Estates, Chandler
$699,900, 4,844sf, 5BR, 4.5BA
Chamber recognizes top 100 companies in city
BY TRACY HOUSE
The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 12th Chandler 100, honoring the top 100 companies doing business in the city. The annual event is being held at the Chandler Center for the Arts, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Terri Kimble, Chandler Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, explained her organization recognizes those top 100 companies that make a significant impact in Chandler.
“This year we’ve got a couple of new things,” Kimble said. “We partnered with the City and Tech Shop which has custom designed all of the trophies for the recipients this year.”
The criteria for the Chandler 100 is based upon how many employees the company has in Chandler, the number of Arizona employees, and the contributions the business has made in Chandler. “When we take a look at the top 100 companies, when you talk about the impact, it’s the trickle-down effect,” Kimble said. “That’s what is really unique.”
She said the celebration is a good way for people to come out and shake hands with representatives of the 100 companies.
Kimble said one of the companies being recognized this year is Wells Fargo for its expansion, its state-of-the-art facility and its plans. Included for the first time in the top 100 list is SanTan Brewing, a downtown fixture for eight years.
Intel, the No. 1 employer in Chandler, as
well as new businesses to the area such as New Home Productions is on the top 100 list. “We’ve got some new companies on the list that have traditionally not been on there,” Kimble said.
During the evening, videos will highlight some of the companies being recognized for their outstanding contributions. “We also feature on the videos, some of those up and coming businesses that may not be on the radar,” Kimble said. “This year we’re featuring a company called Health Tell. We’re going to unveil their story that night. They are going to revolutionize the healthcare testing industry. They’re here out of our incubator.”
The event was moved to the Chandler Center for the Arts last year to accommodate the number of attendees.
“It’s a great partnership with the schools and the City of Chandler,” Kimble said.
Event sponsors include Dignity Health, Chandler Regional Medical Center; Alliance Bank of Arizona; SRP; First Credit Union; Air Products; Intel; APS; Southwest Airlines; The City of Chandler; J2 Media and International Minute Press.
Registration is available online at www. chandlerchamber.com. The cost is $45 and includes food. The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave.
Tracy House is a freelancer for SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@ santansun.com
Trauma center receives verification from American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons has verified Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center as a level-1 trauma center. This achievement recognizes the trauma center’s dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients.
Level-1 verification confirms that a hospital can provide comprehensive, round-the-clock care for patients with the most serious trauma injuries, from admission through rehabilitation and follow-up care. Chandler Regional began operating on provisional status as a level-1 trauma center on March 24, 2014
“The verification of our trauma center is a true testament of our commitment
to serving the community and a direct result of our trauma team’s efforts which have been instrumental in the success of this program allowing us to be there for all patients when minutes matter most,” said Tim Bricker, president and CEO of Dignity Health Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert medical centers. “It is a remarkable and important accomplishment.”
The American College of Surgeons trauma verification is confirmation that a trauma center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest quality trauma care for all injured patients.
Shred unneeded documents at TrustBank event
Important documents that are no longer needed may be taken to the TrustBank of Ocotillo’s first Shred-A-Thon from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Only paper will be shredded. Electronics will not be accepted.
The first six boxes or bags to be shredded are free. Additional shredding will be $3 per box or bag. All proceeds from shredding will be donated to
Positive Paths, formerly known as the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation East Valley executive council.
Firefighters will sell hot dogs and hamburgers at the event for the Sun Lakes Fire Fighters Emergency Relief Fund. The event will be held in the Fulton Ranch parking lot in front of the TrustBank Office at 4913 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 5, Chandler.
Kohl’s hiring seasonal associates
Kohl’s is hiring about 50 associates for its store at 1430 S. Arizona Ave. in Chandler to support seasonal business this holiday season and growth on www.Kohls.com.
“Kohl’s is hiring more than 69,000 seasonal associates to prepare for another exciting holiday season,” said Richard Schepp, Kohl’s chief administrative officer. “We want to ensure we provide the excellent service and easy experience Kohl’s customers expect, whether shopping in stores or online.”
Hiring began this month and most jobs will be filled by mid-November. Holiday
positions are also being filled at the company’s distribution and e-commerce fulfillment centers. Info: www.KohlsCareers.com.
BE COUNTED CHANDLER!
Please open your door to U.S. Census workers in October and November 2015.
Each person counted in Chandler means about $318 in funding every year. This money helps pay for essential public services such as police and fire protection, trash collection, properly maintained streets, parks, libraries and more.
“We’re counting on you Chandler! With just a few minutes of your time, you will be helping the City receive the funding necessary for many City services you rely on to stay safe and healthy.”
– Mayor Jay Tibshraeny
More Info: chandleraz.gov/census
Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny
Downtown plans progress San Marcos Golf Resort sells parcel to developer Helix
BY KEN ABRAMCZYK
A real estate development company has purchased a 4-acre parcel of the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort to build condominiums.
This parcel, often referred to as the “old casita site,” adds to the multifamily housing plans for downtown and the hubbub of activity in downtown development.
Matt Bustamante, a commercial real estate broker, said the parcel was sold for $2,075,000 to Helix, a developer, to build 85 to 100 condos. Helix officials were not available to comment on or confirm those plans. The deal was closed on Sept. 11. Interwest Capital Corp., which owns the San Marcos Resort, was represented by Kenneth Flynn, Bustamante said.
Kim Moyers, downtown redevelopment manager, said that site had drawn “a considerable amount of interest” before the sale to Helix.
Bustamante said the old casita site was an eyesore in Chandler for a long time. “I live in Chandler. I have a lot of friends who have businesses downtown and this is exciting news,” Bustamante said.
The site abuts the San Marcos Golf Course, and is located west of DC Heights, an apartment development located on 5 acres on the southwest corner of California and Commonweath on what is referred to as sites 4 and 5. Developer Thomas Gardner will be building 200 units of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments in buildings of varying heights of two to four stories.
Dakota Street will be revamped to allow
easier motorist access to the apartments and easier access to maneuver onto Arizona Avenue during events downtown when Arizona Avenue is closed. Currently motorists travel on Chandler Boulevard to Arizona Avenue, then must turn off Arizona Avenue onto Commonwealth or Boston when Arizona is closed for events, Moyers said.
“When you turn right from Chandler Boulevard, you run into the San Marcos Hotel,” Moyers said about Dakota’s current configuration. The new configuration will allow motorists to turn off Chandler Boulevard, access DC Heights and also drive farther south on Arizona Avenue.
That route will be important on weekends during festivals or other activities, Moyers said. “It’s easier access,” Moyers said.
The City will own the land and lease it back to the developer. The developer does not have to pay property taxes for eight years, through an incentive provided under the Government Property Lease Excise Tax, a state law that encourages property development.
Moyers said the developer was still working on plans for onsite improvements, and believes ground may be broken on the site before the year’s end.
Two agreements on other downtown sites are expected to be forwarded to the Chandler City Council over the next several weeks.
The council will receive a development agreement for approval Oct. 22 for Site 3
with Vintage Partners on 1.5 acres on the southwest corner of Chandler Boulevard for a Drafthouse Cinema. About 50,000 square feet will house the Drafthouse Cinema and another 30,000 square feet will include retail and restaurants. Sites 1 and 2 will remain as surface parking for now, but may be readdressed at a later date for development, Moyers said.
Moyers expected another agreement to be sent to council Nov. 19 for Site 6. Located on Arizona Avenue between Boston and Chicago streets, the site directly across from Chandler City Hall is proposed for an office complex with ancillary retail and a parking garage, Moyers said. That will accommodate many of the employees in the area and cater to the growth on the southern part of Arizona Avenue.
With the planned DC Heights development, Helix’s purchase and the recently built Alta Steelyard Lofts and its 301 units, City officials are counting on these developments appealing to and drawing younger workers and residents to downtown.
“I think that the City Council recognizes the need for this (multifamily) density, an urban look and feel, and an environment that is needed,” Moyers said. “Millennials are looking for areas to live, work and play. I think that the City is creating just that environment.”
Ken Abramczyk is an associate editor at the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at ken@santansun.com.
Tractor Supply to host grand opening this month
The Chandler Tractor Supply Company store will hold its grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 17, with specially priced merchandise through Sunday, Oct. 18. The store officially opened for business Oct. 3.
The grand opening event will feature the local 4-H fire department, a tractor club and multiple food vendors. Regular operating hours for the store, located at 25606 S. Arizona Ave., are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
“Chandler is a great location for Tractor Supply Company because there are a lot of families with riding stables and hobby farms in the area,” said store manager Anyda Aquino. “Our knowledgeable, friendly team looks forward to providing our neighbors with Tractor Supply’s legendary customer service.”
As store manager. Aquino oversees all store operations, including receiving, inventory control and merchandising, as well as customer and team member relations.
To celebrate the grand opening of the store, shoppers will receive 10 percent off their first purchase, up to $100, through Sunday Oct. 18, and can enter to win prizes including store gift cards, pet feed, clothing, power tools and a 22-ton log splitter. Free Tractor Supply caps will also be given away while supplies last.
For more information on Tractor Supply, visit www.tractorsupply.com.
Dr. Jonathan Koerperick
Fifth Arizona Education IMPACT Forum is Oct. 19
The Chandler Chamber of Commerce and Alliance Bank of Arizona, in partnership with the Arizona Republic, are holding the fifth Arizona Education IMPACT Forum 2015: Disruptive Solutions for Students and Employers, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at the Chandler Center for the Arts. The public is encouraged to attend.
Keynote speakers include:
• Jaime Casap, Google’s “chief education evangelist,” change agent and Valley resident who, between visits to the White House, has been involved with area schools, institutions and businesses to effect change. His evangelism revolves around his core belief that education has the power to disrupt poverty and change the destiny of any family in just one generation.
• Jerry Colangelo, best known as the team owner of the Phoenix Suns and the 2001 World Champion Arizona Diamondbacks. He is an adviser to both the business school and the sports program at Grand Canyon University, whose business school carries his name.
• Dr. Allan Gregory Gomez, author and former NASA astronaut selection candidate, who serves as chief academic officer for STEM Academy, developing internationally recognized K-12 curriculum and professional development programs.
“Arizona is locked in a global race for talent and opportunity, a race that cannot
be won without a highly educated, skilled workforce,” said Jim Lundy, CEO of Alliance Bank of Arizona. “This conference is the realization of the bank’s commitment to education and the great educators, institutions and nonprofits that support them.”
Participants include representatives from Intel Corporation, Avnet Inc., Banner Health, Maricopa and Chandler-Gilbert Community Colleges, ASU, Republic Media, Arizona Commerce Authority, Expect More Arizona, Chandler Unified School District, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Helios Education Foundation, AZ Community Foundation, College Success Arizona and the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
“The key to a strong community begins within the education system that is responsible for teaching our youth,” said Terri Kimble, Chandler Chamber of Commerce president/CEO. “Our education system has a real effect on attracting and maintaining top employers in both Chandler and throughout the state. Parents and employers need to feel confident that our children are skilled and our workforce sustainable at a global level.”
The conference is open to the public, $20 early registration; $30 at the door. Networking breakfast and registration begins at 7 a.m. Info: www. chandlerchamber.com/pages/educationforum.
Immigrant discovers the American dream with Experimac
Experimac, a store that sells preowned computers and devices, has opened at 4015 S. Arizona Ave. Chandler. It is owned by Walid Kaakoush, an immigrant to the United States from Lebanon.
The store also offers repair and upgrade services for laptops, phones and tablets as well as trade-ins of existing devices and sales of accessories and software for Apple products.
“I love Apple products and I feel this
business model serves an underserved market,” Kaakoush said. “Apple is the biggest company in the world and has by far the best technology and innovative minds working there. The future of personal computing will be Apple.”
Kaakoush is excited about his new store, but he says that’s just the beginning. “The goal of our business is to have three to four stores across the East Valley,” he said. Info: www.experimac.com.
Creating an LLC in Arizona just got easier
Anyone who wants to create a limited liability company in Arizona can now file online, according to the Arizona Corporation Commission. Before the e-filing became available earlier this month applicants had to go to a Commission office or mail in the paperwork.
“I’m proud the commission now allows for a secure and easy way to create an
LLC,” said Bitter Smith, Commission chairman. “This innovation makes it faster for people to start the businesses of their dreams.”
Last year, more than 52,000 Arizona businesses were formed as LLCs, many of those coming from people who drove to a commission office to submit paperwork. Info: http://ecorp.azcc.gov/Entity.
LaVida MedSpa to host open house event
On-site experts and skin care professionals will share information and answer questions about noninvasive treatments, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at LaVida MedSpa, 3020 S. Gilbert Rd., at the intersection of Gilbert and Queen Creek roads. Industry leaders from Galderma, Ultherapy PCA, Advanced Minerals and others will be at the open house event.
There will be more than $6,500 in prizes and special event package deals, as well as chair massages. Complimentary food will be offered from Chipotle and there will be a chocolate fountain. An RSVP is requested by calling (480) 406-3456 or emailing www. lavidamedspa.com/specials. Info: www. LaVidaMassageChandlerAz.com.
J.I. Plumbing announces redesigned website
A redesigned website has been launched by J.I. Plumbing LLC, 615 W. Chilton St., Chandler. The site, at www. leakfreeaz.com, features educational resources on subjects such as property value benefits from plumbing repairs, tankless water heaters and soft water systems
“We wanted to make it easier for visitors to zero in on the information they came to find, whether on their desktop computer, tablet or mobile phone,” said
Jaimie Innes of J.I. Plumbing.
Among new features are a blog with content from expert plumbing repair contractors, a photo gallery of completed projects and a feedback section where customers can leave a review.
J.I. Plumbing is a family owned and operated company with 30 years of experience in service and repair, remodels and new construction.
Flinn-Brown Academy inducts Chandler businesswoman
BY KRISTA TILLMAN
As a woman who works in electrical engineering, co-founded a business, and is interested in improving her community, Chandler resident Nandini Srinivasan was the perfect candidate for the Flinn-Brown Academy.
“Nandini is a terrific representative of a person in the business community who is seeking to elevate her own civic leadership,” said Nancy Welch, vice president of the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership.
This year, Srinivasan was named a Flinn-Brown Fellow by the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership.
Srinivasan was one of the 33 chosen from throughout Arizona to become a lifetime member of the Flinn-Brown Academy and to participate in a 12-session seminar series. The Flinn Foundation and the Thomas R. Brown Foundation sponsor the Flinn-Brown Academy.
“I am in a stage in life where my kids are graduated and kind of out of the house, at least short term and so I wanted to do something more giving back to the community,” Srinivasan said.
As one of the engineers in the FlinnBrown Academy, Srinivasan brings a unique aspect to this program centered on identifying and developing future state level civic leadership.
“Having an engineer in the group just gives people a sense of that terrific problem solving approach that they take,” Welch said, “and it also shows how she has overcome barriers.”
Srinivasan wants to be a civic leader, especially in the education sector of Arizona. She sees both Arizona’s low ranking in education, but she also has seen how Chandler schools have impacted her sons’ futures in a positive way.
Through this program she wants to answer the question: “How we can use my experience in the small business to help Arizona’s education,” Srinivasan said.
Srinivasan is originally from Mumbai, India, but has lived in Arizona for about 27 years. She earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Hawaii and a Bachelor of Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.
Srinivasan is the co-founder and chief operations officer at Cactus Semiconductor Inc. in Chandler. Thirteen years ago, she and James McDonald, a man with whom she worked at Motorola and Medtronic, decided to start their own business.
“There was need in this area, so we figured this was something we could do,” Srinivasan said.
Her business partner expressed how essential the strength in their relationship was when starting this business.
“First and foremost, I had complete trust in her as a person. Trust is paramount when starting a business with someone,” James McDonald, co-founder and president of Cactus Semiconductor Inc. said in an email.
They faced obstacles at the beginning. With only having a two-person team, they
had to work around the clock.
“We got this really big project, from a really big company, and we couldn’t really do it ourselves, it was too much work,” Srinivasan said, “We actually failed at it.”
Srinivasan and McDonald have grown their business and their staff. According to the Cactus Semiconductor Overview, it has been “profitable every year since founding, partnered with over 30 major semiconductor, engineering, medical device, and technology companies,” and was “voted Inc. Magazine’s Top 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies.”
Cactus Semiconductor has a team of 25 analog design engineers that manufactures chips for various applications. Its niche is creating integrated circuits for implantable medical devices, which Srinivasan finds rewarding.
“It’s a really neat field because we are kind of helping improve quality of life,” Srinivasan said.
Cactus Semiconductor employees are active volunteers which both Srinivasan and McDonald find very important.
“We feel an obligation to look outside our company for opportunities to give back to the community and to help those who can use some help,” McDonald said in an email.
Srinivasan’s husband, Peter, is also an engineer, but at Wells Fargo. Her two sons have followed her and her husband’s path to becoming engineers. Their son, Sunil, 21, attended Chandler High School and then went on to earn a master’s degree in electrical engineering and computer
science at Berkeley. He is working at LinkedIn. Her other son, Sanjay, 19, went to Hamilton High School and was a Flinn Scholar who is studying chemical engineering at ASU.
She and her husband enjoy running and have competed in half marathons. Their favorite place to run is the Chandler Paseo Trail.
Krista Tillman is a public relations student at ASU. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.
Nandini Srinivasan. Submitted photo
New executive director named at Desert Cove Nursing Center
Ami Reynolds has been named executive director of Desert Cove Nursing Center, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility at 1750 W. Frye Road in Chandler. It is one of 10 skilled nursing and rehab facilities in Arizona operated or managed by Life Care Centers of America.
“Ami brings a great energy and excitement to the work that we do,” said Matt Ham, division vice president of Life Care Centers of America’s Southwest Division. “She is a proven leader in our field and she has the ability to build strong teams that are results-oriented.”
Reynolds was previously administrator at a short-term, post-acute 70-bed facility. During that time the facility received two consecutive deficiency-
free survey inspections, and she was presented with The Eli Pick Leadership Award for leadership excellence by the American College of Health Care Administrators. Prior to that Reynolds was an administrator in multiple health care settings, including assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
“I have grown up in Arizona health care,” Reynolds said. “I had my first job in a nursing home at the age of 17. I’ve held many different roles prior to obtaining my administrator’s license, but skilled nursing is my passion and calling.”
Reynolds graduated with her master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix.
Info: lcca.com
Electronics company supports RadioShack dealers
Steren Electronics, a global electronics retailer that is opening a store at 4245 S. Arizona Ave. in Chandler, has announced that it will work with former RadioShack independent dealers in the wake of the company’s recent bankruptcy.
Steren said its agreement ensures that independent dealers across the nation will be provided with the resources necessary to support the electronics needs of their local customers.
“We hold these individual business owners in the highest regard and Steren has the products, systems, marketing, merchandising and support services to empower their business,” said Darren Rawson, Steren president.
The company said it is ranked as the No. 1 recognized consumer electronics brand in Latin America and has been a leading retailer globally for more than 60 years.
Doing business
Dominion Self Storage
Owner: Jim Leiter
How long in business: one month
Specialty: All inside air conditioned units
Unique features: Half off monthly rental rate grand opening special during
Sunny SnoBalls
Owner: Chance Bowersox
How long in business: Less than one month
Specialty: New Orleans-style shaved ice
Unique features: Sixty-plus flavors. Try it stuffed with Thrifty ice cream and a pretzel stick.
October and November
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Address: 295 E. Ocotillo Rd., Chandler Phone: (480) 553-7670
Email: Chandler@dominionselfstorage. net
Website: www.dominionselfstorage.net Dominion Self-Storage.jpg
Hours: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays
Address: 980 E. Pecos Rd., Suite C-4, Chandler
Phone: (480) 786-9582
Email: sunnysnoballs@gmail. com
The SanTan Sun News would like to welcome new area businesses or existing ones that may be new to our readers.
Submit information about your business for a “Doing Business” mini-business profile in an upcoming issue of our publication, which is distributed to 35,000 homes, racks and boxes on the first and third Saturdays of the month.
Please include all of the following items: Name of business, name of owner(s), how long the business has existed, unique features, hours of operation, address, telephone number, website, email address. Also include an at least 300 dpi photo of the business owner or logo.
Email this information to business@santansun.com or visit www.santansun.com and click on the “Doing Business” form to submit.
