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PEORIA WINS BEST OF THE WEST AWARD THE PEORIA BUSINESS CONCIERGE PROGRAM WINS WESTMARC AWARD ON NOVEMBER 7, THE CITY OF every business in the city. The goal owners. More than 400 businesses The WESTMARC’s Excellence PEORIA WON THE EXCELLENCE is to strengthen the city’s partnership have been impacted since the in Innovation Award recognizes IN INNOVATION AWARD with the business community, concierge program launched. individuals, organizations, FOR THE PEORIA BUSINESS connecting them with city services businesses, facilities or programs CONCIERGE PROGRAM AT and local support programs. “This award demonstrates the that have demonstrated an innovative WESTMARC’S BEST OF THE city’s dedication to investing in concept to fulfill a need for West WEST AWARD EVENT. The Arizona Network of Small and growing a thriving ecosystem Valley residents or preserve the Business Development Centers of entrepreneurship – one that West Valley assets or resources. “Peoria has an amazing, thriving (SBDC), Arizona State University’s empowers individuals, improves WESTMARC is the regional small business community and Entrepreneurial and Innovation standards of living and creates jobs, economic development organization every day, we are working hard Program (ASU E+I), and the Peoria wealth and innovation in the local for the West Valley, a public-private to provide these leaders with the Business Concierge Program work economy” said Rick Buss, Peoria’s partnership of the 15 communities, tools and resources they need to together to cultivate and engage economic development services the business community and the be successful,” said Mayor Cathy Peoria entrepreneurs and business director. educational sector in the West Valley. Carlat. “We have secured important partnerships along the way, and we are thrilled to see our commitment to supporting our business community recognized.”

Launched in November 2018, the Peoria Business Concierge Program is a direct result of the Peoria city council’s vision of providing personalized care and attention to

WASHINGTON FEDERAL TRANSFORMS INTO WAFD BANK ARIZONA By Alison Bailin Batz WASHINGTON FEDERAL TO “Customers will start to see changes it in Arizona via the WaFd Bank WAFD BANK in the digital arena and on the Foundation. WASHINGTON FEDERAL IS ONE As such, according to Brown, website very soon, including new OF THE NATION’S STRONGEST Washington Federal adopted its email signatures, signage and other “The mission of the WaFd Bank FounBANKS. WITHIN ARIZONA, IT longtime nickname, WaFd Bank, as advertising materials throughout dation is to facilitate direct donations BOASTS $1.4 BILLION IN DEPOS- its trade name. 2020,” says Brown, noting WaFd to community-based nonprofits that are ITS AT ITS 31 BRANCHES. Bank is innovating every day, but still serving the needs of low and moderate“It tells people we are a bank and is remains a friendly, accessible brand. income individuals,” says Brown. But over the past several years, even an abbreviation of our current name. after winning the Money Magazine’s We pronounce it Wah-Fed,” says And a truly local one that cares Among the local organizations that “Best Bank” in the state, Washington Brown. “WaFd Bank aligns with our about the community. “We’ve funded have benefitted from the Foundation in Federal in Arizona still got the same NASDAQ ticker symbol, which is projects to expand a local airport, recent years are: Care Fund, UMOM questions over and over. Some of Ari- WAFD. WAFDbank is also our name built safe housing, added dorms New Day Centers, Habitat for Humanzona regional president Mike Brown’s on social media.” and other needed buildings for a ity, Central Arizona Shelter Services, favorites are: university, and more,” says Brown. International Rescue Committee, Pima • Is Washington Federal part of the Along with the change came an County Community Land Trust, Right federal government? entirely new logo as well. The He also launched community Turn for Yuma Veterans, Boys & Girls • Washington Federal is a credit union new logo is created out of eight outreach program called ‘WaFd Clubs statewide, YMCA, Youth on headquartered in DC, right? interlocking W’s, recognizing Focus on Arizona,’ wherein he their Own, Junior Achievement of Ari• Is Washington Federal a prison? their Washington state roots and empowers each and every member zona, Chicanos Por La Causa and Save symbolizing how their branches of our company in Arizona to work the Family. “We got the message. People who across now eight states are linked together to donate time and fundraise don’t know us yet might not be able to together as a team across the markets for causes they personally care about. This year alone the local team has voltell what we do. We needed to address they serve – bankers, clients and unteered over 2,200 hours and donated that challenge while making sure our communities working together to Finally, WaFd Bank Arizona nearly $150,000 in grants. bank would be clearly recognizable in fuel economic growth and strengthen walks the walk with real financial all of our markets,” says Brown. neighborhoods. commitments to those who need For more, visit www.wafd.com.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO I-17 ON-RAMP CLOSURES AT PINNACLE PEAK ROAD By Molly Cerreta Smith closed around-the-clock through the • The southbound I-17 frontage roadway and interstate restrictions evening of Sunday, December 22. road will become a temporary two- are in place. Most work is scheduled WITH THE SEASON OF HOLIDAY Additionally, the northbound 1-17 way road between Premier RV and to occur during overnight and early TRAVEL UPON US, IT’S MORE exit ramp at Pinnacle Peak Road will Self-Storage and Adobe Drive. morning hours; however, ramp cloIMPORTANT THAN EVER TO be closed around the clock through sures at I-17 will be in place continuCHECK YOUR ROUTES BEFORE Monday, January 6, 2020. • The northbound I-17 frontage road ously, seven days a week, while work YOU HEAD OUT ON A ROAD TRIP will become a temporary two-way is underway. OR VACATION TO CELEBRATE These closures will further allow the road between Williams Drive and the THE SEASON. In addition to paying continuing reconstruction of the I-17 roadway south of Adams Traditional ADOT also notes that these scheduled extra-close attention on the road while traffic interchanges at Happy Valley Academy/north of the Phoenix Metro closures (and re-openings) are subject driving due to more travelers and and Pinnacle Peak roads. RV Park. to change based on weather and other an influx of out of towners that may unforeseen factors, so it’s important not be as familiar with our roads, it’s According to its website, during these Work to reconstruct the Interstate 17 to check the website for updates. For important to check construction and closures, ADOT will temporarily traffic interchanges at Pinnacle Peak more, visit www.azdot.gov or www. closures to either plan for extra time reconfigure portions of the north- and and Happy Valley roads in north az511.gov. While experiencing heavy or route a detour. southbound I-17 frontage roads be- Phoenix is accelerating through the traffic or delays due to these closures, tween Pinnacle Peak and Deer Valley end of 2019 and into early 2020. The keep the spirit of the season alive by The I-17 has been experiencing clo- roads while ramps at I-17 and Pinna- Arizona Department of Transpor- allowing extra space for other drivers sures at the on-ramp of Pinnacle Peak cle Peak Road are reconstructed. The tation advises everyone who lives, to merge and providing courtesy on Road and according to the Arizona temporary reconfigurations below are works and drives in the area to allow the road to ensure the holiday travel Department of Transportation, the scheduled to remain in place through 5 extra travel time and be prepared doesn’t bring out any Grinchy road southbound I-17 on-ramp will remain a.m. Monday, January 6, 2020: to use detours while several ramp, rage. Merry travels!

ARIZONA TEACHERS RECEIVE $1 MILLION IN GRANTS FROM FIESTA BOWL CHARITIES WISHES FOR TEACHERS, POWERED BY DRIVETIME

AS PART OF ITS MISSION TO BENEFIT ARIZONANS THROUGH YOUTH, SPORTS AND EDUCATION, THE FIESTA BOWL ORGANIZATION AND ITS FIESTA BOWL CHARITIES WISHES FOR TEACHERS PROGRAM, POWERED BY DRIVETIME HAS DONATED $1 MILLION TOTAL TO 200 ARIZONA TEACHERS FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR. This $1 million granting is believed to be the largest donation to Arizona teachers.

The full list of teachers who received a Wishes for Teachers grant may be found online at fiestabowl. org/sports/wishesforteachers. At $5,000 each for 200 teachers across the state, 138,447 students, 177 schools, 52 School Districts and 40 cities will be positively impacted. Specific to the Peoria area, are the following teachers: Michael Goodhope of Cotton Boll Elementary School (first grade), CJ Miller of West Wing School (PE), Michelle Barkley of Paseo Verde Elementary (Library)

Of the 39 Phoenix West Valley area wishes, teachers plan to purchase furniture, Chromebooks, digital cameras and editing software for photography, and inspire kids to get up and move with new gym equipment.

An elevated Draft Day highlighted the selection and notification of the 200 teachers. Through a full event and livestream production with a virtual set at SNEAKY BIG, a combination of a draft day and telethon brought together local celebrities, community champions and the Fiesta Bowl Family to randomly select and then call teachers to inform them of their award.

“It’s rewarding to see the Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers, powered by DriveTime program grow over the years and be the gold standard for teacher support,” said Patrick Barkley, chairman of the Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors. “My mom was a teacher and we all know teachers who inspire us with selfless work, shaping today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders.”

Each fall, Arizona K-12 public or charter school teachers are invited to fill out an online application detailing their school or classroom need and, after meeting the criteria, wishes are selected by random drawing for teachers to receive a $5,000 grant.

“Teachers are so important in shaping today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders. They work tirelessly and selflessly every day, giving not only their time, but often money from their own pockets,” said Mike Nealy, Fiesta Bowl Executive Director. “Wishes for Teachers supports, honors and celebrates Arizona’s teachers for their commitment to our children and donating $1 million to Arizona’s teachers, provides resources they have only wished to have in the past.”

Each of the unique 200 teacher wishes will benefit teachers and schools in technology, reading, music, fitness and more. Including this season, over the four years of the program, Fiesta

Bowl Wishes for Teachers has granted $3.2 million to Arizona teachers, impacting over 150,000 children across the state.

“Wishes for Teachers is exceptional in how it helps schools and teachers upgrade facilities, provide needed equipment and support student learning,” said Don Reese, DriveTime Chief Executive Officer. “The great gift of education is very important; as we get educated, we get the meaning of life and that’s how people come together. Wishes for Teachers benefits teachers, an extraordinary vocation that gives the gift of education every day.”

In addition to the financial grant, selected teachers will be recognized in the Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Parade on December 28, and on-field at the Cheez-It® Bowl at Chase Field on December 27.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS, TRAIN RIDES AND SNOW ARRIVE IN GLENDALE MARICOPA LIVE STEAMERS TAKES GUESTS ON A 20-MINUTE TRAIN RIDE TO THE NORTH POLE THIS SEASON BEGINS MARICOPA of 43rd Avenue and Pinnacle Peak. LIVE STEAMERS 12TH YEAR OF The best times to arrive are by 6 p.m. PROVIDING TRAIN RIDES TO THE or after 8 p.m., as 7 – 8 p.m. are peak NORTH POLE FOR YOUNG AND times. They have a fleet of trains that OLD ALIKE. On Friday and Saturday run continuously throughout the eveevenings through December 28, from ning using model diesel or live steam 6 to 9 p.m., trains will leave Adobe locomotives. The cost is a donation Station for the one-mile trip past giant of $5 per rider over three years old. trees of lights and decorations. Each (Note: Children and all passengers trip will pass our 50-foot Megatree must be able to walk without assiswith 8,000 LED’s that are synchronized tance to ride the train.) to holiday music. Be sure to dress warm as it has been known to snow All of the Steamers staff are members during the journey! When you return to and volunteers who share a love of the station, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus trains and wish to preserve and share or Shelby’s Junior Engineer School the heritage of these mighty machines. where your budding engineer can take Their club is a 501C-3 non-profit the controls on one of our specially organization and they receive no fund- from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., October and holiday parties, reunions or busiequipped locomotives for a short trip ing of any kind – they operate only on through April. The park is available ness functions. through the freight yard. membership dues and public dona- for group tours for scout groups, tions. They are also open to the public schools and other non-profit organiza- More details are available online at Maricopa Live Steamers are located at on the first and third full weekends tions. They have four party pavilions www.maricopalivesteamers.com and at 22822 N. 43rd Avenue, on the corner (Saturday and Sunday) of the month available by reservation for birthday www.facebook.com/trainrides.

WHAT THE TRUCK?! TESLA FINALLY UNVEILS “CYBERTRUCK” By Molly Cerreta Smith 2013) and earlier this year, Musk teased ever” and even boasted in an interview fans with a mysterious image of part of with Recode last year that the new AFTER MUCH HINT-DROPPING a truck that could either be interpreted release is “…Gonna be awesome, it’s AND HYPE BUILD UP VIA SOCIAL as a hood or the bed of the pickup with a gonna be amazing. This will be heartMEDIA AND INTERVIEWS, TESLA sleek, matching tonneau cover on board. stopping.” CEO ELON MUSK REVEALED A PROTOTYPE OF THE NEW The Tesla CEO got fans buzzing The reveal was certainly heart-stop“CYBERTRUCK” ON NOVEMBER through other hints that his latest ve- ping… or perhaps jaw-dropping is a 21, THE LAST DAY OF THE LOS hicle would be inspired by the movie better word. Musk spend upwards of a kindergarten might have drawn. With ANGELES AUTO SHOW. Blade Runner, and he also claimed that 15 minutes hyping the Cybertruck one the Cybertruck hype, Tesla has enjoyed the truck would be “something quite final time prior to its reveal. However, a hearty rise in stock over the past few Tesla’s first ever truck has been a long- unique, unlike anything.” Not one to not all claims may have been thor- months — up 63 percent since August. time coming. Musk has taken to Twitter shy away from tooting his company’s oughly tested prior to the reveal. While But it will be interesting to see what to tease the electric pickup truck release own horn, Musk referred to the “cyber- Musk’s claim that his new truck was kind of demand the truck, which will (which he first announced way back in punk truck,” as Tesla’s “best product “bulletproof” (at least to smaller fire- be sold in the fall of 2021, will attract arms) panned out — as a demonstration in terms of actual buyers. Musk had of sledgehammering the sides resulted admitted in one interview, “I actually in no damage to be seen, the demonstra- don’t know if a lot of people will buy tion of the truck’s “unbreakable” metal this pickup truck or not.” glass windows didn’t go quite as well. When a metal ball was thrown at the One thing’s for certain, Tesla has crefirst window, it shattered immediately. ated a unique cult-like following with Musk said the throw was “too hard,” its brand and adding a truck to the fleet but the glass cracked on the second is certainly an inclusive move for the attempt too. Musk stood by his claim company. While this might not be a noting, “But it didn’t go through.” truck for the masses, Musk had also said at one point, “If there’s only a Reactions lit up the social media world small number of people that like the following the reveal. Some comments truck, I guess we’ll make a more conlikened Tesla’s new truck to a drawing ventional truck in the future.”

MAKING WRONG-WAY SIGNS MORE NOTICEABLE – IN A BIG WAY

By Doug Nintzel / ADOT Communications

EFFORTS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF CRASHES CAUSED BY OFTEN-IMPAIRED WRONGWAY DRIVERS INVOLVE A VARIETY OF COUNTERMEASURES. They include increasing the size and visibility of wrong-way signs at state highway interchanges.

Those upgrades received a major boost in the form of a $2.1 million project to install new larger wrong way signage at more than 140 interchanges, along with other improvements, along several Phoenixarea freeways.

If you drive in the area, you’re much more likely to notice the larger “Wrong Way” and “Do Not Enter” signs at the top of freeway off-ramps in the Valley. Not only are they bigger, they also represent updated national standards by being located lower to the ground and thus hopefully more in line with a driver’s line of vision. Yes, that’s about making them easier to see so that a wrong-way driver might not travel down that off-ramp.

The signs along exit ramps are not the only changes that crews, working mostly at night, made as part of this project. They also added many more of the large, white arrows that are located on the pavement of exit ramps. Those arrows point in the “right” direction of travel, as another measure designed to get the attention of a driver heading the wrong way.

One other upgrade was the installation of dozens of large “Wrong Way” signs, measuring 5 feet by 8 feet, installed above the left lanes of freeways. They’re on the backs of bridges and other overhead structures and you, traveling the right way, may have noticed a few of them if you’ve glanced to the left across the median.

Those noticeable signs, facing in the wrong direction, are above the freeway left lanes because wrong-way drivers tend to travel in those lanes. More than two dozen of these signs were first installed along I-17 in Phoenix in 2017 in association with ADOT’s first-in-the-nation thermal camera wrong-way vehicle alert system.

ADOT has been installing larger and more visible wrong way signs not only along Phoenix-area freeways but also at highway interchanges across the state over the last several years.

This particular project has focused on sections of interstates 10 and 17, US 60 (Superstition Freeway) and Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) in the East Valley, State Route 51 as well as Loop 101 (Agua Fria

Freeway) and Loop 303 in the West Valley. It remains important to note that more noticeable signs and other countermeasures we’ve mentioned can’t prevent someone, especially someone who’s impaired, from getting behind the wheel and becoming a wrong-way driver. The signs are big. But stopping impaired driving would make a lifesaving difference in an even bigger way. That’s something to keep in mind as we head into the holiday travel season.

OLD TOWN HOLIDAY FESTIVAL MOVES TO NEW DATE

THE 32ND ANNUAL OLD TOWN HOLIDAY FESTIVAL AND THIRD SECOND SATURDAYS WILL BE ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14. Two large Peoria events are coming together for a night of free holiday fun in Old Town Peoria from 5 to 10 p.m., near 83rd and Grand Avenues. Attendees can stroll through the historic streets of Old Town Peoria with sweaters and hot cocoa and experience a variety of live entertainment and festivities. The highlights of the evening will be a tree lighting ceremony in the heart of Osuna Park, a visit from Santa Claus himself, inflatables, roaming high school choirs from Peoria, a crafters market, holiday photo opportunities, live performances from local musicians and dancers, many food trucks, and a gourmet pop-up restaurant featuring a kids menu. For more information, visit www.peoriaaz.gov/specialevents.

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LOCAL WAKE SURFER CONNOR BURNS MAKES WAVES AT WORLD WAKE SURFING COMPETITION By Molly Cerreta Smith moves which have earned him the title of Trick of the Year World Series of Wake Surfing in 2016, where he became His passion took him all over the world in 2017 and 2018, including to multiple locations throughout the U.S. as well as France, Canada, Japan, and Hong Kong. During his travels, he placed among the top three at most events. Due to his quick rise to fame, and his signature trick Winner in 2018 and 2019, Burns designed and engineered CONNOR BURNS ONLY STARTED WAKESURFING the “Burnsy Pro” board which Kanuk Board Company FOUR SHORT YEARS AGO AND HE’S ALREADY crafts out of Canada. His specific board design allows for RACKING UP THE ACCOLADES. His latest win was users to achieve the most difficult tricks and maneuvers snagged right in his own backyard — at the World Wake — making them seem effortless. Burns also designed his Surfing Competition which took place November 2 at board to provide the momentum to allow speed, pop, and Lake Pleasant. stability with control, to give users every opportunity to Burns, who serves as a wakesurf coach and teaches Board by Kanuk is the number one requested board for lessons at Scorpion Bay Marina, began competing in the two years. the World Champion in the Amateur Men’s Wakesurf In addition to his own board, Burns created Usurf, Division. Just a year later, he opted out of the Outlaw to represent the focus and lifestyle of lake life and division and chose to surf in the Men’s Professional personify his own brand. According to his website, “His Wakesurf division, a move that earned him the title of entrepreneurship and leadership is shown in everything he World Champion. does.”

land the most sought after wakesurf tricks. The Burnsy Pro Born in Arizona, Burns names Lake Pleasant as his favorite lake and admits that he fell in love with wakesurfing the first time he ever tried it. The “Burnsy Pro” can be ordered by contacting Connor Burns, @connorburns on Instagram or email BurnsWake@gmail.com.

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