Owner:

Wendy Gauthier

1-10 employees

Chef Chic

Years in business: 5+

The enterprise

Chef Chic is a personal chef service. The owner, Wendy Gauthier, provides meals to busy people who want to eat better without doing all the work. Clients get the benefit and eat great, balanced meals that are prepared exactly to their taste in the comfort of their homes. The primary business is to help people with hectic schedules maintain the menu of items they desire in their diets. Gauthier’s clients are professionals who have no time to cook and eat a lot of takeout food. She can take care of any dietary restrictions and caters to parties of two to 250 people. She does all the work while her clients relax and eat right.

Inspiring customer service

Gauthier’s customer service philosophy is about her clients’ well-being. She asks herself, “How can I make them say ‘WOW’ when they take a bite of my food?” She wants her clients to feel pampered and know how much they mean to her. The chef in her found a meaning in people she cares about and wants to help. When they have a party she wants them to feel like they are a guest in their own home. She tells her employees to make them feel pampered, make them feel like each client is the only client who matters at that time.

Nominated by: MJ Jensen, IdeaMagic Marketing & Promotions

11-25 employees

Green Valley Cooling & Heating

Years in business: 39

The enterprise

Green Valley Cooling & Heating specializes in the installation and servicing of cooling and heating equipment throughout the greater Green Valley area. The vision is to be recognized as the primary service company in the area. GVCH was the first dealer in Arizona to receive the Bryant Factory Authorized designation. Services include 24-hour emergency service air conditioning repair, replacement heater repair, replacement evaporative cooler repair and replacement air filtration products, in addition to HVAC system repair, duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, sheet metal fabrication and HVAC system inspections

Inspiring customer service

Green Valley Cooling & Heating’s service philosophy is best described by the word “wow.” What this means, and how it relates to the daily interaction between customer and staff, is that the goal is to always to exceed customers’ expectations. From the initial phone call to the office to the technician’s service call at the home and through the billing and follow-up process, fulfilling its customers’ expectations is always foremost on the minds of the team. It does this by treating its customers with respect, by being honest and by taking the time to explain the services and recommendations.

The people at Green Valley Cooling & Heating treat customers the way we would want to be treated. The company has a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, and if the customer is not completely satisfied, employees will do whatever it takes to make the customer happy.

Nominated by: Mark Bollin, Green Valley News

26+ employees

AGM Container Controls Inc.

Years in business: 36

The enterprise

AGM’s founders, Roger and Joyce Stewart, became worldwide leaders in the manufacture of products such as those that control pressure and vacuum changes (breather valves), primarily to serve the military; electronic and industrial packaging; handling, storage and transportation markets. As the company continued to diversify, particularly during the military cutbacks of the 1990s, AGM began to manufacture and market accessibility lifts for the disabled under its Ascension division. Ascension’s portable wheelchair lifts are used by educational institutions, convention centers, recreation departments, churches and hotels throughout the U.S. With the 2005 launch of Ascension’s new Virtuoso 4860P, AGM’s wheelchair lift became the world’s only ADA-compliant portable wheelchair lift without a ramp or machinery cabinet tower.

Inspiring customer service

The company perceives itself as being in the business of creating satisfied customers. AGM’s commitment to customer satisfaction is defined by the Quality Policy: “We strive to profitably satisfy our customers’ needs by continually designing, manufacturing and distributing quality products.”

Management’s commitment to customer satisfaction is communicated through AGM’s monthly Company Status Reports, Quarterly Reports and the president’s project list meetings with salaried employees. AGM is under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Thus, it encourages the employee-owners to improve customer products and processes by sharing ideas during a product’s design and manufacturing phase. Satisfied customers are the lifeblood of any business, and employee-owners are empowered to do whatever they must do to satisfy the customer.

Nominated by: Gabrielle Cervantes

Owners:

Ethan and Candiss Beneze

President:

Howard Stewart

Owner:

Joseph O'Connell

1-10 employees

Creative Machines Inc.

Years in business: 11

The enterprise

Creative Machines was founded in Joseph O’Connell’s garage in St. Petersburg, Fla., in 1997. O’Connell moved Creative Machines to Tucson in 2001. Most of the business is custom interactive exhibits for science and children’s museums. Creative Machines also created some public art pieces and has recently begun work manufacturing a humanitarian product for use worldwide.

Inspiring technology

Creative Machines looks at each new technology and asks how it will help solve real problems that consume resources. The firm tries not to get caught up in buying new gadgets that solve imaginary problems. The business is always changing and may face challenges six months from now that it does not currently face, but if it waits six months to acquire the technology necessary to evolve, it may be too late.

The company has dramatically increased sales overseas by preparing for coming technological changes and advances in the industry. It is committed to long-term strategies with respect to technology, including adding CAD ability and computer numerically controlled machine tools. These technologies helped improve productivity, safety and creativity.

Earlier this year strategies in place made it advantageous for Creative Machines to cover its roof with photovoltaic cells to achieve energy independence. It also added manufacturing tools to the business this year when used machines became available at an attractive price.

Nominated by: Suzette Colley

11-25 employees

Integrative Pain Center of Arizona

Years in business: 4

The enterprise

The Integrative Pain Center of Arizona is a multispecialty medical practice comprised of the faculty of the former University of Arizona Pain Center. This became a small business separate from the university in 2002. The purpose was to demonstrate the effectiveness of efficiently and effectively integrated behavioral, medical and allied health services for treatment of medical problems – in this case the entire range of painful illnesses. In a sense, it is a demonstration project intended to show that outcomes can be better and costs of care lower – and that financial viability is achievable. The business serves the entire Southwest and draws patients nationwide.

Inspiring technology

Integrative Pain Center of Arizona views technology, particularly information technology, as crucial to building a successful modern medical practice.

Information technology is especially important in this business because IPCA is a multidisciplinary medical clinic providing and coordinating a wide variety of assessment, treatment and care services. It decided early on to adopt electronic medical record-keeping to create usable management information regarding work flow and clinical outcomes as they schedule, pre-authorize and follow up on customer/patient visits.

Integrative Pain Center is always looking to get more from its office technology and has even filed for a U.S. patent for one modification to that technology. Its application of electronic medical records as information management tools has enabled it to drastically improve administrative oversight capability and the efficiency of the individual front-office employee.

26+ employees

Cybernetic Research Laboratories Inc.

Years in business: 17

The enterprise

Founded by two software and electrical engineers with strong backgrounds in the aerospace arena, Cybernetic Research Laboratories Inc. began by serving customers in the commercial, military, aerospace, biomedical, optics and industrial fields. Mechanical, electrical and software disciplines were combined to deliver systems designs and assembly for electrical components and precision machining of critical components. Working models include characterization testing of fiber-optic sensors for the space shuttle, design and fabrication of cabin pressure systems for commercial aircraft and a neurological testing device that aids in the diagnosis of diabetes and other diseases.

In 2005, CRL acquired IPVision Inc., an IP-based digital surveillance and facility management provider, which allowed them to penetrate one of the fastest-growing industries with the latest technology and equipment available. In 2005, CRL added aroma and flavor to the industrial sector of Tucson with a new-age, high-tech concept – a gourmet café with a multimedia conference center. The Java Edge offers free Wi-Fi, videoconferencing and state-of-the-art presentation tools.

Inspiring technology

Cybernetic Research Laboratories Inc. is a “contract manufacturer,” a very competitive business category. Technological advances in software, tooling and communication allow CRL to offer solutions that embrace the “better, cheaper, faster” expectations of the market. Therefore, its approach to the use of “technology” is to weigh the cost/benefit to determine whether the advantages yield a net improvement in its ability to deliver finished products to its customers.

Nominated by: Suzette Colley

President:

Dr. Bennet Davis

VP - business development:

Bob Horn

Owners:

Chuck and Kathy Sawyer

1-10 employees

Cartridge World Tucson

Years in business: 3

The enterprise

Cartridge World refills empty ink cartridges for inkjet printers, laser printers, fax machines and photocopiers with top-quality inks and toners. Businesses and consumers save and help protect the environment by keeping used cartridges out of landfills.

The quick-and-easy cartridge refill service allows customers to refill their printer cartridges either while they wait or to exchange their empty cartridge for one that’s been “pre-filled” and is ready to go.

Inspiring sales and marketing

Although it follows a multitiered sales and marketing strategy, its key emphasis – in part driven by the Tucson market – has been on building relationships . . . everywhere. It creates relationships by building connections, primarily through networking and community involvement. Its philosophy is to focus on consistent, small-group networking. Other key connections are made at its retail stores, where they create loyal, enthusiastic customers every day, who become their best “word-of-mouth” referrals for new business. In addition, it has created leverage in its own organization through its employees. It ignites enthusiasm by creating unique internal sales contests.

Nominated by: Sam Williams, New View Group

11-25 employees

Javalina’s Coffee & Sweets Inc.

Years in business: 3

The enterprise

Javalina’s provides specialty coffee, espresso drinks and other nonalcoholic beverages in an atmosphere that encourages good, clean fun. Javalina’s serves primarily the Southeast Side of Tucson but also draws people from as far away as Sonoita, Sierra Vista, Green Valley, Marana, Oro Valley and Phoenix.

Javalina’s hosts live music several nights a week in a comfortable, nightclublike setting, but without alcohol or cigarette smoke.

Inspiring sales and marketing

Javalina’s sales and marketing philosophy is to develop a loyal customer base by creating a sense of community on the Southeast Side. Bonnie Vining created a detailed business plan before opening Javalina’s. This is reviewed and updated regularly. Customer and employee input is taken into account when considering the introduction of new products and services. Vining also identifies various target markets and makes plans to go after those markets.

Javalina’s is created to be a place that is as much a community center as it is a coffee shop. Vining hires friendly people and encourages them to connect with every customer by learning their names and favorite drinks. She seeks innovative ways to get the word out about Javalina’s rather than spending a lot of money on traditional forms of advertising. Musicians who play at Javalina’s are part of this effort.

26+ employees

Buffalo Exchange

Years in business: 32

The enterprise

When the first store opened, resale shopping carried a stigma. Buffalo Exchange is a pioneer in reversing this trend, making resale shopping a savvy experience. The exchange helps raise the demand for used clothing by selecting only quality, fashionable items that can be resold, and by offering used clothes at low prices in a clean, fun store with a boutique atmosphere. Owner Kerstin Block says to their knowledge, Buffalo Exchange was the very first store that bought, sold, traded and took clothing items and accessories on consignment. Block thought the word “buffalo” is very American. And since the store was going to be an “Exchange,” the store’s name was born.

One of a small number of companies headquartered in Tucson, Buffalo Exchange is a resale clothing store chain with 29 stores and four franchises in 12 states.

Inspiring sales and marketing

Buffalo Exchange sells the concept and lets the clothes sell themselves. It has successfully transformed the marketplace by leading the resale fashion industry.

The business is unique because clothing and accessories are bought, sold and traded directly with store customers. Stores present their buy-sell-trade process by buying outright, in front of customers. What they sell is essentially whatever customers bring to them. One of the strategies they employ is cause marketing. They get involved in the community to demonstrate a vision and cause, because they’re selling a lifestyle, not just a product or service. Caring about the environment is one of Buffalo Exchange’s key values that it invites customers to share with them.

Nominated by: Shaina DePascal

Owner:

Bonnie Vining

Owners:

Kerstin and Spencer Block

Owners:

Maurice and Sonja Saroni

1-10 employees

A Handyman’s Haven

Years in business: 7

The enterprise

Maurice Saroni, founder of the Georgeanna Corporation, dba A Handyman’s Haven, was born into an entrepreneurial Italian immigrant family in Chicago. Saroni dreamed the corporate dream and planned to market and broker “secondary merchandise,” or products returned by “big box” companies, to consumers.

After starting the business, he recognized a growing demand for low-cost products such as cabinets, flooring, doors, molding and other supporting materials, so he refocused and sought vendors willing to partner with A Handyman’s Haven to meet these customer demands.

In an evolving entrepreneurial effort, Saroni created Tucson’s largest discount home improvement outlet store.

Inspiring culture

A Handyman’s Haven provides a work environment for the less fortunate by employing workers through governmental programs.

The qualified, experienced and talented staff stand ready to support all customer requirements – no matter how difficult or technical. The ultimate goal is to provide customers with quality products and services in a timely manner that is cost-considerate to render the greatest return on investment.

Gift certificates and gift baskets have been provided for many raffles. Many local nonprofit organizations are supported with product or financial donations by A Handyman’s Haven, such as The Saguaro Tucson Rotary Club, an International service organization which made it possible for A Handyman’s Haven to participate in numerous local, regional, and international service projects as an element of the overall Rotary team.

Nominated by: MJ Jensen, IdeaMagic Marketing & Promotions

11-25 employees

E•las•tek (Structural Elastomeric Products Inc.)

Years in business: 13+

The enterprise

Since founding Structural Elastomeric Products Inc., manufacturer of E•las•tek, Rick Ulrich’s business has experienced steady and surprising growth. The company creates elastomeric roof coatings that stand up to one of the harshest environments anywhere – the Southwest U.S. desert. E•las•tek-brand products have consistently excelled in their resistance to intense heat, extreme dryness, torrential thunderstorms and powerful UV radiation. E•las•tek coatings are environmentally sound, designed to protect and preserve expensive roofing materials while significantly reducing building temperatures and conserving the energy required for cooling.

Inspiring culture

Rick and Janice Ulrich approach business with a loyalty-based management philosophy. To earn that loyalty, they believe they must maintain the highest corporate and ethical goals. They made a commitment to create so much value for customers that there will be plenty left over for their employees.

They strive to maximize character and integrity in all employees. They hire people who can balance self-interest and team interest – people who want to win but not at the expense of the team. As a member of the E•las•tek team, employees are expected to contribute their talents and energies to improve the quality of the company, as well as its products and services. In return, they are afforded opportunities to grow and advance in their career and rewarded throughout the year with advantages.

Nominated by: Karen Irby

26+ employees

LeCroy & Milligan Associates Inc.

Years in business: 15

The enterprise

The mission of LeCroy & Milligan Associates Inc. is “to provide the highest quality program evaluation, research and training to actively help organizations become more responsive and effective in delivering services, which will enhance the quality of life for all people.” They provide consulting services to local, state and regional organizations in areas such as social services, justice programs, education programs and health services.

Inspiring culture

LeCroy & Milligan Associates Inc. is a woman-owned business with a majority female staff. The company takes great pride in efforts to promote leadership and excellence for women in the community. For example, it enables staff to continue their education while working, resulting in higher educational achievements and promotions within the organization. It encourages senior employees to take leadership positions with community agencies and professional associations.

The LeCroy & Milligan Associates’ philosophy revolves around professionalism. It hires and trains employees to be passionate about their careers.

It believes that more than any factor, “the people we work with determine the quality of our work lives,” so it takes much time in the hiring process.

Nominated by: Craig LeCroy

Owners:

Rick and Janice Ulrich

Owners:

Kerry Milligan

and Craig LeCroy

Arizona Small Business Association has long been in the business of recognizing outstanding business enterprises in the state. For many years in Phoenix we have been the organizers of the U.S. Small Business Administration/City of Phoenix Small Business Week Awards. That tradition continues at our Enterprise Luncheon each spring.

In Tucson, the ASBA Building A Better Business Awards have morphed into the present day SASIE (Southern Arizona Smart Inspiring Enterprise) Awards intended to celebrate our region’s outstanding companies in the area of Customer Service, Sales and Marketing, Culture and People and Use of Technology.

“The Tucson Chapter of the Arizona Small Business Association continues to innovate and leads the community in recognizing the outstanding contributions made by Southern Arizona businesses,” said Allan Starr, ASBA president.

The standard has been raised in business to inspire employees and customers, to work smarter, not harder and to operate an enterprise that serves the community. Each of the 102 companies nominated this year has set itself apart from the competition, the finalists have all demonstrated their tenacity and self-belief and the winners represent the best of our unique community of dedicated business enterprise.

Arizona Small Business Association has aligned with Tucson Business Edge magazine to present these awards and promote the winners in their profiles that follow. This partnership of Association and media has provided a strong platform to bring recognition to the event and the winners.

For those who attended the SASIE Awards presentation at the Fox Tucson Theatre March 6; Thank You; I hope you found this “mold breaking” awards show entertaining and worthwhile. I know we’ll see you again in 2008 along with all who have heard about it now and have marked their calendars.

“In my many years of affiliation with ASBA this SASIE evening will no doubt be the highlight,” said Jerry Carbonari, Tucson board member.

Charlie O’Dowd,

senior vice president,

Southern Arizona Region

———

SASIE Awards finalists

CULTURE AND PEOPLE

u A Handyman’s Haven,

Maurice and Sonja Saroni

u E•las•tek, Rick and Janice Ulrich

u Goodmans Interior Structures, Bob Hayes

u LeCroy & Milligan Associates Inc., Kerry Milligan, Craig LeCroy

u Omega Wall Beds Inc., Sarah Lee-Allen

u Oro Dental Medicine, Drs. Robert and Debbie Oro

u Something Sweet Dessert Lounge, Beckey Hammon and Robin Barbara

u The Working Circle Teambuilding Inc., Diane Katz

u Tierra Right of Way, Randye K. Ferrick

SALES AND MARKETING

u A Handyman’s Haven, Maurice and Sonja Saron

u Action International Business Coaching, Clint Parry

u Buffalo Exchange, Kerstin and Spencer Block

u Cartridge World Tucson, Chuck and Kathy Sawyer

u Javalina’s Coffee & Sweets Inc., Bonnie Vining

u Remedy Intelligent Staffing, Jayne Henninger

u Sun Lighting, Anita and Danny Levkowitz

u The Contained Gardener, Marylee M. Pangman

CUSTOMER SERVICE

u AGM Container Controls Inc., Howard Stewart

u Amiga Insurance Agency, Lupita Fernandez

u Apache Business Systems Inc., Jonathan Love

u Brakemax Car Care Centers, Ray Pisciotta

u Canyon Community Bank, Chuck Luhtala

u Chef Chic, Wendy Gauthier

u Dry Cleaning to Your Door, Jolene Oaten

u Financial Architects, Jim and Donna Walker

u Green Valley Cooling & Heating, Ethan and Candiss Beneze

u Harris Environmental Group, Lisa Harris

u IdeaMagic Marketing & Promotions, MJ Jensen

u Javalina’s Coffee & Sweets Inc., Bonnie Vining

u McCaleb Construction Inc., John McCaleb

u Marshall’s Jewelers, Rita Marshall, Victoria Marshall and Vern Nelson

u Micro Import Service, Mic Williams

u Nextrio LLC, Cristie Street, Bill Street and Oscar Fowler

u Omega Wall Beds Inc., Sarah Lee-Allen u Raskob/Kambourian Financial Advisors Ltd., Pat Raskob and Pat Kambourian

u Silverado Technologies Inc., Gene Hechler

u Strategic Growth Advisors LLC, Leamon Crooms

u Temco Air Environmental, Cathy Rankin and Marshall Dennington

USE OF TECHNOLOGY

u A Handyman’s Haven,

Maurice and Sonja Saroni

u Anchor Wave Internet Solutions LLC, Mike Schmidt

u Creative Machines Inc., Joseph O’Connell

u Creative Slice, Tim Bowen

u Cybernetic Research Laboratories Inc., Bob Horn for John Rix

u Family Legacy Video Inc., Steve Pender

u Integrative Pain Center of Arizona, Dr. Bennet Davis

u Paragon Space Development Corp., Taber MacCallum, Jane Poynter and Grant Anderson

u Southern Arizona Health Information Exchange/Pima Community Access Program, Michal Goforth

Richard Fimbres has been elected chairman of the Pima Community College Board of Governors. Fimbres, who represents District 2 on the PCC board and is also director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, was appointed to the college's governing board in 1998. He was elected to the board in 1999 and re-elected in 2005. He served as board chairman in 2002.

Matthew R.K. Waterman has been named counsel at the Tucson office of Snell & Wilmer. Waterman’s practice is in the areas of bankruptcy and business reorganization and includes industries such as aviation, health care, real estate, financial services and manufacturing.

Rachel Smith has been named assistant marketing director of Metro Restaurants. Rachel’s love for the service industry and her enthusiasm bring a fresh creative outlook for Metro’s award-winning family of restaurants.

Tatyana Bresler has been promoted to principal designer at Eglin/Cohen Architects, where she is a partner. Bresler has contributed to the company’s projects such as Tanque Verde Place and Swan Corporate Center.

Kevin R. Yeanoplos was named Business Valuation Volunteer of the Year for 2006 for his service to the accounting profession, according to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, which bestowed the award.

Yeanoplos is the director of valuation services for Brueggeman and Johnson Yeanoplos, P.C., a consulting firm with offices in Tucson, Seattle and Salt Lake City.

The Tucson Advertising Federation has announced the selection of Sue Giles, editor-in-chief of Tucson Lifestyle Magazine, to receive its 2007 Golden Pen Award.

Merle Joy Turchik was elected to serve as president of the Arizona Women Lawyers Association. She is with the law firm of Ryan Turchik, P.C.

Dr. Andreas Theodorou was accepted for fellowship in the American College of Critical Care Medicine. He is a pediatric intensivist and section chief of pediatric critical care with the University of Arizona Department of Pediatrics.

WestWordVision, an advertising agency in Patagonia, has added Gustavo Estrella and Liz Collier to its marketing team. Collier has more than 25 years of business experience. Estrella has done freelance work for businesses in Nogales, Son., and Nogales, Ariz., creating Web sites.

Dr. Andrea Edmundson has earned the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance credential from the American Society for Training and Development Certification Institute, which covers the entire scope of the workplace learning and performance field.

Jessica L. Andrews, Arizona Theatre Company’s executive director, has been chosen to receive the 2007 U.S. Institute for Theatre Technology Distinguished Achievement Award in Management. The award recognizes achievement by designers and technicians with established careers.

Beatriz Olga Seldner has joined Arizona Hearing Specialists as an audiologist. She received the Jean R. Guloien “Outstanding Audiology Student” award at the University of Arizona. She has served as a Spanish interpreter at the St. Andrew’s Children’s Clinic since 1996.

Sharon Stringer has been named Tohono Chul Park’s special events/marketing associate. Stringer will be responsible for booking, promoting and logistical set-up of events at the park.

Dr. John D. Hughes, a vascular surgeon and an associate professor in the University of Arizona surgery department, has been elected to a two-year term as chief of staff of University Medical Center. He will be the chief administrative officer for the more than 650 physicians who practice at UMC. He also will serve as chairman of the hospital’s medical executive committee while continuing to care for patients.

Mary Vanis has been named interim president of the Desert Vista Campus by the Pima Community College board. Vanis had been director of the Center for Workforce Development for the Maricopa Community College District in Phoenix since 2001. She was with Maricopa Community Colleges for 22 years.

Jack Parris has received the Tucson Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal Award. Parris, formerly director and general manager for KUAT Communications Group, recently was named marketing & communications manager for the Community Food Bank.

Erwin Kratz, a lawyer at Fennemore Craig, has been elected a director and shareholder in the firm. Kratz practices in employee benefits law, and labor and employment law.

Paul Portney, dean of the Eller College of Management, has been named to the Arizona board of directors of Harris Private Bank, a Chicago-based financial firm with branches in Illinois, Indiana, Florida and Arizona.

Gary M. Yaquinto has been named president and CEO of the 7,000-member Arizona Utility Investors Association. Yaquinto is budget director for Gov. Janet Napolitano and has worked for Time Warner Telecom and the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Rick Myers has been named chief operating officer for Bourn Partners in Tucson. Myers formerly was vice president of development for storage systems at IBM Corp., where he worked for 25 years.

Dr. Christina Cutshaw has been named assistant professor in Health Promotion Sciences at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. She is involved in a Pima County committee on methamphetamine use and the child welfare system. The committee is trying to identify sources of data that can shed light on the role substance abuse plays in parents’ involvement in the child welfare system and trying to improve the quality of that data.

Dr. Robert Berg received the “2006 Resuscitation Science Symposium Lifetime Achievement Award for a Cardiac Resuscitation Scientist” from the American Heart Association. Berg is a pediatric intensivist, professor of pediatrics and associate dean for clinical affairs at UA College of Medicine.

McCaleb Construction Inc. has hired Adam Perez to manage the company’s production activities.

Art Flagg, senior vice president of KB Home, was named chairman of the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association. Flagg is a 15-year member of the SAHBA board and was president in 1994. Flagg is general contractor and real estate broker.

The Arizona Hotel and Lodging Association named Mary Maduram “Employee of the Year, Large Property” at the annual Stars of the Industry recognition luncheon. Maduram, who has 65 percent hearing loss and cerebral palsy, was recognized for 19 years of service at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa’s laundry department.

Don Littrel, assistant golf professional at Skyline Country Club, was named apprentice of the year by the PGA Southern Chapter. Littrel has earned his Level Two Apprentice rating and hopes to complete Level Three by March.

Robert Kafes and Cathy Rodriguez received the 2007 Hero in Women’s Mental Health awards from the Women’s Mental Health Program at the University of Arizona department of psychiatry. They won for their positive impacts on women’s mental health. Kafes is director for the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault. Rodriguez, a Mrs. Arizona contestant from Marana, has spoken on behalf of women suffering from postpartum depression.

Amar Gupta has received the IBM Faculty Award for his vision and research on revolutionary global production paradigm. Gupta received the award for his vision, research and willingness to share his work in the public domain. The program is designed to foster collaboration between researchers and those in IBM research, development and services organizations.

Michael Gilliland, aka Chef Misko of the Cantina Romantica at Rex Ranch Resort & Spa in Amado, took third place in the 14th annual Best Chefs of the West culinary competition. He competed against nine other Arizona chefs in the timed event. Gilliland’s first restaurant job was at Janos.

Brian H. Murphy has been named director of quality control/quality assurance and continuous improvement for Sundt Construction Inc. Previously he was the company’s safety director.

Loren F. Trask has joined Eglin/Cohen Architects as a project architect. Trask is registered in Arizona and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

Laura Olguin took the first prize for Voice of the Customer performance among Jack in the Box franchises with 11 or more restaurants. Olguin owns 24 restaurants in Tucson.

Katie and Bruce E. Dusenberry of Horizon Moving Systems were given one of the Arizona Trucking Association’s Pioneer Awards. The award was created to recognize individuals that have helped advance the goals of commercial transportation, built successful companies, dedicated their time to strengthening the industry’s association and contributed to the betterment of their communities. Katie Dusenberry was selected for her leadership in transportation funding, including service on the State Transportation Board and efforts to improve Tucson area roads and highways. Bruce Dusenberry, In addition to his transportation activism, served for decades on ATA’s board of directors while building a business.

Anthony Azar, chief executive of Realty Executives Southern Arizona, has joined the advisory board of Trulia.com, the developer of a national real estate search engine that uses interactive heat maps and neighborhood guides to locate property listings in all 50 states.

The accounting firm of Flowers-Rieger & Associates has hired Ray Lowry as a tax manager. Lowry brings over 15 years of prior professional accounting firm experience to Flowers-Rieger.

Vincent Mast has been named senior associate with the Tucson Retail Specialists.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Southern Arizona Chapter has elected a new board of directors.

Officers are: Pauline Hechler, president; Sue Sirkus, president-elect; Laura Penny, secretary; and Kent Burbank, treasurer.

Other members are: Jennifer Jones, professional development; Jennifer Turner, membership; Julie Glaser, communications; Deborah Dale, National Philanthropy Day; Jennifer Tersigni, youth in philanthropy; Robert Traub, member at large; Rick Wilson, immediate past president; Don Haskell, government relations; Michelle Conklin, scholarship; Steve Stone, career services; Jenny Carrillo, grass-roots outreach; Wanda Kay, members as resources; Ethan Smith Cox, audio-conferences; and Martin Camacho, diversity chair.

Pahl Newlon is the new branch manager of the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Williams Centre office. She succeeds former branch manager Dick Englert, who retired earlier this year after nearly two decades in the real estate industry.

Patricia F. Raskob of Raskob Kambourian Financial Advisors has been named one of the country’s best 150 financial advisers for doctors.

Juliann Berens and Adrienne Gamba-Schnittman have formed BerensGamba Interior Design, at 3958 E. Fort Lowell Road. The firm is committed to sustainable design.

Executive Chef Ryan Littman has received the Chef of the Year award from Marriott International for his distinctive culinary creations.

Dr. Doug Taren has been appointed associate dean for academic affairs. He is a professor at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and director of the Family and Child Health Concentration at the college. Taren has conducted research on domestic and international hunger, including vitamin A deficiency, women’s health, the prevention of premature births, the development of educational programs, the improvement of dietary assessment methods and child nutrition.

Marie Chisholm-Burns has been named head of the department of pharmacy practice and science at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy. Chisholm-Burns conducts research in the improvement of health outcomes through increasing patients’ medication adherence, access to care, medical care and medical literacy. She is a clinical pharmacy transplant specialist and founder and director of the Medication Access Program in Georgia that increases access to medications for solid-organ transplant recipients.

Scott Westerman has been named vice president for Comcast’s cable operations in New Mexico and Tucson. He will be responsible for all of Comcast’s operations and customer care services for the company’s cable television, high-speed Internet and telephone offerings in the region. Westerman has more than 30 years of experience in the cable and telecommunications industry.

The Southern Arizona Home Builders Association has recognized the following individuals for industry excellence in 2006:

Jessica Bloom, owner of National Staffing Resources, Individual Member of Year; Barbara Tarrish of D.R. Horton Homes, Barbara Tarrish of D.R. Horton Homes, Sales Manager of Year; Tucson Councilwoman Shirley Scott and state Rep. Jonathan Paton, co-winners, Elected Public Official; and Carmine DeBonis Jr., Pima County Development Services, Nonelected Public Official.

The Tucson Advertising Federation has selected Debbie Wagner, vice president and market manager of Clear Channel Radio, as its 2007 advertising professional of the year. A graduate of the University of Arizona with a degree in radio and television, Wagner has worked in broadcasting for the past 27 years.

Matthew R.K. Waterman

Kevin R. Yeanoplos

Gustavo Estrella

Liz Collier

Beatriz Olga Seldner

Mary Vanis

Jack Parris

Rick Myers

Art Flagg

Robert Kafes

Cathy Rodriguez

Brian H. Murphy

Anthony Azar

Juliann Berens

Adrienne

Gamba-Schnittman

The Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Business Development Division offers services and information to businesses with plans to move to Tucson and to those who want to open new businesses. The Chamber represents 1,900 businesses in southern Arizona and offers great networking opportunities. Here’s some of what it offers:

w A business checklist to help you through the process of opening and growing your small business

w Local economic news and forecasts

w An “FAQ” page with answers to many common questions potential business owners have

w Call the chamber at (520) 792-1212 or on the Web www.tucsonchamber.org.

Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities Inc. (TREO) offers the following services for the small-business community:

w Tucson Locator, a clearing house of regional commercial and industrial properties for sale or lease. On this site users can search the database through a number of criteria including facility type, size and location and zoning regulations. The site also allows patrons to create demographic analysis of areas around a prospective property. This feature generates reports that cover demographics, consumer expenditure information, business and work force data and wages. The site also can be used to create interactive maps and produce business competition and synergy reports.

w Business Development Services provides strategies for relocation to and growth within the Tucson business community. This service also helps business owners determine if their company qualifies for various tax incentive programs.

w TREO’s Data Center provides economic and demographic statistics to help businesses and potential business owners make informed decisions.

w In addition, TREO supplies reams of information on essential city and county services plus facts and figures about Tucson’s prospering business community.

w Find TREO on the Web at www.treoaz.org or call at 243-1900 or (866)-600-0331.

SCORE, a nationwide nonprofit group, has a team of volunteers, mostly retired executives and business owners, who provide free, confidential information and advice to small businesses. Here’s some of what they do:

w SCORE counselors work one-on-one with business owners developing strategies for success, for start-up and companies ready to grow.

w SCORE offers workshops and seminars, for a small fee, that cover such topics as business plan development, loan planning and the do’s and don’ts of starting a new business.

w The Web site has a resources page with details on disaster preparedness and relief, replete with useful links to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Internal Revenue Service and Small Business Administration.

w Call SCORE at 670-5008 or on the Web at www.scoretucson.org.

The Microbusiness Advancement Center of Southern Arizona is a volunteer organization that provides training, resources, referrals and support to those seeking to create or grow their businesses. MAC places special emphasis on helping female- and Hispanic-owned businesses. MAC provides:

w Mentoring programs that lend assistance and advice

w A microloan program that offers loans from $500 to $35,000 for those who may not qualify for loans from traditional lending institutions

w Introduction to business-ownership class, a four-week course for $25

w Business planning class, a 12-week course for $450 (scholarships available to cover up to 80 percent of costs)

w All classes and services offered in English and Spanish.

w Find MAC at www.mac-sa.org or call 620-1241.

The Small Business Administration, an independent federal agency, has offices throughout the country that offer services to the small-business community and work to promote successful small business. The site is huge, with a wealth of resources. Here are a few:

w Financial assistance such as loans for start-up businesses and grants for existing companies

w Tutorials and classes designed to help companies navigate through the federal contract bidding process

w Business counseling and training

w Business.gov, administered by SBA, provides compliance information from 94 different government Web sites searchable by topic and industry.

w Online training to help start a new business or better run your existing business

w SBA is on the Web at www.sba.gov or call the Tucson office at 620-7042.

The Arizona Department of Commerce’s Small Business Services provides information to help shepherd the prospective business owner through the complex process of starting a new business. Here are some the services it provides:

w A step-by-step checklist complete with state, county and local contact information to lead you through start-up and growth processes

w Tutorials designed to help you create a wining business plan

w Links to other state business resources on the Web

w Research reports and business statistics

w A calendar of business events around the state

w Find SBS on the Arizona Department of Commerce Web site, www.azcommerce.com, or call (602) 771-1196.

- Patrick McNamara

Southeast Business Night Out

5-6 p.m. on the first Monday of the month at Javalinas Coffee & Friends, 9136 E. Valencia Road, Suite 160; free; call Bonnie Vining for more info, 663-5282

Business Network International,

The Leading Edge chapter

7-8:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Hotel Arizona, 181 W. Broadway; $11, includes meal; call or e-mail Rafael Madrigal, 977-5880 or rmadrigal@evergreenmortuary-cemetery.com

Network & Coffee Business Ambassadors

9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Coffee X-Change, 7856 N. Oracle Road; free/reservations required; call Kelly Wilson for more info, 370-8010; businessambassadors.org

Business Network International, Peak Performers Chapter

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays at Blue Point Restaurant, La Encantada, Sunrise Drive and Campbell Avenue; $12, includes meal; call or e-mail Renee Powers, 465-0301 or renee@reneepowers.com

Business Network International, The Presidio chapter

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays at Firecracker Bistro, 2990 N. Swan Road; $12, includes meal; call or e-mail Joe Boogaart, 730-4624 or joe@lessenergysystems.com

Foothills Rotary Club

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Fidelity National Title, 6860 Oracle Road; RSVP or more info, call Jay McCall at 909-9375 or jmccall415@msn.com

The Annuity Doctor

Curt Zacharias presents a free seminar, 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Bookmans, 6230 E. Speedway; for info call 990-0009

Tucson Business Connection Monthly Networking Mixer

5-7:30 p. on the first Tuesday at North Restaurant, 2995 E Skyline Dr.; No RSVP or membership dues.

National Association of Women Business Owners,

Tucson chapter

monthly luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. second Tuesday at Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway; $25 members, $30 nonmembers; info@nawbotucson.org or 326-2926

Tucson Advertising Federation

Noon-1:30 p.m. third Tuesday of each month at Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites, 5151 E. Grant Road; 11:30 a.m. registration, rates vary; for program details and to register, visit www.tucsonadfed.org.

Business Network International

The Advantage Chapter

6:50-8:30 a.m. each Wednesday at El Parador Restaurant, 2744 E. Broadway; $15, includes meal; call Bobbi Still, 721-5776

Catmasters at the University of Arizona, subsidiary of Toastmasters International

5:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the University of Arizona Harvill Building, Room 411; free for guests, Membership is $62 for the first six months; catmasteruofa5@yahoo.com

Health & Wellness Marketing Group

7:30-9 a.m. first Wednesday of the month at Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway; $12; RSVP to 792-6474

Arizona Small Business Association B2B meeting

8-9 a.m. first and third Wednesdays of each month at Arizona Small Business Association, 4811 E. Grant Road, Suite 261; free; call or e-mail Sonia Weirich, 977-0183 or sweirich@ft.newyorklife.com

Connections of Tucson

Business luncheon for support and client referral. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. first and third Wednesdays at McMahon’s Prime Steakhouse, 2959 N. Swan Road; $15; call

Cindy Morgan, 403-8798 or

morgansautoshop@aol.com

Roadrunner Civitan

Networking/service club. 12:15-1:30 p.m. first and third Wednesdays at Lodge On The Desert, 306 N. Alvernon Way; contact Dan Spahr

at dspahr1@cox.net or visit

www.danspahr.com

Well Connected Networking Group

8 a.m. second and fourth Wednesdays at Blue Willow Restaurant and Bakery, 2616 N. Campbell Ave.; for information call Pamela Harlan at 977-8660

MAC Mid-day Mid-town Business Orientations

Noon-1 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at ASBA, 4811 E. Grant Road, Suite 261; free; call 620-1241 or e-mail admin@mac-sa.org

Pima County Communicators

Noon-1 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the Public Works Building, 201 N. Stone Ave., Conference Room D; free but bring your own lunch; call Jason Green, 740-6879

Professional Exchange Club of North Tucson

Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays at Westward Look Resort, 245 E. Ina Road; $15 members, $25 attendees who do not RSVP and guests; call Dan Spahr, 207-0804

Business Ambassadors Networking & Coffee

9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Starbucks Coffee, 3025 E. Speedway Blvd.; free, but reservations required; call Kelly Wilson, 370-8010

Saguaro Business Club

7-8 a.m. Thursdays at Mimi’s Cafe, 120 S. Wilmot Road; free for first visit; call or e-mail Frances Smith, 325-1055 or fsmith@ kellencompany.com

Soroptimist International of Desert Tucson

7:15-8:30 a.m. Thursdays at Varsity Clubs of America, 3855 E. Speedway Blvd. Guests $10 includes breakfast

RSVP contact Rita at 323-8737

Business Ambassadors Networking & Coffee

9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursdays at Coffee X-Change, 6841 E. Camino Principal; free, but reservations required; call Kelly Wilson, 370-8010

Referral Time – Casas Adobes

leads/referral group; 11 a.m.-noon on the first Thursday of the month at Fidelity National Title, 6860 N. Oracle Road; $35 quarterly fee; RSVP or more info, call Jay McCall at 909-9375 or www.referraltime.biz

The Leading Edge Business Mixer

5:30-7 p.m. second Thursday of the month at Hotel Arizona, 181 W. Broadway; $5 includes appetizers; call or e-mail Rafael Madrigal, 977-5880 or rmadrigal@evergreenmortuary-cemetery.com

Small Business Counseling by SCORE

9 a.m.-1 p.m. third Thursday of the month at Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave., third floor; free 791-4391

Hispanic chamber luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. third Thursday of the month at the Doubletree Hotel, 445 S. Alvernon Way; $20 members; $25 nonmembers or no reservation; 620-0005

The American Society for Training and Development, Greater Tucson chapter

8 a.m. third Friday of the month at Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway; $15 members, $20 guests; for info call 617-0429; www.astd-tucson.org

South of 45 Breakfast Club

6:45 a.m. second Friday of the month at Old Pueblo Grille, 60 N. Alvernon Way; $20; call or e-mail Rodney Glassman, 271-5715 or rodney@glassmanfoundation.com

Business Ambassadors Networking & Coffee

9:30-10:30 a.m. Fridays at It’s a Grind, 8260 N. Cortaro Road; free, but reservations required; call Kelly Wilson, 370-8010

LeTip Tucson Tippers

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays at Trattoria Pina, 5541 N. Swan Road; $10, reservations required; call Jennifer Pillow, 296-4004

The Future of Venture Capital

The Eller College of Management Distinguished Speaker Series presents Robert E. Grady, managing director of the Carlyle Group. Grady, a graduate of Harvard College and the Stanford Graduate School of Business, will draw on his venture capital and investing experience in his lecture. The Carlyle Group is one of the world’s largest global equity firms.

When: 5:15-7:30 p.m., March 12

Where: Berger Auditorium McClelland Hall

1130 East Helen St.

Info: Tammy Farris, 621-9400

tfarris@eller.arizona.edu

Cost: free, including reception

Lean in a High Growth Environment

As part of this Association for Manufacturing Excellence workshop, Ventana Medical Systems will open its doors for a workshop and tour sponsored by the AME. Ventana Medical Systems will share with attendees methodologies, results and lessons from the company’s Lean journey.

Over 70 percent of the company’s employees have participated in Lean training over the last five years. The workshop will highlight Lean tools for teams, Lean tools for leadership, culture transformation, key metrics and results.

When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. March 12-13

Where: Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort, 10000 N. Oracle Road

Info: www.ame.org or call (224) 232-5980

Cost: $600 for AME members; $750 for nonmembers (includes one-year AME membership)

Financing Development and Identifying Business Opportunities in Mexico,

Latin America and the Caribbean

Inter-American Development Bank and the Inter-American Investment Corporation officials will advise on procurement opportunities for projects financed in Latin America and the Caribbean through their public and private sector lending programs for agri-business, aquaculture, tourism, infrastructure, communications, sanitation and energy projects.

Meet with experts who will describe how firms can bid on consulting and equipment contracts for government-financed projects, as well as the procedures necessary for private sector companies to qualify for loans and technical assistance. Lunch is included.

When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., March 13

Where: Manning House,

450 W. Paseo Redondo

Info: www.wlousa.net; iadb.org/projects/index.cfm

Cost: $100

Basics of Internet Security

You may think that your computers and your business are protected, but are you? It is a constant struggle to keep up the defenses against spyware, viruses, spam and all the other ills that can attack a computer or network. Presented by Silverado Technologies Inc.

When: 7:30-9 a.m. March 14

Where: BBB Conference Center, 434 S. Williams Blvd.

Info: Kim States, 888-6161, or www.tucson.bbb.org

Cost: $25 for members; $30 for nonmembers

Refine Your Sales Process and Get More Clients

Clint Parry will be the speaker at this monthly Tucson Coaches Alliance meeting. The topics will include improving your conversion ratio with prospective coaching clients and asking for the business.

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., March 27

Where: Osteopathic Foundation Conference Center, 3182 N. Swan Road

Info: David Updegraff, 780-4273

Cost: $10 for the first meeting

Securing our Future Now

Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities Inc. releases its Economic Blueprint, an action plan with initiatives to build regional prosperity. RSVP by March 19

When: 4-6 p.m. March 28

Where: Fox Theatre,

17 W. Congress St.

Info: 243-1935 or www.treoaz.org

Cost: $18, includes hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and a copy of the Blueprint Executive Summary

Economic Overview

The year opened with Tucson consumers’ outlook somewhat more cautious about job growth in the coming year, while business leaders’ expectations grew more bullish about the economy and sales. Resale home inventory has reached its peak and has begun a gradual decline. Work-force growth is expected to continue to exceed that of the national average, although at a slightly slower pace than seen in 2006. This is despite the slowdown seen in the housing industry, and even in this industry, many builders are retaining skilled workers who were difficult to procure in 2006.

Tucson’s First Quarter 2007 Consumer Confidence fell to 102.7 from Fourth Quarter 2006′s high of 104.0. The majority of the decline can be attributed to the decline in confidence that the job market will improve, combined with the lowest belief in 10 quarters that business conditions will be stronger by mid-year, and a lower portion of consumers in the Tucson area describing business conditions as “good” Confidence in Maricopa County was somewhat more optimistic during the same time frame, and the index increased to 111.5 from 109.2.

In contrast, the expectations from the state’s business owners for the next six months as outlined in the First Quarter 2007 Business Leaders Confidence Index were more bullish than those of the consumers. The outlook for hiring and capital expenditures both increased from the prior quarter, while expectations for sales were the strongest.

Tourism ended the year moderately with airport passenger traffic up 2.4%.

Housing continues its correction from 2005′s record high anomaly – resale home units sold were down 21% year over year, and ended the year down 16.1%. Active listings appear to have peaked in August 2006 and have been on a gradual decline since – December listings were 720 fewer than November, but volume still remains high at over 8,500. Days on the market increased to 64 in December versus November’s 60 and December 2005′s 39 days. Only 33.5% of units sold within the first 30 days in December 2006.

New home permits ended the year at 8,579 – 3,204 fewer than 2005 for a 44% decrease in volume. Based on trend, if 2006 had been a normal year, with 2005 discarded as an anomaly, 2006 should have yielded 9,500 permits. Because 2005 “bought down” the 2006 volume, the year was not as bad as is shown in a year-to-year comparison.

Tucson’s work force saw the best growth in 2006 since 2004 (4.6%). Growth over 2005 was up 4.7% or more than 17,000 jobs, with leading categories in professional/business services, health services and hospitality.

Business Changes

Retail Growth

w Granite Shield Countertops Inc., based in Canyon Lake, Calif., is opening a Marana showroom that will feature countertops, cabinets and home remodeling products. The 3,200-square-foot store, which is on Costco Drive near North Thornydale Road, is expected to open this month.

w Safeway plans to build a 55,250-square-foot store at Colossal Cave Road and Mary Ann Cleveland Way in Vail. It will be the first full-service grocery store in the area and is scheduled to open during the third quarter of 2008. The Vail store will have a gas station and will follow the company’s “lifestyle” concept, which features upgraded store interiors including wood floors and expanded organic product lines.

Closures

w Oro Valley’s Albertson’s store, at North Oracle and North First Avenue, closed as part of a nationwide effort to pare unprofitable locations. No other Tucson Albertson’s stores are scheduled for closure. All 75 to 100 employees at the Oro Valley store will be offered positions at other Tucson Albertson’s stores.

w Chef Alan Zeman sold Fuego Restaurant Bar & Grill on East Tanque Verde Road to a Canada-based chain of pubs. The 4,500-square-foot restaurant will be renovated and will reopen by April as The Firkin & Friar Pub. Three more pub locations are planned for Tucson.

w Infonxx Inc. announced that it will close its Tucson call center on East Escalante Road, where the company reported employing nearly 400 workers last year. The Bethlehem, Pa.-based company said the Tucson center, its smallest, was a key part of the company’s past growth but it was unable to offer the future requirements of scale and flexibility. Many of the affected workers likely could be absorbed by the general expansion going on in the Tucson call center business.

January 2007 report compiled by Tucson Newspapers from the following sources: The Orange Report, Bright Futures Consulting; Arizona Workforce; Department of Economic Security; Arizona Department of Revenue; R.L. Polk; Tucson Airport Authority; Arizona Business Leaders Confidence Index; Tucson Association of Realtors: Multiple Listing Service.

Animated Objects Inc. has leased 1,200 square feet at Exchange Place Business Park, 1870 W. Prince Road, Suite 56, from Presson Corp. for its new location. Rob Glaser and Paul Hooker of PICOR represented both parties.

Tile and Stone Surfaces leased 17,022 square feet at 2165 N. Forbes Blvd., Suite 101, and GeoSystems Analysis Inc. leased 3,264 square feet at 2015 N. Forbes, Suite 106, from Forbes Tucson LLC. Rob Glaser of PICOR represented the landlord in both transactions.

Dataforth Inc. leased approximately 6,810 square feet at 3280 E. Hemisphere Loop, Suite 114, from Tucson Property Investors LLC. Pat Welchert of Tucson Realty & Trust Co. represented the landlord. Russ Hall of PICOR represented the tenant.

Iota Engineering recently purchased 4.54 acres and a 40,000-square-foot manufacturing building at 1641 W. Commerce Court for $2.24 million from Camby Investment Company LLC. The company plans to operate from the site.

Tim Healy of CB Richard Ellis represented the seller. Ed Henne of Long Realty represented the buyer.

Sahuaro Insulation LLC recently leased 750 square feet of warehouse space at 3790 E. 44th Street from Rich Rodgers Investment Inc. This commercial insulation products contractor plans to use the space for inventory storage.

Brandon Rodgers of CB Richard Ellis represented the landlord.

Tech Gap Group purchased 5,609 square feet at 3125-3131 E. Second St., for $900,000 from Green Avenue LLC. Rajan Lal of PICOR represented the seller. Brandon Rogers of CB Richard Ellis represented the buyer.

Peto & Co. CPAs PLLC leased Suite 102, a 2,446-square-foot office at 2525 E. Broadway. The space is planned for an accounting firm.

Bob Davis and Howard Kong, of CB Richard Ellis represented the tenant.

Sweep-a-Lot Industrial Power Sweeping has purchased 40,548 square feet in Lot 10, Block 1 of Shamrock Center, Ruthrauff Road and La Cholla Boulevard, for $150,028 from Shamrock Foods Co. Steve Cohen, of PICOR represented both parties.

LJ Burns Properties LLC purchased the 142,441-square-foot Lot 54 in the Butterfield-Alvernon Industrial Center for $749,280 from Butterfield Tucson Limited Partnership. Robert Glaser and Peter Douglas of PICOR represented the seller. Tom Maurici of Fox & Associates represented the buyer.

Oracle & Hardy 66 LLC has purchased 2 acres near Oracle and Hardy roads for $325,000 from Shadow Mountain Estates Partnership. Tom Nieman of PICOR represented the buyer. Juan Teran of Teran & Associates represented the seller.

Pima County purchased approximately 223,629 square feet of vacant land at 2800 E. Ajo Way for $650,000 from La Colina Healthcare. Michael Gross and Patrick Welchert of Tucson Realty & Trust Co. represented the seller.

David Zibolsky recently leased 1,085 square feet of retail space at The Village on Broadway, 2900 E. Broadway, Suite 150, from H.L.F. Properties Inc. The space is planned for a martial arts studio.

Nancy A. McClure of CB Richard Ellis represented the landlord.

Zip Realty Inc., a local residential real estate services company, leased a 2,393-square-foot, second-floor suite at 7493 N. Oracle Road from AEH Investors IV LLC and PMH Investors IV LLC.

Bruce A. Suppes of CB Richard Ellis represented the tenant. Brandt Hazen of Hazen Enterprises represented the landlord.

Old Castle APG West Inc., a local seller of masonry block, leased a 465-square-foot office suite at 698 E. Wetmore Road from First and Wetmore Office Plaza LLC.

Bruce A. Suppes of CB Richard Ellis represented the tenant. Kristian Cotta and Adam Hobeich of Town West Realty represented the landlord.

ITS Engineers & Constructors leased 920 square feet at 1870 W. Prince Road, Suite 49, for its new location. Robert Glaser and Paul Hooker of PICOR represented the landlord, Presson Corp.

Big Sky Motorcycles purchased a 6,000-square-foot facility at 313 W. Sahuaro St. for $586,100 from Dan Car Properties for relocation purposes. Ron Zimmerman of Bourn Partners represented the buyer. Paul Hooker of PICOR represented the seller.

Tucson Blue Properties LLC purchased the property at 537, 543 and 545 N. Sixth Ave., consisting of approximately 17,155 square feet of building space, for $747,500 from Richard Grijalva. Pat Welchert and George Stamos of Tucson Realty & Trust Co. represented the seller and buyer in the transaction.

Presson Corp. has purchased the 97,202-square-foot Exchange Place Shopping Center at 1870 W. Prince Road for $7.35 million from Arizona Equities Investors Group LP dba Exchange Place Business Center. Rob Glaser of PICOR represented both parties.

Dacor Remodeling LLC, a residential remodeling subcontractor, renewed its lease of Suite 510, a 750-square-foot warehouse space at 3830 E. 44th St.

Brandon Rodgers of CB Richard Ellis represented the landlord, Rich Rodgers Investments Inc.

Bigloot Enterprises leased 1,385 square feet of warehouse space at 850 E. Ohio St. from Rich Rodgers Investment Inc. Bigloot Enterprises is a media duplicating company. Brandon Rodgers of CB Richard Ellis represented the landlord.

Lippow Development Co. purchased the 12,251-square-foot shopping center at 6380-6390 E. Grant Road from The Shops at Courtyard Centre LLC for $4.88 million. Bob Kaplan of PICOR represented the buyer. Jayme Fabe and Scott Soelter of Bourn Partners LLC represented the seller.

J.E. Fuller Hydrology and Geomorphology leased 2,535 square feet at 40 E. Helen St. from SLB Properties for relocation purposes. Thomas Nieman of PICOR represented the landlord.

LifeWise Health Plan of Arizona leased 1,406 square feet for its new offices at 4514 E. Camp Lowell Road from Gould Properties LLC. Thomas Nieman of PICOR represented the tenant. Crystal McGuire of Buzz Isaacson Realty represented the landlord.

The Tucson Urban League purchased 172,153 square feet of land at 23rd Street and Park Avenue from the Pima County Accommodation School District for $509,250. Jenner Lochridge of PICOR represented the buyer.

Tucson Access Leasing LLC leased a 6,356-square-foot facility at 700 E. Broadway from Aviation Point LLC for its new location. Tom Knox represented the landlord and Rick Kleiner represented the tenant. Both agents are with PICOR.

Farmers Insurance leased 3,893 square feet at 5151 E. Broadway, Suite 1550, from 5151 E. Broadway LLC.

Phil Skillings and Michael Townsdin of Bourn Partners represented the landlord. Jenner Lochridge of PICOR represented the tenant.

Graham Company Inc./La-Z-Boy leased the 45,000-square-foot facility at Medina Business Park, 2201 E. Medina Road, from Medina Business Park LLC.

Stephen Cohen and Russell Hall of PICOR represented the landlord and the tenant.

Secureplane Technologies Inc. leased 5,208 square feet at 10960 N. Stallard Place from Rusty Adams Investment LLC. Steve Cohen of PICOR represented both parties.

Chriswell Classic Leather & Design Gallery leased a 4,000-square-foot warehouse at 705 N. Main Ave. from Main Avenue Ventures LLC. Paul Hooker of PICOR represented the landlord. John DiBene of Long Realty represented the tenant.

Oracle & Hardy 66 LLC purchased 6 acres on Oracle Road north of Hardy Road from PTP LLC for $1.3 million. Tom Nieman represented the buyer and Juan Teran of Teran & Associates represented the seller.

RT Southwest Franchise LLC, dba Ruby Tuesday, purchased Lots 1, 2 and 5, approximately 115,517 square feet, at 6925-6967 S. Tucson Blvd. for $535,000 from Lawyers Title of Arizona Trust No. 7928 on behalf of Dr. Ghoulem Berrah of Williams Island, Fla. Ruby Tuesday will open a second Tucson facility.

Richard Foerster of Tucson Realty & Trust Co. represented the seller and Vicki Smoterland of Latitude Commercial in Scottsdale represented the buyer.

War Eagle Mining Corp. leased an approximately 1,200-square-foot office in the Foothills Corporate Center, 3430 E. Sunrise Drive, Suite 120, from United Insurance Company of America. David A. Volk of CB Richard Ellis represented the landlord.

War Eagle Mining Corp. is relocating its Tucson headquarters to the office.

Starr Pass resort, golf club gets renovation, recognition

The JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa has undergone $6 million in transformations for six specific areas on property. The “Six for Six” changes were expected to be completed by March 1.

Upgrades include a new parking garage with 400 spaces that adds the option of self-parking to the resort’s valet parking.

Other changes include the Hashani Spa, a separate outdoor entrance for Primo, an expanded entrance and additional indoor and outdoor lighting.

Also at Starr Pass, the resort has been awarded the management contract for the Starr Pass Golf Club, making the course part of the Marriott Golf portfolio.

Planned renovations include upgrades to all three nine-hole Signature Arnold Palmer-designed golf courses, increasing the challenge for golfers without damaging the surrounding environment. The 20,000-square-foot clubhouse will also be redesigned. And, the Catalina Steakhouse at Starr Pass Golf Club is now open Monday nights for dinner.

Corporate & Incentive Travel Magazine recently awarded the The Starr Pass Golf Club at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa with the 2006 Greens of Distinction Award in recognition of outstanding golf facilities and service for corporate meetings and incentive travel programs.

SBA, Az credit union

system collaborate

The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Arizona Credit Union System have joined to help start, maintain and expand small business in Arizona. SBA and ACUS will work together to develop ways to conduct joint training and outreach activities to strengthen and expand small-business development.

Vantage West Credit Union receives award for excellence

Vantage West Credit Union was awarded the 2006 “Peter Barron Stark & Associates Award for Workplace Excellence.” The award is presented to organizations for exceeding an overall favorable response rate of at least 80 percent on their employee satisfaction survey.

Vantage West is Arizona’s fourth-largest credit union, with nearly 100,000 members and over $920 million in assets. There are nine branches in the Tucson metro area, one in Phoenix and one in San Manuel.

Bakerzin opens first U.S.

location near UA

Bakerzin, which serves authentic French pastries and desserts, has opened at 940 E. University Blvd. It is the first U.S. location for the restaurant, which was started in Singapore by CEO Daniel Tay, a pastry chef. In addition to desserts, the restaurant also offers soup and salad, light fare, pasta dishes, pizza main courses, and beverages.

Doucette buys 170-acre Academy Village

Doucette Communities, a local privately owned homebuilder, purchased the 170-acre Academy Village from Health Care REIT of Toledo, Ohio.

The community of 264 residences, meeting spaces, classrooms for activities of The Arizona Senior Academy, dining facilities and a fully equipped exercise area with professional fitness instruction is expected to be complete in about three years.

Academy Village was the idea of former University of Arizona President Henry Koffler. The goal of the community is to promote lifelong learning and use the collective experience of its residents to the benefit of southern Arizona.

Commerce Bank opens branch in Green Valley

Commerce Bank of Arizona opened its third branch in southern Arizona at 222 W. Esperanza in Green Valley.

The locally owned bank opened in 2002. It has since grown to more than $110 million in assets.

Retail center at Valencia, Cardinal roads completed

Barker Morrissey Contracting has completed Valencia Corners, a 7,500-square-foot retail center at Valencia and Cardinal roads.

The center features six retail shops, including a Subway Sandwich and a Pro Cuts hair salon. It brings more than 100 new jobs for the area.

Contractors recognize Tucson firms for community service

Three Tucson firms received Building Blocks of the Community awards

from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors Industry Advisory Council.

Chestnut Construction Corp. received recognition for its fundraising and Volunteer Day efforts. President and CEO Tom Chestnut and his employees participated in the Arizona Builders’ Alliance Volunteer Day, renovating a facility for Las Familias, a non-profit organization that provides counseling services to children who have been sexually abused.

Sundt Construction Inc. received the award for its Prince Elementary School Volunteer Project. A crew from Sundt Construction worked two days excavating an area at the low-income school to place donated playground equipment and built a concrete slab for the tetherball courts.

Naughton’s Plumbing Sales Co. received a corporate merit award for its Sunnyside School Supply Drive, which resulted in 190 backpacks and various school supplies for children at Craycroft Elementary School.

Tucson grade school earns Waldorf designation

The Enchanted Desert School & Playgarden has changed its name to Tucson Waldorf School, progressing as a developing member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America.

The Tucson Waldorf School is a nonprofit, independent school from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. It is the first developing school in North America to be granted the Waldorf designation after completing a stringent self-study process newly required by AWSNA.

Waldorf Education curriculum addresses each dimension of the child’s being and seeks to promote a balanced and healthy unfolding of all the child’s capacities.

Westin La Paloma rated tops in company’s chain

For the fifth consecutive year, meeting planners named the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa the No. 1 Westin in North America through surveys conducted by the Maritz Corp. This is the fifth straight year the resort has earned this rating.

The survey asked meeting planners to rate hotel performance in areas such as hotel services, knowledge of staff and overall experience.

New firm in town likes TREO’s BusinessLinc program

CDEX Inc., which is moving its headquarters to Tucson from Rockville, Md., said it plans to use TREO’s BusinessLINC program to identify local vendors and business partners for the company, which develops chemical detection and validation devices.

TREO’s BusinessLINC program focuses primarily on increasing awareness of the products and services available throughout southern Arizona and seeks to identify new sales opportunities for local small businesses.

TREO has generated $4.7 million in sales for local companies through BusinessLINC since it began in July 2005.

Skyline Country Club set

for $2.25 million renovation

Skyline Country Club will undergo a $2.25 million renovation of the clubhouse and golf course driving range.

Construction is set to start in the summer and will include a new fitness center, additional meeting rooms, expansion of the Skyline Room and complete upgrade of the golf driving range.

Skyline Country Club is at 5200 E. Saint Andrews Drive.

7 local firms honored by Southern AZ Home Builders

The Southern Arizona Home Builders Association recognized seven companies for industry excellence in 2006. Firms that won 2006 SAHBA awards were:

Builder of Year (over 450 units): Pulte Homes; Builder of Year (100-449 units): Standard Pacific Homes; Builder of Year (under 100 units): Doucette Homes; Custom Builder of Year: Washburn Custom Homes; Remodeler of Year: Canatsey Building & Development; Associate of Year: Southwest Gas Corp.; Trade Partner of Year: Johnson-Manley Lumber Company.

Theater, Best Buy, 8 others join O.V. Marketplace

Oro Valley Marketplace, Oracle and Tangerine roads, is not slated to open until September 2008 but it already has signed a list of tenants.

In addition to Oro Valley’s first movie theater, the 12-screen Cinemark Theatre, confirmed tenants include Cost Plus World Market, The Keg Steakhouse & Bar, Best Buy, Olive Garden, a Wal-Mart Supercenter, Linens and Things, Petco, Chase Bank and Danny’s Family Car Wash.

Vestar Development Co. is developing the 800,000-square-foot center.

First Magnus Financial

opens office in Vail

Tucson-based First Magnus Financial Corp. opened a new retail office in Vail. The office at 8160 S. Houghton Road, will provide residential lending service.

First Magnus Financial Corp. is the Tucson-based parent company of First Magnus. Started 10 years ago, it is one of the largest privately held mortgage banking operations in the United States. The company has more than 350 offices and more than 5,000 employees, with over 800 in the Tucson area.

New UA optical sciences

building wins architecture award

The University of Arizona’s new Meinel Optical Sciences Building received the American Institute of Architects Institute Honor Award, the profession’s highest recognition of works that exemplify excellence in architecture, interior architecture and urban design. It was selected out of more than 700 entries.

The building was designed by Richärd + Bauer Architects of Phoenix and built by Lloyd Construction Co. Inc.

The Meinel Building is a 47,000-square-foot facility that contains teaching and research labs, classrooms, interaction areas and offices.

APAC call center adds Expedia program to list

APAC Customer Services Inc.’s customer care center is expanding its Tucson center to house a new program to support Expedia Corporate Travel.

This new multiple-year program will entail answering inbound calls from corporate clients, assisting with reservations and troubleshooting.

Buffalo Exchange one of Az’s ’5 Hot Growth Companies’

Buffalo Exchange was named one of “Our 5 Hot Growth Companies” in Arizona for 2007 by bizAZ magazine.

Final selections were based on the companies’ financial strength, including revenue and employee growth, and advancements made in their respective fields.

As of last month, the resale clothing store chain had 29 stores and three franchises in 12 states, with more than $43 million a year in sales.

State program assists

technology firms with grants

In an effort to assist Arizona companies obtain federal research grants, the Arizona Department of Commerce is making available the AZFAST Grant Program.

AZFAST Grants assist Arizona technology companies with their technology commercialization efforts, in particular obtaining federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grants.

AZFAST Grants are competitively awarded to Arizona technology companies to cover expenses (up to $5,000) related to customized, one-on-one technology commercialization services, such as grant writing services, grant coaching sessions and other relevant assistance in submitting a competitive SBIR/STTR proposal.

Obtain an application by e- mailing procurement@azcommerce.com and requesting RFGA G006-07. The applications are due by 3 p.m. March 12.

Pub chain with Irish theme coming to Tucson, rest of Az

Mike Dizinno of Tucson has signed a deal to develop Prime Pubs restaurants throughout Arizona.

The first pub is scheduled to open in Tucson at the end of 2007.

Prime Pubs of America Inc. is a division of Toronto-based Prime Restaurants.

The Irish pubs serve traditional Irish favorites and contemporary offerings paired with a global selection of beer.

Michele Schubert of The Brewster Center

‘Why doesn’t she just leave?” many ask when they hear stories of domestic violence. This is a question too commonly asked, according to the director of a domestic violence services provider.

“We need to be asking why their partners are being abusive, and why they are getting away with these behaviors,” said Michele Schubert, executive director of the Brewster Center Domestic Violence Services.

Domestic violence is common, with 1 in 4 women experiencing it at some point in their life, according to a National Violence Against Women survey.

“It is affecting your neighbors, and your family members,” Schubert said. “We need the community to take a role and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.”

The Brewster Center, incorporated in 1984, not only provides emergency shelter and housing, but it also advocates for victims and works to educate the community about this frequently concealed crime.

The center’s mission is “to provide safer options and support to all victims/survivors of domestic violence through individual empowerment, advocacy, shelter, prevention, community education and social change.”

The organization provides a 24-hour crisis line, two transitional shelters, permanent housing, advocacy and education, and more.

Schubert, who is going on her sixth year as the center’s executive director, said that one of the organization’s greatest challenges is breaking stereotypes around domestic violence.

“People are embarrassed and ashamed when it comes to domestic violence. They believe that it happens only in poor communities and in communities of color,” she said. “But the truth is it happens to people of all backgrounds.”

Domestic violence, as defined by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, is the “use of force or threat to achieve and maintain control over others in intimate relationships.”

Because of the nature of domestic violence, many victims do not report the crime, for fear of losing financial security, their children or their lives.

“The acceptance of violence in our community is staggering,” Schubert said. “We want people to start questioning why (domestic violence) is happening.”

With 47 full- and part-time positions, the organization operates on a $2 million annual budget. Funding comes from private donations, foundation and corporate grants and government funding.

“It’s a social justice issue, not a social service issue,” Schubert said. “If money were not an object, we would have an emergency shelter bed for every single person who needs it.”

———

The Brewster Center

2425 N. Haskell Drive, Building 4

320-7556, thebrewstercenter.org

w Incorporated: 1984

w Mission: provide safer options and support to victims and survivors of domestic violence

w Budget: $2 million

w Fundraiser: Safe Tomorrows Breakfast held in October

w Board officers: Stephen B. Krauss, Jon Marie Basel, Andrea Ibáñez, Mark Shoemacher and Dr. Andrea Schindler

The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation Latino Youth Entrepreneurship Program recognized four local high school students for their abilities to write a business plan.

Emmanuel Sigala of Catalina High Magnet School won first place and received $1,000 and a new customized laptop and case.

Second place went to Juan Valencia and Jessica Verdugo of ACE Charter School. They each received $250.

Richard Francisco of Pueblo High Magnet School took third place. He received $250.

Last month’s program was a three- and-a-half day intensive entrepreneurship training program geared to equip Latino high school students with the tools to be successful in both business and life.

On the final day the students took part in a business plan competition, presenting a five-minute dissertation of their business idea to an expert panel of judges. The judges were THCC 2005 Business Woman of the Year, Carmen Bermúdez, chairman and CEO of Mission Management Trust; THCC 2004 Business Man of the Year, Edmund Marquez, owner of Allstar Auto Exchange/Edmund Marquez Suzuki; Alex Cooper, Pima Community College Small Business Development Center; Debbie Chandler, executive director of Microbusiness Advancement Center; and Bob Rieger, associate director at the University of Arizona Eller College of Management.

The winners will be honored at the March 15 membership luncheon.

Also, the chamber is accepting applications for the 2007 THCC Foundation scholarship.

The $1,000 scholarships are good to any accredited college, university, trade school or vocational school in the state of Arizona. Deadline is 5 p.m. March 23.

Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Cheri Cross has been named director of marketing and communications at the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

For the past two years, she has been under contract with the chamber through her public relations business, producing its newspaper, the Chamber News, and handling its publicity.

As a full-time staff member, her expanded duties include developing and implementing an advertising and marketing program.

Cross is a longtime journalist, having been a reporter for the Tucson Citizen, editor of Territorial Newspapers’ Daily Territorial and Inside Tucson Business, and editor and publisher of the Casas Adobes Courier. She also has a background in community relations and has taught journalism classes at Pima Community College and the University of Arizona.

———

Tucson-area chambers

Marana Chamber of Commerce

13881 N. Casa Grande Hwy.

Marana, AZ 85653

Contact: Ed Stolmaker

Phone: (520) 682-4314

Fax: (520) 682-2303

E-mail: maranachamber@comcast.net

Web site: www.maranachamber.com

Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce

200 W. Magee Road, Suite 120

Tucson, AZ 85742

Phone: (520) 297-2191

Fax: (520) 742-7960

Web site: www.the-chamber.com

Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

465 W. St. Mary’s Road

Tucson, AZ 85702

Phone: (520) 792-1212

Fax: (520) 882-5704

Web site: www.tucsonchamber.org

Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

823 E. Speedway Blvd.

Tucson AZ 85719

Phone: (520) 620-0005

Fax: (520) 620-9685

E-mail: president@thcc.us

Web site: www.hispanicchambertucson.org

Tucson-Southern Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce

1690 N. Stone Ave., No. 113

Tucson, AZ 85705

Phone: (520) 623-0099

Fax: (520) 623-1930

Web sites: www.tucsonblackchamber.com

or www.tsabcc.com

Tucson GLBT Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 14312

Tucson, AZ 85732-4312

Phone: (520) 615-6436

E-mail: info@tucsonglbtchamber.org

Web site: www.tucsonglbtchamber.org

For investors watching their calendar year returns, 2006 was the fifth consecutive year that returns of domestic stocks trailed international equities.1 While recent returns should not dictate how a long-term investor allocates a portfolio, those relying solely on domestic stock funds may want to consider adding an international fund.

Reasons for going international

Foreign stock and bond markets can potentially move independently from the U.S. financial markets – for example, when domestic stock prices are falling, other markets may be posting gains.

For this reason, U.S. investors may reduce overall portfolio risk by combining domestic funds with international funds. If one declines in value in the short term, the other may increase or hold steady, which in turn may reduce a portfolio’s overall volatility. It can also provide greater exposure to the world’s largest companies: In 2006, four of the 10 largest firms – Royal Dutch Shell, BP, DaimlerChrysler and Toyota Motor – were based outside the United States.2

Options for investors

If you and your financial adviser decide international investing is for you, there are several options to consider. Investing directly in foreign stocks poses several challenges for investors: lack of available industry and company research, difficulty comparing accounting standards of foreign and U.S. companies and a commitment of substantial funds to build a diversified portfolio.

Mutual funds, in contrast, offer professional management and, depending on the fund’s objective, immediate diversification among companies in many different countries or industries.

Global funds invest in foreign and domestic markets, while international funds invest only in developed foreign markets. Some funds invest only in a single country or region of the world. Emerging market funds focus on investments in smaller, less-developed countries.3 Funds may also be defined by investment style, such as index, growth or value.

Approaches to asset allocation

Some diversified international mutual funds seek to invest in a variety of national markets using the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE index as a benchmark. Country weightings may reflect those of the EAFE index, which are based on each country’s total market capitalization.

By the same token, other funds seek to enhance diversification by allocating assets among different industry groups around the world rather than just targeting individual countries: for example, investing in pharmaceutical companies in different countries.

Tax issues you should know

Earnings and capital gains on international investments are subject to income taxes assessed by foreign governments as well as U.S. income taxes. If you invest in international funds, you will receive a statement showing the amount of foreign taxes paid on your shares. The United States has tax treaties with many individual countries that may allow you to claim a credit on your U.S. tax return for taxes paid abroad.

A word about risk

Virtually all investments carry a degree of risk, and international funds are no exception. By themselves, international funds historically have experienced more volatility than domestic stock funds. In addition, international funds carry greater currency risk and political risk than their domestic counterparts. Despite these potential short-term issues, an allocation to international investments may bring the opportunity to share in the longer-term benefits that come with a global economy.

Taunya Villicaña is a registered representative, estate planning consultant and managing partner/co-founder of Affinity Financial Group LLC. She is also a 2006 40 Under 40 winner. E-mail her at taunya.kvillicana@lpl.com

This article is not intended to provide specific investment or tax advice for any individual. Consult your financial adviser, with questions.

1Sources: Standard and Poor’s; Morgan Stanley. Returns of domestic stocks are represented by the total return of the S&P 500, international stocks by the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index. Investors in international securities are sometimes subject to less liquidity compared with investors in domestic securities. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and investors cannot invest directly in any index.

2Source: Fortune.com.

3Emerging markets are normally more volatile than the markets of more developed foreign nations, and therefore, you should consider this increased market risk carefully before investing.