Event Marketing

In fact, events such as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and Fiesta Bowl have helped to stimulate the local tourism industry around the holidays when rooms would otherwise go empty. Now several events are helping to boost tourism during the fall as well. Arizona Restaurant Week, Crave Arizona, Scottsdale Fashion Week, and the new Women’s Half Marathon are encouraging visitors to visit, stay and play in Scottsdale.

The Scottsdale bureau is working with these events to market the area’s hotels and amenities and to encourage extended stays, ultimately contributing to Scottsdale’s $3.6 billion tourism industry.

In addition to marketing Scottsdale’s signature events, the bureau also will focus on several core areas during the coming year. These include: strengthening our luxury brand message while redefining the luxury experience to fit with today’s consumer behavior; aggressively attracting new group business; and layering our marketing, public relations and sales efforts in target markets to make every dollar count.

What’s Going On …

While the equity markets have been having a respectable advance over the past month, they failed to move above their June highs. With the economic recovery slowing, I feel that the major U.S. stock indexes are facing the prospects of a renewed bear market.

The Federal Reserve continues to fight the good fight. They’ve definitely created an environment for a housing rebound. These extremely low rates have made buying a home very attractive. However, until employment improves and lending standards are eased, buyers won’t be confident home prices have bottomed.

With recent reports of China continuing to reduce their exposure to U.S. bonds, the Fed’s low interest rate policy may possibly be in direct conflict with China’s desire for a better return on their money. This just might be the catalyst for higher rates and inflation.

Investors concerned with the potential of a prolonged downturn in their investment accounts should be reviewing their IRAs, variable annuities, 401(k), and other portfolios with a dedicated investment professional.

Legal Minding

Beware the HR Pitfalls of Social Media
If you recognize the post as a Facebook communication, then you’re probably familiar with social media. The exchange is an adaptation of one between a (former) employee and her boss. [To read the actual post verbiage, search http://mashable.com.]

The explosive growth of social media makes it tempting to incorporate social networking into your standard HR process. It also implicates a number of legal issues.

Arizona law generally allows an employer to fire an employee for no reason or for a good reason, but not for a bad reason. This means if you’re the boss, you may not fire someone based on race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, disability, age or other protected class status. You also may not fire an employee for whistle-blowing, jury duty, genetic information, service in the military, or for reporting or rebuffing an employer’s sexual harassment, among other restrictions.

Of course, you obviously can’t discriminate on any of these grounds if you don’t have relevant information in your possession.

An employer that learns about their workers through social media, however, may later have difficulty demonstrating the information they discovered had no role in decisions to discipline or terminate them. In other words, reviewing employees’ social media pages may make it more difficult for employers to defend themselves against charges of discrimination.

In a social networking context, an employer in Arizona may generally fire a person for good cause if employees are:

? Criticizing the company, its products or services online (i.e., a blog entry criticizing the company’s new product).

? Playing online during work time (i.e., playing Farmville on Facebook all day instead of working).

? Divulging company secrets (i.e., disclosing the super-secret ingredient in the company’s special sauce in an industry chat room).

? Violating the law (i.e., a nurse’s post to his MySpace page containing confidential medical information about a patient).

? Lying to the company (i.e., posting pictures of a four-day cruise on Flickr while the employee is supposedly on bereavement leave).

? Making false claims against the company (i.e., Tweeting about bowling a perfect game while claiming workers compensation for a back injury).

In these examples, the employee’s conduct implicates the company, so there is a connection between the social media activity and the employment action. The tougher situation is when an employer wants to take disciplinary action against an employee for social media activity that isn’t directly connected to the job. For example, as a boss, you might find one of your worker’s ongoing posts about drunken weekend exploits to be distasteful; although your company isn’t directly affected, you may want to take action.

In 2002, the city of Chandler terminated a police officer who participated in his wife’s sexually explicit commercial website. The termination was for violating the department’s policy prohibiting officers from bringing discredit to the city. The officer filed a wrongful termination lawsuit, but ultimately lost his argument. The court found that news coverage of the officer’s participation in the website impacted department operations by making it more difficult for officers to perform their job and to recruit new police officers.

Miller Time v. Work Time

Employers accessing social media should also be aware of a growing trend: states enacting laws to protect employees who are engaged in legal activities after work hours. New York and Colorado, among other states, have laws that prevent employers from firing people based on recreational activities they pursue on their own time. For instance, an employer may be prohibited from firing an employee for distasteful but legal drunken exploits. While not yet enacted in Arizona, employers with multiple locations must be aware of each state’s unique laws.

Employers also need to be cautious about the way in which they access social media. A jury in New Jersey recently held that an employer violated the federal Wiretap Act and Stored Communications Act when accessing social media. In that case, a manager pressured an employee into giving him the password to an invitation-only, password-protected MySpace page critical of the company. The jury held that the act of accessing the password-protected page without permission violated federal law.

Other courts have held that attempts by employers to access otherwise private employee social media sites by such methods as fake “friending” a worker were violations of employees’ reasonable privacy expectations. Consequently, companies must also be careful about the way in which they access social media.

• The Farmers Improvement Association organized in Scottsdale in 1915, then revived in 1920 as the Farm Bureau. Local farmers learned new growing techniques from the Farm Bureau Agent, and Scottsdale housewives learned canning and homemaking skills. When Scottsdale’s first public library—in the back of Farmer’s Bank on Main Street (now the Rusty Spur Saloon)—opened in 1921, its collection consisted of books, circulars and catalogs of interest to Scottsdale-area farmers;
  
  a home economics section catered to families.

• Adult education classes in home economics and agriculture were offered at the new Scottsdale High School when it opened for the 1922-1923 school year.

• In 1940, the 4-H Club organized a Scottsdale chapter, giving teens an out-of-classroom opportunity to learn farming, homemaking and life skills, and to develop leadership abilities.

• Veterans gained significant educational benefits when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Serviceman’s Readjustment Act in 1944 (known as the GI Bill of Rights, and sponsored by Arizona’s Sen. Ernest McFarland). Some used those GI Bill benefits right here in Scottsdale. In 1947, Arizona State College bought the former Thunderbird II airfield from the War Assets Administration and opened a vocational school, which it operated until 1953. Students learned car repair, upholstery, air conditioning repair and other technical skills.

• During the 1950s both Calapco (now APS) and SRP offered home economics classes for women and teens. SRP’s program, “Live Better Electrically,” promoted a greater awareness of the benefits of electrical appliances through public events and community classes. Grade school, high school and adult students learned new cooking skills for the kitchen and how to apply those skills to the most modern kitchen appliances such as the electric stove, electric range and the microwave oven. The teachers were trained home economists employed by SRP as home service representatives.

• During the 1950s, famous New York City ballerina Ruth Sussman opened her School of Ballet in downtown Scottsdale on Bishop Avenue near the Scottsdale Grammar (Loloma) School.

• Scottsdale responded to the demands of the Cold War like every other community in the United States. “Every Thursday evening in the Winfield Scott [Junior High] school room #15, a civil defense program is conducted under the supervision of H.A. Wickert. Movies and demonstrations comprise the program,” reported the Feb. 22, 1957, issue of The Arizonian.

• In 1958, rodeo trick rider Dick Griffith and his wife opened Double D Ranch on Cactus Road to the public for riding lessons. For newcomers to The West’s Most Western Town, learning to ride a horse was important to “settling in.”

• The city of Scottsdale purchased the 1920s-vintage Chestnutt home and property on Granite Reef in the mid-1960s and opened Chestnutt Park. The former Chesnutt family’s house became the city’s first Senior Center and was used for recreational programs, including a variety of hobby and benefit classes. When the Civic Center Senior Center opened in 1976, it offered classes ranging from creating writing to Chinese cooking.

• The city of Scottsdale’s 1962-1963 annual report touted life-long learning opportunities offered by Parks and Recreation: “... special interest programs include speakers who are well-known authorities on cooking, interior decorating, fashions, charm, hair styling, camping, health, flower arranging, etc. The classes for bridge instruction for beginners, dog obedience, flower arranging, sewing, knitting, golf, chess, checkers, languages, including Spanish and Russian, are popular.”

• In 1968, the newly established Scottsdale Community College began offering evening classes at Scottsdale High School. According to the Summer 1968 edition of Scottsdale STEPS Forward, “Courses cover subjects like semantics and anthropology. They include basic ground school for incipient airplane pilots and stock market trading for neophyte wheeler-dealers. Scottsdale residents will be able to study gardening and the western art of Frederick Remington and Charlie Russell. They can also learn to use a slide rule … Tuition is $45 which includes as many courses as the student can squeeze in.” Two years later, SCC opened its campus on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, first in portable wooden buildings until permanent structures could be built.

• Scottsdale residents participated in a series of seminars conducted by the Brookings Institution in 1972 to develop guidelines for future community development. Many of the recommendations of the seminar participants were adopted by the City Council.

• After the Scottsdale Center for the Arts opened in October 1975, it became the venue for many educational sessions. Josh Logan, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and Lawrence Gichner, antique collector and expert, world traveler and photographer, were presenters in the Scottsdale Celebrity Lecture Series for 1977. Author and humorist Peg Bracken was the celebrity lecturer for 1978.

• In 1986 the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, the city of Scottsdale, and Scottsdale Community College created the Scottsdale Leadership program to groom future community leaders. Its first class graduated in the spring of 1987.

• The Scottsdale Culinary Institute opened in 1986 in the former clubhouse of the Villa Monterey Golf Course. In the late 1990s, it affiliated with Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute of Paris, and in the early 2000s opened in the Galleria Corporate Centre. Several other cooking schools have opened in Scottsdale in recent years.

  ?When the Tournament Players Course opened in Scottsdale in December 1986, it became a popular place to take golf lessons. Famous golfers and instructors, such as Peter Kostis, Gary McCord, and Mike and Sandy LaBauve, have established teaching programs at Scottsdale golf courses.

• In preparation for the Valley hosting its first Super Bowl in 1996, the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce offered seminars on how to become a vendor to the big game. Throughout the years, the chamber has offered a wide variety of classes for businesses, from how to work with the news media, to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act and so much more.

Specialty Care

Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak Hospital also is accredited as a Certified Chest Pain Center by the Society of Chest Pain Centers. Recognizing quality care for chest pain patients and collaboration with local paramedics and emergency medical service providers, the designation means the hospital can quickly diagnose and expedite the treatment of heart attacks.

Nurses in the department are specifically trained in emergency medicine. Many also are nationally certified in caring for emergency patients ,as well as specially certified in caring for cardiac, pediatric and even trauma patients.

“We’re very proud of our high satisfaction scores from patients and feel our level of personalized care is second to none,” says Dr. Norquist.

Molly Bruce agrees.

“The emergency room at Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak Hospital was fast, efficient, clean and comfortable. The nursing staff was always available and ready to answer questions or make Tristan more comfortable,” she says. “Everything was run with the patients in mind.”

If you ever find yourself with your cleat firmly planted in the ground–or need a nearby emergency room for any other reason–that’s good to know. ?

Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak Hospital is at 7400 E. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale. Wait times for the ERs at all three Scottsdale Healthcare hospitals are updated every three minutes at fastERtimes.org.

Higher Rates, Fewer Options?

Since health care reform, the system continues to trend in a direction that won’t satisfy many people. Todd Jones of BenefitMall predicts that adding benefits and reducing underwriting will increase rates. “Complication and requirements from health care reform will increase expenses,” he says. “The early implementation of tax credits, grandfathered status, dependent age extensions and loss ratios is small compared to the upcoming requirements, such as no medical underwriting and unlimited wellness and maximum coverage. I expect the situation to get worse before it gets better.”

Reduced competition exacerbates the issue. For example, many states have overregulated health insurance. In these states, combinations of BUCA companies have oligopolies with high rates and fewer options (BUCA = Blues, UnitedHealthare, CIGNA, and Aetna). This scenario will occur in Arizona when competitors start withdrawing. Arizona may be hard hit because we’ve always had 10 or 12 active health insurance companies in the market. Reduced competition will add momentum to our rising healthcare costs while limiting options.

As an optimist, I believe solving the health care conundrum is possible. The decisions will be difficult. Initial outcomes from implemented changes won’t be what we expect. The process will evolve over the next few decades as opposed to years. Philosophies and approaches will shift from one view to another. Rather than an end product, I anticipate a constant striving for improvement. 

OK, it’s time to get back to work in the here and now. Businesses, individuals and families struggle with the healthcare choices before them today. Will you qualify for the tax credits? Do they apply this year or next? We health insurance agents sift through the confusing array of financing options on behalf of our clients. The guidance of a professional will become even more important when you take your turn in the healthcare financing hot seat.

Scottsdale Healthcare is launching a support group to help new mothers ages 40 and older address the challenges and issues that arrived with their little bundles of joy. Moms Version 4.0 will meet the second Wednesday of each month, starting Sept. 8. Meetings will be held 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Brady Conference Center at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center, 9003 E. Shea Blvd. Speakers will address topics ranging from postpartum depression and lifestyle changes to time management and juggling career and family. More: 480-882-4636.

Airpark-based Discover the World Marketing has been instrumental in helping Spanair expand its international sales and marketing with new representation in Belgium, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands and United Kingdom.

Beginning Sept. 1, the city will no longer accept credit cards for payment of utility bills except in person at the customer service counter, One Civic Center Building, 7447 E. Indian School Road, Suite 110. 

Register for Scottsdale’s Neighborhood College, a series of free classes where residents can receive the information, resources and tools needed to become effective neighborhood leaders. Classes are held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at various locations in the city.
More: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/departments/planning/NeighborhoodResources/college.

Fixed-wireless companies Airband Communications (Dallas based) and Sparkplug Communications (headquartered in the Airpark) recently merged, creating the largest fixed-wireless company for businesses in the United States, providing a full suite of voice and data services in 17 markets.

A change in U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedure will make things a little easier for aircraft landing at Scottsdale Airport from Canada and Mexico. Rather than submit requests to customs 48 hours prior to arrival, now aircraft need only submit the request by 2 p.m. local time the day prior to arrival.

AmomiWellness Spa, the only physician-supervised day spa in the area, is now open to the public for spa services and events such as baby showers or executive day-spa retreats (6950 E. Chauncey Lane in Scottsdale). More:www.amomispa.com.

Airparkers, Come Meet Your Business Neighbors!
Do you work in the Greater Airpark/North Scottsdale area? Come and mingle with others in your business community at the next quarterly Meet Your Neighbor Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17. The host is Green Choice Solar, 15344 N. 83rd Way, with lunch catered by Arriba Mexican Grill and refreshments provided by Airpark-based China Mist Tea. The event is presented by the Scottsdale Chamber’s Airpark Committee; cost is $5. Reserve your lunch by contacting Laureen Leston at 602-918-8808; laureenl@scottsdaleairpark.com. 

The Greater Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce is getting together with Scottsdale business leaders to kickoff the initiative Next Steps Scottsdale–Building an Action Plan for Economic Growth. Tickets are now on sale for the kickoff summit, featuring breakfast keynote speaker Lattie Coor (former president of ASU), 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort, 5401 N. Scottsdale Road. The event is designed to engage community and business leaders in launching a multiyear effort to find solutions for the economic advancement of Scottsdale and the region. Cost $125 chamber members; $150 non-chamber members. More: www.scottsdalechamber.com/nextsteps; 480-355-2700.

North Scottsdale Chamber Names New CEO
Tom Lockhart is the new chief executive officer for the North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce. With nearly 30 years of business management experience, he also has more than a decade of business ownership experience in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. Prior to joining the NSCC, Lockhart served as the community outreach director and director of member benefits for the Arizona Small Business Association.

Classic Residence at Silverstone and Classic Residence by Hyatt and The Plaza Companies at Grayhawk have changed their names to Vi at Silverstone; and Vi at Grayhawk. The $200-plus million Vi at Silverstone older adult community will welcome its first residents on Sept. 7. Derived from vita, the Latin word for life, Vi represents life and the opportunities for a better quality of life, says the company. Vi at Grayhawk is at 7501 E. Thompson Peak Parkway; Vi at Silverstone is at 23005 N. 74th St. More: www.ViLiving.com. ?

Tasty Bites

Primebar, summer’s addition to the Scottsdale Quarter, is now in full swing, serving up hearty American cuisine. Primebar features a full stage for live bands, three bars and a regionally focused menu. Signature dishes include the Primebar chipotle burger and the seared tuna brioche with wasabi-yuzu aioli. The restaurant also features an extensive list of local and regional microbrews from local standouts like Four Peaks, Oak Creek and Prescott Breweries.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria will open in late fall at the ever-growing Scottsdale Quarter, on the east side of Scottsdale Road between Butherus and Greenway-Hayden Loop. This is the sixth location for Grimaldi’s in the Phoenix market, including the company’s flagship restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale, situated directly below corporate headquarters.

Regions Bistro at 9400 Shea recently closed its doors. The restaurant had re-launched under new ownership more than a year ago. ?

Kudos

Laura S. Leopardi, CPA, a Scottsdale resident and self-employed professional business appraiser and consultant in the Kierland business park, competed as Ms. Arizona and was crowned the 2010 Universal Ambassador Queen of Hope in July. Now an international titleholder in a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Leopardi plans to implement her personal, professional and pageant platform of “Alleviating Fear of Finance: Achieve Financial Health and Wealth,” as she works with private business owners to develop exit strategies to fund their own retirement and leave a legacy to charitable organizations. More: leopardivaluation.com.

Airpark-based LAI International Inc., strategic supplier of precision components and subassemblies for original equipment manufacturers, has once again been ranked among the fastest-growing private companies in America by Inc. magazine. This positions LAI among the year’s fastest-growing and most promising private manufacturing businesses in the United States.

The Arizona Disability Advocacy Coalition presented the city of Scottsdale with an award for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s Bajada Nature Trail. The half-mile trail opened in September 2009 and was specifically designed and built for the enjoyment of all—from the elderly to those with physical challenges. More: www.mcdowellsonoran.org. ?

Good Works

Patriot Day Celebration
In celebration of military and first responders, Valley residents are invited to gather Saturday, Sept. 11, at the 2nd Annual Patriot Day Celebration, hosted by Fumar’s Friends of Freedom benefitting Fighter Country Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes programs and services at Luke Air Force Base that aid, support and honor Airmen and their families in need. The event kicks off at 1 p.m. at Fumar Cigars, 2010 W. Parkside Lane, Phoenix, at the Deer Valley Airpark.

Savor the Benefits of Ranch Cookout and Owl Release
Horse-drawn wagons and the good times will roll for the 15th Annual Cookout at the Ranch, North Scottsdale’s largest preservation benefit, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2. Guests can relax and enjoy Western entertainment and savor the buffet at MacDonald’s Ranch, 26540 N. Scottsdale Road. Tickets are $45 for adults, $15 for children, with proceeds going to support the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive. Festivities include a wagon or van ride to the desert cookout site, live entertainment and the release of a rescued great horned owl. More: www.scenicdrive.org.

The STARS Fashion Show and Awards Luncheon promises “Lights, Camera, Fashion!” 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, at Chaparral Suites Resort, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road. The fundraiser benefits STARS, which has a location in the Airpark as well as downtown Scottsdale, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities. Proceeds from the event support STARS’ Day Programs, Creative Arts Program, Work Centers and Community-Based Employment Program.
Info: kkelewae@starsaz.org.

CrossFit Scottsdale, 14885 N. 83rd Place, Suite #102, presents a free Sept. 11 workout, “Here’s to the Heroes.” This second annual event gives the community a chance to work out alongside soldiers from Luke Air Force Base, National Guard members, Scottsdale police and firefighters in classes led by CrossFit instructors. Space is limited, so RVSP quickly to guarantee your spot at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. or noon. Call 480-922-3253 or email info@CrossFitScottsdale.com.

Last month, Wyndham Hotel Group and Starlight Children’s Foundation placed a Fun Center, featuring a Nintendo Wii, DVD player and a Sharp AQUOS LCD TV, at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea for all of the pediatric patients to enjoy. ?

New & On The Move

Signs By Tomorrow recently moved to 8230 E Raintree Drive, Suite 101. The full-service sign company specializes in vehicle graphics, electrical and dimensional signs as well as banners and aluminum signs. Signs By Tomorrow, which opened in 2005, has been owned by Brad and Sheri Beller since 2008. More: 480-368-7446; www.signsbytomorrow.com/scottsdale.

Bella’s House & Pet Sitting, 15560 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., is now officially serving Fountain Hills. Owner Bella Vasta, known for her tail-wagging successfully “Yappy Hours” at the Airpark’s Salty Senorita—among other achievements—has written social media and other columns for the Scottsdale Airpark News. More: www.bellashouseandpets.com.

New to the neighborhood is Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts, offering Youth and Adult Karate, Jujitsu, After-School Programs, Summer Camps, Women’s Self-Defense, Stranger Danger, Mommy & Me, Fitness Classes, Corporate Programs and more, at 6451 E. Shea Blvd. More: www.peacefulwarriorphx.com.

The Phoenix office of Grant Thornton promoted North Scottsdale resident Meredith Jonas to senior manager in the Economic Advisory Services practice. Ms. Jonas, an ASU graduate, has spent her career in public accounting, assisting clients with litigation matters, forensic accounting assignments, international investigations and other business consulting matters. More: www.GrantThornton.com.

Financial advisor Phillis Sax Pilvinis, of PSP & Associates at 14350 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., has launched a radio show, “Winning at Life,” tackling the topics of wealth and health. Pilvinis, a 30-year veteran in the financial services industry, identified a need with her aging clientele—how quality of life drastically diminishes if people don’t take care of themselves physically as well as financially. The show airs 11 a.m.-noon Sundays on KKNT-AM 960, focusing on tips, strategies and optimistic stories about how it’s possible, even in a slumped economy, to live life to its fullest.

Comerica Bank announces that Michele Yates, assistant vice president, has accepted the position of banking center manager at the Scottsdale Road and Greenway branch. “I have many friends and clients in this area and am excited to be a part of this vibrant part of the Valley,” says Yates, who also serves as a board member of Scottsdale Leadership Class and Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce. Stop by and say hello at 14801 N. Scottsdale Road. ?

Scottsdale Insurance Company, specializing in for-fire commercial trucking products, recently celebrated the opening of its Eagan, Minn., location. The expansion is another step in the company’s plan to diversify. Known for a commitment to the general agency distribution system, Scottsdale will deliver the new offering through a limited number of general agency partners around the country, according to a company news release.

Sponsored Fun in Sun

What’s more fun for a kid than an Arizona summer day at the waterpark? Nothing. That’s why the law firm of Airpark-based Nussbaum & Gillis treated every child and chaperone at Sunshine Acres to an all-day pass to splash and play at Mesa’s largest waterpark. The shelter consists of several homes where the children of homeless, incarcerated, chronically or terminally ill parents live with a “host” family and other kids. Sunshine Acres does not receive federal or state funds, so donations are crucial. More: www.nussbaumgillis.com or 480-609-0011.

Sleep on Most Expensive Bed
Parnian Furniture, an Airpark-based furniture manufacturer and creator of the world’s most expensive desk, has now unveiled the “World’s Most Expensive Bed” in its Scottsdale showroom. Company President Abdolhay Parnian said the original intent was not to create an expensive bed but to design something that looks unlike anything ever made before. “I have been working on this design for over two years. My craftsmen have spent more than eight months making this intricate piece of fine art by hand,” says Parnian. Cost for the bed starts at $38,000 and can reach as high as  $210,000 depending on features and materials selected. ?

Scottsdale Coldwell Banker is offering free MLS access to everyone.  When you visit www.nicholasmcconnell.com, you get free Arizona MLS access, according to a news release by the company. Simply click property search.  

No More Unreined Horsing Around
The city of Scottsdale doesn’t have an ordinance regulating horse-drawn carriage operators—and that’s about to change. There is now a proposed ordinance to enhance the safety of horse-drawn carriage operators, their passengers, pedestrians and others whom they may trot past. Attend an informational meeting 10 a.m. Sept. 9 at 4248 N. Craftsman Court; and or 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at Horizon Community Center, 15444 N. 100th St. More: www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/codes/carriage.

STRATCO Inc. has added Persero, the state oil company of Indonesia, to its growing roster of international customers in a deal for the design of a modern grease manufacturing plant in Jakarta. STRATCO, headquartered in the Scottsdale Airpark, is providing the complete process design and the principle manufacturing vessels for the new plant.

The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in North Phoenix has been awarded a grant from Target to launch a school field trip program called A World of Musical Journeys at MIM, Presented by Target. The museum, which opened on April 24, 2010, is poised to play an important educational role at a time when schools have a substantial need for assistance in engaging students in arts and culture. The five districts that will be served by the World of Musical Journeys program are Alhambra, Roosevelt, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and Deer Valley.

Scottsdale Insurance Company, specializing in for-fire commercial trucking products, recently celebrated the opening of its Eagan, Minn., location. The expansion is another step in the company’s plan to diversify. Known for a commitment to the general agency distribution system, SIC will deliver the new offering through a limited number of general agency partners around the country, according to a company news release.

Great Steak, America’s Premier Cheesesteak, along with the brand’s parent company, North Scottsdale-based Kahala, announced plans for expansion into Mexico through a master franchise agreement with Suspiros Pastelerías. Through this partnership, Suspiros Pastelerías, northern Mexico’s largest bakery chain, plans to open 30 Great Steak locations in Mexico over the next five years. More: www.facebook.com/greatsteak.

This year, the third annual culinary phenomenon Crave AZ celebrates the pleasures of sensual cuisine Oct. 22-24 at the Scottsdale Waterfront, showcasing more than 40 local, independent restaurants and more than 200 selected vineyards. More: www.cravearizona.com.

Here’s How to Cope

By

Working with coworkers who never seem to complete a task? Can’t stay focused?

Rather than getting mad, consider that they may have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Millions of adults are affected by it every day. Turn the situation around by trying these five easy tactics, you could significantly improve productivity and performance, while lessening your frustration.

Tailoring the Environment

Adults with ADD/ADHD are easily distracted, find it difficult to meet deadlines, and may complain of feeling restless and irritable if forced to work on one task or in a cramped space for too long. Today’s modern office environment, with its low-walled cubicles and lack of privacy, does not make it any easier to stay on task.

However, a few easy changes can make any office more ADD/ADHD friendly:

? Station the employee’s workspace in a low-traffic area to minimize distractions.

? Institute a company-wide policy of using headsets when on the phone, and avoid the use of speakerphones outside of the conference room or meeting areas.

? Encourage employees to take short breaks. At least one five- to 15-minute break every two to three hours helps reenergize and refocus.

? Regular, frequent progress reports to supervisors can help keep workers on task and on deadline.

? If possible, have support staff on hand to help with paperwork.

Workplace Impact

ADD/ADHD is a neurological condition that impairs an individual’s ability to focus, prioritize, plan and make decisions—all critical functions in a professional working environment.

For those who struggle daily with its symptoms, as well as the coworkers who share an office with them, ADD/ADHD can interfere with productivity, interpersonal relationships and overall employee morale.

A World Health Organization study found that employees with symptoms of ADD/ADHD lose nearly 22 more workdays a year than the average employee.

On the other hand, these employees also bring many positive attributes to the workplace that shouldn’t be overlooked. They are typically high-energy individuals who excel in activities requiring creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. They tend to thrive in fast-paced environments where they’re not chained to a desk for eight hours a day.

The key to maximizing their productivity lies in creating a suitable environment and assuring they are assigned tasks that align with their working style.

Sound Familiar?

If you are an individual with ADD/ADHD, even if you have never been formally diagnosed, it’s important to understand your own working style and seek out jobs and projects that allow you to maximize your potential.

Another way to improve productivity and performance at work is by enlisting the help of an experienced mental health professional who specializes in ADD/ADHD.

One of the best-in-class methods of treatment is neurofeedback, also known as biofeedback. Neurofeedback creates new pathways in the brain that enhance the flow of information from one area to the next, thereby improving attention span, memory and focus.

If you are already seeing a professional, consider asking if it may help. When selecting a professional, be sure to use a board-certified neurofeedback provider. The brain is important, so using an expert in brain treatment is critical. A directory of certified professionals is available at http://bcia.org. 

Think you might have symptoms of ADD/ADHD? Take the free online self-test at www.centerforadd-az.com/addrate.htm.