April 2007
Bank Note$ - News You Can Bank On
Volunteer of the Month: Linda Booker
So many nominations came in on behalf of Linda Booker that we decided to describe Linda's nomination as being by "popular acclaim." Perhaps most widely known for The Angel Tree Project that supplies needy children with holiday gifts at Christmas time (30,000 per year at last count!), Linda is also involved in a variety of intensive outreach efforts that takes her across the world. From at-risk orphans in Africa, to local kids facing a bleak December, Linda Booker knows their faces and responds with action. In the midst of all the good work she does, she also redefines hard work and is a highly successful businesswoman. Her career in real estate and her presence with Realty Executives is another whole measure of a woman who has met every challenge in her life with determination.
Her zeal for her work as a real estate agent resulted in her being named a broker of the year by BROKER/AGENT Magazine. She consistently lands in the top 1 percent of Realty Executive agents. However, it is her charity work that is her true passion. In 1985, she established the Phoenix chapter of The Angel Tree Project. Linda says, "The first year, we gave 250 presents, donated by the members of my church's congregation. Now to be able to supply more than 30,000 per year is truly miraculous."
One of Linda's newest efforts is called Backpack to School, and was started to provide children in low-income areas each with a new outfit of clothing and a new backpack for the start of the school year. She says, "The best thing about my career is that it makes it possible for me to do the things that I think make a difference, and that I love. I believe that when God is generous, we are supposed to give some of it back to help others."
For more information about Linda Booker's work - both professional and charitable - visit www.lindabooker.com.
The Pastor and the President
It was the ultimate "dinner and a movie." Pastor Walt Kallestad, Senior Pastor of Community Church of Joy, spent Presidents' Day with President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush previewing the film, "Amazing Grace," and dining with 40 special guests of the White House. Pastor Kallestad and daughter, Shawn-Marie Cole, also spoke privately with President Bush for about 20 minutes about their faith and shared vision of peace. Pastor Kallestad observes, "With all that is happening, I was humbled by President Bush's warmth, openness, and genuine heart. He is an individual of deep, personal faith and conviction. I saw a man of great value, and I was greatly encouraged by the sincerity of the man. Mrs. Bush is also very friendly and warm - a truly positive presence."
Pastor Kallestad also spent Martin Luther King Day with members of the King family. "I have had some amazing experiences already this year," he observes.
ACB Ranks With Ranking Arizona
Audrey Hickman Also Makes Top Ten
ACB client Audrey Hickman, West USA, was ranked in 2007 among the top ten residential realtors.
A copy of the 2007 issue of Ranking Arizona is available in the Bank's lobby. Voting for the 2008 issue will continue until July 2007, and votes can be cast online at
www.azbusinessmagazine.com.
Luxury Lighting, Part 1
When Annette and Gil Beierle describe Luxury Lighting's custom products as being made entirely in the U.S.A., they might forget to add "by hand, one at a time, in Peoria, Arizona." A trip to their production facility and showroom provides a glimpse into the labor intensive process that results in lighting fixtures that are as functional as they are beautiful, and are as much art as they are d�cor. Styles range from the ethereal and whimsical, to pieces reminiscent of Art Deco. Custom created pieces are also a specialty, and Gil makes each mold himself. When asked how they arrive at new designs and concepts, Annette says, "We make whatever appeals to us. We get inspiration from all around us. Almost anything can spark an idea."
Gil, who was a carpenter for more than 25 years, admits that the creative process is long and filled with variables. "It's hands-on custom work, and it takes time. There is always the awareness that you have to pay attention to everything you do, because one slip-up will spoil an entire piece."
The operation is a family business, and has had its efforts boosted by every member of the clan. Annette recalls, "When we were first starting out, we had a few hundred square feet where we did everything. We were also driving all the way from the east side of the Valley. So on the weekends, we just camped out together and did the work. Some of our best memories are from those early days. Everybody worked really hard, but we had a lot of fun."
Luxury Lighting is located at 7563 West Vogel Avenue in Peoria. Any customer who mentions reading about Luxury Lighting in Bank Note$ will receive a special 10 percent discount. For more information, call 623-412-0535.
Hickman's Donation Is Eggs-Traordinary
Ginny Hildebrand, Executive Director of the Association of Arizona Food Banks, says that Hickman's Family Farms has committed to providing 60,000 dozen eggs (that's 720,000!) to food banks throughout the state during the weeks prior to Easter. Ginny says, "This will represent the single largest donation of protein in the Association's history. We are grateful to have such a wonderful source of nutrition to benefit our clients."
Hickman's Family Farms also supports many egg hunts and Easter festivals throughout Arizona with donations of eggs. Clint Hickman observes, "After 63 years, we are still pleased to be an integral part of so many activities in the local community."
For more information, visit www.hickmanseggs.com.
A new organization comprised of business and civic leaders is being launched in Glendale. Incorporated as "GLENDALE FIRST," the non-profit group's mission is to identify and act upon opportunities to build and promote business and community partnerships to strengthen economic vitality and the quality of life in the city. Arrowhead Community Bank president and CEO Arlene Kulzer is serving as the first President of GLENDALE FIRST. Other officers include First Vice President Mark Schneider, CPA and partner of Clifton Gunderson LLP; Second Vice President Rufus Glasper, chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges; Secretary Kathleen Goeppinger, president and CEO of Midwestern University; and Treasurer Brian T. Anderson, senior pastor of Vineyard Church of North Phoenix.
The establishment of GLENDALE FIRST is the result of efforts by Mayor Elaine Scruggs, City Manager Ed Beasley, and representatives of the community. "With the national spotlight on Glendale, the time is right for the leadership and resources GLENDALE FIRST members will provide and the positive relationships and collaborations they will develop," said Mayor Scruggs.
GLENDALE FIRST has wide representation among its founding members, from private and public businesses to faith-based organizations and educational institutions. Members live or work in Glendale or have a strong commitment to the community. The group will hold monthly meetings.
As its inaugural event, GLENDALE FIRST will hold the "Celebration of Champions Dinner" on May 16 at the Glendale Civic Center. The event will honor Glendale's own high school state athletic champions and will feature a guest speaker. For more information on GLENDALE FIRST and the upcoming dinner, call Shawn Pensinger at 623-209-2727.
ACB Hosts Fitness Series
Lee Stewart of Incredible Image will present a fitness and wellness series for women in the lobby of Arrowhead Community Bank. The first event will be held on Thursday, April 26, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. In addition to providing insight into the relationship between nutrition, fitness and wellness, Lee will demonstrate exercises that women can do at home or while they are traveling. Participants are encouraged to wear casual clothing or workout gear. For more information, call Lee at 602-622-5547 or visit www.incredibleimageaz.com.
Dr. Mark Chase Completes Program
Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies announced the completion of its program, Full Mouth Reconstruction, by Dr. Mark R. Chase. The six-day, live-patient treatment program focused on teaching dentists to deliver comprehensive dental care to their patients through full mouth reconstructive principles. While at the institute, Dr. Chase underwent intensive training on how to evaluate, diagnose, and treat restorative cases so that patients not only look good, but feel good as well. For more information, call Dr. Mark R. Chase at 602-843-0010, or visit www.arrowheadranchdentistry.com.
PRE/MAX Preferred Choice Moving to Westgate
RE/MAX Preferred Choice will be relocating from their current location near 51st Avenue and Bell to Westgate City Center. The new address will be 6571 N. White Out Way, Glendale, Arizona 85305. According to president and CTO Justin Schlegel, the company hopes to be in their spacious new surroundings by May 1. Their offices will be directly above those of the Phoenix Coyotes executives and management staff.
Justin says, "It's a location like no other and we want to offer an office like no other. From state of the art technology to the signage exposure and advanced training opportunities, we plan to create a comfortable atmosphere that is friendly, professional and efficient. We're recruiting heavily and are hiring select agents right now."
For more information, call Justin Schlegel at 602-439-0085.
ACB Sponsoring WVCCC Critter Connection
ACB is sponsoring the West Valley Child Crisis Center's 2nd Annual Critter Connection at the Wildlife World Zoo. This after-hours event will be held May 12 at the Zoo from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the care and healing of children affected by abuse and neglect. Among the many attractions scheduled for the party are zoo rides and a petting zoo.
West Valley Child Crisis Center began in 1986 and is the largest non-profit children's shelter in Arizona. The Kids Campus includes six children's residences, a medical facility, and a children's enrichment center clustered around open spaces, structured play areas, a water park and a bike path. The facility can accommodate up to 48 children, ages birth through 11 years old.
A limited number of tickets for the 2nd Annual Critter Connection are available to ACB clients on a first come, first served basis. For more information, please call Arrowhead Community Bank, 623-776-0800.
Wilhelm Automotive Names VP
Phil Gordon was named Wilhelm Automotive's Vice President - Business Development. He is responsible for driving sales and marketing excellence, corporate branding, advertising, market analysis, public relations, special events and sponsorships for the company. He will also be a part of the growth implementation team that will strategically add new stores in the growing Phoenix marketplace.
Phil brings nearly 20 years of automotive sales and marketing experience with Ford Motor Company to his new position. Most recently he served as vice president of a local event and marketing company that focused on special event fundraising for non-profit and service organizations. Phil earned a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Illinois and a master's degree in marketing from Hofstra University.
Wilhelm Automotive is a family-owned and operated award winning automotive repair and maintenance business that has been serving the Valley since 1928. In 2006, the company won the distinguished WestMarc Best Business in the West Valley award. Wilhelm's has always made community support a top priority by being involved with organizations such as St. Mary's Westside Food Bank, Theater Works, Peoria Center for the Arts, Girl Scouts, and the American Cancer Society. Wilhelm currently has three locations in Tatum Ranch, Litchfield Park and Peoria. A fourth location will open soon in Goodyear.
A leisurely life. A brand new adventure. Whatever your goals, you want investment choices that can provide the income you'll need for retirement. Simply and confidently. Stop by and visit the Investment Center today.
Richard L. Oliver
Senior Vice President
Investment Executive
(623) 776-3821
Brokerage and insurance services are provided by PRIMEVEST � Financial Services, Inc., a registered broker/dealer and registered investment adviser, member NASD/SIPC. Securities and insurance products offered by PRIMEVEST are: *Not FDIC insured *May lose value *Not bank guaranteed *Not a deposit *Not insured by any federal government agency.
(John F. Kennedy)
