Community News Excellence for Over a Decade SCOTTSDALE
PARADISE VALLEY
NORTHEAST PHOENIX
39
American Bartender
11
49
CAVE CREEK
Phoenix Earns High Marks From NFIB
Around Town: Raul Midon
Discover The “Mother Road”
CAREFREE
Phoenix is one of America’s top five cities for creating small business opportunities and opening doors for entrepreneurs according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), which cites “Phoenix’s rebounding economy, favorable climate and entrepreneurial culture.” “This ranking is a testament to the actions we’re taking to lift small and local businesses,” says Mayor Greg Stanton. NFIB specifically recognized the City Council’s recent steps to improve efficiency and make it easier to do business with the city. Phoenix now offers online review of building plans and has colocated city and Maricopa County permitting services at City Hall. “This puts Phoenix in a position to compete in the global economy, making us faster, smarter and better than our competitor cities,” says Councilman Sal DiCiccio. NFIB State Director Farrell Quinlan said one of Phoenix’s advantages is that it is a relatively young big city. “The majority of people starting small businesses and prospering were born somewhere else,” Quinlan says. “That kind of ‘new blood’ and vitality means opportunities in Phoenix aren’t encumbered by an ‘old boys’ network.”
BLACK CANYON CITY
FOUNTAIN HILLS
ANTHEM
AUGUST 2014
Thirty Days Can Make A World Of Difference Local youth get back-to-school assist
> Donor Ellie Ziegler, CEO Steve Davidson and Club member Maddie do some back-to-school shopping.
uring its six-decade history, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale has seen firsthand how many children start or return to school without the needed school supplies and new clothes to feel confident and successful. Given research showing that children from low-income, distressed environments start school far behind their more advantaged peers, the organization set out to help 1,000 youth in need to shop for back-to-school items during 30 Days of Shopping events throughout July and August. Youth selected for the events are Club members and identified to participate in the events based on greatest need. “All children, regardless of socio-economic factors, deserve the opportunity to start the school year off on a positive note and on an even playing field,” says Steve Davidson, president and CEO at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale.
During the events, the selected youth received a $100 Kohl’s gift card to pick out clothing and other back to school necessities at its stores in Scottsdale and Phoenix. The events were in large part made possible by civic leaders Ellie and Michael Ziegler, who sponsored the 1,000 children. Volunteers from organizations such as Kohl’s, Scottsdale Active 20-30 Club and Valley of the Sun Active 20-30 Club have been participating in this community event for more than 10 years. For additional information, visit www.bgcs.org.