This Week’s Shift Recommendation: Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Erica

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:


Shift your spending to local businesses this Valentine’s Day! Check out these fantastic restaurants for a romantic dinner, pick up truly unique sweets at a local candy store, get the freshest flowers from your local florist, pick up something shiny from a local jeweler, or enjoy a night out on the town at a local theatre or music venue. You can even find an “outfit” for the evening at a locally owned lingerie shop!

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EGG-travagant Endeavours

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Erica

This week’s Local First Arizona member spotlight is on Henderson Family Farm:

Eggs have recently become a household staple in our home, especially since eggs-over-easy, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, and frittatas are our youngest daughter’s favorite dishes. We’ve also had to take extreme measures since experiencing the difference between local farm-fresh eggs and store bought organic ones. We were warned when we bought our first dozen of farmed eggs that it would be difficult to go back to store bought, and they were so right. We had no idea what we were missing until we tried our first Saturday morning egg scramble after scoring some eggs at the local farmer’s market. Simply delicious! But like all good things, there is a caveat that goes with locally farmed eggs: they are extremely hot commodities and if you don’t make it to the farmer’s market first thing in the morning – you totally lose out on the bounty. We’ve been hearing a lot about Henderson Family Farm and their farm fresh eggs lately. The farm is located in Casa Grande but sells at Roadrunner Farmer’s Market on Saturdays and at a small market at their farm. We’ve learned this unpretentious, two-acre, family farm has grown since its start in 2001 to include over 100 hens that have a fondness toward watermelons and officially became certified organic by CCOF in 2008. We also hear their eggs are amazing – not bad for a family who replaced the pressures of city life with rural living.

Henderson Family Farm
520.836.4777

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Local First Arizona & Yelp’s Treasure Hunt of Local Love

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Erica

Looking for a fun way to explore Mill Avenue and get some last minute Valentine’s Day shopping done? Join Local First Arizona and Yelp Phoenix for a scavenger hunt through Tempe’s Mill Avenue district this Sunday, February 12th at 1:30 p.m. We’ll start on the front patio of Monti’s La Casa Vieja.  Each participant will get a list of clues which will lead you to find local businesses in the area.  The business will give participants a Valentine card that will be turned in at the end of the hunt and redeemed for points.  There will also be a chance to earn extra points by completing challenges given at the beginning of the hunt!  The scavenger hunt is entirely free to participate in & prizes, including a lot of gift certificates from shops & restaurants, will be awarded to the first and second place finishers!
The hunt will end at 4:30 p.m. at Canteen Modern Tequila.  RSVP directly to Yelp’s website or to Helene@localfirstaz.com.

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Local First Members host events for Arizona Beer Week

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Erica

Can you smell the hops?  Arizona Beer Week is almost here! Get ready for a fantastic week filled with tons of events featuring local breweries from all over the state.  Can’t decide which events to attend or what beers to drink?  Here’s a list of Local First Arizona members that will be involved in the festivities.  Click the link in each event or promotion to find out more information.

$1 off all local brews all week at Draw 10 Bar
February 18-25
Come to the Draw 10 and pick from our great local beer selection and get $1 off each can, bottle or pint you drink for all of AZ Beer Week! 
Draw 10 Bar
5444 E. Washingtion St, Phoenix, AZ 85028
(602) 273-1061

AZ Beer Week Feature at A.J.’s Fine Foods
February 18-25 
All Arizona AJ’s will be featuring The Phoenix Ale Brewery products for the month of February especially during Arizona Beer Week. They will have special pricing on our products & offer floor displays!
A.J.’s Fine Foods (statewide)
(800) 755-7292

SanTan & Breckenridge Brewer’s Breakfast
Sunday, February 19, 10:30am-12:30pm
What’s the best thing for the day after an EPIC Strong Beer Festival? A Brewer’s Breakfast of course!! 
SanTan Brewing Co.
8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 917-8700

AZBW Bicycle Brews Cruise!
Sunday, February 19, 1:00pm-5:30pm
Our job will be to ride, enjoy some pints and have a great time, so let the fun begin!
SanTan Brewing Co. (start)
8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 917-8700

Chimichangas & Beer Week
February 20-25
All week long Executive Chef Dennis Martinez will stretch the boundaries of the Chimi as you know it, and wow your taste buds with his creative take! 
SanTan Brewing Co.
8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 917-8700

Dogfish Head Beer/Cocktail Pairing Dinner
Monday, February 20, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Our monthly cocktail-pairing dinner series takes a unique twist to coincide with AZ Beer Week. February’s dinner will feature cocktails made with select Dogfish Head beers paired with Chef/partner Bernie Kantak’s modern cuisine. 
Citizen Public House
7111 East 5th Avenue, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(602) 492-3377

Manless Monday
Monday, February 20, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Join the ladies of SanTan as they host another Women Only Tasting! 
SanTan Brewing Co.
8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 917-8700

McClintock McBeer McTour
Monday, February 20, 5:00pm-8:30pm
Meet some of the instrumental cogs in the Four Peaks Family as they “take it to the street” and talk about beer all evening long!
Four Peaks Brewing Company
1340 E. 8th St. Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 303-9967

Bison Witches Beer Week Specials
February 20-25
All week long we will be having great specials on our drafts and bottles. Call for details, or even better come on in!!
Bison Witches
21 E. 6th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 895-9104

Taste of Colorado
Monday, February 20, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Enjoy beers from New Belgium, Ska, Breckenridge, Great Divide and Left Hand in bottles or cans for just $3.50
Draw 10 Bar
5444 E. Washingtion St, Phoenix, AZ 85028
(602) 273-1061

Sonoran Brewing Tasting
Tuesday, February 21, 6:30pm-7:30pm
The follks from Sonoran Brewing will be on hand to sample and serve their outstanding White Chocolate Ale… 
Irish Wolfhound Pub
16811 N. Litchfield Road, Surprise, AZ, 85374
(623) 214-1004

Beer & Cheese Tasting
Tuesday, February 21, 6:00pm
Four of our Hand Crafted Beer 6 oz samples paired with choice cheeses decided upon by our Brewmaster and Christine Hyatt (a.k.a. The Roving Cheesemonger)!
Four Peaks Brewing Company
1340 E. 8th St. Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 303-9967

Local Laughs and Drafts
Tuesday, February 21, 6:00pm-10:00pm
What’s better than $2.00 Local Pints (Over 12 to choose from) & FREE COMEDY. Tuesday is our Laughs & Drafts Night. Come enjoy $2 pints: Including SanTan, Four Peaks, Sonoran, Grand Canyon, Nimbus, Papago and Sleepy Dog 
Copper Blues-Downtown Phoenix
50 W. Jefferson St. Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85003
(480) 719-5005

Four Peaks Brewing Presents AZ Movie Premiere: The Love Of Beer
Wednesday, February 22, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Join local women in the Arizona brewing community for the Arizona premier of “The Love of Beer”– a feature length documentary celebrating the women in the Pacific NW beer industry produced by Alison Grayson. Also playing 2/23 at 7:00pm.
FilmBar
815 N. 2nd St. Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 595-9187

Public Brewery Tours – Four Peaks Brewing Co.
Wednesday, February 22, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Come to Four Peaks in Tempe for an Arizona Beer Week Beer Tour. Educational and informational, this is a one of a kind guided tour through the historic turn of the century Creamery Building. 
Four Peaks Brewing Company
1340 E. 8th St. Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 303-9967

Beers/Brewers Team Trivia
Wednesday, February 22, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Beer Themed Trivia Questions with giveaways and Prizes. Representatives from Four Peaks, SanTan, Sonoran, Lagunitas, Sierra Nevada, Deschutes, Firestone Walker and Bridgeport Brewing Co will be in attendance. Winning teams will receive prizes! 
Flannys Bar and Grill
1805 E Elliot Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284
(480) 659-0870

Ballast Point Promo at Yucca Tap Room
Thursday, February 23, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Curt from Ballast Point will be pouring some great beer from one of the top breweries in California.
Yucca Tap Room
29 W. Southern Avenue, Tempe, AZ, 85282
(480) 967-4777

Bell’s Brewing Sampling and Promo at Lux Coffee
Friday, February 24, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Veronica from Bell’s is in town so stop by Lux Coffee and settle in to try some of these outstanding beers from one of the most respected brewers in the country. 
Lux Coffee
4402 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013
(602) 696-9976

Four Peaks Kilt Fest
Saturday, February 25, 12:00pm-5:00pm
Music, Food and Beer Festival to close out Arizona Beer Week!
Cityscape
11 W. Washington St. Phoenix , AZ 85003
(480) 303-9967

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LocalWork.com launches to bring local jobs to Arizonans

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Erica

Local First Arizona sustaining member LocalWork.com launched their website this past week, and hopes to be a great resource for the Valley.  Their mission is “to support and stimulate Arizona’s economy by making connections between local employers and local talent. We are determined to build and grow our local economy in an effort to lower the unemployment rate, support local businesses and enable a better quality of life for Phoenix and it’s residents.”  We love the idea- a business dedicated to keeping skilled workers here in the Phoenix area and matching them up with jobs that they are qualified for!

The launch was covered by Denise Meredith at Examiner.com, here’s a preview of what she wrote last week:

“Most have heard of Monster. That’s the company with the Super Bowl commercials, right? Millions have posted resumes on that or some other online recruitment system (e.g., a warehouse job in Wichita—why not gives it a try?). Employers spend hundreds of dollars per job posting and time/money sorting through thousands of irrelevant submissions. With unemployment in Phoenix stuck at 8 ½ %, and an ineffective and exhausted unemployment insurance system, there must be a better way. Ryan Naylor thought so and created LocalWork.com, which debuted today.

‘Our system is different because it is affordable and it focuses on real, local jobs in Phoenix,’ says Naylor. While previously, employers had to choose between websites charging up to $500 or merchandise sites like Craig’s List, LocalWork.com allows employers to post jobs for just $50. People, who can register for free, can post their resumes and feel reassured that they will be reviewed seriously by local companies. The website also contains helpful information on resume writing, interviews and other job seeking tips…”

You can read the rest of the coverage here.  We are very excited to see local businesses like LocalWork.com take the economy into their own hands.  They’re demonstrating that we don’t have to wait around for the solutions to come to us; rather, we have the power, resources, and ideas to take charge of our communities and support each other right now!

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This Week’s Shift Recommendation: Superbowl Sunday

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Erica

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!

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Might As Well Face It, You’re Addicted To…

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Erica

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

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Kimber Lanning’s speaking schedule

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Russ

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:

Carefree
February 1st, 12-1pm
Kiwanis Club
At Harold’s Corral
6895 E Cave Creek
Chandler
February 3rd, 8:30-9:30am
Downtown Chandler Community partnership

Scottsdale
Feb 9th, 8:00 -9:00 AM
Rennaisance Personnel Group
8390 E. Via De Ventura, Suite F-200
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
602.263.5100

Flagstaff
February 15th, 5 – 7 PM
Flagstaff Independent Business Alliance monthly meeting
At NACET (Northern AZ Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology)

Tucson
February 16th, 3 PM
Pima County Small Business Association
in Green Valley – location TBD

Phoenix
Feb 24th
Friends of Transit Conference
8 AM to 1:30 PM
Hyatt Regency downtown

Mesa
Feb 29th
Buy Local to Build Arizona conference
9AM to noon
Mesa Arts Center

Tucson
Tuscon American Marketing Association
Feb 29th
3:30-500 PM
Crizmac Art and Cultural Center
1642 No. Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ 85712

Patagonia
Feb 29th – free workshop
6PM-8:00 PM social media workshop
Mar 1st – free workshop
8-10 AM Search engine optimization workshop
Location TBD

Tucson
March 1st
Downtown Tucson Partnership
4:00-5:30 PM

Verrado
March 8th
Raven Golf clubhouse
8-10AM

Payson
March 21st 11:30-1PM
Business buzz- location TBD

Phoenix
April 6th
Valley Leadership Community Engagement Day
3:00-4:30 PM
location tbd

Flagstaff
April 23-24
Arizona Transit Association Annual Conference
High Country Conference Center at Northern Arizona University

Sedona
May 10th
Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED)
Annual Conference
location tbd
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A Lovely Local Valentine’s Day

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Erica

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.

Valentine’s Dinner at Petite Maison
A four course meal with delicious offerings!  Optional wine pairings available.  $85 per person for a fabulous french dinner, surely to be romantic!  Find out more here.

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.

Acupuncture for 2 at Phoenix Community Acupuncture
2-for-1 acupuncture on February 15th for Valentine’s Day!  Make your appointment today!  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.

2-for-1 Couples Treatments at PIHMA College and Clinic
Bring a date to your next acupuncture treatment at the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Accupuncture and make your Valentine’s Day special!  Call to schedule your appointment today: 602-274-1885.  Find out more here.

Valentine’s Dinner at Tryst Cafe
$45 dinner for two: 2 entrees, 2 garden salads, 2 glasses of house wine, and 1 dessert! Plus, get a $10 gift card for a future visit with your reservation! Tryst Cafe strives to source its ingredients locally and organically, from the cocktail liquors and organic wines to the produce for their bountiful salads and a majority of the menu can be prepared gluten free. 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.

Padre’s 5th Annual Screwed Valentine’s Party
No candy, no roses, no date, no problem, come celebrate at Padre’s Modern Mexican Cuisine.  This event was created to celebrate Valentine’s Day with or without a date.  Drink and dinner specials throughout the evening, 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!

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Bookmans features Local First AZ Director Kimber Lanning

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Erica

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!

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