 12^th. “We’re finally at the point where we can do it and do it right.”

McMorris said the Cobblestone executives are always look for the right location, demographics and drive-by traffic to determine expansion options. This is the company’s first in the Southwest Valley. A previous project planned in 2008 for Litchfield Park didn’t pan out due to the economic climate at the time. “Our target market is pretty much anyone who drives.”

Cobblestone opened its first car wash in 1997 and is making plans for its 20-year anniversary next year. More details will be available in May regarding the local location.. For more information, visit www.cobblestone.com.

Tenant list updated at 51^st Avenue and Baseline Road

Developer Michael Moreines with DPR Realty, has released an updated tenant list for the commercial space being built and leased along the south side of Baseline Road to the west of 51^st Avenue.

T-Mobile and StateFarm join the list of tenants slated to lease space in the southwest quadrant of the 51^st Avenue and Baseline Road intersection. Current anchors at the location are LA Fitness, Discount Tire, Walgreen’s and Fry’s Fuel Center. Other businesses in the location will include: KFC, Dunkin’ Donuts, Dairy Queen, Smashburger, Peter Piper Pizza, Firehouse Subs, Herbal Nails Salon, Zoyo Yogurt, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, a barber shop and a dental office.

Although originally scheduled to open last fall, construction on the site known as Estrella Mountain Village has taken longer than anticipated with opening dates for some businesses being postponed.  Dunkin’ Donuts, for example, had planned a grand opening in February.

Moreines said there currently is about 4,600 square feet still available for leasing. For more information visit www.dprcommercialrealty.com or contact Moreines at 602-909-2850.

Firehouse Subs plans April 18 opening

A spokesperson with Firehouse Subs said the Laveen location is tentatively set to open on April 18 as part of the Estrella Mountain Village Development at 51^st Avenue and Baseline Road.

Firehouse Subs was founded by brothers and former firefighters Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen and the brand is built on decades of fire and police service, and its commitment to saving lives through its nonprofit art, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

For more information visit,  www.fireshousesubs.com.

Laveen vet offers insight into keeping animals safe

April is Animal Cruelty Prevention Month. All animals deserve to be treated with the same respect and kindness as humans. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is dedicated to helping animals in all walks of life and it is helpful to know the signs of animal cruelty and also how you can help in your own community.

Officials at Laveen Veterinary Center say these are some of the signs of neglect:

• Excessive or prolonged howling, barking or meowing may indicate an animal is not getting the attention and care it needs.
• Too many animals in a small area causing unsanitary conditions.
• Clearly malnourished animals with bones visible through skin.

The clinic notes that one of the best ways to help is to report signs of animal abuse, neglect or cruelty.  Also, visit the ASPCA web site to find out more information on how to donate and volunteer. To schedule an appointment with Laveen Veterinary Center call (602) 559-9600 or visit Laveen Veterinary Center for more information.

Do you have some news you want to share about your business? Email your information to the South Mountain District News with subject line: BUSINESS BRIEF. This is a perfect time to let people know about a business anniversary, special sales or events, an expansion, the addition of new staff, a promotion, etc. Send news to smdnews@cox.net.

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Local Artisan Floor Specialist Heading to Home Show

Artesano Flooring, 7035 S. Central Ave., Suite 5, in Phoenix will be showing the latest flooring products during the Phoenix Home and Garden Show on March 4, 5 and 6^th.

The show takes place at Arizona Cardinal Stadium in Glendale AZ.

David Cato, owner of the flooring specialist business, said he will be offering substantial savings for visitors to his booth during the event.

For more information about the business, visit his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/artesanoflooring/, email artesanoflooringllc@gmail.com , or call 602-305-6964 for a free in home consultation.

Smoothie Run Café Opens in Laveen

The Smoothie Run Internet Café opened in January at 6115 S. 51^st Ave., Suite 205, in Laveen.

Owner Marcus Moody, a Laveen resident, said he wanted to open a local business dedicated to healthy eating.

“I believe in healthy living and healthy eating,” Moody said. “We wanted a place for the Laveen community to come to meet and to eat. We wanted to give back.”

Moody said there is a donation box in the restaurant for change, and each month the money is donated to a different Laveen organization. Last month, the PlayMakers Flag Football League got the change and the café sponsored all their jerseys for next season. In addition, Moody donated more than 300 smoothies to a club at Laveen Elementary for kids choosing to eat healthy.

“Business has been going really, really well,” he said. “The community has really welcomed us.”

Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. Call 602-237-2325 or visit www.smoothierun.com for more information.

Baseline Developments Nearly Complete

Water and electric were slated to be turned on the first week of March in multiple commercial development properties along the south side of Baseline Road to the west of 51^st Avenue.

Developer Michael Moreines with DPR Realty, said several businesses – including Firehouse Subs, Dunkin’ Donuts, Zoyo and Papa Murhpy’s Pizza – are ready to open their doors as soon as the utilities go on.

Other businesses slated for the area between 51^st and 55^th avenues include: KFC, Dairy Queen, T-Mobile and Peter Piper Pizza.

“It’s going pretty well,” Moreines said of leasing the development. “I only have about 4,500 square feet of space left.”

For more information about leasing space visit www.dprcommercialrealty.com or contact Moreines at 602-909-2850.

Islam Center of Laveen plans Fundraiser

Members of the board at the Islam Center of Laveen, under construction at the southeast corner of 51^stAvenue and Baseline Road, are planning a fundraiser and community open house on Saturday, April 2.

The new mosque is being built through donations, and the group is working on funding for the next phase of building. “We will be working on the roof of the building next,” said Naveen Ahmed, board member and treasurer for the nonprofit ICL. “We still need more funding to complete the project.

Ahmed said they are planning to have their first prayer service that evening during Maghrib prayer at 6:50 p.m. Maghrib prayers are offered right after sunset in the Muslim faith. Dinner will follow at about 7:30 p.m., and Isha prayer (nighttime prayer) afterward at 8:15 p.m.

The Islamic Center of Laveen is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Ahmed said ICL bought the property at 5099 W. Dobbins Road in 2013. Construction began last year on the 3,000-square-foot facility that eventually will serve about 500 families from Laveen and the nearby west valley.

For more information, visit: www.aveenmasjid.org

Do you have some news you want to share about your business? Email your information to the South Mountain District News with subject line: BUSINESS BRIEF. This is a perfect time to let people know about a business anniversary, special sales or events, an expansion, the addition of new staff, a promotion, etc. Send news to smdnews@cox.net.

By Rose Hutchinson Tring

The post New restaurants, businesses opening in Laveen appeared first on Laveen Business Directory.

Home Prices Rise 4% in Laveen Through the month of January 2016, Laveen AZ posted a total of 38 residential home sales year to date. The average price of $206,729 recorded a net advance of 4.0% from this time period a year ago. The total volume of sold residential listings in Laveen had a 24% decline from the same time range a year ago, which showed 50 property sales. Read more… Spotlight on Dobbins Point Neighborhood Through December 2015, the Dobbins Point neighborhood in Laveen showed a total of 29 property sales year to date, and the average closed sales price of $283,733 posted a rise of 9.9% from this time range in 2014. The overall volume of sold listings in Dobbins Point recorded a 3.6% advance when compared to this time range a year ago. Read more… Home Loan Central Credit and Qualifying Ideally first time home buyers want to have their FICO score over the 640 level so take the time necessary to satisfy any collections and remove any derogatory items from your credit report so you can get the highest score possible when purchasing a home. For more information about getting pre-approved for your next home, contact Sam Lawmaster at 602-680-8096 or TheLawmasters@gmail.com.

©2016 ViewAzHomes | Realty ONE Group | 2950 S Litchfield Road

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Rose Tring for the

South Mountain District News

Eight aspiring business leaders of the future are getting their starts this month as members of the inaugural class of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, sponsored by the Ahwatukee Chamber Community Foundation and South Mountain Community College.

“We’re launching it this month,” said Anne Gill, president and CEO of the Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce and its foundation arm. “The program is a combination of bringing the business community together to support the students and support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.”

During the year-long, intensive training, students develop relationships with local business owners, write business plans, create marketing strategies and pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors. By the end of the school year, many of them will have started successful businesses.

“The curriculum is a national one and is well-established,” Gill said. “We have volunteer instructors who will be doing the teaching. There are three main instructors and then there will be additional guest speakers and mentors from the business community.”

Devida Pi’ilani Lewis, founder and partner at iAloha Media Group, LLC and owner of D&D Commercial Real Estate, was one of the first business owners to volunteer. She is a board member at the Ahwatukee chamber and was immediately on board to support the project.

“I think there is so much emphasis on academics… which is all fine and great, but there is a segment of the market where college is not for them,” Lewis said. “That was me.

“I wanted to branch out and start my own business early. That’s why I think this program is so great. You catch kids right at the cusp of their creative sides, just at the beginning of middle school,” Lewis said. “I have a heart for entrepreneurial endeavors.”

Development of small business is crucial to the state and national economies.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms nationwide. Since 1995, small businesses have generated 64 percent of new jobs, and paid 44 percent of the total United States private payroll.

In Arizona, the U.S. Census Bureau reports there are nearly 61,000 small businesses with fewer than five employees. The SBA says such companies bring growth and innovation to the communities where they are established, and they help stimulate the economy by providing employment opportunities and providing services to larger corporations.

“Big corporations started as entrepreneurial endeavors,” Lewis said. “They morphed into these big companies from these small ideas.”

To participate in the afterschool program, students must be in sixth through 12^th grade and ages 11-18. To be accepted, the students must fill out an application that includes letters of recommendation and a 300-word essay in which they must tell about a situation in which they demonstrated entrepreneurial traits such as persistence, self-confidence, creativity, initiative, innovation or other similar skills. They are asked why they are interested in the program and, if they already have an idea for a business or social movement, the applicants are asked to describe their idea.

“For some of them, it’s their first interview process,” Gill said. “They can be nominated by their teachers, principals, business owners or their parents can bring them to an information night.”

Gill said the classes are kept deliberately small to ensure the youth get lots of one-on-one mentoring in how to develop a business. “It is a limited number of students each year,” she said. “The caliber of students who applied this year is very impressive.”

The eight local participants represent Desert Vista High School, Mountain View High School, Taylor Junior High and the homeschool system. Their names are not yet being released as there are still some waivers participants must sign, Gill said.

“We worked with local school districts and different private and charter schools in the area to make them aware of the program,” Gill said. “We have worked with the media, business radio shows and other media to get the word out.”

Classes for the Young Entrepreneurs Academy will take place at South Mountain Community College’s Guadalupe Center. The chamber approached SMCC to provide the classroom space for the program.

Angelica Glick, coordinator of instructional programs for the community college’s Guadalupe and Laveen centers, said supporting entrepreneurship fits in with the SMCC’s vision of developing a talented local work force.

“What better way to work with our youth than to work with and support entrepreneurship,” Glick said. “We support diverse work force development and we want to provide support to our local youth population.”

Classes will mainly take place at the Guadalupe campus, but there will be some events planned for the main campus on 24^th Street. “We will be having the grand opening on Nov. 19 of Entrepreneur Center at the main campus,” Glick said.

She said more programs are being developed around entrepreneurship and business and that “we have plans to work with Laveen and bring some more programs to that area as well.”

The curriculum provides hands-on entrepreneurial experience for participants beginning with several weeks of generating ideas, then developing a marketing plan and ending with the pitch for funding. Throughout the process, Gill said the students will be gaining confidence and learning how to present their ideas.

“That’s where the confidence and communication skills will come in,” she said. “It will help set them apart from their peers.”

The Ahwatukee academy is only the third to be launched in Arizona. The Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce in Bullhead City and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Glendale are the other state academies.

The YEA! program was first developed in 2004 at the University of Rochester in New York through funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Since 2011, the academy has been sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which in turn partners with local chambers.

Gill said the Ahwatukee academy is still adding speakers and volunteers to its curriculum for this year.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for business owners to help with future workforce development,” Gill said. “It’s a great way to use your knowledge to help a future business owner succeed. Your successes and your failures both are opportunities to teach.”

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

There are multiple opportunities for members of the local business community to get involved with YEA! including:
Investor panelists – evaluate ideas and provide start-up funding

Business mentors – work one-on-one with students sharing your expertise

Graphics designers – help develop logos and print material for the young entrepreneurs

Web developers – Help students create an online presence

CEO Roundtable – 3-5 local CEOs meet with the students and discuss their businesses and the role of CEO

Elevator Pitches – Local businessperson literally rides an elevator with the students so they have the opportunity to “pitch” their business idea.

Media Meet and Greet – Local reporters, anchors, editors, producers and other communication experts meet the youth and describe how they can get the word out about their business.

To volunteer your services, contact the Ahwatukee Chamber Community Foundation via email: foundation@ahwatukeechamber.com

For additional information about the YEA! program, visit:

http://ahwatukeechamber.com/page/entrepreneurs_academy

https://www.uschamber.com/free-enterprise/youth-outreach

The post SMCC, Ahwatukee Chamber Launching Young Entrepreneurs Academy appeared first on Laveen Business Directory.

Several new businesses are under construction along the Baseline Road corridor between 51^st and 55^th avenues. Developer Michael Moreines with DPR Realty shared with us a graphic showing where the new business will be and which ones are leased to specific tenants.  Among the new kids on the block are KFC (near Discount Tire) along Baseline Road, and Dairy Queen, south of the Fry’s Fuel Center on 51^st Avenue.

Ground is being moved for the placement of a planned Peter Piper Pizza, which will be going to the east of LA Fitness. To the west of LA Fitness, spaces for three businesses are planned. Slated to open is an Herbal Nail Salon and a Papa Murhpy’s Pizza while a tenant is not yet named for the other space.  Further west, a SmashBurger anchors a group of three shops, and then along Baseline Road, a Dunkin’ Donuts, a Firehouse Subs, a T-Mobile shop and Zoyo are under way.  Most of the commercial development planned for Laveen is along this corridor, and along the area where the South Mountain Freeway is expected to be built roughly following 61^st Avenue.

DPR Commercial Realty, which was created in April 2014 by Jeffrey Garza Walker and Moreines, is a new subsidiary of DPR Realty. The new division focuses on helping businesses through all aspects of acquisition, from leasing to buying and selling. DPR Commercial specializes in coaching small business owners on how to negotiate lease agreements, determine appropriate lease length and how to recognize costly lease pitfalls in commercial real estate.

Walker and Walker have years of experience in this field and have been part of developments from Cave Creek to Laveen.

Moreines also has spent the past 12 years working with a variety of organizations such as HOAs, churches and schools; law enforcement agencies; city councils and zoning boards and countless charitable organizations to help responsibly develop local communities while preserving their cultural identities.

“Small business is the driving force of our economy,” said Moreines. “Both Jeffrey and I want to help small businesses thrive and grow by helping them understand all aspects of leasing so the business owner gets the ‘most bang’ for their buck. For small businesses every dollar counts and we want to make sure that from the very beginning those businesses have every opportunity to be successful.”

For more information, visit www.dprcommercialrealty.com

The post Laveen Village Voice: New businesses coming to Laveen along Baseline Road appeared first on Laveen Business Directory.