12 7 2013stsn p21 29 business

Oil & Vinegar offers culinary delights inside Chandler Fashion Center

BY ALISON STANTON

Fresh and fragrant olive and nut oils in a variety of flavors and hues. Rich and vibrant balsamic vinegars from around the world. Marinades and sauces that can help turn meat and pasta dishes into something truly spectacular.

These are just a few of the many items that shoppers will find when they step inside Oil & Vinegar inside the Chandler Fashion Center.

Mike and Jessica Winn, co-owners of Oil & Vinegar, opened the location in mid-October. They say the store is already becoming very busy with customers who are happy to have a local source for top-quality oils, vinegars, mustards, salts, herbs and spices and much more. The average price for a 100 ml of vinegar runs about $4, while the same quantity of oil is about $6.

The couple, who also own the Oil & Vinegar in Scottsdale, met when they were attending the University of Montana. They were regular customers at the Oil & Vinegar in Missoula, and always appreciated the impressive selection of imported food items, as well as the store’s commitment to customer service.

“After Jessica and I got married, we opened an Oil & Vinegar in Spokane, WA, which became the fastest-growing location in the country,” Mike says.

When he and Jessica wanted to expand into a larger market, they visited and fell in love with the Phoenix metropolitan area.

“We thought that Arizona was definitely the place for us, so we sold our store in Spokane, moved here, and opened the Scottsdale location and now the one in Chandler.”

In addition to the wide variety of olive oils, Jessica says their selection of walnut, grape seed and pistachio oils are very popular with customers. Because Oil & Vinegar specializes in buying products from smaller, family-established

businesses around the world, customers can rest assured that they are getting the freshest products possible.

To provide their customers with “truly genuine” items, Mike says Oil & Vinegar strives to focus on top-notch culinary products.

“We believe in doing one thing well, so we try not to be too diverse with our offerings. We really try to offer our customers very consistent products.”

Mike and Jessica say they both enjoy meeting and teaching their customers, whom they call guests, about their store and its many products.

“It can be a bit overwhelming when you first come in because we have so much stuff,” Jessica says.

“So we will take new customers on a tour of the store and help educate them about our products. We also have tasting parties when people can come in and learn about our different oils and vinegars.”

CULINARY ITEMS GALORE: Oil & Vinegar in Chandler features a wide range of oils, vinegars, herbs, spices, salts, sauces and much more. STSN photo by Kimberly Hosey

Mike says he and Jessica have been pleased by the “phenomenal response” that they have been getting from their customers, most of whom return repeatedly. He also enjoys being part of a franchise that features such an amazing array of products.

“We have constant changes in our product line, and we always end up every month with a different promotion for our customers,” he says.

“We just love it here.”

Oil & Vinegar is located at 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 2304, Chandler, and at 15323 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 125, Scottsdale. For more information, call 480-963-9490 or visit www. oilandvinegarusa.com.

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

Doing Business

AZ Temptoos

Owner: David Wolff

How long in business: 12 years

Specialty: Airbrushed temporary tattoos

Unique features: Unique option for parties of all kinds

Hours of operation: Anytime

Address: 1059 W. Whitten St., Chandler Phone: 480-329-5796

Website: aztemptoos.com

Lovestruck

Owner: KellyAnne Henry

How long in business: Less than a month

Specialty: Bridesmaid dresses and beauty services

Unique features: Offers in-home bridal party parties. Brides can shop the website and Lovestruck will bring the dresses to them to try on in the comfort of their own homes and also has a full line of a modest collection.

Hours of operation: By appointment only

Address: 813 W. Elliot Rd., Suite 9, Chandler Phone: 480-797-6507

Website: lovestruckllc.com

Imagine Images Graphic Design Studios

Owner: Paul Ludenia

How long in business: 16 years

Unique features: Graphic design company specializing in print, Web and multimedia design.

Address: 847 E. Las Colinas Pl., Chandler Phone: 763-607-2621 or 480-588-6380

Email: paul@imagineimages.com

Website: imagineimages.com

SEND IN YOUR BUSINESS PROFILE FOR ‘DOING BUSINESS’

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 38,000 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, specialty, 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.

The sooner you submit the information to us, the sooner we’ll be able to profile your business, as it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. Email this information to Business@SanTanSun.com or visit SanTanSun.com and click on the “Doing Business” form to submit.

Amy Jones of RE/MAX Infinity welcomes two new agents

The Amy Jones Group of RE/MAX Infinity has been recognized as one of the top five RE/MAX teams in Arizona and one of the top 50 teams in the country. In addition to the recognition, two new agents joined Amy Jones and her group.

Mindy Jones, an Arizona native, earned her master’s degree in public administration and certification in online instruction. She has the roots and resources to help buyers and sellers every step of the way. Jones prides herself on providing excellent

DC

customer service and going above and beyond to help her clients achieve their real estate goals.

JOSH MESSICK. Submitted photo

Josh Messick, a resident of the Valley for more than 20 years, attended the University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University. He has a passion for developing great relationships and feels his real estate career allows him the ability to combine that passion with helping each of his clients realize their real estate dreams.

Steakhouse open for holiday

The DC Steakhouse will be open its usual seven nights a week in December including Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, but will be closed Christmas and New Year’s days. DC Steakhouse is available to host holiday gatherings.

Call now to set your holiday parties, 480-899-4400. Gift certificates are available online, dc-steakhouse.com.

DC Steakhouse is located at 98 S. San Marcos Pl., Chandler.

Chandler Subway store honored

The November Subway restaurant of the month went to store No. 51988, 4200 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, and its manager Briana Huffman, a five-year veteran of the store.

Huffman began her career at Subway as a sandwich artist.

Subway store owner Christine Blank says Huffman is “a very hard worker who strives for perfection.” The assistant manager for the Subway store is Jared Kincaid.

The restaurant has maintained a customer service score above 90% for most of the year. Blank says employees

Now Offering Flu Shots

greet guests when they arrive and provide a great atmosphere for customers to enjoy their lunch or dinner. Blank empowers her employees to make decisions in the restaurant, allowing guests to leave satisfied with their visit and also encourages return visits. She is also active in building relationships in the community through countless donations.

Toliver’s Carpet supports community in many ways

Toliver’s Carpet One Floor & Home is a locally owned flooring store in Chandler. As part of the Carpet One Floor & Home cooperative, they are able to benefit from economies of scale such as lower product costs, but they remain independently owned and managed. As an independently owned business, Toliver’s Carpet One Floor & Home contributes to the local community in many ways—participating in community causes, employing local workers and contributing the local economy.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, local businesses donate two times as much to local charities. Supporting a local business allows them to continue supporting charities and community programs locally.

Local businesses hire workers in their communities. In fact, local businesses account for over 65% of all new jobs. A thriving local business can help to reduce unemployment in the Chandler area.

“We are proud to be part of the Chandler community and contribute as much as we can to making our community the best it can be,” says John Toliver of Toliver’s Carpet One Floor & Home. “We welcome our neighbors and friends to visit us to

see how they can get great value and selection from a local business.”

Learn more about shopping local and Carpet One Floor & Home at CarpetOne.com/Shop-Local.

Toliver’s Carpet One Floor & Home is a locally owned flooring retailer serving the Chandler area. They are part of North America’s leading floor covering co-op. Their showroom is known for carrying a broad selection of beautiful carpet, wood, laminate, ceramic, vinyl, and area rugs including exclusive brands like Bigelow and Lees. They offer a unique customer experience with the exclusive SelectAFloor merchandising system that simplifies the shopping experience and The Beautiful Guarantee, which guarantees that the customer will be 100% happy with his/her floor. Toliver’s Carpet One Floor & Home is also the home of the exclusive Healthier Living Installation system. For more information visit toliverscarpetonechandler.com or call 480-899-2272. Toliver’s Carpet One Floor & Home is located at 275 W. Warner Rd., Chandler.

Americans rate kindness as top factor in quality health care

Dignity Health, one of the five largest health systems in the United States, revealed through its nationwide survey that the power of human kindness in health care and the perception of kindness in society are important.

Chandler Regional, Mercy Gilbert and St. Joseph’s hospital and medical centers are part of the Dignity Health System.

According to the survey, which was conducted by Wakefield Research for Dignity Health, 87% of Americans feel kind treatment by a physician is more important than other key considerations in choosing a health care provider, including average wait time before appointments, distance from home and the cost of care. Yet, 64% have experienced unkind behavior in a health care setting, including the failure of a caregiver to connect on a personal level (38%), staff rudeness (36%) and poor listening skills (35%).

“At Dignity Health, we have long believed that human kindness has the potential to heal and this survey confirms that the vast majority of patients feel the same way,” says Lloyd H. Dean, president and CEO of Dignity Health. “We are committed to providing our patients with experiences where they feel welcomed, respected

and cared for by fostering stronger connections with our doctors, nurses and caregivers.”

The survey found that when people experience unkindness in a health care setting, a majority feel that their quality of care is negatively affected (93%) and withhold information from their physician (54%) when speaking with health care professionals.

It also found that 90% of Americans feel like switching health care providers or physicians after receiving unkind treatment; 72% of Americans would be willing to pay more for a physician who emphasized kindness when treating patients and 88% would be willing to travel further to see a health care provider or physician who emphasized kindness when treating patients.

Earlier this year, Dignity Health launched a national campaign, “Hello Humankindness” that engages its workforce and the public in improving the health and well-being of their communities. Dignity Health also recently partnered with Kids for Peace to sponsor the upcoming Great Kindness Challenge, which encourages students across the United States to perform 50 acts of kindness from Jan. 27 through 31. Stay engaged in the conversation by following #hellohumankindness.

Ocotillo offers free golf for juniors after 3

p.m.

Ocotillo Golf Resort is introducing golf to juniors at an affordable cost through Ocotillo Family Golf.

Juniors can golf for free after 3 p.m. when playing with a paying adult. They will also receive complimentary golf instruction when taking a lesson with a paying adult. The lessons must be taken together with the same instructor. In addition, juniors can also enjoy complimentary Callaway Rental Clubs all day.

The program is available every day of the week all year long.

Ocotillo Golf Resort is located at 3751 S. Clubhouse Dr., Chandler. For information call 480-917-6660 and mention Ocotillo Family Golf.

Chandler promotes AIDS awareness

To raise awareness of the need for education and outreach, Aunt Rita’s Foundation is launching a statewide campaign that promotes HIV/AIDS awareness across Arizona by launching HIVAZ.ORG an online resource for testing and services. A portion of the campaign, made up of banners that will hang throughout the state, are in conjunction with World Aids Day and are designed to remind all Arizonans that HIV/AIDS is still one of the largest epidemics in global history. The only way to stop this epidemic is to know your status and get tested.

The banners will hang in civic locations in more than 20 municipalities including Chandler, Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, Tempe and Sedona as well as every Walgreens statewide and other locations such as select Safeway centers, Bicycle Ranch of Arizona and Carefree Resort & Conference Center. In total, more than 280 banners will hang across Arizona celebrating World AIDS Day. The banner campaign is the launch of ProjectHIVAZ, Aunt Rita’s new HIV education and awareness campaign introducing HIVAZ. ORG, Arizona’s first comprehensive online database of services, providers, physicians, case managers and testing locations is the base of this campaign. HIVAZ.org is one of only a few sites of its kind in the nation and is Arizona’s online resource for HIV testing and prevention as well as to directly connect those affected by HIV/AIDS to the resources they need.

According to the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention, among the more than 1.1 million people living with HIV/ AIDS in the United States, an estimated 1 in 5 of those do not know they are infected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that everyone ages 15-65 get an HIV test at least once in their life as part of a standard healthcare evaluation. http://kff.org/hivaids/fact-sheet/hivtesting-in-the-united-states/

“This campaign is a megaphone for the message that Aunt Rita’s spreads everyday” says Aunt Rita’s Foundation Executive Director Kit Kloeckl. “The World Health Organization’s 2013 theme for World AIDS Day is ‘Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths.’ We hope that these banners are a bold statement to all that live with HIV/AIDS that there is hope in education and to the Arizona community that HIV is still an epidemic and everyone needs to know their status and get tested. We created HIVAZ.ORG to provide Arizonans with a central database for testing and resources.”

Founded in 1987, Aunt Rita’s Foundation, a 501 (c)(3), nonprofit agency that advocates HIV education and awareness and raises and equitably distributes funds to 18 HIV/AIDS service organizations with programs to prevent HIV/AIDS or assist those living with the disease. Aunt Rita’s primary fundraiser is the AIDS Walk Phoenix & 5K Run in October. Money raised is equally distributed to participating agencies which include The Bill Holt Clinic at

Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Chicanos Por La Causa, Compassion in Action, Concilio Latino De Salud, Ebony House, H.E.A.L. International, HIV/AIDS Law Project, HIV Care Directions, Joshua Tree Feeding Program, McDowell Healthcare Clinic, Maricopa Interfaith HIV/AIDS Alliance, Native American Health, one n ten, The Phoenix Shanti Group, Project Hardhat, Southwest Behavioral Health Services, Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, and Terros. For more information, visit auntritas.org or call 602-882-8675.

■ Are you worried about the cost of Health Insurance?

• We can help determine if you eligible for a subsidy through the new Health Insurance exchanges.

■ Does your spouse or children need insurance or are you paying a fortune for COBRA?

■ Are you confused on what plan you need?

CORPORATE CHRONICLES

Academy Mortgage Corp. celebrates 25 years of service Academy Mortgage is commemorating its silver anniversary with a goal of contributing 25,000 hours of service in 2013-2014. Attention will be focused on sustainable homeownership and education.

The Chandler Academy Branch has organized a service project with East Valley Christian Coalition and Habitat for Humanity to rebuild a home for a family in Chandler. It kicked off on Nov. 23 and the dedication of the home will take place on March 22.

For additional information, contact Emily Franson at 801-691-8337 or emily. franson@academymortgage.com.

Clay Strawn honored with coveted Silver Award

Clay Strawn, an agent with EXIT Realty Sun Living in Chandler, was honored with the coveted Silver Award by EXIT Realty Corp. International. The award was given in recognition of achieving more than 50 closed transaction sides from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2013.

For more information about EXIT Realty Sun Living in Chandler, visit exitrealty.com.

Save the Date

The Arizona State University Chandler Innovation Center is holding a grand opening at 8:30 a.m. Fri., Jan. 17, for its world-class learning and research facility. More information to follow.

Smart Move Tutoring

celebrates 7 years in Chandler

Smart Move Tutoring, which helps students in kindergarten through eighth grade in reading, math and writing skills, celebrates its seventh year in Chandler. The business offers individualized tutoring based on the needs of the students. It also works directly with teachers to develop a unique program for each student. Free assessments will be provided throughout December. Visit smartmovetutoring.com or call Marie Smith at 480-215-2132 for information.

Welcome Sibley’s West to community

Join the chamber in welcoming Sibley’s West to the community at a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 4:305:30 p.m. Tue., Dec. 10, at 72 S. San Marcos Pl., Chandler. Admission is free.

Other chamber events include:

Wake Up Chandler

7:30-9 a.m. Wed., Dec. 11

Wake-Up Chandler is a networking event. Businesses should bring brochures and promotional items and be prepared to give a 30-second commercial about your company. There is also a Christmas hat contest, so come show the group your holiday spirit. $5 members, and $15 nonmembers.

Landings Credit Union 4850 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler

Grand Opening – Wells Fargo 10-11 a.m. Wed., Dec. 11

Join the chamber in commemorating Wells Fargo’s new Chandler location. Free.

Wells Fargo 2600 S. Price Rd., Chandler

Ribbon Cutting – Uptown Art

4:30-5:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 11

Join the chamber in welcoming Uptown Art to the community at its ribbon-

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cutting ceremony. Free.

1900 W. Germann Rd., Suite 5, Chandler

Ribbon Cutting – Nextfort Data Center

4-7 p.m. Wed., Dec. 11

Join the chamber in welcoming Nextfort Data Center to the community at its ribbon-cutting ceremony. Free. 2600 W. Germann Rd., Chandler

Member Welcome Breakfast

7:30-9:30 a.m. Thu., Dec. 12

The Member Welcome Breakfast offers more information about the chamber. Take this opportunity to learn more about the benefits of the chamber and bring your brochures, literature and business cards to distribute. Free; complimentary light breakfast included. Chandler Chamber of Commerce

25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler

Technology Lunch Seminar Series

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thu., Dec. 12

Join the chamber to discuss Web design and development and latest design methods. The Technology Lunch Series is held on the second Thursday of every month. $5 members, $15 nonmembers. Chandler Chamber of Commerce

25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler

Chandler Chamber Lunch Club

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Mon., Dec. 16

The goal of the Chandler Chamber Lunch Club is to network and promote local businesses while having lunch and networking with others in Chandler. Businesses will have a chance to exchange business cards, as well as provide a gift from their business to use as a door prize. $10 lunch, members and nonmembers.

Barrelhouse American Kitchen & Cocktails

2050 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 8, Chandler

Ribbon

Cutting –

Elite Shutters

and Blinds

4:30-5:30 p.m. Tue., Dec. 17

Join the chamber in welcoming Elite Shutters and Blinds to the community at its ribbon-cutting ceremony. Free.

119 S. Weber Dr., Chandler

Business After Business

5-7 p.m. Thu., Dec. 19

The Chandler Chamber hosts this monthly Business After Business event to give businesses the opportunity to meet new chamber members, make business contacts and get a chance to win the “Chamber Cash Pot!” sponsored by Thorobred Chevrolet. There will also be an “ugly” sweater contest, so come prepared. $5 members, $15 nonmembers.

Valle Luna Mexican Restaurant 1949 W. Ray Rd., Chandler

Small Business Counseling

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20

Experienced mentors provide help for

small business. Sessions at the Chandler Chamber are available by appointment only. Call the chamber office for available times. Free.

Chandler Chamber of Commerce

25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler

Success Dynamics Leads Group

7:30-8:30 a.m. Mondays Dec. 9 and 16

This leads group meets every Monday morning to help our business members network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, talk about upcoming events and sales that they are running. First two visits are free.

Brunchies

17 E. Boston St., Chandler

Chandler Business Connection

Leads Group

7:30-8:30 a.m. Tuesdays Dec. 10 and 17

Chandler Business Connection Leads Group meets every Tuesday to help our business members network and grow their businesses. Each member is given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, talk about upcoming events and sales that they are running. First two visits are free.

BLD

1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler

The Sun Lakes Networking Group

11:30 a.m.-1 pm. Wednesdays Dec. 11 and 18

This Leads Group will focus on building business relationships in the Sun Lakes area with the support of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. The mission

of this group is to develop trustworthy relationships in the Sun Lakes community while promoting ethical business and returning to the basics of doing business with a handshake. First two visits are free.

Pecan Grove Restaurant

4960 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler

Go-Getters Leads Group

7:30-8:30 a.m. Thu., Dec. 19

The Go-Getters meet every Thursday to help business members network and grow their businesses. The Go-Getters Leads Group is a business referral network that helps businesses interact and network. First two visits are free.

U.S. Egg

5840 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler

The Friday Cafe Leads Group

7:30-8:30 a.m. Fridays Dec. 13 and 20

The Friday Café Leads Group meets every Friday to help our members interact and grow their businesses. Each member is given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, talk about upcoming events and sales that they are running. First two visits are free.

Chompie’s Delicatessen Restaurant 3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler

Contact the Chamber

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is at 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201. Unless otherwise specified, for more information and to register for these programs, call 480-963-4571, visit chandlerchamber.com or meetup.com/ ChandlerChamber, or email info@ chandlerchamber.com.

Join the chamber from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Wed., Dec. 11, at Higher Grounds Roastery and Cafe, 2556 S. Val Vista Dr., Suite 101, Gilbert. The gathering provides an informal atmosphere for individuals to share conversations with other professionals and learn more about businesses in the community. Individuals are responsible for the cost of their own meal. There is no admission. RSVP for seating estimate.

Network during Power Hour

From 10 to 11:30 a.m. Fri., Dec. 13, a Power Hour networking event will take place at Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit Barbecue, 2206 E. Williams Field Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert. Power Hour is held quarterly to provide business professionals with networking opportunities to focus on connecting people, opening doors for new business, and developing new resources and relationships. It is $10 for member admission.

For more information, call 480-8920056 or visit gilbertaz.com.