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BUSINESS
THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 15, 2022
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Job training program expands to East Valley BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer
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elp has arrived for Mesa students lost in the real-world job market. Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates has collaborated with Grad Solutions to open up a hub for East Valley students at 2055 South Power Road in Mesa. This new community-based program will offer career and life services to help young people succeed. The program recently held its annual Graduates Career Development Conference at the Mesa Convention Center with Arizona Coyotes President & CEO Xavier Gutierrez as the guest speaker. “It’s a very powerful program,” he said. “What we’re seeing is the future of this state, the future of this community.” Mesa Mayor John Giles said he’s committed to the program that’s finally coming to the region and lauded the opening of the group’s East Hub.
Fred Lockhart hands a laptop to Gabriel Alejandrez during Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates Career Development Conference scholarship and awards luncheon. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer)
“We’re very committed to this cause and very proud of the achievements of this crowd,” he said.
The day’s festivities started as more than 600 students competed in 24 contests in a variety of areas including public speaking,
resume building and tire changing. Students enjoyed a hearty luncheon and awards ceremony that culminated their year-long, 21-month cycle in the program by saw the distribution of 50 scholarships totaling more than $52,000. More than 1,000 people filled the Mesa Convention Center to celebrate the student’s completion of the program, but JAG will continue to follow-up with them for a year after to ensure they have become gainfully employed. Graciela Garcia Candia joined the program in 1982 as part of Northern Arizona University and launched it as its own nonprofit in 1990. She said the program helps identify an individual’s career passions, strengths and skills from they meet them and help them with employment, post-secondary, trades or the military. “Not everybody is slated to go on into
see JAG page 21
Most EV eateries passing on Restaurant Week BY SUMMER AGUIRRE Tribune Contributor
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ast Valley restaurants are participating in what’s become a biannual event for foodies – Arizona Restaurant Week. From Friday, May 20, to May 29, the Arizona Restaurant Association’s semiannual event features a slew of restaurants offering three-course prix-fixe menus. These dining establishments showcase Arizona’s culinary scope, while allowing diners to support their local businesses and explore new cuisine at discounted prices. “As our industry continues to navigate labor shortages, cost increases and limited supplies, we still aim to present our state’s dining community with the most delicious way to explore our culi-
nary scene,” said Steve Chucri, Arizona Restaurant Association CEO. Overall, East Valley restaurants haven’t stepped up for the program. Only two in Mesa are participating – less than the four each in Chandler and Tempe and six in Gilbert but more than the one in Queen Creek. Scottsdale has more than two dozen. A full list with details is at arizonarestaurantweek.com. During the 10 days, three-course menus are presented at participating restaurants for $33, $44 or $55 per person – or per couple in some instances. For an additional cost, eateries offer wine pairings. Takeout is also available. In Mesa, Dolce Vita Gelato and Grocery at 5251 E. Brown Road is offering a $33 per person dinner that includes one appetizer choice from Sicilian Arancini or Sicilian Meatball or a Sicilian pizza; one of three different pasta-
based entrees and one of three desserts. The cost does not include tax or gratuity. Los Sombreros at 1976 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, has a person option of $33, $44 or $55 that is based on which of three entrees a patron chooses: shrimp sauted in tequila ($33), a traditional mole over pork ($44) or steak and scallops ($55). There also is a choice on one of two appetizers and two desserts. Chucri said, “With dine-in and takeout options and a variety of dining choices, including high-end and independently owned best-kept secrets, we encourage diners to use Arizona Restaurant Week as an opportunity to support the industry while enjoying an incredible meal.” Arizona Restaurant Week’s goal is to
see WEEK page 21
Dolce Vita Gelato and Grocery at 5251 E. Brown Road, Mesa, is offering a $33 per person dinner during Arizona Restaurant Week. (Instagram)
