Chamber Chatter
Volume 12, Issue 03
March 2014
Visit us on Facebook
Board of Directors
2013-2016 Officers
Visit our website www.coolidgechamber.org
Coolidge Cotton Days Sponsors
The Coolidge Chamber of Commerce would like to Thank our sponsors for
Richard Platt- President
supporting our event, you are the people who make this happen. of our Vol-
RT Platt Law, PLLC
unteers who were here
Debie Neely-Vice President
Kiva Insurance and Financial Services
Shelley Brown-Secretary/Treasurer
Brown’s Coolers, Appliances & Furniture
Board Members
Jim Garrett
Garrett Motors
Kelli Kent
Coolidge Examiner
Brent DeZeeuw
APS
Pam Leal
D&J Trends
Taylor Hansen
Hansen Land Surveying
TJ Shope
AZ State Rep. & Shope’s IGA
Contact Information
Coolidge Chamber
Gold Sponsors
Arizona Public Service
Crop Production Services
Golden Eagle Distributors
Bronze Sponsors
Arizona Water Company
Coolidge Engine & Pump
Florence Copper, Inc
Garret Motor’s
Heritage Funeral Home
Kiva Insurance
Sun Life Family Health Center
Ride to the Ruins Stop Sponsors
Elks Lodge
Gallopin’ Goose
Tag’s Cafe
320 W. Central Ave.
Coolidge, AZ 85128
(520) 723-3009
(520) 723-9410 fax
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.coolidgechamber.org
FaceBook: http//.facebook.com/coolidgechamber
Lynn Parsons-Executive Director
Diane Garcia-Felix– Executive Assistant
March Membership Luncheon
Guest Speaker: Britann O’Brien
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Location: CUSD Board Room
Address: 450 N. Arizona Blvd-Coolidge
Time: 12pm—1:00pm
Cost: $10 with RSVP/$12 with late RSVP
Non-Members $12 with RSVP
RSVP by Monday, March 17 , 2014
(RSVP required for lunch)
Horseshoes Sponsors
Gutierrez Family
Rose Deich
RD Bradshaw Group, LLC
C Robert Painting, LLC
Dawn Dee Hodge
Tatiana Gilbert
Gloria Estrada
Jeanne Brogdon
Marie Besee
The Salazar Family
Garrett Motor’s
Kiss the Chef Catering
Mike Minter
Steve Hudson
Leal Family
Monica Navarro
Dora’s Mane Attraction
T-Shirt Sponsors
Affinity Physical Therapy
APS
Arizona Water Company
Barnett's Better Buys
Brown's Coolers, Furniture & Appliances
Casa Grande Regional Medical Center
CEMEX Coolidge Plant 4103
Coolidge Ace Hardware
Coolidge Engine & Pump
Coolidge Glass and Mirror
Crop Production Services
Day Auto Supply
Electrical District #2
FireFly Signs
Gallopin' Goose
Golden Eagle Distributors
Heritage Funeral Home
Jack Harrison General Contracting, Inc
Kids Klub
Kiva Insurance & Financial Services, LLC
Kustom Kuts by Celeste
Long Star Auto Glass
Pinal County Federal Credit Union
Shope's IGA
Tag's Café
The Tire Factory
Volume 12, Issue 03
Chamber Chatter
March 2014
Cotton Days 2014
Cotton Days 2014 left a memorable
impression on everyone involved. The
Cotton Days events started out on Friday night with the Hip Hop Dance.
The park was packed with both young
and mature adults to see the battles,
we had local talent as well as outside
talent. The Event which is sponsored
by the Coolidge Chamber was headed
up by Adam Cordova. He did an incredible job, each year the talents get better and better. The Carnival was going full
tilt as were the Food and Craft vendors. Friday night was thought to be the start of a good weekend.
Saturday morning came and volunteers and Board members started to pile into the Chamber around 6am, Just as quickly
as the storm clouds built up, the rain came even quicker! Parade entrees and Ride to the Ruins Riders were calling all
morning in hopes that the rain would let up and the festivities would be on their way. Unfortunately the rain did not let
up and the Parade, Ride to the Ruins and the all day events were
cancelled. It was certainly not an easy decision to make, we
know how hard everyone worked to be part of the festivities. We
did have 2 pictures of floats entrees that were sent in by Joe Simpson of the CEMEX Coolidge Plant and from Mario Palacios for
the Coolidge 4H Clovers.
Although we cannot control the partaking of Mother Nature,
Rain was certainly needed. The rain undoubtedly gave us ideas
on next year's event, inclement weather will unquestionably be
on top of the list. Although the rain did clear up in the latter part
of the day, it did not discourage the kids and families from enjoying the Carnival, the Food and Arts and Craft Booths. Coolidge without doubt has some spirited citizens, through rain or
shine, they will not be kept indoors for any event.
Sunday was a wonderful day, it was bright and sunny all day, the Carnival was in full swing, as were the Food and Arts and Craft Booths, all and
all it was a great weekend. We all learned how to work under pressure
and everyone remained calm, so the lesson this year was "Regardless if the
weather puts a limitation on your event, look at the bright side, Rain is
always Welcomed and you just have to move forward" .
Every year we have so many volunteers to Thank and without our Sponsors and Supporters, Cotton Days would not be as successful as it is, The
Coolidge Chamber and its Board Members would also like to Thank Our
Parade volunteers: Ray Murrieta, Leon Stock and Gene Leal. Parade
Judges: Rachel Duran, Linda Morris and Karl Cordova, as well as our Announcer Mayor Tom Shope. Cotton Day Events
and Ride to the Ruins Volunteers: Rex Carolin, Barb & Louise Snowden, KJ & Sara Stanley, Coolidge Police Department,
Gila River Police Department, Gila River EMS, Pinal County Sheriff's Department, William Felix, Luz Shope, Adam Cordova, Shellie Brown, Debie Neely, Brent DeZeeuw, Jim Garrett, Pam Leal and Taylor Hansen.
See you at next year's Cotton Days!
Volume 12, Issue 03
Chamber Chatter
March 2014
February Membership Luncheon with Pete Rios
Chamber Board President Richard Platt introduced this month's Business Spotlight which was
TransCanada Coolidge Plant. Dave Turner of TransCanada gave a little
speech about what TransCanada does. TransCanada will be the leading
energy infrastructure company in North America, with a strong focus on
pipelines and power generation opportunities located in regions where
we have or can develop significant competitive advantages, for more information on TransCanada visit their website at www.transcanada.com.
The San Tan Valley Substance Abuse Coalition then presented a check to Corianna Lee of the Performing Arts
Center for the 39 Steps Program to expand in the San area. Richard then introduced Guest Speaker, Pinal
District 1 Supervisor Pete Rios.
Supervisor Rios spoke about a $9 million deficit and how they will not have
to raise taxes this year, due to "Rainy" day money. Supervisor Rios also talked about Pinal Air Park
and the Phoenix Mart as the future endeavors of Pinal County that will help bring an incursion of
business jobs to the area. As Mayor Tom Shope also mentioned that Pete Rios was one of the key
people who advocated to keep the Arizona Training Program open.
Without his help, countless of people would have been without jobs
and the residents would have been moved out. Supervisor Rios noted
that if the Arizona Training Program was in need of his help again, he
would gladly do his part. For more information on our Pinal County Supervisors, visit their website at:
www.pinalcountyaz.gov/departments/boardofsupervisors/Pages/Home.aspx
The next Chamber Luncheon will be on Wednesday, March 19th at the Coolidge School District Board
Room, please visit our website for more information at www.coolidgechamber.org
St. James Annual Fiesta
St. James Catholic Church held its annual Fiesta on Saturday, February 09, 2014. New Parish Priest Father Adolpho Martinez celebrated his first Fiesta with St. James Church.
He blessed the Fiesta grounds and the festivities would be underway.
There was
plenty of entertainment for all ages young
and old and their were several food booths
and game booths.
The 2014 Prince was JR Felix and the new
Princess was Isa Reeves. These kids along with their parents deserve a big pat on the shoulder for the tremendous job they
did raising money.
Several bands came out and rocked the music as the crowd cheered them on. The
altar servers sold raffle tickets for several items that were donated and it was a blast.
This year the weather was fantastic, it was a
nice and warm day and everyone came out
and celebrated with open arms.
St. James would like to Thank everyone
who participated and to all the Sponsors
who made this Fiesta possible, there was a lot of support from the community as well
as the Businesses. It is a great community that makes a great event!
Volume 12, Issue 03
Chamber Chatter
March 2014
Arizona Public Service
Brent DeZeeuw
318 N. Marshall Street
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
520-421-8400
We were founded 5 years after Tombstone’s gunfight at the OK
Corral and nearly a quarter-century before Arizona became a
state. Although we’ve served Arizona for more than 125 years, in
many ways it feels like we’re just getting started.
Michael Charles
210 S. Pacific St.
Coolidge, AZ 85128
520-723-1000
"We are committed to being the leading provider of agricultural inputs in each of our markets. We will attract and retain
outstanding employees by motivating and rewarding them for
their accomplishments in providing exceptional service to our
valued customers."
Mike Grijalva
1000 N Jefferson
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
520-836-2221
Since 1974, Golden Eagle Distributors, Inc. has been Arizona's
beer distributor. For three generations, the Clements Family
has been selling delicious beer and providing great service to
our retailers. We support our communities. We promote
our brands. We care about our environment.
Volume 12, Issue 03
Chamber Chatter
March 2014
Volume 12, Issue 03
Chamber Chatter
March 2014
Upcoming Lectures at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
COOLIDGE, AZ – Mark your calendars and join Casa Grande Ruins for two exciting upcoming lectures. On Wednesday
March 12th, at noon, Dr. Chris Lorendorf will present The Hohokam to Akimel
O’odham Continuum. The relationship between the prehistoric populations
(Hohokam) and the Historic people (Akimel O’odham or Pima) has long been
debated. However, ethnographic and archaeological research completed by
the Gila River Indian Community has provided ample evidence for continuity
in cultural practices over time including parallels between Akimel O’odham
stories and the archaeological record. Dr. Lorendorf received his Ph.D. from
Arizona State University and is a Project Manager for the Gila River Indian
Community’s Cultural Resource Management Program. Chris has worked as
an archaeologist since 1981.
Don’t forget, this week, On Wednesday March 5th, at noon, Dr Gary Huckleberry will present Geoarchaeological Aspects of Pre-Hispanic Water Control
and Management in Arizona. Dr. Huckleberry will discuss recent and ongoing research regarding the different ways that the Hohokam and their predecessors controlled and managed water in different environmental settings in
the Sonoran Desert. The diversity of ancient irrigation systems illustrates the
capacity of indigenous farmers to understand hydrological processes, expand
areas of food production, and reduce the risk of crop failure by diversifying
methods of water capture, diversion, and storage. Dr. Huckleberry received
his Ph.D. from the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arizona
and completed his doctoral dissertation on stratigraphic and archival investigation of floods and channel changes along the Middle Gila River. Gary has
over 25 years of experience in the field of geoarcheology.
Additional upcoming lectures include: March 19 th, Alycia Hayes will present, A History of Preservation at Casa Grande Ruins: America’s First Archeological Preserve, March 26th Maren Hopkins, will present Landscape,
Memory, and the Huhugam in O'odham Oral Historical Traditions: Examples from the Western Papagueria. The Casa Grande Ruins lecture series is in partnership with the Friends of Casa Grande
Ruins and is open to the public with general admission fees. Lectures take place at the Casa Grande Ruins visitor center auditorium located at 1100 W. Ruins Drive, Coolidge, AZ. For more information and a schedule of upcoming speakers and events,
please visit www.nps.gov/cagr/, or call (520) 723-3172.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument protects the multi-story ‘Great House’ and the ruins of other ancient structures built
by the people of the Sonoran Desert over 800 years ago. Established as the nation’s first archeological reserve in 1892, the Ruins sparked the beginning of the archeological preservation movement in America. The Monument is open daily from 9:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Directions and additional information are available on the Monument’s website, or call (520) 723-3172.
CEMEX Coolidge Plant 4103
Kerri Ann Valenzuela
3960 E. Riggs Rd. #4
Chandler, AZ 85249
480-883-1353
Gemini Hospice is a family owned and operated company with the goal
of providing comfort, compassion and care with dignity to those nearing the end of their life. When we say, “From our family to yours”, that
is exactly what we mean. Our goal is to treat you and your loved ones
as if you were a member of our family.
Joseph Simpson
14152 N. Attaway Rd
Coolidge, AZ 85128
602-809-1138
CEMEX USA Products
Cement
Concrete
Aggregates
Fly Ash
Pipe/PreCast/Stormwater
Related products
Volume 12, Issue 03
Chamber Chatter
March 2014
Coolidge Chamber Analysis & Website Report
800
700
600
500
400
2014
300
2013
200
100
0
January
Local
In-State
Out of State
Foreign
Total Visitors
Phone Calls
Relocation
Packets
Total Web
Visitor Stats
Total Web Hits
Stats
2014
2014
360
142
132
115
749
942
9
63222
3156
2013
2013
337
137
127
105
706
918
8
4411
2263
City of Coolidge Building
Permits
January
2014
Re-Investments for February
Coolidge/Pinal
Day Auto Supply
New Non Residential Buildings
# of
Permits
Heritage Coolidge Funeral Home
7
Valuation
$13,876
Residential Buildings
9
$84,320
Residential garages and carports
1
$1,000
All other buildings and structures
2
$1,200
Total
19
$100,396
Housing unit Demolitions
1
$400
Structures other than buildings
Coolidge Ace Hardware
Additions and Alterations
Pinal County Attorneys Office
Coolidge Aviation
Thomas Madden
New Memberships for February
NEW BUSINESS LICENSES
Gemini Hospice, LLC
FOR JANUARY
CEMEX Coolidge Plant 4103
Coolidge Sales Tax
2013/2014
INDUSTRY GROUP
JANUARY
FY TOTAL
Mining
N/A
$0
Communication & Utilities
$46,431
$498,546
Transporting & Warehouse
N/A
$0
Construction
$18,792
$197,679
Manufacturing
$7,290
$40,787
Wholesale Trade
$2,741
$23,802
Retail Trade
$236,856
$1,725,580
Finance & Insurance
$424
$3,571
Real Estate , Rental & Leasing
$25,458
$171,362
Restaurant & Bar
$21,204
$145,502
Accomodation
N/A
$0
Public Administration
N/A
$0
Services
$5,241
$28,368
Arts & Entertainment
N/A
$0
Other
$5,939
$44,733
Total
$371,376
$2,879,929
Casa Grande Ruins NM
January-14
Visits
Visitor Hours
Non
Recreational Recreational
8,076
180
11,000
18
Total Fiscal YTD Visitor Days
Total Rec
Total NonRec
Total Visits
Total YTD
Total
8,256
11,018
Calendar
Year to Date
8,256
11,018
Fiscal YTD
2,354
This Month
Same Month
Last Year
Percent Change
8,076
180
8,256
8,256
8,446
180
8,626
8,626
-4.38%
0.00%
-4.29%
-4.29%
Volume 12, Issue 03
Chamber Chatter
March 2014
Local State Representative Honored at the Performing Arts Center
Two local representatives who came to the aid of the arts and parks were recognized for their work as “heroes” to the fields recently.
Reps. T.J. Shope and Frank Pratt were honored for their work by Corianna Lee at
the Coolidge Performing Arts Center Friday Jan. 31st showing of “39 Steps.”
Shope and Pratt were honored in Coolidge after the two were part of the 53 Arizona Legislators across the state of Arizona who restored funding to the Arizona
Commission on the Arts and Arizona State Parks.
The legislators were named 2013 Legislative Arts Heroes by Arizona Citizens for
the Arts, a statewide advocacy organization.
The 53 legislators, which included senators and representatives approved one-time allocations of $1 million each
from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to the Arizona Commission on the Arts (ACA) and the State Parks.
“We were able to put some dollars back in the arts and the parks and restore some of the money that was cut back
in the recession in 2009 and 10,” Shope said. “Representative Pratt and I are big champions for the arts and want to
see the kids have what they need and be able to provide that for them.
“It was really nice of Corianna to honor us, but it was really about a conversation we’ve been having for a while,
which was getting money back to the arts and parks.”
The ACA will use the funds for additional statewide grants to arts and cultural organizations.
Article from Coolidge Examiner
Volume 12, Issue 03
Chamber Chatter
March 2014
Volume 12, Issue 03
Chamber Chatter
March 2014
March 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1 Monthly Fly-In
and Art Walk//
Cotton Days
2 Cotton Days
9
16
23
30 Kenaniah
Show
3
5 Ash Wednes-
6 Spring Health &
Directors Meeting/Resume
Preparing
day/Geo Ar-
Wellness Fair
11
4 Board of
chaeological
Aspects Presentation
Interviewing
Skills Workshop//
Visual Arts Gallery Opening
Reception/Sound
of Signal Peak
12 HoHoKam to
13 Noel Ginnity’s
cil//Sam’s Club
morning mixer/
Gardening in
AZ
Akimel O’odham
Continuum/
Rocktacular/
Take back the
Night
Dublin St. Patrick’s
Celebration
17 St. Patricks
18 Job Seekers
19 Membership
20
10 City Coun-
Day
7 Science &
Astronomy Night//
Goree’s Combined
Driving Event
8 Coolidge Cotton
14 God-NCountry Show
15 Coolidge
21
22 1st Annual
Royalty Pageant
Rotary Auction
Workshops
Luncheon//
History Preservation/Meals on
Wheels
Coolidge Native
American Festival
24 City
25 Miss AZ on
26 Lector at
Council
27 Saxophobia
28 1st Annual Cele-
mental Wellness-Solar
Power/Resume
Workshop
the Casa
Grande Ruins
29 6th Annual
Concert/Student Art
Gallery Opening
bration of Dance
Bullets and Ball
Tournament//
Medley Madness
31
Coolidge Chamber Website