| Board of Directors | Executive Committee
Patrick Jones
Chair
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate
Sonoran Desert Lifestyles
Jennifer McGirr
Immediate Past Chair
National Bank of Arizona
Nick Stelfox
Incoming Chair
Carefree Outdoor Living
Mark Waters
Treasurer
UPS Store
Lena McCoy
Secretary
Gold Mine Thrift Shop
Directors
Evelyn Johnson
Cave Creek Museum
Rustyn Sherer
APS
Ron Welch
Karsten's Ace Hardware
Dr. Debbi Berdick
Ex-Officio
Cave Creek Unified School District
|
|
Contact Us
|
748 Easy Street
Suites 2 and 4
Carefree, AZ 85377
Patty Villeneuve
President/CEO
480 488 3381
www.carefreecavecreek.org
Visitor Center Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
|
|
Join Our List
|  |
| Cave Creek United School District | |
In November, 2014, the taxpayers of Cave Creek
Unified School District approved two bond measures totaling approximately $40,000,000. The students, staff and parents of CCUSD are grateful to the taxpayers for their support for these bond measures.
These funds will help to provide a safe and secure
learning environment for the students of CCUSD.
Click here for the brochure that provides a review of some of the projects that have been completed and indicates future projects at each site.
|
|
|
Greetings!
We have much to celebrate and be thankful for this year including the friendships, business opportunities and camaraderie within our Chamber community.
I hope you will consider attending our Chamber Holiday Mixer on Wednesday, December 9 from 6-8 p.m. at Giordano's Trattoria. Click here for details and registration information.
Happy Holidays!
Patty Villaneuve President & CEO |
| Chamber Update | |
NEW POLICY - RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
The Board of Directors voted at the November meeting on a new Ribbon Cutting Ceremony policy. All future requests for this ceremonial photo opportunity will be available on Tuesdays or Thursdays at either 12:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. It is advised that you schedule your ribbon cutting event at least 60 days in advance to secure date and time availability; and to arrange optimal press exposure. Contact Patty Villeneuve at 480-488-3361 if your business would like to schedule a ribbon cutting ceremony.
BUFFALO CHIP EMPLOYEE FUND
An account has been set up at Parkway Bank to benefit the employees of the Buffalo Chip. You can donate money at any of the branches at Parkway Bank. All you need to do is tell the bank that you wish to donate to FBO The Buffalo Chip Employee Fund.
|
| |
Shanan Sypkens (left) and Rose Capin (right)
|
MEET OUR INTERNS
Beginning in November, the Chamber of Commerce has two extraordinary Cactus Shadows High School Seniors interns, Rose Capin
and
Shanan Sypkens
. Their primary assignments out-of-the-gate is to help manage the Christmas Parade entries and inquiries as well as help with the staging and crowd control logistics. Once this annual event is concluded, they will continue to assist in our Visitor Center and help our staff with various assignments. Staff Newsletter Editor, Terrie Rickard, interviewed Rose and Shanan so we could all get to know them better.
Q. How is our Senior year going? Any standouts so far in your High School experience? RC. So far, senior year has been stressful but ultimately really fun. It's sad that this is my last chance for school events (like homecoming) but it makes me value them that much more! Things that stand out in my high school experience are the friendships I've gained through my participation in the International Baccalaureate program. SS. Good, honestly this year is nice and relaxing in comparison to years prior. I look forward to seeing where the year takes me.
Q. Wave your magic wand. One year from today- we're where? What campus? RC. Definitely a college somewhere on the east coast or Midwest. If I had to choose, I'd pick either Washington University in St. Louis or Northeastern University. SS. This time next year I want to be back east going to college at the University of Pennsylvania.
Q. Do you have an idea of what you'd like to major in yet? RC. Either pharmacy or pharmacology. SS. International Business (global logistics management), graduate and then onto law school.
Q. Have you ever been/participated in the Holiday Parade? RC. Yes! Last year, I volunteered and made sure no one walked past through the parade. SS. No, but now that I am exposing myself to what exactly the parade is, I wish I had.
Q. Is there anything you are really excited about for the 2015 Parade? Anything new trying out from the past? RC. I'm really excited to see the whole community in the holiday spirit. Also, all the food vendors because they add to the excitement of the environment. SS. To be surrounded by friends and family in a fun environment.
Q. What do you think of the chamber business community so far? Or, see as benefits of chamber membership? RC. I love it! Everyone has been so kind and welcoming; they are genuinely interested in my life and plans for the future. My favorite thing about the Chamber is that it transforms a group of miscellaneous businesses into a tight-knit community. SS. I love the Chamber community. It seems like an amazing network building experience that I am just glad to be a part of.
Stop by the Chamber of Commerce when you have a chance and say hi to Rose and Shanan. They will be with us through the summer before they head off to.....??? |
| East Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA) | |
 ABOUT EVCCA
What is it?
In 2014 the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce was invited to become a member of EVCCA. Besides Patty Villeneuve, President/CEO of Carefree Cave Creek Chamber, the Alliance includes Chamber Executives from Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, Mesa, Apache Junction, Chandler and Queen Creek. In addition to the Chamber Executives the Alliance also includes up to two appointed volunteers from each of the Chambers mentioned. These volunteers almost always serve on the Board or other leadership capacity of each of the Chambers.
What do they do?
Our purpose is to provide coordination in the advancement of common business interests. The EVCCA advocates for sound principles of economic competitiveness.
Why is it important to my business?
We believe that regulations and policies must promote economic growth and prosperity, Government must operate efficiently to maximize service, Government rules should enhance safety while not being overly burdensome, tax policy must enhance the business environment to promote job growth, diversification and business expansion, an educated workforce directly impacts business attraction and retention, infrastructure improvements are critical to growth and competitiveness, and Arizona's image impacts business.
What is the return on investment for my business?
Each year, EVCCA produces a report on the legislative session, which lists bills that have the most significance to East Valley businesses. It reports how each East Valley legislator voted on legislation relevant to the EVCCA. We hold a breakfast in December with legislators to discuss the next year's agenda, and we employ our own lobbyist, Tom Dorn.
To read more about EVCCA, please click here.
|
| Member Recognition and News | |
 MEMBER OF THE MONTH
When you go to Desert Treasures, you can expect to find an interesting and eclectic mix of "Treasures" including the owner and our Member of the Month, Barbara Vander Leest PhD. The foundation of the store remains the exceptional selection of minerals and fossils including petrified wood, amethyst, citrine, quartz, geodes and Desert Roses, as well as hundreds of other specimens along with a selection of decorator minerals to accent your home or office.
Desert Treasures was founded Oct. 6, 1973 by Robert and Dorothy Vander Leest, Wisconsinites who found a new, warmer, home in Arizona. Robert was an old fashion rock hound, and the initial inventory of the store was from his collection. Dorothy added jewelry and other desert-oriented gifts, and "Viola!" a "Treasure" was born. Desert Treasures is currently owned and operated by Barbara Vander Leest PhD, and Robert and Dorothy's daughter, who joined the business in 1995. Customers include many faithful second and third generation patrons, as well as crowds of Arizona visitors, who flock to Desert Treasures for the excellent selection of quality minerals, fossils and gifts. Desert Treasures is open 7 days a week 363 days a year (they play hooky on Thanksgiving and Christmas).
The "Southwest Room" features an excellent assortment of gemstone jewelry in turquoise, amethyst, amber and other semi precious stones set in sterling silver. Desert Treasures is thrilled to be the only Arizona retail seller for Massa of Santa Fe's one of a kind gemstone necklaces. Sterling silver earrings, pendants and pins with Southwestern motifs round out the jewelry section. Other Arizona/Southwest gifts include T-shirts and sweats; salsas, jellies and hot sauces; scents and lotions; lamps and decorator pieces; AZ books for children and adults; hand carved ironwood sculptures from Mexico; and Arizona souvenirs.
Stop in and visit Barbara in Spanish Village in the Heart of Carefree, where Ho Road and Hum Road join to become Ho Hum (just 1/2 block from Easy Street).
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to the Chamber of Commerce community! We look forward to seeing you at our events.
Dr. Eric Solberg, DDS, PC EmbroidMe North Phoenix L Skincare Discovery Map Easy Street, a Condominium Silver Spur Saloon & Restaurant Harmsen & Associates LLC Easy Street Galleria Yoga Breeze
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Congratulations to these members celebrating anniversaries this month with the Chamber of Commerce.
State Farm Insurance -Jack Hallam 15 yrs
Giordano's Trattoria Romana Ristorante 7 yrs
Southface Solar Electric 6 yrs
Foothills Animal Rescue 2 yrs
Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation 1 yr
|
| Carefree Corner | | |
CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY ON THE BIKE LANE PROJECT
On Monday, November 9th, construction began in Carefree related to the Bike Lane Project. Please be mindful to obey all traffic barricading and signage and be cautious as you drive on the roadways. Remember, traffic control will need to be implemented and adjusted as construction progresses, so be prepared for changes in traffic flow.
The first construction impacts will be on Tom Darlington from Leisure Lane to Cave Creek Road. Construction began November 9th on the south end of Tom Darlington at Leisure Lane. Construction crews will work their way north, with construction activity lasting through early January.
Construction on Tom Darlington will be followed by construction on Pima Road and Cave Creek Road as follows:
- Pima Road from Stagecoach Pass to Cave Creek Road. Construction on this short stretch of roadway is anticipated to begin in late December and to be completed in mid-January.
Cave Creek Road from Spur Cross Ranch Road to Pima Road. Construction of this major portion of the Bike Lane Project will progress from west to east in 2 major segments:
- Spur Cross Ranch Road to Bloody Basin Road, beginning in late December and finishing in early March.
- Bloody Basin Road to Pima Road, beginning late February through early April.
This project is being administered by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) in cooperation with the Towns of Carefree and Cave Creek. A Project Hotline number has been set-up for information and comments at (855) 712-8530, as well as a Project E-mail at projects@azdot.gov.
|
| Cave Creek Corner | | |
APS CONSTRUCTION
Be Aware of Construction and Drive Carefully on Cave Creek Road from Carefree Highway north to Skyline Drive; then east to the APS substation near the Cave Creek Museum from October 2015 to January 2016.
Important information:
a. Activities include survey, blue-stake and hole-digging for the installation of new poles.
b. APS will install new wires on the existing poles, located on the west side of Cave Creek Road.
c. New rust-colored steel poles will replace the existing wood poles along Skyline Drive, from Cave Creek Road to the substation.
d. Along Skyline Drive, APS will remove some vegetation in order to maintain safe operating clearances, access APS facilities, and complete hole-digging and installations. We will coordinate with property owners accordingly.
e. APS will make every effort to minimize travel restrictions and construction-related noise and disturbances.
f. Seven to 10 days before construction, we will communicate final construction-related details to customers and property owners directly impacted by the work.
|
|
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS
| |
Dec 2, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Exams and preventive care for children ages 6-13
Whole Life Dentistry 28255 N Tatum, Ste 4, Cave Creek
December 3, 4:30 - 7:30 PM
7401 East Street, Ste D, Carefree
RSVP (480) 629-5776 or email info@revitalaz.com
Ribbon Cutting will be at 5PM
December 3, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Christmas Festival Kick-Off
Get into the festive spirit of the season by attending the Christmas Festival Preview Night featuring new holiday decorations, music, choir performances by local children, lighting of the Christmas tree, refreshments and more holiday cheer.
Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, Carefree Desert Gardens
December 3, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Mariachi Food Fest
Featuring Grilled Addiction and Wandering Donkey
Behind Brix Wines 38636 N. Tom Darlington Rd, Carefree
December 5, 12:00 - 5:00 PM
Visit Venues Upstairs Gallery for a Shopping Extravaganza.
Direct from Italy they will have an amazing blowout sale featuring collections from Roberto Mantellassi , Gianni Chiarini , and others. Belts, bracelets, handbags, fabulous scarves from Genoa, cashmere capes and more. 34 Easy Street, Carefree, AZ 85377
December 4 & 5, 7:30 PM
PVCC Dance Presents In Motion Fall Dance Collection
Free Admission at Center for the Performing Arts
Paradise Valley Community Center,
Dec. 4, 5, and 6
"Twas the Night Before Christmas"
ProMusica Arizona Chorale & Orchestra Holiday Concert. Carols, candles and holiday cheer highlight upcoming concerts at three North Valley Locations. Click here for information and tickets. December 4 at 7:30 pm at the American Lutheran Church of Sun City (17200 N. Del Webb Blvd, Sun City); December 5 at 7:30 pm at Crosswinds Presbyterian Church (20125 N. 15 Ave., Phoenix); and December 6 at 3 pm at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church (39808 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy., Anthem).
December 4-6, 7:00 PM
63rd Annual Desert Foothills Christmas Pageant
At Spur Cross in Cave Creek
Bring a blanket or chair and flashlight! Sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Carefree.
December 5, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Festival of Tales
Free Admission, Fun day of reading, literacy and cultural activities for children
Paradise Valley Community College; registration in Kranitz Student Center
December 5, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
2nd Annual Las Tiendas Holiday Event
Join Bryan's Barbeque & Las Tiendas celebrate the holidays with Carolers, Santa & More!
6130 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek
December 6, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Free Yoga Classes at 9am & 10:15am and Holiday Boutique
Yoga Breeze Healing & Wellness Center
4705 E Cave Creek Hwy, Ste 111, Cave Creek
December 9, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Chamber Holiday Mixer
More Info and online registration
Giordano's Trattoria Romana Ristorante
7275 E East St, Carefree
December 10, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Preschool Gingerbread Making Open House
Each child will be making a beautiful take home gingerbread house decorated with icing and candy. Spots fill fast, please call to RSVP at 480-595-6409.
Our Lady of Joy at 36811 North Pima Road, Carefree
December 6, 1:30 - 4:00 PM
Cowboy Christmas at the Museum
Gary Sprague, Arizona's Singing Cowboy, and his trusty horse, Dusty, entertain at this joyous holiday party. Decorate cookies, pan for gold and discover the holiday traditions of early Cave Creek. Activities are free with the cost of admission, and children ages 12 and under are free. Reservations are requested to ensure they have enough supplies on hand. 6140 E Skyline Dr, Cave Creek Click here to register or call (480) 488-2764.
December 11 - 13
Fri & Sat 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Carefree Christmas Festival
Downtown Carefree and Carefree Desert Gardens
December 11 - 13, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Holiday Artisan Market
Unique original art and handcrafted holiday gifts will be at The Gallery in El Pedregal in lower level courtyard. 34505 N Scottsdale Rd,
December 12, 8:00 AM
Saturday morning Cruiz-In Car Club Show at Venues
Breakfast and Hot Rods!
Call (480) 595-9909 for reservations or information.
December 12, 2:00 - 3:30 PM
"Gold Fever" History Highlights at the Museum
A Miner's Life and the Love of Gold. Reservations are suggested, as seating is limited. Please call (480) 488-2764 for reservations.
December 12, 6:00 PM
Electric Light Parade & Fireworks Extravagana
Along Easy Street, downtown Carefree. Free admission. Arrive early to find parking and get a good viewing. Bring a chair and blanket. Or watch the parade from Venue's upstairs gallery for a price of $30 a head which will include a hot and cold buffet and the best, and warmest, view in town to watch the parade. Reserve your seat now...34 Easy Street, Carefree, 480-595-9909 for reservations
December 17, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Silver Spur Saloon & Restaurant Ribbon Cutting and Open House
Ribbon Cutting at 6:15 PM
6245 East Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
December 17, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Mariachi Food Fest
Featuring Grilled Addiction and Wandering Donkey
Behind Brix Wines 38636 N. Tom Darlington Rd, Carefree
December 18 - 20, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Frontier Town Christmas Arts & Craft Gift Show
6245 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
Click here for a complete list of community activities is on our website. |
|
|
|
|
