Three businesses were introduced to City Council in August.  Tom and Nancy Schilreff are the owners of Schilreff Insurance & Financial, an insurance and retirement planning firm located at 915 E. Gurley.  Check out their website, SafeSolutionsToday.com, for more information on their services.  CertaPro Painters was represented by Jay Bowers, owner, and Jon Bennett, General Manager.  Call them at 499-2571 or visit CertaPro.com/JasonBowers.  Fronting the group is Mike Lesnick, owner of AIM Mail, offering shipping, copy and mail services at 172 E. Sheldon (right next to Albertson’s), 778-9335.

Left: Shuttle “U” celebrated opening its new headquarters with a Chamber ribbon-cutting on September 4th.  Mayor Jack Wilson looked on as Chuck and Linda White did the honors.  You can now catch your ride at 740 N. Montezuma Street.  For reservations and information on routes and times, call 442-2000, or toll-free 1-800-304-6114.  Or, visit www.shuttleu.com.

Owner Danny Akil (on the scissors) has moved The Cat’s Meow from the corner of Gurley & Montezuma to 156 S. Montezuma, just two doors down from The Galloping Goose.  This fantastic little shop features beautiful, unique gifts at affordable prices.  And the new location now sports a café featuring Starbucks coffee and specialty beverages.

Above, owners of Russ Lyon-Sotheby’s International Realty Barbara and Ron Anderson are flanked by co-workers including Office Manager Jodi Collins (with scissors), Ambassadors, and Chamber staff.  Specializing in the sale of residential, commercial and luxury properties, the firm is now a global presence for luxury homes.

Three businesses were introduced to City Council on July 22.  From left: Joe Livingston, owner, and Brian Spear of The Motor Lodge at Prescott.  The Motor Lodge is just three blocks south of historic Prescott, a boutique motel where comfort and service are sure to be appreciated by those looking for friendly, comfortable lodging at affordable prices.  Twelve unique rooms with distinctive furnishings, many with fireplaces, will help to make your stay in Prescott enjoyable.  Sheri Denny, Director, Horses with H.E.A.R.T., whose mission is to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for people with emotional, mental and physical disabilities. And, finally, David Mitchell, State Director, AARP, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all as we age.  They lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service.  Not pictured: Lex Guinn, new owner of Lyzzard’s Lounge.

Taco Bell broke ground on July 24th near Fry’s on Willow Creek Road.  Tom Seymour (Houseman Construction), Mark Peterson (owner) and Arnold Gray (Summit Bank) manned the shovel while Susan Cohen (Chamber Membership director) supervised.  Afterward, everyone enjoyed light hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and cake!

On July 17, Tim’s Auto Group combined a mixer with the opening of their 41,000-sq. ft. Toyota-Scion showroom at 1006 Commerce Drive.  Tim’s five daughters, Sheila, Tiphani, Melise, Emmalin and Camber joined forces to make the cut.

Four businesses were introduced to City Council in June.  Back row, right, Joseph McCombes, Branch Manager of Robar General Funding Corp., specializing in financing for homes, new construction, purchase, rehabilitation and lots; reverse mortgages, small commercial financing for purchase and refinance.  It is their priority to empower clients to make intelligent mortgages decisions that align with their short and long-term goals.  In front of Joe is Dorothy Lunn, President of NARFE (National Active & Retired Federal Employees) with her “entourage,” from back left: James Robinson, Jon Shumate, Jerry Roberts and front left, Diane Robinson and Harriet Pruitt.  NARFE’s mission for 85+ years has been to protect and improve the retirement benefits of federal employees and their families. Wearing a straw hat is DeCarol Company owner Chuck Merritt.  The company offers custom new residential, remodels, additions, and small commercial.  Chuck Merritt has been in the construction business for over 30 years.  They do their own concrete and tile settings and have long-standing employees, low turnover.  In front of Chuck is Dorina Hobbs, owner of Bella Donna Boutique, a “high-end Boutique” just two blocks north of the Courthouse at 219 N Cortez St. – beautiful casual and eveningwear.

On June 26, Classic Printing officially became Allegra Print & Imaging with a snip of the scissors and a gala celebration!  Helmed by Wendy Elgin, the print shop is still located at 1026 Spire Drive, 445-6262.

Lyzzard’s Lounge at 120 Cortez Street was another stop in June, where owner Lex Guinn did all the work with lots of encouragement from his able assistants.

On June 26, we were right next door to Albertson’s at AIM Mail Center with owner Mike Lesnick and their exuberant mascot “the Packy.”  Providing first class business to larger, more established companies; pack and/or ship with three main companies – UPS, Fed Ex and the US Postal Service.  (They even do less-than-load jobs).  Give them a call, they’ll pick up your packages or deliver: 778-9335

On June 25, the scissors were put to work for Susan Levin and Marlene Freeman, owners of Yogartz, with their friend “Smart Art,” at 150 E. Sheldon (in the Albertson’s shopping mall).  Featuring soft-serve, no-fat yogurt, lactose free product, sugar free product, 12 flavors, self-serve, over 30 toppings.  Bar to create your own.  Free Internet.  They are a “green” store.

On May 27, three new businesses were introduced to City Council.  Far left: Natalie Krol, Krol Gallery, 1945 Commerce Center Cir., Ste. C, 443-0408, showcasing 14 prestigious artists in an intimate setting, plus home tours, murals, custom artwork, visits to artists’ studios, and more.  Hours: 11am-3pm, Thurs-Sat.  (On June 11, right photo, Natalie hosted Mayor Jack Wilson and Councilman Bob Luzius at her gallery’s ribbon-cutting.)  Center:  Lindsey & Shaun Smith, Prescott Home Entertainment, 730 N. Montezuma, home automation; distribute audio video-home theater flat-panel TV; surround sound; universal remotes; custom TV mounts; central vacuum systems; video calibration; low voltage networking; brand names; free in-home consultation; call 775-8911 for more information.  Right: Karyn & Paul Finnell, Jumpin’ Juice & Java.