Santan Sun News; 06-20-15: Business

Chamber awards its finest businesses, educators and volunteers

BY KEN ABRAMCZYK

When the late David Payne’s name was announced, the crowd stood, applauded and sustained that applause for several minutes.

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce honored Payne’s memory and dedication to public service with the James Snedigar Public Service Award at the Chamber’s 28th annual Community Service Awards. Payne, who apprehended more than 400 impaired drivers as a traffic officer, was struck and killed while on his motorcycle on Oct. 31, 2014, by an impaired driver.

David Payne’s parents, Robert and LuAnn Payne, accepted the award, and were joined on stage by Police Chief Sean Duggan and several officers from the Chandler Police Department.

“We lost a son, but we gained a family,” said Payne’s father of the Chandler Police Department.

“They have been wonderful.

There is no way to thank them for everything you’ve done for our family. Thank you very, very much.”

That tribute highlighted the Community Awards night as the chamber honored some of Chandler’s finest volunteers, businesses, educators and administrative staff at the awards dinner recently at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino. The awards recognize outstanding businesses of all sizes, and educators and administrators who demonstrate leadership and exemplify their commitment to Chandler.

“It’s all about individuals and companies doing great things in Chandler,” said Terri Kimble, Chamber president and CEO.

Following the theme of “Chandlerwood,” the Chamber broadcast short videos shot in May by J2 Media of each winner receiving the news that they won a Community Award, and guests also were entertained by a pair of costumed “Oscars.”

That evening, one Community Award was accepted from more than 5,300 miles away. Emcee Ray Rodriguez used Skype

to contact d’Vine Gourmet owner Denise McCreery, who was visiting her daughter in Denmark. McCreery received the Micro Business of the Year for assisting other business owners with her educational, mentoring and networking programs.

The following awards highlighted the evening:

The Chandler Cup Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center received this award for its efforts in bringing the only Level 1 Trauma Center to the Southeast Valley, which opened just over one year ago, and expanding the center’s capacity with a five-story hospital tower.

With the expansion and Level 1 Trauma Center, Dignity Health was in medical services “long term” in the community, said Tim Bricker, president of Dignity Health. “We love being a part of this community and we love being able to serve you and your families.”

Business Diversity in Action

The Chandler Unified School District won for its efforts in bringing in guest speakers, using curriculum and cultural festivities. Chandler schools incorporated information on the Holocaust into studies with “Then They Came for Us,” a program partnered with the Jewish Community Center, a Freedom Riders panel discussion and other programs.

Superintendent Dr. Camille Casteel, who accepted the award with other district administrators, said CUSD enhanced and embraced diversity with more than 50 nationalities and religions.

“We believe that is what makes Chandler strong,” Casteel said. Diversity is a strength that Chandler Unified School District lives by, she added.

The Community Cup

Mike Perry of WhitneyBell Perry Architects was honored for raising more than $1 million for the fight against cancer at Relay for Life of Chandler. Perry, who has chaired Relay for Life the last four years and served as a volunteer, team captain, committee leader and co-chairman, said he became involved with Relay for Life 11 years ago after his nephew died of cancer at the age of 24. Perry said he appreciated the chamber recognizing the Relay for Life and its

importance. The Relay “represents one day, one night to fight cancer,” he said.

“Our goal is to put American Cancer Society out of business,” Perry said, inferring that if cancer is cured, the ACS will no longer be needed.

Perry thanked the volunteers. “With your help, we will make a difference,” Perry said.

The Chamber Cup

Lee Bolster, a business development manager for Thorobred Chevrolet, was awarded for his 18 years of service on the Ostrich Festival Parade Committee. Bolster also recruited other chamber members to assist him.

“You try to give back to the community to make things a little bit better,” Bolster said. He thanked the chamber for the recognition.

clearcall solutions

Other winners

Business winners included Subaru Superstore of Chandler, Small to Medium Business of the Year, and Business of the Year, ClearCall Solutions. Dave Waltzer, of Combined Insurance, won the Chamber Ambassador of the Year.

Educators and a school support staff member were honored with awards, which included Phyllis Carr, Hamilton High School, Educator of the Year; Daniel Serrano, principal, Perry High School, Administrator of the Year, and Darlene Healy, Payne Junior High School, Support Staff Employee of the Year.

Education scholarships to ChandlerGilbert Community College were awarded to Ana Caceres and Angelica Santillano-Silva, who both will study business management, and Nydia Hayes, who expects to study computer business applications.

Ken Abramczyk is an associate editor at the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at ken@santansun.com.

State Forty Eight: Where Arizona passion meets Arizona fashion

BY ALISON STANTON

For as long as he can remember, Michael Spangenberg has loved fashion.

“It was my passion growing up as a kid. I loved the fashion aspect and picking out clothes. Since day one I knew I wanted to have my own clothing company,” Spangenberg said.

A couple of years ago, Spangenberg approached his childhood friend and roommate Stephen Polando and asked him if he would like to open a clothing company that features products that represent their great love for Arizona. Thus, state Forty Eight was born.

“Stephen knew I wanted to do a fashion line and he knows I’m passionate about Arizona all the way,” Spangenberg said.

“Then me and Michael brought my brother Nicholas in because he is definitely passionate about Arizona, too. We asked Nick, ‘Can you make us a sweet logo?’ and he said, ‘Definitely,’” Stephen said.

Now all that they needed was a name.

One day, while he was brushing his teeth, Stephen said the name State Forty Eight came to him.

“Everyone immediately loved it,” Stephen said, adding that the name refers to Arizona being the forty-eighth state.

In 2013, the trio officially launched State Forty Eight out of Spangenberg’s and Stephen’s home in Chandler. In addition to being co-owners of the clothing company, Spangenberg focuses

on sales and marketing, Stephen does a lot of the operations and production and Nicholas is the resident graphic artist and designer.

Spangenberg said it didn’t take long for word to get out about State Forty Eight and its quality clothing line for men and women.

In 2014 State Forty Eight was chosen as one of the “Emerging Designers” at Phoenix Fashion Week, Spangenberg said, and he, Stephen and Nicholas are always busy implementing new designs.

State Forty Eight’s clothing can be found at local retailers like Barre 3, Frances, Velvet Boutique, Here on The Corner, Clothes Minded and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, as well as the company website, www. statefortyeight.com.

“One of the things that helps to make us different and unique is that we have a lot of different options with our clothing colors, and also how comfortable everything is,” Nicholas said.

“Our clothing is a 60/40 cotton/poly blend, which means it is lightweight and softer and everyone who wears it feels more comfortable. This was one thing that Michael had insisted on and it’s not something that Stephen and I would have thought of.”

Stephen said two of their most popular products are the racerback tanks and the lightweight and comfortable hoodies.

“From day one racerbacks have sold like crazy; people can wear them year round for going to the gym and other places,” Stephen said.

Running their own clothing company takes up a lot of their time, but the three young men all said they enjoy working closely with each other.

“I honestly feel like I have a great relationship with both Mike and Nick,” Stephen said.

“I’d definitely do everything all over again,” Nick agreed.

“They only thing I would change is to do this way way earlier in life,” Spangenberg said.

“It can definitely be a challenge because we have three different personalities but it’s also what helps to make us successful. At the end of the day our overall goals keep us together and we have a lot of good times.”

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com.

Expansion brings more excitement to Lone Butte Casino

From the place that has brought the Valley more winning moments, Lone Butte Casino now adds a whole new level of entertainment.

Lone Butte Casino is in the midst of a renovation project that will enhance guests’ experience at every point including an expanded casino floor, brand new dining options and an all new way to enjoy entertainment at the popular casino.

“As exciting as this is for our guests, it is equally exciting for our team,” said Carolyn Thompson, general manager of Lone Butte Casino. “Our goal continues to deliver the very best guest experience. These renovations simply make that goal easier to achieve and we can’t wait to share all the exciting new choices with our guests.”

In the Casino

The gaming floor will be expanded by 10,000 square feet to provide a roomier feel that will be easier to navigate, including the all-new High Limit Slots Room, where players will find bigger action and bigger payouts. The renovations also include enhancements to the Bingo Hall, like more comfortable seating and the latest in bingo gaming equipment.

Dining

The all-new Cities Bar & Grille is destined to be a guest favorite. This

new concept is a true all-American restaurant, featuring signature dishes from across the country like New Orleans jambalaya, St. Louis ribs, Baltimore crab cakes, New York strip and so much more.

Near Cities Bar & Grille, Guests will find a new Platinum Lounge and an Irish-themed bar appropriately named Lucky’s, where they can delight in a wide array of amenities.

Entertainment

Headliners from music to comedy will take the stage at the all-new Lone Butte Event Center, an 8,000-squarefoot venue that will offer guests the chance to see their favorite performers in an intimate setting.

“This is a significant step for us and continues to place Lone Butte Casino at the forefront of entertainment in Arizona,” Thompson said. “The new Lone Butte Event Center gives us the opportunity to attract top-name artists and create an all-encompassing entertainment destination for our guests.”

Lone Butte Casino invites guests to experience all of these exciting new additions during the grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 19. Headlining the grand opening will be the R&B’s Kool & The Gang. A complete show schedule will be available at www.WinGilaRiver.com.

Weeks joins W.J. Maloney Plumbing as service manager

Brandon Weeks has joined W.J. Maloney Plumbing as service manager.

Weeks has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry that includes management and leadership positions on both commercial and residential projects.

“A second-generation plumber, Brandon’s mix of plumbing skills, management experience and customerservice background will be invaluable as we build our service department,” said Kathryn “Kitty” Maloney-Langmade, president of W.J. Maloney Plumbing.

Weeks is a U.S. Navy veteran. He attended the University of Phoenix and resides in Chandler.

Since 1964, W.J. Maloney Plumbing has been a leading plumbing contractor in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area. Working with many of the largest general contractors, the company has provided exemplary design build plumbing, from tenant improvement to complex multistory projects that include many of the most prominent buildings in the Valley.

Recent projects for W.J. Maloney Plumbing include the historic 13-story Monroe Hilton Garden Inn and Phases I, II, III and IV of CityScape in downtown

Phoenix, Sloan Park, the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, the Hayden Ferry Lakeside project in Tempe, a major solar thermal project at the University of Arizona in Tucson, the Sky Train Project at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the Mariposa Land Port of Entry expansion near Nogales and numerous schools throughout the Valley.

W.J. Maloney Plumbing’s medical and health care portfolio includes Copper Springs Hospital in Avondale, the Orthopedic and Spine Inpatient Surgical (OASIS) Hospital in Phoenix, the Veterans Administration’s Southeast Healthcare Clinic in Gilbert, St. Joseph’s Westgate Medical Center in Glendale, the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and Movement Disorders Clinic at St. Joseph’s Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and La Loma Village assisted living complex in Litchfield Park.

W.J. Maloney Plumbing also provides extensive commercial and residential service, maintenance and repair, and is Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certified. For more information, call (602) 944-5516 or visit www.wjmaloney.com.

Cushman & Wakefield of Arizona Inc. helped negotiate a long-term lease renewal and expansion at Chandler Tech Center, 7406 W. Detroit St., for a material handling and automation solutions firm headquartered in Japan.

The renewal and expansion transaction for Daifuku of Osaka, Japan, is for 30,247 square feet at Chandler Tech Center, which is owned by Buchanan Street Partners of Newport Beach, California.

Daifuku develops material handling systems used in manufacturing facilities, warehouse/distribution centers, automotive plants, airports and cleanrooms.

“Chandler Technology Center is the perfect location for technology companies such as Daifuku,” said Jackie Orcutt, market leader, investor services for Cushman & Wakefield. “It has been a pleasure working

with them as they continue to grow within the complex.”

Orcutt and John Grady of Cushman & Wakefield represented the landlord. Conner Lee and Marc Pierce of Lee & Associates represented the tenant.

Cushman & Wakefield advises and represents clients on all aspects of property occupancy and investment. Founded in 1917, it has 259 offices in 60 countries, employing more than 16,000 professionals. It offers a complete range of services to its occupier and investor clients for all property types, including leasing, sales and acquisitions, equity, debt and structured finance, corporate finance and investment banking, appraisal, consulting, corporate services, and property, facilities, project and risk management. To learn more, www. cushmanwakefield.com.

Refurbished laptops available in Chandler

Ken Chan, Linda Chan and Andy Ip started Ironman Refurbished Business Computers, which offers computers at a reasonable price. Submitted photo

Replacing outdated computer equipment can be an expensive proposition. One Chandler-based company is helping out area businesses and families by offering certified used laptops at steep discounts.

Ironman Refurbished Business Computers (IRBC) is owned by Ken Chan, his sister, Linda, and her husband, Andy Ip. Their unique business model allows customers to simply call or text for information on available units and pricing.

Pickup is available by appointment at the Chandler warehouse and free delivery is available at convenient locations throughout the Valley.

Since they started the business two years ago they have sold business-grade Dell laptops and Lenovo ThinkPads throughout Phoenix and abroad.

“I believe we have been so successful due to the reliability of our laptops and because we focus on providing prompt and courteous service to our customers,” said Ken Chan.

Each laptop purchase includes a

comprehensive tutorial to explain the features of the unit, a one-month warranty, and lifetime technical support. Prices range from $199 to $599 depending on the specifications of the model and bulk sales are available.

Chan also owns the FutureKiddie franchise which offers classes that teach computer skills to boys and girls ages 3 through 7 at locations throughout Phoenix.

He came up with the company name, Ironman, based on the ruggedness of the business-grade models they refurbish. He adds that their laptops are even used in schools and by many mechanics for diagnostic work due to their durability in the toughest of environments.

Interested parties can call or text (480) 550-9078, email info@ ironmancomputers.com or visit www. ironmancomputers.com, for available inventory and more information. Pickup is available at their Chandler warehouse by appointment and at convenient locations throughout Phoenix.

PayPal to add 150 jobs to Phoenix market

PayPal, one of the world’s largest e-commerce firms, is planning to add 150 new employees to its Chandler location this summer. PayPal’s Arizona facility was voted the Best Place to Work in 2014. Arizonans interested in exploring a career with PayPal are invited to the PayPal Job Fair on Tuesday, June 23, where recruiters will accept resumes and schedule interviews. Attending the job fair positions candidates at the top of PayPal’s consideration list and provides job seekers a three times faster application process.

The job fair is set for 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, at the Courtyard Marriott, 1100 S. Price Rd., Chandler. To register, visit www.localwork.com/az/ phoenix/paypal.

“PayPal’s decision to expand their team in Chandler is a cause for celebration in

Local Realtor achieves Green Designation

Veronica Vega with RE/ MAX Infinity has been awarded the National Association of Realtors’ Green Designation, the only green real estate professional designation recognized by NAR.

Vega achieved this prestigious designation after completing 18 hours of course work designed specifically for Realtors. The courses were created in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of industry experts from across the country, ensuring designees gain comprehensive knowledge of green homes and buildings and issues of sustainability in relation to real estate.

helping consumers see a property’s green potential.

“Living green is about making healthy choices that are also easy on your wallet,” said Al Medina, director of NAR’s Green Designation.

NAR’s Green Designation was developed in response to growing consumer awareness of the benefits of resourceefficient homes and buildings. The designation helps consumers who care about energy efficiency and sustainable building practices identify Realtors who can help them realize their green real estate and lifestyle goals.

More specifically, Vega was trained in understanding what makes a property green, helping clients evaluate the cost/ benefits of green building features and practices, distinguishing between industry rating and classification systems, listing and marketing green homes and buildings, discussing the financial grants and incentives available to homeowners, and

As an NAR Green Designee, Vega has gained the knowledge and the tools necessary to become a trusted green resource for the greater Phoenix area. For more information about Vega, visit www.SoldBuyVv.com or e-mail at VeronicaVega@remax.net. For more information about NAR’s Green Designation, visit www. greenresourcecouncil.org.

the Arizona job market,” said Ryan Naylor, president of LocalWork.com, an online job board that showcases company culture.

“Employers like Apple, General Motors and PayPal continue to add positions like these because of the quality of our local workforce. PayPal is well known for their inclusive and welcoming culture.”

Among PayPal’s most popular employee benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision

• 401K with percentage of salary match from PayPal

• Paid time off

• Holiday time off

• A one-month sabbatical for every five years with the company

• Company growth and opportunity

• Fun and energetic place to work

• Voted Best Company to Work For in 2014.

We are committed to making our practice as convenient and accessible as possible. We want you to feel confident in us, as well as in your new smile.

Catch business leads at chamber events

Throughout the year the Chandler Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of luncheons and meetings for its members and the community.

Events are held at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce office, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler, unless otherwise noted.

To register, call (480) 963-4571, visit www.chandlerchamber.com or www. meetup.com/ChandlerChamber or email info@chandlerchamber.com. No refunds are available within 72 hours of an event.

Chandler Chamber Monday Morning Leads Group

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Mondays, June 22 and June 29

The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits. Brunchies, 17 E. Boston St., Chandler.

Chandler Chamber Tuesday Morning Leads Group

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays, June 23 and June 30

The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits. BLD, 1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler.

Chandler Chamber Wednesday Morning Leads Group

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays, June 24 and July 1

The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits. Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa, 4200 S Alma School Rd., Chandler.

Chandler Chamber Wednesday Lunch Leads Group

11: 30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, June 24 and July 1

The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and

grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more.

Allowed two free visits.

Stone & Vine Urban Italian, 1035 W. Queen Creek Rd., Suite 103, Chandler.

Chandler Chamber Thursday Morning Leads Group

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Thursdays, June 25 and July 2

The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits. Rudy’s West Country Store & Barbecue, 7300 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler.

Chandler Chamber Thursday Lunch Leads Group (West)

11:45 a.m., to 1 p.m. Thursdays, June 25 and July 2

The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits. Nabers Music Bar & Eats, 825 N. 54th St., Chandler.

Chandler Chamber Thursday Lunch Leads Group (East)

11:45 a.m, to 1 p.m. Thursdays, June 25 and July 2

The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits. Social Box Neighborhood Eatery, 1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler.

Chandler Chamber Friday Morning Leads Group

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Fridays, June 26 and July 3

The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are

given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits. Chompie’s Delicatessen Restaurant, 3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler.

Small Business Counseling

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, June 26 and July 3

Experienced business counselors provide advice, knowledge and insight to help start or grow a business. Small Business Counseling is available Mondays and Tuesdays at the Chamber office by appointment only through the Maricopa Community Colleges’ Arizona Small Business Development Center network. Contact the Chandler Chamber of Commerce to schedule an appointment. Free.Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler.

How We Stand Input Meeting

8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 23

Come and provide input on the Chandler Chamber’s Legislative Document. The topic is “Regional Issues: Affordable Insurance & Health Care.” Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler.

Ribbon Cutting @ Quality 4 U, LLC dba

Arizona Maid

4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 23

Ribbon cutting and refreshments. Laser Creations is the event’s ribbon sponsor Arizona Maid, 3738 W. Commonwealth Ave. Suite 14, Chandler.

How We Stand Input Meeting

8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 24

Come and provide input on the Chandler Chamber’s Legislative Document. The topic is “Regional Issues: Transportation.” Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler.

Economic Update Luncheon

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 24

A representative from the Arizona Cardinals will discuss the impact of

professional sports teams on the economy. Crowne Plaza San Marcos, One San Marcos Pl., Chandler.

Ribbon Cutting @ Barbee Primary Care

4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24.

Ribbon cutting and refreshments. The event’s ribbon sponsor is Laser Creations. Barbee Primary Care, 1100 S. Dobson Rd., Building A, Suite 210, Chandler.

Chamber 101

7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday, June 25

Learn more about the chamber. Bring business cards and brochures to share and network with other members. This event is sponsored by Fractured Prune. SoZo Coffeehouse, 1982 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler.

Ribbon Cutting @ Storquest Self-Storage

4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25

Ribbon cutting is sponsored by Laser Creations. Refreshments. Storquest SelfStorage, 2150 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler.

Phoenix Business Journal Seminar

8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Friday, June 26

“Profit from What We Publish,” an interactive, hands-on session, will help businesses learn how to leverage the Phoenix Business Journal for sales efforts and business needs. Chandler Chamber of Commerce.

How We Stand Input Meeting

8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 26

Provide input on the Chandler Chamber’s Legislative Document. The topic is “Federal Issues.” Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler.

Ribbon Cutting @ Hangar 9 Bar & Grill

4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 26

Ribbon cutting is sponsored by Laser Creations. Refreshments. Hangar 9 Bar & Grill, 980 E. Pecos Rd., Suite 5, Chandler.

Technology Steering Committee

12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 2

Committee will plan and organize for the Technology Lunch Series and other Chandler Chamber Technology programs and events for 2015. Coach and Willie’s Restaurant, 1 E. Boston St., Chandler.

President and CEO of Isola Group announces retirement

Chandler-based Isola Group, a market leader in copper-clad laminates and dielectric prepreg materials used to fabricate advanced multilayer Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), announced June 15 the decision of its president and chief executive officer Ray Sharpe to retire.

Sharpe will stay with Isola until his successor has joined to ensure a smooth transition. The board has already retained a search firm to guide the process of finding Isola’s next CEO.

“It has been a privilege to work with the dedicated people at Isola, who focus each day on advancing the company’s and its customers’ best interests” Sharpe said. I am confident in Isola’s future and the team’s ability to deliver distinct value. I look forward to spending more time addressing important family considerations.”

Kevin Burns, chairman of Isola’s board of directors commented, “Ray has been a very strong leader since Isola’s establishment in 2004. The company’s transformation has been impressive, and Isola is now positioned as the leading supplier of highperformance materials for the printed circuit board industry. The members of the board are grateful to Ray for his many contributions and look forward to ensuring the company’s future success.”

Separately, Isola announced the retirement of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer F. Gordon Bitter. Donald Colvin, a member of Isola’s board of directors and the former chief financial officer of ON Semiconductor and Caesars Entertainment, has been named as interim chief financial officer.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.isola-group. com/.

Bikram Yoga Ocotillo offers personalized classes in a heated room

BY ALISON STANTON

Lora Gustafson fell in love with Bikram yoga about 15 years ago.

Gustafson, who broke her neck when she was 15, was dealing with chronic pain and migraines when she decided to give Bikram yoga a try.

Although the classes were initially challenging, Gustafson stuck with it and was thrilled when her pain went away and she could discontinue her medications.

“After three months I fell in love with it; after six months I knew I wanted to be a Bikram yoga teacher and after a year I knew I wanted my own studio,” Gustafson said.

“Bikram yoga was the only thing that let me feel like a human being.”

About seven years later, Gustafson got her wish when she opened a Bikram yoga studio in Missoula, Montana. When Gustafson and her husband, Jesse Brown, relocated to the East Valley a couple of years ago, they knew they wanted to open a studio here.

Recently, Gustafson and Brown opened Bikram Yoga Ocotillo.

“Bikram yoga has made such a dramatic impact on our lives and our students’ lives,” Gustafson said.

She and her husband are especially devoted to helping with pain management.

“When we were in Montana we worked a lot with people who were recovering from cancer, and also people with autoimmune disorders. Jesse and I also both have a lot of knowledge about injuries.”

During the classes, which range from 60 to 90 minutes, the room is heated to 105 degrees with 40 percent humidity. As Gustafson explained, Bikram yoga involves 26 poses and two breathing

exercises that are done in the heated room.

“We are offering the three class formats, which gives people more flexibility with their schedules and more variety with what we can do,” Gustafson said.

Doing the poses in the heated room can help internal organs function better.

Gustafson said she and Brown keep a sharp eye on the students to make sure everyone is doing well in the heat.

“We read people, not the temperature gauges, so we will adjust the temperature accordingly,” she said.

From people who have never set foot in a Bikram yoga studio to those who

have had plenty of experience doing the poses, Gustafson said anybody can come to a class.

“Everyone will get personalized attention. What sets us apart is our approach to yoga; we believe in working with people and making sure they are doing the postures in the proper form so they will not hurt,” Gustafson said.

“When you are doing them right, you will feel well.”

Unlike other yoga studios that have crowded, impersonal classes, Gustafson said she and Brown are committed to making sure each one of their students gets what he or she needs.

“We really want to build a community where people can come and develop that strong community feel,” Gustafson said.

Bikram Yoga Ocotillo is located at 1900 W. Germann Rd., Suite 3 in Chandler. For more information, call (480) 656-8282 or visit www.yogaocotillo.com.

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com.