Business Briefs (5/7)

Growth returning to Arizona economy?

The Arizona Business Conditions Index crossed over the 50 indicator mark in April, signifying that the local economy is growing, if only slowly.

The index reached 52.2 last month, an increase from 49.3 in March. A reading above 50 indicates the economy is growing, while below 50 indicates the economy is slowing down. The most active components were the new orders, increasing to 54.5 from 46.2 the month before.

The Prices index, however, decreased to 77.6 in April, down from 78.2 in Parch, indicating further upward pressure on prices.

The Arizona Business Conditions Index is compiled by the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. For more information, visit wpcarey.asu.edu/azbci.

Desert Schools raises $220K for Phoenix Children's Hospital

The 10th Annual Desert Schools Children's Miracle Network raised $220,000 for Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Proceeds from the tournament directly benefit the 1 Darn Cool School, an on-site classroom facility that benefits long-term patients at the hospital. The credit union has raised more than $1.5 million in funds for the Children's Miracle Network since 1998.

The 18-hole tournament was held April 21 at the Seville Golf & Country Club in Gilbert. It featured prizes and contests, including longest drive and closest to the pin competitions.

For more information on Desert Schools Credit Union, visit www.desertschools.org.

Online tool for home improvers

The first online, secure payment and project management system that protects Arizona homeowners and contractors from remodeling risks launched this week.

Arizona homeowners experience up to $25 million in annual losses in the remodeling industry due to contractor fraud, so Scottsdale-based Buildproof allows for every project, regardless of size, to be paid for, managed and tracked online. Project funds are held by an independent third-party financial institution to ensure safe handling and timely payment processing. There is no cost for homeowners to use the system and contractors are only required to pay a small percentage of the total project cost.

For more information, visit www.buildproof.com.

Dance studio makes changes

Desert Dance Club, located in the Fry's/Melting Pot Shopping Center, has been purchased by Michael and Sheila Jewell and named ExquisiDance Ballroom Studio.

Instructors Tony and Margaret Long are five-time British and International Ballroom champions, eight-time Open French champions and Open British Latin champions.

For more information, call (480) 706-0171 or e-mail ExquisiDance@cox.net.

Wellness bags for cancer patients

The Chandler Fashion Center is holding its "Step Out Step Up" event, creating wellness bags for cancer patients May 8.

The bags will be distributed locally to female cancer patients at Chandler Regional Hospital just in time for Mother's Day. To volunteer, call Alison Mena at (480) 812-0512.

Outdoor Theaters teams with Leslie's

Arizona Outdoor Theaters, developed by Ahwatukee Foothills resident Tim Meester, is going nationwide with the help of Leslie's Pool Supply.

The portable outdoor theater now has its Poolside Theaters in three of Leslie's stores as a test market, including the Leslie's Pool Supply at 4615 E. Ray Road.

Arizona Outdoor Theaters brings the drive-in to people's backyards, allowing users to watch movies or play video games on a 100-inch outdoor screen.

For details, call (480) 785-4567 or visit www.azoutdoortheaters.com.

Babies ‘R' Us to offer ‘Pamper' event

Babies "R" Us will teach relaxation techniques to busy moms and grandmothers May 10.

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 10 at the Babies "R" Us Ahwatukee location, 4835 E. Ray Road, Phoenix. For more information, call (480) 705-0400.

National Speakers Association celebrates 30th anniversary

The Arizona chapter of the National Speakers Association will meet May 10 for its 30th anniversary celebration.

Steven Cates will share the origin of the NSA and formation of its Arizona chapter. Four past presidents, Mike Hayashi, Naomi Rhode, Glenna Salsbury and Ed Scannell, will share lessons learned from their experience as professional speakers. The meeting will conclude with cake and networking opportunities.

The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the NSA headquarters, 1500 S. Priest Drive, in Tempe. Cost is $30 for members, $45 for non-members by May 7, or $10 additional at the door. For more information, call Gwen at (480) 968-7443 or visit www.nsa-arizona.org.

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