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Events & Organizations
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Is your organization having an event we need to know about? Email it us for inclusion on our website, E-blast and
E-newsletter;
Every Friday, 8am-1pm. Located at the Carefree Sundial in the Desert Gardens.
Historic Stamp Mill Run, Roger Naylor - Dec 10, Family Fun Workshop - Dec
11.
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Member Recognition
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ANNIVERSARIES
| Lowe's |
9 years |
| Pepper's Private car Service |
7 years |
| Bryan's Black Mountain Barbecue |
7 years |
| Network Wellness |
6 years |
| Foothills Granite |
6 years |
| Sanderson Lincoln |
4 years |
Cafe Bink
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4 years |
| Institute for Healing of Memories |
2 years |
| Yoga Breeze |
1 year |
EmbroidMe North
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1 year |
| Tractor Supply |
1 Year |
| Black Mountain Coffee Shop |
1 Year |
| Discovery Map |
1 Year
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NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to the Chamber of Commerce community! We look forward to seeing you at our events.
Eco Blu Pools
Annunciation Catholic School
Studio C a Beauty Lounge
Dynamite Experience
Elite Golf School of Arizona
Paws & Whiskers Pet Sitting Services
Wyman Plumbing & Mechanical
Sticks Cigar Lounge
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2016 was a Good Year for Carefree
It seems hardly possible that Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season are upon us once again. Where did 2016 go?
At the close of every year it seems appropriate to reflect upon what has been accomplished, moving us closer to our goals.
Two of our primary goals were to provide greater enjoyment and pride in Carefree for our residents, and to attract an increased number of visitors. To address these goals, we:
- Sponsored the "Enchanted Pumpkin Garden" event ranked in the Top 5 Things to Do in 2016 by Phoenix Magazine attracting over 50,000 visitors to the Gardens in October
- Sponsored the 9th Annual Carefree Christmas Festival held on December 9-11, 2016
- Built new entry Gateways into the downtown Carefree area on Tom Darlington and Cave Creek Roads
- Broke ground on the Keystone Homes Eastwood Community Project
- Collaborated with Bashas and new Spanish Village owners on their dramatic renovations
- Opened the new Kiwanis Splash Park in the Carefree Desert Gardens
- Completed the installation of the Bike Lanes on Tom Darlington, Cave Creek and Pima Roads greatly enhancing safety and encouraging fitness
- Completed new xeriscape landscaping in the medians, complementing the new Bike Lanes and the entry Gateways
- Installed new street lights throughout downtown Carefree for pedestrian friendly walks
All of these were accomplished while the Town met its obligations in other areas and increased its financial reserves. I hope you and your family enjoy these revitalizations and improvements as much as we enjoyed making them become a reality.
Thank you and visit us at VisitCarefree.com and on Facebook for more updates!
Mayor Les Peterson, Town of Carefree
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Public Works Worker I
Position Purpose:
Under the direction of the Public Works Supervisor, the incumbent performs any duty necessary to provide effective maintenance of the Town's streets, appurtenances, sewer, and storm drainage facilities.
Essential Elements:
- Performs a variety of tasks intended to enhance traffic safety and the attractiveness of rights-of-way in the Town. Work may include sign repair or replacement, brush trimming, herbicide application, and road maintenance and repair.
- Operates vehicles and maintenance equipment as directed and performs routine maintenance on equipment as required.
- Follows safety procedures in the operation of equipment, and while on the job site, properly places traffic control devices to protect the public and co-workers.
- Responsible for the care and use of any assigned tools, vehicles, or equipment.
- Must be able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and, in the absence of the foreman, prepare a written report of work activity, equipment and materials used.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Regular attendance at work at the assigned time, with no unexcused absences.
- Displaying a willing attitude to learn new tasks and to take on any task assigned.
- Following all safe work practices, policies and procedures.
Minimum Qualifications:
Must have High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalency. The incumbent must be able to read, write, and make basic mathematical calculations. Work experience related to laborer, road maintenance, construction or the operation of agricultural or construction equipment is desirable. A valid Arizona Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a tanker endorsement is required.
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History Highlights
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From the Cave Creek Museum
Kraig Nelson, docent and historian
Cattle ranching was an important factor in the development of the Arizona Territory, including the Desert Foothills. We can thank the Spanish for the introduction of cattle to the "New World." In 1493 (second voyage), Christopher Columbus brought cattle to Hispaniola, the Caribbean island encompassing Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Cattle endured much of the trans-Atlantic journey hanging in hammocks for stabilization. In 1519, Hernan Cortez moved some of the cattle to the Central America mainland. By 1591, Jesuit missionaries made their way to future southern Arizona. They established beautiful Missions like Xavier del Blanc, a National Historic Landmark near Tucson, using cattle to establish "mission-economies." The Jesuits also used cattle to encourage Native Americans to settle near the Missions for the ultimate goal of conversion to Christianity.
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What is Kiwanis?
Kiwanis is a service club whose mission is to serve the children in the community by sponsoring AKTION Club (community service for young adults with special needs), Key Club (service leadership organization for teens that teaches leadership through service to others), scholarships ($50,000 awarded in 2016), Science Fairs and other Science and Engineering related education activities and Terrific Kids & BUG programs. They are able to sponsor these activities through fundraising at their Bi-Annual Pancake Breakfast, sales through the Marketplace re-sale store and through generous donations from community and club members.
What's in it for you to become a member of Kiwanis?
Fellowship and fun:
Kiwanis members don't just do service-they have fun. Members make new friends by being part of the club where they attend meetings and participate in social events. Our local Kiwanis club also provides excellent networking opportunities for professionals. Members meet new people from all over their community through service projects, fundraising and by attending the weekly meeting.
Kiwanis Marketplace will be open Christmas Eve, 9am -1pm and New Year's Eve, 9am -1pm.
The Kiwanis Marketplace is located just across the street from Dairy Queen at:
6535 East Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Marketplace Phone Number: 480.488.7169
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Contact Us
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748 Easy Street
Suites 2 and 4
Carefree, AZ 85377
President/CEO
Office Manager
480 488 3381
Visitor Center Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Chamber President's Message:
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Where did 2016 go? It seems like 4th of July was last week and now we have just a few weeks left in 2016.
With the passing of Proposition 206 in 2016 employers will be required to raise minimum wage beginning January 1, 2017 and paid sick leave will be mandatory by July 1, 2017. One other change occurring in 2016 was the passing of the federal DOL Overtime Rules.
Facts:
Minimum wage in 2016 was $8.05 per hour. Beginning January 1, 2017 minimum wage will be $10.00 per hour. January 1, 2018 minimum wage will be $10.50 per hour, January 1, 2019 minimum wage will be $11.00 per hour, January 1, 2020 minimum wage will be $12 per hour and every year after 2020 minimum wage will rise by the cost of living index.
Paid sick leave is mandatory beginning July 1, 2017. Employers with more than 15 employees will be required to give 40 hours of sick leave per year to each employee. Employers with less than 15 employees will be required to give 24 hours of sick leave per year to each employee. All employees qualify including part-time and seasonal.
Paid sick leave is mandatory for all employees regardless of full time or part time employee.
One hour of sick leave will be accrued for every thirty hours worked by the employee.
Employers are required to allow the accrued sick leave to be used by the employee for the following:
- Mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition
- Need for medical care or treatment, including preventative care
- Care for physical illness, injury or health condition of a family member or someone of close affinity
- Closure of place of employment for public health, or children's school
- For self or family member for time relating to domestic violence, sexual violence, abuse or stalking
New Federal Overtime Rules requires employers to pay all salaried/exempt employees a minimum of $47,500 annually. This amount is increased from its current amount of $23,660. This rule was to take effect on December 1, 2016, however, many states filed a lawsuit with the United States District Court and a temporary injunction was ordered by the United States District Court on November 22, 2016. Stay tuned how this order might change soon.
The Chamber will be facilitating workshops in January for employers to learn more about how Paid Sick Leave will affect Personal Time Off and every businesses policies and procedures. These workshops will give you the tools you need to comply. If your company does not have written policies and procedures for PSL & PTO or other paid leave these workshops will give you the information about why it is critical that you create them immediately.
I encourage you to attend the Chamber Business Breakfast on January 26, 2017 to get the latest news and training on how to manage the documenting and processing of paid sick leave.
I wish you all a very Happy Holiday and a Prosperous New Year!
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CHAMBER EVENTS
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| Last day to register is Dec 9th! |
Thursday, Dec 8 at 5pm
Sho & Tel Gallery
6920 E Cave Creek Rd
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Come join us this Friday for Happy Hour
From 2pm to 6pm
50% off all Smoothies and FroYo.
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December 1st till December 24th
UN JOUR EN FRANCE Christmas Sale
ALL FURNITURE 30% OFF
and 30% OFF ON MANY ITEMS!!
Just in time for your Christmas shopping :D
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Paradise Valley Community College at Black Mountain is the neighborhood choice for pursing your educational goals. Spring enrollment is ongoing, so stop by our office, or call (602)493-2600 to speak with an academic adviser. Advisers can assist you with registering for classes, making payments, and determining the steps necessary to turn your ambitions into reality.
If you are 65 or older and a resident of Maricopa County, consider taking advantage of our senior citizen tuition rate discount. Eligible residents receive a 50% discount on credit classes at all of the Maricopa Community Colleges, including PVCC at Black Mountain. Popular classes include digital photography, Tai Chi, history, and contemporary cinema. For more information visit
https://www.maricopa.edu/senior-citizen-tuition-rate, or stop by to speak with an adviser today!
 Looking for something fun to do after the holidays? PVCC at Black Mountain and the Phoenix Astronomical Society are hosting a star party on January 26, from 7:00 PM - 9:45 PM! During the event, high-powered telescopes will be accessible for star-viewing. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (602) 561-5398. If you would like to RSVP for the event, email
events@pasaz.org.
 PVCC at Black Mountain is calling all volunteers who are passionate about STEAM to participate in STEAMtastic! The event is a celebration of science, technology, engineering, art, and math in everyday life through fun, hands-on, activities for all ages. It will take place on Thursday, March 9, 2017, and will consist of an expo from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM followed by a star party from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Activities will include dry ice ice cream, molecular gastronomy, paper airplanes with LEDs, the science of brewing, and much, much more. Volunteers of all ages are welcome! We do request that volunteers 12 and under be accompanied by an adult. To volunteer fill out our volunteer form at
https://www.paradisevalley.edu/black-mountain/steamtastic-volunteer-form, or call us at (602)493-2600.
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Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service Data (ARMLS)
November/2016 data, ARMLS metrics are from the previous month
Compiled by Kraig Nelson, Associate Broker
Phoenix
(city only) -
Sold volume (dollar amount) was 18.54% higher; active listings were 1.29% lower; and the median sold price [$215,000] was 10.82% higher, compared to one year ago.
Average days on market were 71. 1,742 residential units closed escrow.
Carefree -
Sold volume (dollar amount) was 30.30% higher; active listings were 3.14% higher; and the median sold price [$750,000] was 61.29% higher, compared to one year ago.
Average days on market were 204. 8 residential units closed escrow.
Cave Creek -
Sold volume (dollar amount) was 47.60% higher; active listings were 4.92% lower; and the median sold price [$440,000] was 15.50% higher, compared to one year ago.
Average days on market were 128. 73 residential units closed escrow.
Scottsdale -
Sold volume (dollar amount) was 14.45% higher; active listings were 0.66% higher; and the median sold price [$396,000] was 7.55% higher, compared to one year ago.
Average days on market were 102. 597 residential units closed escrow.
Kraig's Comments-
- Distressed sales (short sales and lender owned) represent 3.60% of the total sales volume. Short sales are down 24.40%; lender-owned sales are down 46.10% from one year ago.
- There is a 3.59-month supply of residential inventory in the Phoenix Metro Area. A balanced market for buyers and sellers is considered to be about 6 months.
- Total residential inventory is 1.60% higher [25,040 units] than one year ago.
- Entire Phoenix Metro Area: median sold price is $229,900; 8.02% higher than one year ago. Average days on market were 76.
- Average sold price compared to original list price is 96.27% in the Phoenix Metro Area. This means a home listed for $100,000 sells for about $96,000.
- Total Phoenix Metro residential units sold and closed last month: 6,914. This is 12.55% higher than one year ago.
- Total Phoenix Metro residential sold and closed dollar amount: $1,958,460.820. This is 21.99% higher than one year ago.
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