Every week, we make a suggestion for how you can easily shift the way you shop and support local businesses! Here is this week’s SHIFT recommendation:
Go local while planning your Superbowl Party – get snacks and beverages from local grocery and liquor stores, or plan to go to a local sports bar to watch the game!
This week’s Local First Arizona member spotlight is on Candy Addict:
We remember our first “shoplifting” experience, and how our mother made us return the Blow Pop Lollipop we had taken without paying. Teary faced, we returned to the cashier, gave back the lollipop, and apologized for stealing that cherry-filled, bubble gum goodness. It officially solidified a life-long obsession with candy. We saved our money to buy Bazooka Joe bubble gum that we’d use to swap for Garbage Pail Kids cards, we hoarded Laffy Taffy and Jolly Ranchers under our bed, and our favorite drink was Pop Rocks with Dr. Pepper. We can’t even imagine making it through four years of college without our stash of Red Vines and Starburst. It’s no surprise then that a place like Candy Addict, located on Mill Avenue in Tempe, is extremely dangerous for our closet addiction. Yet, we can’t resist, especially when in the neighborhood, to check out their latest bounty of hard-to-find sweets that remind us so much of our childhood. Additionally, the Candy Addict offers a new kind of sweetness for our matured taste buds – rare candy treats from around the world, organic and sugar-free offerings, and an amazing chocolate selection. If you haven’t checked out this little candy boutique, we highly recommend you cruise in for a tantalizing stroll down memory lane and a sugar coma afterward.
Candy Addict
414 S Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281
480.921.1155
If you are curious about what Local First Arizona does and how shifting your spending to locally owned businesses can help your community, please stop by one of the many events where our director Kimber Lanning will be speaking. Below is the latest schedule for 2012:
Whether you just want to make a great impression on your first Valentine’s Day together, or are looking for something to do with your spouse of 20+ years, going local on this day of love will surely impress your date! These truly original events and gift ideas will have him or her leaning in for that kiss. You won’t be disappointed with any of these great opportunities, and you’ll support your local economy!
Lawrence Dunham Vineyards‘ Valentine’s Day Winemaker Dinner
Twenty people are invited to join us at our Fountain Hills home on Valentine’s Day for a multiple-course meal paired with LDV wines. Peggy and Curt will prepare, serve, and share stories about each wine pairing. Total cost per person (includes food, wine, and recipes) is $75.00. Registration is required. Space is limited so make your reservations today by calling (602) 320-1485 or info@lawrencedunhamvineyards.com. Find out more here.
Romantic Getaway to Historic Jerome and Old Town Cottonwood
Where Wine, History and Great Food Come Together
$129 Package Includes:
– One night accommodations for 2 with breakfast — Mile High Inn and Grill in Jerome.
– Couple’s Wine and Food Tasting Tour in Old Town Cottonwood that includes: 2 cheese & chocolate tastings (Bonne Lait), 2 wine tasting flights (Pillsbury Wine Co.), and lunch for 2 (Crema Cafe)
This offer is limited and subject to availability. Valid any Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday in February, but subject to availability. Entire tasting package must be used in a single visit. $129 package price does not include taxes and gratuity. Book now by calling the Mile High Inn Reservation Phone: 928-634-5094 or emailing: milehighinn@yahoo.com.
Hubbard Family Swim School Sweetheart Swim Party
Saturday, February 11, 2pm – 4pm
At the Peoria location: 8402 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria, AZ 85381
There will be music, pool toys, fun water games, mini swim lessons, arts and crafts, and refreshments including heart-shaped cookies! $5 per family, advanced reservations are not required. Find out more here.
El Chorro‘s Valentine’s Day Dining
El Chorro is hosting a special three-course dinner for couples on the most romantic day of the year. This Valentine’s Day, treat your sweetheart to a gourmet feast in one of the most beautiful settings in the Valley. Choose from tantalizing options like center cut filet and rich chocolate cake. Cost is $98 for two. Expert wine pairings are also available for an additional $25 per person. Make your reservations early by calling 480-948-5170. Find out more here.
“Love Thyself this Valentine’s Day” at Absolutely Chic Day Spa
Valentine’s Day is all about love. It doesn’t necessarily mean you need to have a special someone in your life. Why not show yourself some love on this most romantic of holidays? What better way to celebrate than with some much-needed self-pampering? Whether you are romantically entwined or reveling in singlehood, check out our indulging skin treatments for some well-deserved relaxation. Truly love thyself this Valentine’s Day with refreshing skin treatments that leave you feeling radiant and beautiful. Find out more here.
Valentine’s Day at Hotel Valley Ho
Treat your honey to something sweet – an evening at the Valley Ho! Check in to your splendidly styled room or suite, dine on more-than-fine fare at ZuZu, and make it special with our Romance Package. Find out more here.
Valentine’s Specials at Fascinations
Fascinations has many great specials and gift ideas for him, for her, and for couples! See these specials here. Fascinations also believes in giving back to the communities they serve, and strives to make them a better place to live and work. In this effort, Fascinations is sponsoring a Valentine’s Special For Our Troops, selling $5 Funlove Truffle Boxes with all proceeds going to Packages From Home. Find more info here.
Simply trying to find the perfect place to take your date for a romantic dinner? Check out all of these fantastic restaurants who are members with Local First Arizona. Each is unique to Arizona, and the food and ambiance will surely impress your date!
Don’t forget to pick up some chocolates or special treats for your loved one! You’ll find some truly unique sweets at a local candy store, such as cupid arrow suckers and Arizona-themed chocolates!
Are you planning on giving your darling a beautiful bouquet? Get the freshest flowers from your local florist!
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, one of Local First Arizona’s sustaining members, recently posted a Partner Profile on Local First Arizona’s executive Director Kimber Lanning. Kimber works every day to spread the message about shopping locally and supporting the community, and Bookmans was able to catch Kimber in the midst of her busy schedule to ask her a few questions. Here is some of the interview:
In 2012 Bookmans is encouraging our customers to “Shift The Way You Shop”. What advice can you give someone who is just beginning to buy local?
It’s important for people to remember that every dollar counts! So don’t try to be perfect and buy everything locally all at once — just do what you can, pay close attention to which business are local and select a few things to buy locally regularly. Maybe you choose to buy local produce or eggs first, and you add books and music, and then you start thinking about things like your prescriptions or your office supplies. Choosing Harkins Theaters is a great way to go local and it’s so easy! Another idea is local service providers — find a local shop to change your oil or rotate your tires next time. One step at a time and every dollar you spend locally help to build a brighter future by keeping more money right here at home.
What can we expect from Local First Arizona and/or The SHIFT campaign in 2012?
We currently have about 2000 members and about 47 million pledged on our website from people who pledged to shift 10% of their spending. Next year we are going to add another 400 members and grow our pledges to 60 million! Our 14 media partners are great about helping us get the word out and our light rail wrap will be moving through the city for the first quarter. Once people understand the economics behind the way they shop they are more than happy to do their part. Next year, I think people will see the SHIFT logo and they know exactly what it means…
You can read the rest of the interview at Bookmans’ News Page. Thank you, Bookmans, for being such a great advocate for the local movement, and for always having great and unique items in stock!
Every week, we make a suggestion for how you can easily shift the way you shop and support local businesses! Here is this week’s SHIFT recommendation:
Have something that you’ve been meaning to get fixed? Many of our members provide repair and restoration services that can help you!
This week’s Local First Arizona member spotlight is on The Stockroom:
As a small business owner, managing overhead is a valuable component in maintaining the health of your business. This unfortunately can lead to purchases from big-box, office-supply, chain stores instead of from other local business owners. While your bottom line may be saved, in due time, the longing for one-on-one, quality customer care that is unique to independently owned businesses will become more apparent. Enter The Stockroom – a family-owned and operated office supply and business solutions company that has serving Phoenix since 1986. In fact, they are one of only five independently owned and operated office supply stores in the entire state of Arizona! The Stockroom prides itself on personalized, customer service and going the extra mile to handle your business/office needs. In short, The Stockroom will help you manage your office supplies in the way that’s easiest and best for you in the manner that fits the way you run your business. One of their specialities is also locating hard-to-find items for your business – if there’s a particular or unique item you’re looking for consider the Stockroom store, as well as any green office initiatives you may be pondering along the road.
The Stockroom, Inc.
6201 North 7th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85014
602.263.8516
Local First Arizona has launched a new column to this blog: “Going Loco Trying to Find This Local!” In an effort to shed some light on how to further support the local movement, we are examining the challenges in finding particular items at locally-owned and independent businesses. We understand that we may not have hit every possible option with our recommendations, so if you know where you can get our monthly item locally, please share your knowledge with us in the comments section!
Is your computer on the fritz? Maybe you need a new monitor, keyboard, or mouse so that you can better navigate the Local First Arizona news blog and business directory? Instead of heading straight to “you-know-where,” it is possible to get these items (and other computer accessories) at a locally-owned business! Check out these options to fulfill your computer needs:
GOS Products for Business
11034 N 23rd Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85029
(623) 937-4731
Eastern Arizona Computers
505 South 5th Avenue, Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 428-5211
Grand Canyon Business Solutions
8901 E Pima Center Parkway, Suite 115, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(480) 278-8380
Energize Me Business Solutions LLC
Casa Grande, AZ 85230 (serving the Casa Grande area)
(520) 858-5046
The Stockroom, Inc.
6201 North 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 263-8516
RED7 Computer Geeks
SE Corner of McClintock & Elliott Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284
(480) 775-6620
Hi-Tech Computers
404 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
(520) 918-8911
Connected Computer
2642 N. Kiowa Blvd. Ste 102, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
(928) 680-0041
Emerald Computers
9299 W Olive #609, Peoria, AZ 85345
623-240-2424
CompuTime
1702 Willow Creek Rd, STE A, Prescott, AZ 86301
928-445-0700
Computer Alliance
4757 E Greenway Rd #107B, Phoenix, AZ 85032
602-482-2700
Yuma Office Equipment
340 S. Main Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 343-2298
Macmedia
6928 E 5th Ave Ste 1, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 964-6352
15525 N. 83rd Ave. Suite 108, Peoria, AZ 85382
(623) 850-8000
Gartman Technical Services
735 N. 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009
(602) 489-6702
Flagstaff Computer Guys
2520 S. Gravel Ln, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 853-4980
What other local business should be on this list? Did you find this list uesful? Tell us what you think and add your suggestions to the comments section!
Every week, we make a suggestion for how you can easily shift the way you shop and support local businesses! Here is this week’s SHIFT recommendation:
Make sure that you stick to your new years resolution of staying healthy throughout the whole year! Check out our listings for fitness and wellness to find a gym, program, trainer, nutritionist, fitness class or health club!
This week’s Local First Arizona member spotlight is on Greener House Today:
We should have known better when we invested in a vintage house in Central Phoenix that we were potentially walking into a first-time homeowner’s nightmare. It was the cuteness of it being right out of a children’s book, a gingerbread house, that kept us from those rational thoughts. We plummeted back into reality when we realized how much we were spending on heating and air conditioning bills, plumbing improvements, and then, those hardwood creaky floors paired with a newborn baby. Greener House Today is a valuable resource for any of you, who like us, are looking for a way to minimize those outrageous electric and gas bills. This unique service conducts home assessments, which will identify problem areas in your home and offer solutions for making your home more energy efficient, cost effective, safe, and comfortable. And, priced at only $99 for a home assessment, you can make the first steps toward saving energy, money, and helping the planet.
Greener House Today
480.213.3509
