5 17 2014 stsn p17 26 business

J2 Media ‘makes television’

BY ALISON STANTON

For as long as he can remember, Jason Heinkel has wanted to be involved in television and sports.

After studying broadcasting in college and working as a cameraman afterward at television stations, Heinkel decided to branch out and open his own multimedia company. Fifteen years ago, J2 Media opened its doors in Chandler.

Although the company has its foundation in television production— including network television, documentaries and corporate videos— Heinkel says it has responded to market demand by expanding to include digital media, social media, public relations, graphic design and mobile-friendly applications.

“In a nutshell, we make TV,” Heinkel says. “We provide a lot of what is needed in television and production and the media, including working on and producing internal and external video.”

In addition to working on local productions, Heinkel says he and members of his crew have traveled around the globe, working on a variety of projects for the likes of ESPN and Discover.

The company’s biggest project right now, Heinkel says, involves a show that J2 Media conceptualized and created called “Baseball Player University.” The show, which airs nationally on June 7 on

two networks including FoxSports Net in Arizona, helps to bring professional level baseball instruction to players of all skill levels.

“Baseball Player University” is hosted by former Major League and college coach Jeff Forney, Heinkel notes, and features top-notch instruction from former professional athletes.

“We created the show, designed everything for the program including how it looks, provided the crew and are handling the media relations,” he says.

He hopes to duplicate the “BPU” business model with other sports including tennis, golf and football.

Working on other television shows as well as their own programs is one of the things that help to set J2 Media apart from other production companies, Heinkel says.

“We provide services in so many different areas and work with a variety of companies and groups, including nonprofit groups. We are an open door to help out and work with organizations that want to work with us,” he says.

In addition to working on various programs, J2 Media offers a lot to the local community.

“For example, we are heavily involved with the East Valley Jewish Community Center, and our company produced the documentary ‘Our Story’ for them about Holocaust survivors,” he says.

Word of Mouth

Although Heinkel admits his family will roll their eyes at him while they are trying to watch a program on television and he points out what he would have done differently—“I don’t ‘watch’ TV, I ‘look’ at TV,” he says, laughing, he truly enjoys his work.

“From visiting the Galapagos Islands to attending a baseball game, I love to go to work. It’s not just a job; it’s what I love to do.”

J2 Media is located at 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 530, Chandler. For more information, call (602) 418-3202 or visit www.j2media.tv. For more information about Baseball Player University, visit www.BPUtv.com.

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

Summertime is the

time to remove wisdom teeth

‘Get My Mom a Job’ helps single mothers

BY TRACY HOUSE

As a single mom, trying to find a job can be one of the hardest tasks. Just finding help to take care of the children to go out on interviews can be overwhelming, but single moms trying to find a job in Chandler, and around the Valley, are getting some much-needed help and guidance through a new event called “Get My Mom a Job” being hosted Thursday, May 29, at Connect 5 Family Center, 222 E. Warner Rd., Chandler.

Michele Unangst, founder of Get My Mom a Job, knows full well the struggles that single moms face trying to secure a job. She found, after a lot of frustration trying to land a telecommuting position, that there were jobs out there. She finally figured out a system to find the work and developed a job guide.

This is the first event of its kind Unangst explains.

“The venue we’re going to have it in, Connect 5 Family Centers, is set up with a café and huge play section for the children,” Unangst says. “In the back area, is actually the birthday party rooms. We’re going to transition those rooms to workshops. These are going to be interactive workshops for the mothers.”

Unangst chose Connect 5 because she wants to make sure whatever venue the workshops are held at includes free child care.

FOUNDER: Michele Unangst, founder of Get My Mom a Job, says “I realize there’s a need for people who need this. It’s not about selling a product. It’s about giving back.”

Submitted photo

“My thought is we’ll take any anxiety away; their children will be taken care of right there on site. Connect 5 has offered the staffing so that the children will be in the play area, taken care of, and the mothers will be in the workshops.”

CHILD CARE PROVIDED: Connect 5

The event offers two sessions, which will include three, one-hour workshops to accommodate 25 to 30 women in each session. The morning session is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with same sessions repeating from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“What they’ll get from the event, and be able to take away is in regard to telecommuting positions.” Unangst explains. “I’m trying to show these women you can have the best of both worlds and live your life by your designs. You need to know how to step outside the box, find these companies.”

In addition, the women who attend will have access to a free database of employers looking for telecommuters and receive step-by-step instructions of how to find the work-from-home positions.

The second workshop is interview

Chandler Chamber of Commerce announces education award winners

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of three awards recognizing the city’s leaders in education.

The following winners were selected by a Chandler Chamber Committee.

Educator of the Year: Sonya Roche, special education teacher at Santan Junior High

Administrator of the Year: Meg Giansello, director of instructional services, CUSD Support Staff Employee of the Year: Miguel Martinez, custodian at

Arizona College Preparatory—Oakland Campus.

“Chandler takes pride in its exemplary schools and staff,” says Terri Kimble, president and CEO of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. “We were excited to honor such exemplary leaders for their dedication and compassion to Chandler students.”

These individuals were recognized with a small surprise celebration and a certificate of appreciation. Recipients for business and community leader categories will be announced soon.

The Chandler Chamber will honor

all award recipients at the 27th annual Community Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 29, at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, 5040 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler. The event costs $50 for chamber members, $60 for nonmembers and $550 for a table of 10.

For more information visit http://chandlerchamber.com/ annual-awards/, call the chamber at (480) 963-4571 or email info@ chandlerchamber.com.

techniques. Unangst says, “That’s a main issue I find for women. Their self-confidence may be not as high, maybe they’re second guessing themselves, they get there, they’ve been practicing, and when they start asking questions they get really nervous.”

The process will include a mock interview and feedback.

The third workshop will be going over a video cover letter. “I truly believe that we are going into a technology-driven resume cover letter...We’re moving into much more of an innovative stage of how we apply for a position,” Unangst explains. The workshop includes taping a video cover letter.

Anyone who attends will have a resume written for them. “There are much more needs for single mothers than people realize. Anyone who attends the event, we will pay, after the event, if they have an interview, for two hours of their childcare.”

Unangst is planning on hosting more events around the Valley including a Get My Vet a Job in the future. For more information about the free event or to register for the Get My Mom a Job workshops, visit www. getmymomajob.com/events.

Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.

Doing Business

HUB Fitness

LLC

Owner: Ross Murray and Mark Godfrey

How long in business:

Two weeks

Specialty: Fitness

Unique features: Program, motivation, community, accountability.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday. Closed on Sunday Address: 2701 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler Phone: (480) 855-5245 Website: www.thehubfitness.com

StoneCrest Wealth Management

Owner: K. Casey Mahan

How long in business: More than 25 years Specialty: Deliver customized financial solutions and strategies that help protect client assets and enable them to enjoy every moment without worrying about their financial outlook.

Unique features: Deliver wealth management excellence, high level of trust and confidence that comes from strong, personal relationships.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Address: 118 S. Kyrene Rd., Suite 4, Chandler Phone: (602) 258-9400

Website: www.stonecrestwealth.com

FedEx breaks ground for Chandler facility

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER FedEx Ground

hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at the Chandler Airpark May 7 to kick-off construction of the package delivery company’s fourth Valley distribution station, a project it says will add about 200 jobs to its local workforce.

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.

Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny joined members of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and FedEx managers and as they donned hard hats and held shovels at the new facility site near the intersection of Queen Creek and Gilbert roads.

Michael Vickers, managing director of FedEx Ground’s Desert District, says the company is building the distribution station in Chandler in response to increased shipping and delivery in the Southeast Valley.

In a press release, the company notes that the Chandler facility is part of a nationwide ground network expansion that will help it accelerate shipping times. Upon its expected August 2015 completion, the 300,000-square-foot Chandler station will be the company’s largest in the Valley.

According to Vickers, the added facility will increase FedEx Ground’s truck capacity in the area by 40 percent, allowing earlier and later pickup times—though he cautions that

the difference might be difficult for individual customer to detect.

Vickers says Chandler Airpark’s proximity to Interstate10 and the Loop 202 combined with a large customer base nearby wooed company planners when they began narrowing down locations last year.

“As you forecast growth in (the Phoenix area), everything is moving away from downtown,” he says. “We’ve found Chandler to be a great area for us.”

Tibshraeny says the master-planned business park surrounding the Chandler Municipal Airport where FedEx will be located offers attractive opportunities for businesses thinking about building in Chandler.

“We’re pretty bullish on this area,” he says. “We have a friendly business climate—we work closely with companies that want to move in to Chandler.”

Vickers says the 200 new jobs at the distribution facility will include operations, management, administrative and package handling. The company will begin hiring next summer to fill positions for the new facility.

Scott Shumaker is an intern with the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at sshumaker@timespublications.com.

Woodcraft provides woodworking classes, supplies

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Woodworking is a time-honored skill and hobby that is alive and well at Woodcraft and this crafty space may be one of the best-kept secrets in Chandler.

Catering to beginner and master woodcrafters, the store has everything that someone needs to create with wood. Quality machines, equipment, woodworking tools and standard and exotic woods and veneers can be purchased at Woodcraft, a national chain with Chandler being its sole Valley location.

“We don’t just cater to the ‘top end,’” says franchise owner Dwayne Ernest. “We serve the novice, all the way through the experts. If somebody knows absolutely nothing about woodworking this would be a very good starting point for them to come and acquire some knowledge.”

The staff at Woodcraft is highly skilled and can assist with any project, ranging from simple items in woodworking class to correcting

a customer’s at-home wood project.

Woodcraft hosts a wide variety of classes. Although most of them are geared toward adults, some of the entry level and beginning project classes are ideal for older kids and teens.

“Carving is a really good class and turning is another good subject,” Ernest says. “They’re generally very creative classes and you get a reward in the form of a craft really quickly. We teach the fundamentals all the way up to advanced techniques.”

With all classes, there is a pointed focus on safety and learning proper techniques.

Other classes include a router table class, basic lathe techniques, bowl turning, caricature carving bottle stoppers, embellishing, making a mobile kitchen island and one of the most popular classes, basic pen making.

“Pens are extremely popular,” Ernest says. “We sell a ton of kits for different styles of pens and from there, it moves on to razors, pepper mills, bottle stoppers, nutcrackers, garlic presses,

pizza cutters, bottle openers, perfume atomizers and other kits available through us...you can basically build anything you want.”

Woodcraft can also source more unusual tools and equipment.

“We do have people who come in and ask for something that may not be on the floor, but we can source it and have it brought into the store,” Ernest says.

Frequently shoppers come in looking for particular types of wood veneers and the staff can get those, too.

“I think it’s very important that people know that we have the education program here and classes for all ages,” Ernest states. “We are a source that can be utilized. People don’t necessarily have to come here and take a class, they can just come down here and ask us questions and we’ll help.”

The store offers free seminars about everything from upcycling to working with milk paint the second Saturday of each month. Woodcraft is located at 3002 N. Arizona Ave., No. 12, Chandler. Call (480) 539-9663 or visit http:// stores.woodcraft.com/phoenix for a complete listing of classes and product listings.

Lynette Carrington is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be contacted at lynette@santansun.com.

Business

Weekly event connects professionals

Individuals are invited to discover Career Connectors, a nonprofit organization connecting professionals to high quality resources and hiring companies, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at Central Christian Church Student Center, 965 E. Germann Rd., Gilbert.

Events are held four times a month, all available at no cost. Each event includes professional career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four feature hiring companies, networking, resume help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits.

For more information, visit www. careerconnectors.org or call (480) 4425806.

Chandler chamber schedules business opportunities throughout May

Each month the Chandler Chamber of Commerce hosts a variety of opportunities for businesses in Chandler.

Chandler Chamber Lunch Club

From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, May 19, the Chandler Chamber Lunch Club will meet at Whiskey Rose, 135 W. Ocotillo Rd., Chandler. Cost is $10 for lunch, drink and the tip. Help support a chamber member restaurant, while networking, exchanging business cards and brochures. Bring a guest and door prize.

Coffee with the Mayor Chamber members have the opportunity to sit down with Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and discuss ideas and business issues from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler.

Women in Business

On Tuesday, May 20, the Women in Business—May 2014 will be held at SoHo63, 63 E. Boston St., Chandler. Lunch and speakers will begin at 12 p.m. and an optional free-added value workshop will begin at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $25 for members; $35 for guests and no refunds will be provided within 72

hours of the event. Those interested are asked to register online.

The Women in Business workshops, which feature a different program each month, offer opportunities for participants to gain a powerful edge on competition. Such topics as technology, marketing, sales, accounting and legal issues will be discussed.

Small Business Development Center Start Up Lab

A free Small Business Development Center Start Up Lab will take place from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler. SBDC provides the tools and resources to help serious future business owners launch or re-launch a small business in Arizona. Those who attend are asked to come ready to flush out ideas and ensure that time and resources go toward building a solid foundation for the small business.

Business Golf

A Business Golf will be held from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, for networking, building business relationships and meeting new friends. Admission is $30. Each outing is held

at a chamber member golf course on a rotating basis. This month it will take place at Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Dr., Phoenix.

Member Welcome Breakfast

Join others from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday, May 22, for the Member Welcome Breakfast free of cost. Learn more about the chamber and bring business cards and brochures to share at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler.

27th annual Community Awards Dinner

The 27th annual Community Awards Dinner will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at Wild Horse Pass Casino and Hotel. The dinner gives the community the opportunity to recognize outstanding businesses of all sizes, as well as educators and administrators who have demonstrated leadership and exemplified commitment.

Small Business Counseling

Every Monday, Tuesday and the first three Fridays of the month, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce hosts Small Business Counseling from

WHAT’S IT WORTH?

We all have some change sitting in jars! We also have wondered if they have more value than the face value of the coin?

Some actually do. To find out, there are experts that evaluate coins and can tell you “What’s It Worth.” Some examples of great success stories are these.

The rarest and most expensive coin to date in the US is the Flowing Hair Dollar, the first dollar coin issued by the United States federal government. In 2013, the coin sold for $10,016,875 in a private treaty sale. The second most expensive coin to sell was in 2002 at Sotheby’s. This particular Twenty Dollar 1933 Double Eagle Coin sold for $7.5 million. These coins are valued by the date of issue and their rarity.

THE SECOND MOST EXPENSIVE COIN TO SELL WAS IN 2002 AT SOTHEBY’S. THIS PARTICULAR TWENTY DOLLAR 1933 DOUBLE EAGLE COIN SOLD FOR $7.5 MILLION.

Silver coins are determined by several factors including their silver content, overall physical condition or “grade” as well as the rarity of the specific coin. Market prices for circulated silver coins can vary widely depending on the rarity of a particular coin design or date of issue. From 1916 to 1945, the Mercury Dime was minted in Philadelphia, San Francisco and Denver, these coins weigh 2.5 grams and contains 90 precent silver. A couple examples of valuable coins from that period is the 1944 Mercury Dime, it retails at $1.50 while the 1921-D (“D” standingfor Denver Mint) sells for over $500. It pays to look at your change and then begin to research if you feel you have something special and remember there are experts that can assist.

— David Goldstein Owner, Biltmore Loan and Jewelry

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is open to the community and free to attend. Advice, knowledge and insight to help start or grow a business is provided by experienced business counselors. Counseling for small businesses is available through the Maricopa Community Colleges’ Arizona Small Business Development Center network on Mondays and Tuesdays at the chamber office, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler, by appointment only. Contact the Chandler Chamber of Commerce to schedule an appointment.

The Friday Cafe Leads Group

The Friday Cafe Leads Group meets from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. every Friday at Chompie’s Delicatessen Restaurant, 3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler. Individuals are allowed two free visits before deciding whether or not to join the group. The group was created to help business member’s network and g row their business. Members have the opportunity to develop sources and contacts that can help generate sales business.

Go-Getters Leads Group

The first three Thursdays of the month, the Go-Getters Leads Group is held from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler. Individuals are allowed two free visits before deciding whether or not to join the group. This group meets every Thursday, except on the fourth

Thursday of the month at which time it will be attending the Member Welcome Breakfast.

Success Dynamics Leads Group

The Success Dynamics Leads Group meets every Monday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Brunchies, 17 E. Boston St., Chandler. Individuals are allowed two free visits before deciding whether or not to join the group.

Chandler Business Connections Leads Group

The Chandler Business Connections Leads Group is held from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. every Tuesday at BLD, 1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler. Individuals are allowed two free visits before deciding whether or not to join this group. The Chandler Business Connections Leads Group connects businesses one meeting at a time.

Small Business Development Academy Classes

The Small Business Development Academy Classes are held every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at no cost at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler. The classes will solve real marketing and business challenges in an interactive group setting, while learning about today’s latest technology and how it works in today’s economy. The option to attend individual classes or the entire series is available. Those who attend six or more workshops will receive an

academy graduate certificate.

Sun Lakes Networking Group

Join the Sun Lakes Networking Group from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday at Pecan G rove Restaurant, 4960 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Individuals are allowed two free visits before deciding to join the group. This leads group focuses on building business relationships in the Sun Lakes area with the support of the chamber of commerce. It is accomplished through its mission to develop trustworthy relationships in the community while promoting ethical businesses and returning to the basics of doing business on a handshake.

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 www.chandlerchamber.com or www.meetup.com/ChandlerChamber, or email info@chandlerchamber.com. No refunds are available within 72 hours of an event.

Chandler Business Alliance weekly meetings

Every Thursday, the Chandler Business Alliance hosts a networking with a cause breakfast meeting at BLD, 1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

All member and guest businesses will be allowed to present themselves to other local businesses who care about Chandler. Information about local Chandler events and causes, such as the Melonhead Foundation Meikel Hansen Bowl-a-thon on Sunday, June 15, will be provided.

The Chandler Business Alliance is a professional business coalition dedicated to the economic and social development of its members and the Chandler community as a whole. This mission will be accomplished through establishing a network of businesses owned and/or operated by members of Chandler neighborhoods. Members will demonstrate their commitment to the mission through the patronage, referral and recommendation of fellow members. In addition, members will provide financial and other support to local charitable organizations. For more information, visit www. chandleralliance.com.

Elements

Massage opens seven days a week

CORPORATE CHRONICLES

Elements Massage, 3421 W. Frye Rd., Suite 6, Chandler, has created a niche in an increasingly competitive industry by specializing solely in massage services. Whether it is to provide relief from pain, release of tension, reduction of stress or simply to relax, regularly scheduled massages are the best bet of reaching these goals. Elements also specialize in prenatal massages. Elements is doing everything they can to help clients reach their goals by making

therapeutic massage increasingly affordable and available to time-starved consumers.

Massage Elements Chandler Village is open seven days a week because they recognize the value of massage in maintaining overall health and wellness.

The philosophy at Elements is to match the right therapist with each client to reach the desired outcome and exceed expectations.

Therapists spend time with each client to understand problem areas and learn about any health conditions the client may have, therefore customizing the experience to meet specific needs.

For more information call (480) 917-4880 or visit, http://elementsmassage.com/ chandlervillage.

Agent recognized for outstanding service

Doug Stimeling, an American Family Insurance agent in Gilbert, has been recognized for providing outstanding customer experience under the American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Certification. He joins other American Family agents who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to outstanding customer service.

Stimeling has been an agent for American Family since May 1993. His office is located at 2811 S. Market St., Gilbert.

Rucker honored with award

The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co., a more than 167-year-old company, announces Jason

Rucker, CFP, of Cambridge Financial Services in Chandler has been honored with the 2013 Financial Professional of the Year Award.

This award recognizes a Penn Mutual financial professional who demonstrates the highest standards of continuing education, performance and ethics in helping clients achieve a lifetime of financial well-being.

A 17-year industry veteran, Rucker has been affiliated with Penn Mutual since 2000.

Virtual Career Fair for nurses

Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center will be holding a virtual career fair for nurses to support its expansion with a 96-bed tower expected to open in the fall. The event will take place from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 22. Nurses will be able to chat online with Chandler Regional’s recruiters and directors.

Sign up at www. DignityHealthAZCareers.org or www. DignityHealthCareers.org/Chandler and search jobs and apply using keyword “tower.”

For additional information contact Amanda Shapiro at (480) 728-8389. For more information about the tower expansion project, visit www. DignityHealth.org/Arizona.

Spend tax refund on home improvements

Millions of North Americans receiving a tax refund this year will be faced with the question, “How should I spend the money?” While some may choose to splurge on a vacation or a fun purchase, a smart option for the extra money is to invest in home improvements.

According to a recent report by USA Today, the average refund could be more than $3,000, which could make a bit of a difference in a home.

By investing tax refund dollars into home improvements, whether it’s new lighting, new hardware, new flooring or new landscaping, the extra income can provide a little excitement, while also increasing a home’s value for resale.

Carpet One Floor and Home encourages customers to invest in creating a beautiful home. The business also stresses the importance of making smart decisions when customers are working on any home project.

“We know the importance of being proud of your home. A home should reflect your personality and lifestyle,” says John Toliver of Toliver’s Carpet One Floor and Home. “But, you also want to ensure that your investment will offer you a high return on the value of your home.”

Carpet One Floor and Home offers a few suggestions on how to invest tax refunds in the home. Find the right light and give a room a bright, fresh new look with updated lighting fixtures. In the bathroom, choose a light that fits both sides of the mirror evenly for a balanced spread of light, rather than a fixture that lights vanity mirrors from above and creates unflattering shadows. Different levels of light can be created by choosing from ceiling lights, lamps and task lighting. Choose quality flooring for a solid foundation. Installing new flooring can give a dramatic change to a room. It’s also a great investment in the home. With new products like luxury vinyl tile, engineered stone and super soft carpet, there are many options that provide quality, performance and style. Checking the warranty available for a floor provides a good idea of the durability of a product. Carpet One Floor and

Home provides an easy to understand warranty system to help customers make smart decisions.

Plant an investment and watch it grow. Landscaping is not just about good looks, it can increase a home’s value, make it sell more quickly, and even reduce energy bills. Invest in flowering trees and perennials that will give the gift of color year after year. Fountains, yard art, or attractive benches are also great new additions for outdoor spaces.

Build in organization to maximize both the horizontal and vertical space in a room by adding a built-in shelving unit. Consider a built-in bookshelf on either side of a doorway or along a blank wall to create a wrap-around cozy reading nook.

Give the stairs a step up within a home. Constant foot traffic on stairs can wreak havoc on carpets, leaving them dull and dingy. For entrance stairways that see a constant flow of feet, a new carpet runner can do wonders for the overall look and make for a more inviting welcome area. When choosing new carpet runner for stairs, darker colors as well as patterns will help mask dust and dirt. Generally shorter pile carpets show less wear and tear over time. Look for carpets with superior warranties. Consider adding stair rods on the landings of each step, which add a classic accent while keeping the runner secure.

Cook up a new look and update the kitchen. Kitchen trends are looking a little softer in 2014. Warmer metals like brass and copper are being used in the place of stainless steel. And with that, warmer, natural flooring is the perfect compliment. A beautiful hardwood floor can make the kitchen feel cozier. For a natural stone look there is a new product available, engineered stone. Vero Stone, available at Carpet One Floor and Home, provides unbelievably realistic stone looks while providing added durability and a softer, warmer feel underfoot.

Toliver’s Carpet One Floor and Home is located at 275 W. Warner Rd., Chandler. For more information call (480) 8992272.

This was me! I found myself really out of shape weighing 270 pounds, having high blood pressure and on cholesterol lowering medication. I wasn’t sleeping well or exercising and on a really bad path—I needed to do something and about my health.

My personal trainer, Kyle White, has helped me to achieve better health, by doing specific corrective exercises which help with my muscle imbalances and posture. Additionally, it required eating the right types of foods and ultimately relieving the stress that was present in my life.

Dignity Health credentials new physicians

Dignity Health Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers have credentialed 10 physicians in April. There are more than 900 credentialed physicians that practice at Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert.

“We are pleased to welcome these highly trained professionals to our team,” says Tim Bricker, president and CEO of Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert medical centers. “It is our goal to meet the needs of the community in the best way possible, and adding to this great team we have in our hospitals will be of great benefit to everyone.”

New physicians are as follows:

Dr. John Fortune, trauma/general surgery, Chandler Regional

Dr. Farid Ghebleh, critical care/pulmonary, Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert

Dr. Douglas Griffin, podiatry, Mercy Gilbert

Dr. Kari Jerge, trauma/general surgery, Chandler Regional

Dr. Ajo Joy, neurology, Chandler Regional (currently at Mercy Gilbert)

Dr. Carlos Justiniano, trauma/general surgery, Chandler Regional

Dr. Hursh Naik, cardiology, Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert

Dr. Darrell Reed, gastroenterology, Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert

Dr. William Thomas, critical care, Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert

Dr. Thomas Welsh, urgent care/internal medicine, Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert

To learn more, visit www.chandlerregional.org or www.mercygilbert.org. To find a physician, call ResourceLink, a free referral service, at (877)728-5414.

plans for individuals, group

weight loss

nutritional support, one-on-one training, and athletic training. Give us a try. I now not only am a testimonial as to what worked for me, but we can offer a plan and a place where it can work for you

I have attained a life style change that will see me through the “Golden Years” and offers me more capabilities and better health. I have lost a total of 75 pounds and I am off cholesterol lowering medications. I was so convinced Kyle was the person that essentially “saved my life” so to speak, and could help so many others that he should open his own Fitness Studio and avail his talents to others in the Sun Lakes and Chandler areas. Well, as it turns out, Kyle and I together opened that studio … Total Fitness Solutions. We are here to help you too! We offer specific

Gilbert chamber hosts slew of events in next month

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce boasts a complete lineup of events for the next four weeks.

The 411

Join others from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, at the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, 119 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert for The 411.

The comprehensive membership orientation provides an opportunity for individuals to learn how to maximize the benefits of their chamber investment. Ask questions of chamber staff and develop an action plan for chamber engagement and success, while gaining an insider’s view of the programs and services. The event is free for current and prospective members of the chamber.

Chamber Chat—Morning

The Chamber Chat—Morning will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 11, at Blue Lemon, 4341 E. Baseline Rd, Suite 108, Gilbert. A buffet breakfast, beverage and tax is included in the $10 admission. RSVP for purpose of food preparation.

The information gathering is a fun way to share conversations with other professionals and learn more about businesses in the community while meeting with other chamber members. No script, no agenda, just

good food, great company and friendly conversation.

Power Hour

From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, June 13, Power Hour will be held at Cooper Crossing Executive Suites, 1820 E. Ray Rd., Chandler.

Come prepared to share issues and be ready to learn from others. Jill Schiefelbein of Impromptu Guru will help generate ideas and solutions to improve businesses. The meeting space will be available for an additional hour after Power Hour to continue conversations and or networking.

The free event is for chamber members only.

Annual Business Awards Luncheon

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, the annual Business Awards Luncheon will be held at DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix-Gilbert and SanTan Elegante Conference Center, 1800 S. SanTan Village Pkwy., Gilbert. General admission is $50; $35 for chamber members and $350 for table sponsors, which includes a table for eight, sponsor’s name on event collateral, sponsor’s name displayed on table and recognition at the event.

Join the chamber in honoring outstanding businesses and individuals nominated in the following categories: Large, Mid-Size and Small Business of

the Year; Employer of Choice; Family Business of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

To learn more about the chamber or to join, call (480) 892-0056 or visit www.gilbertaz.com.

Chamber reports more than $2.1 million in closed business

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce recently released the closed-business figure of more than $350,000 between members of the Chamber’s five referral teams during the organization’s third quarter, ending in March; and more than $2.1 million over the past nine months.

The Gilbert Chamber’s referral teams are industry-exclusive groups of professionals representing approximately 150 businesses who work to build strategic partnerships with one another and understand the products and services provided by each member of the group.

“We bring diverse industries together into the same room every week to not only do business with one another, but also encourage the referral of new business from external sources,” says Sara Clifton, the chamber’s programs and services director. “It’s about the strategic partnerships that are created. The relationships that are built are the driving force behind the success of these teams.”

The recorded results of closed business reflect only those figures reported by businesses participating in the chamber’s referral teams and do not include those businesses not participating in such groups who also receive chamber-to-member or member-to-member referrals.

The referral teams are capped at 35 participating businesses. Limited availability exists in the following categories: accountant; electrician; pool maintenance; schools and education; pest control; auto repair; handyman and nonprofit.

To learn more about the benefits of the chamber, contact Clifton at (480) 941-6321.

REFERRAL TEAMS: The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce recently released the closedbusiness figure of more than $350,000 between members of the chamber’s five referral teams during the organization’s third quarter, ending in March. Submitted photo