March 2007
Bank Note$ - News You Can Bank On
Volunteer of the Month, Joretta Nolen
If you ask her about retiring someday in the future, Joretta Nolen just says, "No, not ever. I will never quit." Her company, Furniture Design Solutions, requires long hours and tremendous commitment. Regardless, Joretta tirelessly collects clothing and supplies for the women of One Step Closer, Inc. and Sunlight of the Spirit. From bedroom slippers to bedroom furniture, she hauls it all herself in her truck to the ones who need it most.
The women who benefit from Joretta's persistence live in a structured and illegal substance-free environment while they ready themselves for "real life." Joretta says, "They don't have the basics, yet they have to compete for jobs just like everybody else does. You might see the little soaps and shampoos from the hotel you stayed at over the weekend as being inconsequential. To any of these women, they are treasures."
Joretta's efforts are supported with both enthusiasm and donations by the Northwest Women's Network, whose representative Jennifer Zacharias (Z's Fine Jewelry) nominated Joretta for Volunteer of the Month. Jennifer's nomination was seconded by a unanimous vote of the group who takes pride in what Joretta is able to accomplish, virtually single-handedly. Jennifer observes, "Joretta is amazing, and she doesn't even realize it. She has changed people's lives."
For more information or to make a donation, call Joretta Nolen at 623-206-2325.
Wholly Healthful
ACB client Dr. Laryn Callaway, creator of Organic Bistro Whole Life Meals, is a naturopathic physician and a gourmet cook and devoted gardener. In her practice, she discovered that her patients with medical conditions requiring improved diets had a difficult time preparing healthy meals. Dr. Callaway came up with a line of flash-frozen meals to meet the nutritional requirements of anyone who needs to improve his or her diet, or who just wants to eat healthfully but doesn't always have the time or ability to cook properly. She collaborated with a gourmet chef and registered dietician to create recipes that are delicious, satisfy the need for complete meals, and are made from healthy, whole food ingredients.
After a period of research and development, she started to work with Mark Whitehouse, formerly an executive at the Dial Corporation, who developed her business plan and go to market strategy. Whitehouse brought on board Mark Preston, also formerly of the Dial Corporation, for general management and sales expertise. After thousands of hours, Callaway Consumer Products was born.
Dr. Callaway says that Americans' meal choices are deficient in essential fats, fiber, vegetables and lean protein choices. She warns, "The standard American diet is creating a surge in type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Numerous scientific studies to date have repeatedly shown that a diet rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, lean protein and high quality fats (from olive oil, fish, and nuts and seeds) significantly reduces the risk of common diseases that can kill or disable most Americans. Preliminary studies on organic foods show that they contain higher quantities of nutrients than conventionally grown counterparts. And they do not contain pesticides, herbicides, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, hormones or genetically modified organisms."
Organic Bistro Whole Life Meals combine convenience, restaurant quality flavor and recipes, with premium organic and natural ingredients that adhere to strict nutritional criteria. Recipes are designed not by a food chemist, but by a chef, dietician and naturopathic physician to include the maximum quantities of nutritious ingredients possible. USDA accredited Oregon Tilth - the oldest organic certification agency in the U.S.- certifies that meals are made with 70 percent organic ingredients. All meals are gluten and dairy free.
Organic Bistro Whole Life Meals are sold locally at many retail locations, including Sprouts Markets, Sunflower Markets, Whole Food Markets, Wild Oats Markets, and AJ's Fine Foods.
For more information, visit www.theorganicbistro.com .
Cars and Canap�s
At the ACB-hosted WESTMARC Member Reception on February 8, classic and antique cars competed with tempting food for the oohs and ahhs of the guests. C.A.R.S. of Sun Cities joined the reception to showcase their vehicles, which ranged from an early Ford horseless carriage to a 1969 Dodge van/truck.
WESTMARC (Western Maricopa Coalition), founded in 1990, is a regional coalition among the leaders of government, education, business, and communities in Western Maricopa County. For more information, visit www.westmarc.org or call 623-435-0431.
Success Is in the Cards
After more than twenty years with Phelps Dodge, Jerry Knight decided it was time to go home - to work. Her love of operating a home-based business eventually led her to Send Out Cards, and what she describes as "the best of both worlds." She operates a successful business, and she is her own boss. "Besides," she adds, "the commute is wonderful."
Send Out Cards is for both personal and business use, and permits the mailing of one to several thousand cards at a time, all from the sender's computer. Jerry says, "The uses are as varied as your imagination. They are an affordable, effective, and versatile marketing tool, as well as a wonderful way to keep in touch with family and friends. You can even enclose gift cards. It's a great way to say thanks for a referral, to welcome a new client, or to take care of wedding and graduation presents without ever leaving your home or office."
Jerry says that the ability to program ahead appeals to a lot of customers. "You can be certain you never miss a customer's anniversary again. In fact, I had one grandmother who programmed cards to go to her children and grandchildren for a number of years in the future. The cards will keep going for years, regardless of what else might happen."
For more information or to request a gift account, contact Jerry Knight at 623-341-0000.
Looking Good While Getting Better
ACB client and registered nurse Evet Berry took over an existing shop in Peoria, and opened Partners Wig Salon in September 2007. Specializing in wigs for medical hair loss due to chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments, Evet offers a full range of style options and product prices. "People are already dealing with the cost and trauma of the disease, and usually don't have a lot of money," Berry said. "Treatment can be very costly. So I give them the best quality for under $100. You can't tell the difference between the more affordable wigs and the expensive ones."
Originally, Evet had decided to open a shop offering breast forms and bras for mastectomy patients, but when the opportunity arose to take over the wig salon located in close proximity to her business, she decided it was all meant to be. "I have always loved hair and I wear wigs. I decided to combine the two businesses - breast forms and wigs,"she explained.
She also coordinates with local hospitals and the American Cancer Society to serve as a resource for people coping with the effects of cancer and cancer treatment. She hopes to eventually have boutiques in local hospitals so that cancer patients can begin immediately to procure items that will help them "look good as they get better."
Partners Wig Salon is open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It is located on Grand Avenue at 87th Avenue, directly behind Denny's. For more information, visit www.careforchemo.com, or call (623) 334-0563.
Always Write
Some people grow up to be writers; Jody Serey was born to it. As a first-grader, she was already writing plays for her friends to perform during recess. By the time she reached junior high, she was not only turning out short stories and poems, she was also illustrating them with her own sketches.
After years of being a managing editor, freelance writer, public speaker and award-winning poet and librettist, Jody went into business with her husband, David, forming Serey/Jones (Jones is her maiden name), a creative studio that produces printed and online marketing content. Since 1991, Jody has been writing copy of all kinds, from speeches and liner notes to news releases and product brochures for a wide variety of clients - including Arrowhead Community Bank. She and David are also clients of the Bank.
In addition to her 50-plus hour weeks with Serey Jones, Jody has been a partner in Spirit & Light since 2003, using her background in liturgy to create and perform weddings, baptisms, dedications, funerals and other ceremonies throughout Arizona. She's also on the executive board of Northwest Women's Network and is a member of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. And, oh yes - she's raised three children and countless pets.
"Whatever you need, whenever you need it, whether it's professional or personal, Jody's there,"says Peggy Bowers of How's Electronics. "If she charged for all the expertise she cheerfully gives away, she and David would never have to work again."
By the way, it was Peggy's idea to do this profile of Jody. "She's beyond compare as a writer, but there's more to it than that. She does so much for other people, injecting so much skill and spirit, and she never gets recognized for it. It's about time she did."
For more information about Jody and her work, visit www.sereyjones.com ,or www.jodyserey.com.
New Commission Chair
Natalie Stahl, owner of Virginia's House in historic Glendale, was recently installed as the chair of the Glendale Planning and Zoning Commission. The Commission analyzes, reviews, and makes recommendations to the Glendale City Council regarding land use applications and development related issues, including rezoning, General Plan amendments, conditional use permits, and annexations. Members are appointed by the City Council for two-year terms.
The Commission meets the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Glendale City Council Chamber. Meetings are televised on Glendale Channel 11. For more information, visit www.glendaleaz.com.
Deborah Campbell New Chair of Glendale Chamber
ACB client Deborah Campbell (FASTSIGNS on Bell Road) was honored with other outstanding members and staffers of The Glendale Chamber of Commerce at the 56th annual Business Appreciation Luncheon held on February 8 at the Glendale Civic Center. Outgoing chair, Bill Toops, passed the gavel to Deborah, who will serve as the chamber's chair for 2007. During her address to the gathering, Deborah expressed her commitment to represent the interests of our citizens and business community to the utmost of her ability. For more information, visit www.glendaleazchamber.org.
Peoria North Rotary
ACB client Peoria North Rotary Club, chartered in December 2005, is active by any organization's standards. The 30 members participate in a broad spectrum of activities, which have ranged from local networking and fundraising efforts to international charity service.
Weekly program highlights have included a variety of speakers, including Peoria Mayor Bob Barrett; representatives from Arizona Chain Reaction, the Miracle in the Desert project, Westside Child Crisis Center, and the Sheriff's Posse, among many others.
Member Dr. Rebecca Wilks says, "In answer to the question ´why join?´ I respond by saying that the networking opportunities are abundant. The organization is supported by enthusiastic people, and true community leaders. In addition, there are opportunities for domestic and international service. Our international emphasis areas include health, clean water, literacy, and youth.
"Rotary places an emphasis on ethical business conduct, and is non-political and diverse. But perhaps most important of all, it is fun to belong."
A few recent highlights:- Procured wheelchairs for disabled people in Mexico
- Raised funds for life-saving heart surgery for children in India
- Fundraising in support of The Foundation for Blind Children
- Supported Phoenix Rotary Club's water drive for the homeless
- Provided "Summer Santa" items to West Side Child Crisis Center
- Donated books to a school library in the names of each weekly speakers
- Raised funds to assist a Rotary Club in a hurricane-devastated part of Mississippi
- Distributed dictionaries to schools (With Peoria Rotary Club)
- Painted the Peoria Woman's Club
- Participated in the Peoria Pioneer Days Parade
- Participated in Miracle in the Desert
- Sponsored two high school Interact Clubs
- Presented a monthly high school Student of the Month award
- Sponsored several high school foreign exchange students
- Sponsored a "four-way test" (ethics) essay contest at Heritage Elementary School
The club meets Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. at the Vistas at Westbrook Village. Membership is by invitation. For more information, contact George Wheeler at 623-546-2647, or visit peorianorthrotary.net.
Book Featured
ACB client Confident Faith Institute received word that book wholesaler Baker & Taylor selected How to be a Christian Without Being Annoying by Bette Dowdell as a featured publication in their February Forecast catalog.
The Forecast listing says, "While conversations about Christianity swirl all around us, most contain little, if any, factual information. How to be a Christian Without Being Annoying describes Christianity as it is found in the Bible and shows how it applies today. With Scripture quotes, pronunciation helps, and a light touch, it adds solid, even profound, knowledge to our conversations. Christians will learn, seekers will see if Christianity fits, and others will understand their friends and relatives."
Labor attorney Sean MacFarlin comments, "In a world of televangelists and door to door Bible beaters, many people are discouraged and even turned off by the thought of evangelism.It's into this environment that just the right guidebook comes along. Dowdell proves to have a deep understanding of the Bible and speaks in a voice that clearly communicates to the reader."
Writing in Midwest Book Review, Richard R. Blake adds, "Bette Dowdell is a natural communicator. Her descriptive phrases and word pictures make her simple illustrations come to life and cause the reader to experience and participate in the adventure. This is an amazing gift (talent). This is a book for mature Christians, seekers and new believers."
Published by Confident Faith Institute, How to be a Christian Without Being Annoying is a hardcover book of 192 pages and retails for $24.95. It is available at www.BN.com, www.Walmart.com, www.Amazon.com and from the publisher, www.ConfidentFaith.com. It can also be ordered at bookstores. Books ordered from the publisher are signed by the author. For more information, call the author at 623-572-5038, or visit www.ConfidentFaith.com.
March Fitness Tip
Lee Stewart of Incredible Image says, "Keep a food diary. Keep track of not only what you eat, but what you are thinking and feeling. How you feel about yourself and your life directly affects your food intake."
For more information, call Lee at 602-622-5547, or visit www.incredibleimageaz.com.
Financial Solutions
Richard Oliver, Senior Vice President, Investment Executive, provides an array of financial analysis and investment alternatives and solutions.
Richard L. Oliver
Senior Vice President
Investment Executive
Investing in a 401(k) Plan Is Money Well Spent!
Like a deductible IRA, a 401(k) investment program provides you with an opportunity to have a certain amount of your pay deducted from your taxable earnings and invested in a retirement plan account.
Investing in your company's 401(k) plan is not only simple, it's also an efficient way to put away a few dollars on a regular basis without feeling the crunch. And, best of all, when you retire, your 401(k) investments can supplement the money you'll get from Social Security.
Other reasons for enrolling in a systematic company 401(k) program are:
Great tax saving benefits. The money you place in a 401(k) program is deducted from your salary before it's taxed. This means your income is potentially taxed at a lower rate. Your investment is taxed only when you withdraw the money at retirement.
Saving couldn't be easier. Once your 401(k) retirement program is in place, your specified amount is withdrawn automatically from your paycheck each pay period.
As dividends reinvest, they can add to the account's tax deferred growth potential.
Your dollars are often matched. Most companies contribute a matching portion of the money you contribute which is additional cash toward your overall retirement. It's important for you to find out how much you can contribute and invest enough to obtain the maximum amount that your company is willing to match. Some companies match dollar for dollar, while others contribute on a percentage basis.
Bottom line: The earlier you start investing, the better! For investment guidance regarding your 401(k) program, contact Richard Oliver, your PRIMEVEST Financial Services Registered Representative.
Investment topics to be offered at Arrowhead Community Bank All seminars will have wine and snacks provided. Please R.S.V.P. by calling Richard Oliver at 623-776-3821.
Investment topics to be offered at Arrowhead Community Bank
Reducing your taxes by investing in your retirement
March 22, 2007 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tax deferred annuities: Are they right for you?
April 26, 2007 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Asset allocation: The real key to portfolio performance
May 24, 2007 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
All seminars will have wine and snacks provided. Please R.S.V.P. by calling Richard Oliver at 623-776-3821.
"Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it."
(often attributed to Laurence Olivier)
