Is your business hiring part-time employees?  Have you considered hiring a student from Cactus Shadows High School?  I highly encourage you to consider participating in the Internship partnership that the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce and the Cave Creek Unified School District have shared for the last eight years.
Have you heard about our Intern Scholarship raffle that we conduct each year?  It is a 50/50 raffle.  We sell 600 tickets.  We draw the winning ticket on the second Wednesday in May.  The winner gets $3000 and the other $3000 we award to a Cactus Shadows High School senior.
What do these two things have in common?  Students qualify for our scholarship because they are paid interns at one of our member businesses and they are participating in the Career and Technical education program at Cactus Shadows.
The Chamber Intern Program is a great opportunity for Cactus Shadows High School seniors to obtain work experience and be a part of their community.  It also provides local businesses the chance to help our youth prepare to be contributing members of the workforce.
Job Shadowing and Internship programs enhance the employability of youth by allowing youth to see what working in a field is really like and providing the real life forum for discussion of various careers and their required skills.  Through internships, youth gain greater clarity about academic and vocational options and opportunities.

  • Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources:  Food Products & Processing Systems, Plant & Animal Systems, Power, Structural & Technical Systems, Natural Resources, Environmental Service & Agribusiness Systems
  • Architecture and Construction:  Design/Pre-Construction, Construction, Maintenance/Operations
  • Arts, Audio/Visual Technology and Communications:  Audio/Video Technology & Film, Printing Technology, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Journalism & Broadcasting, Telecommunications
  • Business Management and Administration:  Management, Business Financial Management & Accounting, Human Resources, Business Analysis, Marketing, Administrative & Information Support
  • Education and Training:  Administration & Administrative Support, Professional Support Services, Teaching/Training
  • Finance:  Financial & Investment Planning, Business Financial Management, Banking & Related Services, Insurance Services
  • Government and Public Administration:  Governance, National Security, Foreign Service, Planning, Revenue & Taxation, Regulation, Public Management & Administration
  • Health Science:   Therapeutic Services, Diagnostic Services, Help Informatics, Support Services, Biotechnology Research and Development
  • Hospitality and Tourism:  Restaurants & Food/Beverage Services, Lodging, Travel & Tourism, Recreation, Amusements & Attractions
  • Human Services:  Early Childhood Development & Services, Counseling & Mental Health Services, Family & Community Services, Personal Care Services, Consumer Services
  • Information Technology:  Network Systems, Information Support & Services, Interactive Media, Programming & Software Development
  • Law, Public Safety & Security:   Correction Services, Emergency & Fire Management Services, Security & Protective Services, Law Enforcement Services, Legal Services
  • Manufacturing, Installation and Repair:     Production, Manufacturing Production Process Development, Maintenance, Installation & Repairing, Quality Assurance, Logistics & Inventory Control, Health, Safety & Environmental Assurance
  • Marketing, Sales and Services:      Management & Entrepreneurship, Professional Sales and Marketing, Buying & Merchandising, Marketing Communications & Promotion, Marketing Information Management/Research, Distribution 
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics:   Engineering and Technology, Science & Math
  • Transportation, Distribution and Logistics:  Transportation Operations, Logistics Planning & Management Services, Warehousing & Distribution Center Operations, Facility & Mobile Equipment Maintenance, Transportation Systems/Infrastructure, Planning, Management & Regulation, Health, Safety & Environmental Management, Sales & Service

Local businesses who would like more information about the program and how to be matched with an intern should call the Chamber office at 480 488-3363.

MEMBER RECOGNITION ANNIVERSARIES
Our Lady of Joy Catholic Parish - 27 years

Carefree Dentists - 19 years

Karsten’s ACE Hardware  - 19 years

Carefree Clarity - 18 years 

National Bank of AZ - 15 years

Southwest Gas  - 14 year

Villas of Cave Creek  - 14 years

Pima Norte Office Suites- Whitestone REIT  - 10 years

Robert Martino Electric - 10 years 

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
Sonoran Desert Life Styles  -  8 years 

Quick N Clean - 8 years

Keystone Homes  - 5 years

Carefree Outdoor Living  - 4 years

Foothills animal rescue  - 4 years 

Neighbors in Need - 4 years

Reliance Refrigeration - 4 years

Stefan Mann - 4 years

UCP of Central AZ  - 4 years

American Cancer  - 3 years 

Cave Creek Olive Oil  - 3 years 

Sesame Inn - 3 years

AZ perfect Comfort  - 1 year

Icon Hair  - 1 year 

Northwestern Mutual - 1 year

Prickly Pear Inn - 1 year

Skin Revision  - 1 year

NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to the Chamber of Commerce community! We look forward to seeing you at our events.

Pressed Dry Cleaning

Etania Jewelry & Boutique

Desert Dream Realty

Corrado's Cuisina Italiana

heath e deals - Affordable Health Insurance

One To One Primary Care, PLLC

For complete monthly list please visit the Chamber website.

Desert Foothills Library - Various events and days, see website.

Horny Toad Restaurant - Independance Day Celebration - July 3.

Harold's Corral - 3rd of July Fireworks.

Magic Bird Festivals - Freedom Treasure Fest - July 3.

Sonoran Arts League - Free Art Classes for Veterans - June 8, Fine Art Fridays - June 9.

Evening Mixer - July  12th @ 5:30

Carefree Coverings - 34522 N Scottsdale Rd #100b, Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$5 for members; $15 for Non-members (non-members may attend twice before joining)  Raffle Tickets only $1 each!

Interested in promoting your business to other members? Get a 30 second commercial about your business by bringing a $30 door prize.

50/50 cash prize and many chances to win! 
 
July 27 @ 8am @ Harold's Corral.
$7 for Members & $15 for Non-Members.  
Join us and our Ambassadors for another fun networking activity!

Evening Mixer - August 9th @ 5:30

Keystone Homes -Eastwood - 8601 E Cave Creek Rd, Carefree

$5 for members; $15 for Non-members (non-members may attend twice before joining) Raffle Tickets only $1 each!

Interested in promoting your business to other members? Get a 30 second commercial about your business by bringing a $30 door prize.

50/50 cash prize and many chances to win! 
Venues Famous Summer Happy Hour Starts Today
HUGE DRINK DISCOUNTS 
New Happy Hour Food 
15 items for $10 or less
2pm - 6pm.

Tuesday is 20% off for our local VIPs ...just mention this email

CAREFREE FLOORS
Built “The Wall”
Drive by our new location 6718 E. Cave Creek Rd.
 Check out the outdoor stone wall display - a glimpse at just some of the stone we carry.
Let us build a custom wall for you!
If you haven’t already visited our new location, it’s time you do!
Open M-F 9:00 to 5:30; Saturday’s 9:00 to 2:00
480-515-9999


History Highlights

From the Cave Creek Museum- Kraig Nelson, historian and docent

The Cave Creek mining district, one hundred and forty-four square miles, was known for gold, silver, and later “red gold” we know as copper. Early miners noticed ledges of beautiful jasper and onyx jutting from areas near the creek (Cave Creek), about twenty miles northeast of the town of Cave Creek. Onyx and jasper are forms of quartz. Early Eastern investors purchased the deposits and hauled the slabs to Phoenix in horse-drawn wagons; from there, sent to Los Angles by railroad for cutting and polishing. Cave Creek onyx was used to decorate buildings found at the Chicago World’s Fair (also known as the Columbian Exposition) in 1893. The White House received a gift from the Cave Creek mining district via the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce during the Coolidge administration (1923-1929). It was a beautiful vase made from Cave Creek onyx. The late Cave Creek historian Frances C. Carlson "believes it’s still at the White House".


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.
     
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
     

Would you like to learn more and drive less? Paradise Valley Community College at Black Mountain is the neighborhood choice for pursing your educational goals. Fall enrollment is ongoing, and classes are filling up, so stop by our office, or call (602)493-2600, to speak with an academic advisor! Advisors can assist you with registering for classes, making payments, and determining the steps necessary to turn your ambitions into reality.

Ready to take classes this Fall? Don’t forget your college placement tests! PVCC at Black Mountain offers Accuplacer placement tests, including reading, writing, and math. Testing is free, and no appointment is necessary. A photo ID and Maricopa student ID number are required to take a placement test, so apply now at my.maricopa.edu! Testing is available Monday through Thursday from 1:00PM – 6:00PM in Orion Hall. If you have any questions about placement testing, call (602)493-2600 to speak with an advisor.

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-rator stop by to speak with an advisor today!

Realty Reality
July 2017
Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS) data published June, 2017
Kraig R. Nelson, Associate Broker
Carefree - Sold volume (dollar amount) was 30.45% higher; active listings [126] were 5.97% lower; and the median sold price [$625,000] was 1.77% lower, compared to one year ago. 
Average days on market were 222.  20 residential units closed escrow.
Cave Creek - Sold volume (dollar amount) was 14.60% higher; active listings [283] were 14.50% lower; and the median sold price [$441,000] was 7.56% higher, compared to one year ago. 
Average days on market were 124. 83 residential units closed escrow.
Scottsdale - Sold volume (dollar amount) was 19.00% higher; active listings [2,908] were 13.58% lower; and the median sold price [$420,500] was 1.33% higher, compared to one year ago.
Average days on market were 98. 908 residential units closed escrow.
Phoenix (city only) - Sold volume (dollar amount) was 21.28% higher; active listings [3,832] were 6.79% lower; and the median sold price [$225,000] was 3.69% higher, compared to one year ago.
Average days on market were 63. 2,379 residential units closed escrow.


Kraig’s Comments-
  • Distressed sales (short sales and lender owned) represent 2.40% of the total sales volume.
  • There is a 2.44-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 9.00% lower [23,520 units] than one year ago.
  • Entire Phoenix Metro Area: median sold price is $240,000; 6.30% higher than one year ago.  Average days on market were 72.
  • Average sold price compared to original list price is 96.81% in the Phoenix Metro Area. This means a home listed for $400,000 sells for about $387,240.
  • Production new-home “spec” (or speculation) count is 2,248; 98 fewer than 6 months ago. (from Ultimate New Homes Newsletter)
  • Total Phoenix Metro residential units sold and closed last month: 9,641. This is 11.10% higher than one year ago.
  • Total dollar amount for Phoenix Metro residential units sold and closed: $2,877,747,919. (that’s 2 billion, 878 million- rounded for conversation). This is 18.02% higher than one year ago.
 


Historical Spanish Village Attracts New Tenants

Carefree has made progress in recent years to enhance its downtown “core” for the enjoyment of the town’s residents and visitors.  With more than a half dozen land lords in town, there have been questions by residents as to what the future plans are with the other buildings not owned by the town and if new tenants are being pursued.
  One such well known property, recently purchased, is historic Spanish Village. Since being acquired, it has received a renovation and is experiencing a resurgence of viable tenants interested in the culture and activity generated by the new landlord, Raskin & Associates. The new tenants are actively promoting their businesses and generating walk-in traffic that is turning into sales.  Furthermore, the Raskin’s are building a new website and creating a strong social media presence to support the success of all the businesses who choose to call Spanish Village home.
  For example, the new Fearless Art Works, has developed an active calendar not only for this summer but all-year-round. Owner and artist, Michelle Micalizzi, is “activating” her 2,212 sq. foot space by creating not only an art gallery but a space for good works of every kind connecting art + businesses + community.  Longtime resident, Cesar Chacon, will soon be opening a new bakery La Boulangerie, adjacent to the original Black Mountain Coffee Shop. Nanci Kelleher, a local designer specializing in Southwestern Desert Style, has creatively decorated her space with rich handbags, old doors, fabrics, pillows and unique one-of-a-kind pieces at Hermosa Interiors and Design. Her neighbor is world renowned artist, Ray Villafane of Villafane Studios, who was asked by Raskin to create a unique sand sculpture in the courtyard area for visitors to enjoy and take pictures. One of the original tenants, Desert Treasures, has been there since 1973 retailing rock, fossil and jewelry gifts. Potential tenants are coming from all over such as El Pedregal showing interest in the new space and are actively moving in, seeing Spanish Village as a cultural and social hub, like it was in years past. A lot of interest is due to Raskin’s ability, as an experienced landlord, to work with tenants to provide a culture that promotes events and entrepreneurship.
 
The culture and “vibe” of the new historic Spanish Village is very promising, attractive and exciting to the entire community. As the Mayor, I’m pleased to see landlords and entrepreneurs who value growth and creativity choosing Carefree to be their home while working together to make their businesses thrive. People attract people and that’s in alignment with our core marketing strategy of executing signature events that support building a strong economic engine while maintaining the culture, social aspects and beauty of Carefree.

For more on Spanish Village and its tenants please go to VisitCarefree.com.        

  The Town of Cave Creek is seeking candidates for the position of Town Manager. The ideal candidate is a strongly committed individual and strong generalist local government professional who has a positive record of achievement and who exhibits a history of building constructive working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. He or she will actively solicit good ideas from all levels of the organization and will have the ability to earn respect and to foster innovative solutions to Town problems through sound administrative practices and outstanding strategic planning skills. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated track record of effective staff management, community relations, and significant experience working with council. Candidates should be visionary leaders with demonstrated expertise in economic development and possess long-range planning skills.
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned, experienced local government executive with substantial (e.g. 8 years) of highly relevant experience, which could include experience as the assistant/deputy town/city manager. A Master’s degree in Public Administration or Business Administration is required. An equivalent combination of experience and education is considered qualifying. Please see the job announcement for more information about the Town of Cave Creek, our local government, desired qualities, and compensation package.
Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce
748 Easy St.,  P.O. Box 734
Carefree, AZ 85377
480-488-3381