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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
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Receive Weekly News
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Contact Us
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748 Easy Street
Suites 2 and 4
Carefree, AZ 85377
Patty Villeneuve
President/CEO
480 488 3381
Visitor Center Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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History Highlights
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by Kraig Nelson, docent
The Cartwright ranching family was an important part of Cave Creek and Phoenix history. Reddick (Red) Jasper Cartwright with his wife and ten children arrived in Phoenix in 1877, from Illinois, via the Oregon Trail (note the Cartwright School District in Phoenix). The Cartwright Ranch was established northeast of Cave Creek at Seven Springs in 1887. The family eventually controlled 65,000 acres with about 5,700 head of cattle. The family ranch was sold in 1980 after 93 years. Red Cartwright and his son Jackson Mantford Cartwright were charter members of the Arizona Cattle Growers Association.
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Greetings!
I hope everyone has enjoyed their Holidays and wish you all a prosperous New Year!
As I reflect back over 2015 and look forward to 2016 I do so with a sense of pride and accomplishment for 2015 and a sense of excitement for the things to come in 2016.
I am always preaching to "shop local". I am pleased to say that through our events and programs the Chamber pumped over $44,000 into the local economy in 2015. You were all a part of that by participating in the events and programs that the Chamber planned for you last year.
In 2016 we have some great events and programs planned for you to help you grow your business and help you market your business in new and inventive ways. Stay tuned to your weekly E-Blast for details of how you can participate to help your business grow and prosper!
Regards,
Patty Villaneuve President & CEO Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce |
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EVENTS THIS WEEK
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January 5 & 10
Please join Easy Street Galleria in Crafts 4 A Cause by making blankets and toys for local animal shelters. Every Tuesday and Sunday 1-2 PM in January. More info on classes for adults and children. $10 per person for supplies. Walk-ins welcome. 100 Easy Street, Carefree.
January 8 - 17
Desert Foothills Theater (DFT), a division of the Foothills Community Foundation,
 presents Avenue Q: School Edition. A puppet-filled comedy follows a group of 20-somethings seeking their purpose in big-city life. Winner of the TONY "Triple Crown" for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt, and packed with heart. The laugh-out-loud musical tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that although the residents seem nice, it's clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life.
Friday, January 8 through Sunday, January 17 at Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center's Black Box Theater, 33606 N. 60th St., in Scottsdale. Performances take place Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 2 PM and 7 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. Click here to order tickets or call (480) 488-1981.
Friday, January 8
Digital Safety Class
Tech 4 Life and US Bank partner together for a three-hour class from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM that covers EVERYTHING you need to know in 2016 about Identity Theft, Internet Scams, Credit Card Theft and Password Management. You will also learn a 3 PASSWORD SYSTEM for ALL your logins that is SECURE & EASY TO REMEMBER!
Held at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church on the corner of Carefree Highway and Tom Darlington Rd. Pre-Register for $49.00 or Pay at the door for $69.00. Click here to register or for more information.
Saturday, January 9
Arizona's Greatest Battle presented at the Cave Creek Museum from 2:00 - 3:30 PM in the Historic Church. Reservations are suggested, as seating is limited. Please call (480) 488-2764 for reservations. More Info
Sunday, January 10 "Cave Creek Pioneers" Family Program at the Cave Creek Museum 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Join the Museum for bread and butter making to celebrate the life of the pioneers in Cave Creek at the turn of the century. Discover how they were the real recyclers by weaving rugs, and playing games from yester-year. Add a new (old) game to your family evenings. Free with the cost of admission, and children ages 12 and under are always admitted to the museum for free. Call (480) 488-2764 for reservations.
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| 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.
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MEMBER NEWS
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MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Carefree Traveler's Rose Marie Maher is our member of the month. The Carefree Traveler is a full-service travel agency specializing in leisure travel (cruises, tours, and independent resort vacations), business travel, and group travel, making travel care free since 1973! Experienced consultants are there to provide you with consistently outstanding service. All are recognized leaders in the travel industry with a commitment to excellence.
The agency is a member of Signature Travel Network, the oldest and most prestigious travel cooperative in America with sales in excess of one billion dollars. With this exceptional buying power CarefreeTraveler is able to offer you the most competitive pricing in the marketplace.
CarefreeTraveler's diverse clientele requires that they be sensitive to all aspects of travel planning, from budget oriented packages to customized luxury travel. The well traveled consultants at CarefreeTraveler are dedicated to maintaining quality service. In an increasingly impersonal world, the needs and special interests of their clients remain their primary focus.
In an effort to get to know Rose Marie a little bit better, Patty Villeneuve, President/CEO of the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce recently asked Rose Marie some things about her.
What spectator activities do you most enjoy attending and watching? Football! I attended the Fiesta Bowl this past week.
What outdoor activities do you most enjoy? How often do you get time to participate? Swimming and bicycling - primarily in the summer whenever I can.
If you could live anywhere on this planet, and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose to live? I would move to St. Barts in a minute. Good living and quality of life is simple yet high-end!
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to the Chamber of Commerce community! We look forward to seeing you at our events.
King Fingerprinting
O.M. Design Group, LLC
E'Clips Salon
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations to these members celebrating anniversaries this month with the Chamber of Commerce.
Cave Creek Unified School District 25 yrs
Rancho Manana Golf Course 24 yrs
Big Bronco 9 yrs
Custom Eyes 8 yrs
Andreas Schmalz-Pristine Places 6 yrs
Tyrol Insurance Agency 6 yr
Allied Republic Waste Services 5 yrs
Network Wellness Center 5 yrs
Good Shephard Episcopal Church 3 yrs
Hand & Stone Massage 2 yrs
Cave Creek Financial Associates 1 yr
Verdi Management 1 yr
Total Sports Therapy 1 yr
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COMMUNITY NEWS
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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.Construction Continues on the Bike Lane Project.
Beginning Monday, January 4th, Carefree residents and motorists will continue to see construction activity related to the Bike Lane Project. Please be mindful to obey all traffic barricading and signage and be cautious as you drive on our 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 as follows:
* Tom Darlington from Leisure Lane to Cave Creek Road. Construction crews will work their way north, with construction activity lasting through early January.
Construction on Tom Darlington will be followed by construction on 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:
o Spur Cross Ranch Road to Bloody Basin Road, beginning in late December and finishing in early March.
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.
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CHAMBER EVENTS IN JANUARY
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5:30 - 7:00 PM
Join us for the first mixer of the year. Renew friendships and meet new chamber members at Hundman Tax Services & Law Offices, 36600 N. Pima Road, Suite 301, Carefree
Thursday, January 14 Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening
Merle Norman 5:00 PM
Cosmetic Studio
32531 N Scottsdale Rd Ste 103, Scottsdale (in The Summit)
This Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio is a local business, independently owned and operated. Our Staff is carefully trained and dedicated to helping you select the products that are right for you. Our long-term commitment to personalized service and a unique philosophy of "Try Before You Buy" is your assurance of satisfaction.
Wednesday, January 20 Ribbon Cutting
Carefree Coverings 5:30 PM
New location grand opening in DC Ranch! Start the new year right by updating your window fashions. Our beautifully designed window fashions can help you save energy in winter and summer, control light and privacy, provide enhanced child safety and more. Start making your 2016 decorating plans!
Thursday, January 21 Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening
Cave Creek Contemporary. 5:00 PM
Palm Springs, California transplant Kenn Cross just opened Cave Creek's first and only Contemporary furniture store to service our ever growing and evolving community.  With over 1000 pieces of furniture, accessories, lighting, and outdoor products, you're sure to find something to compliment your own desert dwelling. No matter what style you've chosen for your home, Cave Creek Contemporary has something to ease it into the 21st century. This conveniently located shop (right next to the Dairy Queen in the heart of the village) also carries an extensive selection of unique and tasteful gift items. The best part of it all, everything is available immediately! Kenn has been doing interior design and landscape design for more than 30 years and has a strong background in home construction and remodeling. Please visit his store and give him a warm welcome to the neighborhood. Cave Creek Contemporary is located at 6554 East Cave Creek Road Suite #11. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10am until 3pm.
8:00 am - 9:30 am
Harold's Corral
6895 E. Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek
$7 for Members, $10 for Non-members
Early Morning networking and speaker. More Info
Friday, January 29 Grand Opening Ceremony
You're invited to attend a special ceremony to help celebrate the Grand Opening of Aquila Hall at the Paradise Valley Community College at Black Mountain! The Grand Opening program will include congratulatory remarks, a ribbon cutting, building tours and refreshments. Guest speakers from Paradise Valley and the Maricopa Community College District will be featured. 10:00 - 11:30 AM 34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 58266. More Info
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FESTIVALS IN JANUARY
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January 15 - 17
Carefree Sculpture in The Garden Show & Sale
10 AM - 5 PM Daily
Carefree Desert Gardens, Easy Street, Carefree
The first of its kind in Arizona, the Inaugural Carefree Sculpture in the Garden Show & Sale takes place in the beautiful Carefree Desert botanical gardens. In addi
 tion to hosting many of the Southwest's most celebrated festivals in Arizona, Vermillion also produces the Loveland Fine Art Invitational in Loveland Colorado, one of the Country's largest outdoor sculpture venues. The popular sculpture show and sale attracts thousands of art enthusiasts, public works commissions and collectors from around the world.
Upon returning from Loveland in 2015, Vermillion decided to bring a sculpture event to Arizona. According to Candy Vermillion, "the selection of the Carefree Desert Gardens was easy, in Loveland we have to create the sculpture garden, whereas in Carefree we have the stunning botanical gardens creating a dramatic outdoor gallery setting for sculptures". The sculpture garden will include a vast selection of sculptures, from the minute and medium to life-size and monumental sculptures. More Info
January 15 - 17 Frontier Town Arts & Crafts Festival 10 AM - 5 PM Daily
6245 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek
January 22 - 24
5th Annual Carefree Indian Market and Cultural Festival
10 AM - 5 PM Daily
Carefree Desert Gardens, Easy Street, Carefree
This entirely free, weekend long event is one of Magic Bird's longest running shows. Now in its fifth year, the Carefree Indian Market and Cultural Festival has evolved into a benchmark cultural event featuring 100 highly-acclaimed artists, and thousands of traditional and contemporary designs.
A true celebration of Native American artisanship and intercultural understanding, many of the invited artists are validated under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 for exhibitor authenticity. At the centerpiece of this year's show is an impressive lineup of featured artists and performers. Nelda Schrupp, a jeweler and sculptor of the Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation will display her ceremonial dance rattles and necklaces. Each of her designs is beautifully embellished with horse hair, natural stones, and other decorative elements. A National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Artist Fellow, Schrupp's work is widely recognized and showcased in the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Dance and music performances will feature traditional Native American hoop dancing by world champions Brian Hammill of Native Spirit Productions and Moontee Sinquah. Attendees may also purchase a variety of sweet and savory selections in the Southwestern culinary food court. More Info
January 29 - 31
23rd Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival
10 AM - 5 PM Daily
Downtown Carefree, 101 Easy St, Carefree
In 1993 the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce and Thunderbird Artists produced their first fine art event in the Town of Careefree. The streets of downtown Carefree are closed for Thunderbird Artists festivals, making room for more than 165 artists and an excess of 5,000 original masterpieces of fine art. Artists' works include small, medium, life-size and monumental bronze sculptures, metal, clay, wood, stone, glass and mixed media sculptures. There is an array of pottery, photography, hand crafted jewelry, batiks and select fine crafts. There are also spectacular oil and acrylic paintings on canvas, watercolors, pastel, charcoal, etchings and mixed media paintings. Subject matter ranges from Southwest and traditional to contemporary and abstract, including floral, wildlife, European, African and Native American art to name a few. The festival offers a wide variety of mediums, styles, sizes, subject matters and price ranges, to ensure there is something that appeals to everyone. Free Parking. Admission is $3.00 and Wine Tasting Ticket with Souvenir Glass is $10.00. More Info  
Thunderbird Artists holds the title of Arizona's largest wine-tasting events, featuring first-class wines from around the world. These festivals touch each of the senses, with fine wines, mouthwatering chocolates, the visual feast of art and the subtle sound of ambient music. After taking in all the sights and sounds of the festival, make sure and leave yourself time to discover Carefree's assortment of unique shops, boutiques, galleries restaurants and outdoor cafes. More Info
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| REALTY REALITY | |
Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service Data (ARMLS)
December data, ARMLS metrics are from the previous month
Compiled by Kraig Nelson, Associate Broker
Phoenix
Sold volume (dollar amount) was 10.89% higher; active listings were 12.74% lower; and the median sold price ($198,000) was 13.66% higher, compared to one year ago. Average days on market were 65.
Carefree
Sold volume (dollar amount) was 259.77% higher ($6,756,500/2015; $1,878,000/2014); active listings were 4.69% higher; and the median sold price ($484,000) was 18.38% lower, compared to one year ago. Average days on market were 168.
Cave Creek
Sold volume (dollar amount) was 26.11% higher; active listings were .31% higher; and the median sold price ($412,500) was 4.36% higher, compared to one year ago. Average days on market were 102.
Scottsdale
Sold volume (dollar amount) was 20.83% higher; active listings were2.34% lower; and the median sold price ($406,000) was 8.27% higher, compared to one year ago. Average days on market were 105.
Kraig's Comments
* Distressed sales (short sales and lender owned) represent 5.90% of the total sales volume. This is down 35.60% from one year ago.
* There is a 4.69 month supply of residential inventory in the Phoenix Metro Area. A balanced market for buyers and sellers is considered to be about 6 months.
* Total residential inventory is 9.10% lower than one year ago.
* Entire Phoenix Metro Area: median sold price is $210,000; 9.31% higher than one year ago. Average days on market were 72.
* Average sold price compared to original list price is 96.05% in the Phoenix Metro Area (no change from last month). This means a home listed for $100,000 sells for about $96,000.
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