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 12th. “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 51st 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 51st Avenue.
T-Mobile and StateFarm join the list of tenants slated to lease space in the southwest quadrant of the 51st 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 51st 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.
