Businesses on the Move, July 2009

City building activity

  Plans have been submitted to the city of Yuma for tenant improvements for a new medical office at the ProMed building, 2270 S. Ridgeview Drive, reported Alan Kircher, city assistant building official.

  He said the 2,500-square-foot office on the third floor is slated for the practice of Dr. Mary Ellen Luchetti.

  A dermatologist, she recently moved to Yuma and currently has a practice in the same building on the second floor. She is accepting new patients and can be reached at 783-0169.

  In other recent city building activity, Kircher reported:

  • Plans have been submitted for a new 2,000-square-foot building at Tuscany Plaza, Lot 7, for Del Sol Therapy.

  • An addition is planned to JAMS Dance Studio, 845 S. 3rd Ave., for another studio.

  • Fifteen building permits for new single-family homes were issued in May. That compares with 17 issued in May 2008. Year to date through May, 104 permits have been issued in the city for single-family homes.

  • Plans have been submitted for an addition to Misenhimer Aivazian and Tennant P.C. accounting firm at 3150 S. Catalina Drive. Plans are to add 3,778 square feet on the south side of the existing office.

  • Chet Lane has submitted plans for tenant improvements for 261 S. Main St. (the former location of Kirstin's) to develop interior shops.

  • A temporary certificate of occupancy has been issued for the 5,500-square-foot addition to Sarah Farms dairy processing plant at 2751 E. Palo Verde St.

  • Plans are in review for a 2,000-square-foot building for Del Sol Therapy in Tuscany Plaza, Lot 7.

Mohave State Bank moves

  Mohave State Bank has moved into its new home at 1800 S. 4th Ave. It has the same phone number of 344-8822. A grand opening is planned for September.

Yuma Fun Factory now open

  Yuma Fun Factory is now open to provide a one-stop entertainment center for all ages.

  It's off North Frontage Road between Avenues 4E and 5E (access is off Avenue 3E across from Arby's restaurant). Hours are 10 a.m. to midnight Mondays, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to midnight Sundays.

  Indoor features include an arcade, Da Boyz Canteen (open from 10 am. to 10 p.m. daily) and snack bar, The Crow Bar and children's party area. Outside, the go-kart track is open. Two miniature golf courses and the bumper boat attraction are expected to be open in early July.

  For more information, call 344-4449 or visit www.yumafunfactory.com.

Summer hours

  Several local businesses have assumed summer hours of operation.

  • The Hospice of Yuma thrift store, 1808 S. 8th Ave., is now open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays
through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays - donations accepted until noon. Proceeds help pay for the charitable care Hospice provides its patients. For more information, call 782-9593.

  • Julieanna's Patio Cafe, 1951 W. 25th St., is now open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, happy hour and early dining until 6 p.m. For more information, call 317-1961 or visit www.julieannaspatiocafe.com.

  • Homemade by Jody (Ward) is now open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The cafe and bakery is located at Mission Valley Plaza, 24th Street and Avenue C. For more information and special orders, call Ward at 329-0900 or 580-1010.

  • Entertaining Tea at a Discount, 224 S. Main St., summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information, call 304-9505.

  • Asian Bowl 95 Cafe in Wellton is closed for the summer with a planned reopening in October. For now owners Alex Aw and Kenny Chuah are focusing on their Yuma restaurants: Highway 95 Cafe and Palagor Asian Fusion Cuisine.

  • The Village Art Gallery, 3300 S. 8th Ave., Suite G2, is closed for July and August, with plans to
reopen Sept. 1. For more information, call the gallery at 341-0039 or Norma Tuttle at 342-3953. Information is also available online at http://artbydeb.net.

Seen and heard

  Seen and heard around Yuma:

  • Galaxi Auto, a used car lot at 32nd Street and Arizona Avenue, is closed and a for-sale sign is posted on the property.

  • Two Guys Auto Center has consolidated its vehicles for the summer at its 3773 S. Avenue 3E location. Plans are to reopen the second location at 345 W. 32nd St. again in the fall.

  • There's a for-sale sign on the boarded-up front door of the old Sky Chief restaurant at the corner of 32nd Street and Winsor Avenue.

  • Johnny Tomasella, who was earning quite a following for the crepes he made and served out of a truck parked at Yuma Mesa Shopping Center, had to close down his business because of some issues with his location. He is still available as a personal chef to make crepes onsite for parties and special events, and can be reached at 785-7581.

 • Fortune Cookie Restaurant, 2560 W. 16th St., has closed because of an illness in the family. The restaurant had been in business in Yuma for the past 20 years.

  • A sign in the window of the former Fashion Bug, 2850 S. Pacific Ave. next to the Wal-Mart Supercenter, announces hiring is now taking place for a new Melrose Store going in there. For more information, call 1-210-662-7140, Ext. 1300, or visit www.melrosestore.com. Melrose is a discount clothing company.

  • After 70 years in business, Lutes Casino, 221 S. Main St. in downtown Yuma, is now accepting credit cards: Visa, Mastercard and debit, announced Nancy Lutes Weber.

Extreme Hair Salon adds services

  Extreme Hair Salon, 1416 S. 5th Ave., has expanded its services and now offers reflexology and Shiatsu massages and facials in addition to hair services, announced owner Tomi Moreno. She will also be adding a new line of Japanese hair and skin products.

  For more information, call 782-3505.

Car lot changes hands

  Two Rivers Auto, 6638 E. 32nd St., a used car sales lot operated by Country Club Honda, has been closed.

  A sign on the property says it's now Gama Automotive Center and the phone number is 726-4300. No one answered the phone, but a public notice published recently in the Yuma Sun reported that articles
of organization have been filed for the business, listing George Gama as the manager.

Two travel agencies close

  Harris Tours, which helped Yumans with their travel plans for 23 years, has closed its doors, said co-owner Jean Harris. For each of those 23 years, it's been in the same location at 1336 S. 4th Ave. Harris said she and her husband, Phil, are ready for retirement.

  The agency had shared space with Chaparral Travel, which also has closed after 12 years in business,  reported owner Jean Hinton.

  However, travel agent Gloria Mendoza will continue to take care of Chaparral Travel's clients through a home-based office. She can be reached at 345-0200.

Events planner has new studio

  Circle The Date Events has moved to a new planning studio at 291 S. Main St., Suite G3, where brides will be able to meet with some of Yuma's best wedding vendors under one roof, said Laurie S. Davis, owner of Circle the Date Events.

  The vendors will come to the planning studio, where meetings, cake tastings and slideshows are held, so the bride doesn't have to go from place to place.

  To schedule a complimentary initial consultation, call Davis at 446-8025 or visit Circle The Date on the Web at www.circlethedate.org.

Segway Tours goes mobile

  Segway Yuma Tours may be homeless for the summer with the seasonal closure of the downtown building where it had its headquarters, but will continue to offer tours.

  Steve and Kate Cook have purchased a trailer so the Segways can be taken to clients who want a tour. The summer tours will be by appointment only. For more information, call 342-1969.

E Z Mail in new location

  E Z Mail Packing and Shipping in San Luis, Ariz., has moved to a new location but still remains in the Plaza Riedel shopping center, announced business owner Bill Cordova.

  The business is now at 1922 Juan Sanchez, Suite  2. It still has the same phone number: 627-2463.

  E Z is an authorized shipping center for FedEx and UPS and an authorized partner with the U.S. Postal
Service. In addition, it provides mailbox rentals and mail delivery for residents of the community.

  The company also offers a variety of services for the small business owner who does not have the time to wait for shipments.

Floribelle adds products

  Floribelle Resale and Recycled Design, 2855 S. 4th Ave., Suite 113, in the Thunderbird Plaza, now carries 100 percent Pure Bath and Body products as well as Sweet Anthem natural perfume oils with free samples.

  Opened six months ago by Sherri Levek and her mother, Linda, Floribelle also carries home goods, women's clothing, handbags, jewelry and books they "repurpose, spiff up and sometimes redesign."

  The shop's current hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call 581-6406.

Yuma Office Equipment
changes with time

  Yuma Office Equipment is responding to an ever-changing business through products and services it
can provide the business community, said Craig Crossland, general manager.

  "The future of the office equipment industry has become not only about copiers and fax machines, but about being able to copy, scan, fax and electronically file and retrieve a document in an easy, timely manner," Crossland said.

  In response, his business now sells IBM Lotus Foundations servers with leading edge backup technology and the ability to run nearly any application, he said.

  The company also now offers a free analysis of the savings in printing costs offices may realize by going to electronic storage and management of documents, Crossland said.

  For more information, call 343-2298 or visit www.yumaofficeequipment.com.

Edward Jones firm recognized

  The financial services firm, Edward Jones, was named the No. 2 full-service brokerage company in the June issue of SmartMoney magazine. The magazine lauded Edward Jones for growing the number of financial advisers during a down market.

  The firm has consistently been ranked highly in the SmartMoney survey as No. 2 in 2008 and No. 1 in 2007 and 2005.

  The company's Yuma-area financial advisers include Jay L. Laughlin, Charles V. Cordery, Adrienne J. Egbers and Brian J. Butcher.

Navy Federal Credit Union honored

  Marine Corps Air Station Yuma's Navy Federal Credit Union received an award recently for outstanding customer service in 2008, surpassing 170 other branches.

  The Richard Cobb Award for Excellence in Member Service was established in 1980 by NFCU to identify five branches that go above and beyond in customer service.

  Last year, the credit union at MCAS Yuma, managed by Mary Worthen, received approximately 1,600 comment cards from members with a 98 percent overall satisfaction rate. The branch also exceeded its business growth expectations, gaining 720 new members and more than 625 new checking accounts.

  Another NFCU award recipient is Joanne Rautio, branch supervisor for Yuma’s uptown branch on Arizona Avenue, who was awarded The President’s Award for Service Excellence.

  Navy Federal Credit Union has been serving the U.S. military since 1933 and has provided service to Yuma’s armed forces for more than 20 years.

Brown Bag Burger has
new new name, owner

  Brown Bag Burger has reopened with the name The Brown Bag Burger of Yuma under new ownership by Kayla Mattern. She said the restaurant will have the same menu and the same beef supplier - with the addition of all-you-can-eat cod fish frys on Fridays.

  Hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. The restaurant has the same phone number of 314-0966.

  Mattern said the owners of the original Brown Bag Burger opted for the cooler climate in Prescott, where they reportedly are opening another restaurant.

1st Bank Yuma branch moves

  1st Bank Yuma branch has moved to its new location at 1690 S. 4th Ave. in the former Chicago Title Yuma building.

  The branch's former location at 1599 S. 4th Ave. was purchased by the city of Yuma for roadway improvements.

Southgate Mall news

  Here's some recent changes noted at Southgate Mall:

  • There's a new business, Sky Records, with music, T-shirts and other accessories. Owner is
Heriberto Duarte. He can be reached at 726-0704.

  • Yolie's Flowers has moved to a larger space. The shop carries silk florals and fresh flowers for weddings and other special occasions. The phone number is 488-9889.

  • Zales Jewelers has closed and a sign refers customers to the store at Yuma Palms Regional Center.

  • The restaurant at the mall is under new management and is now called Betico's Mexican Food.

Avenue B Wal-Mart has a new look

  The Wal-Mart Supercenter at 2501 S. Avenue B has completed a three-month remodeling project, giving local shoppers a glimpse of the company’s next generation of store design and customer experience. Among the improvements are a new layout, wider aisles, low-profile shelving, bright interior paint scheme, enhanced lighting and easy-to-read signage.

  A new department called Celebration Station features party supplies, greeting cards, balloons and helium tanks, cake supplies and gift wrap. In addition, customers will find a new housewares shop in the middle of the store featuring an expanded seasonal decor selection as well as home furnishings and kitchen and bath necessities.

  The site-to-store pickup location and photo lab are now in one area at the back of the store. Also, the electronics department now enables shoppers to test laptops, cameras, phones and GPS units before purchasing them.

Boot Barn celebrates

  Boot Barn recently hosted a grand opening celebration at the company's Yuma store at 242 W. 32nd St.

  The retailer for western and work boots, clothes and accessories acquired the former Western Warehouse location, completed a head-to-toe remodel and stocked the shelves with work boots, motorcycle boots, cowboy boots and western and work wear.

  The company also kept the best assets from Western Warehouse: each and every one of the store employees.

Yuma Cancer Center closes

  Yuma Cancer Center, 1501 W. 24th St., closed its doors in June after its lease with Yuma Regional Medical Center wasn't renewed.

  Dr. Timothy Galang, the only doctor at the center, will join Sonoran Desert Oncology, 1320 W. 24th St., which provides both radiation and chemotherapy treatment for cancer patients. Another cancer center in Yuma, Giangreco Medical Group, provides chemotherapy.

  Yuma Cancer Center, which provided radiation oncology for almost 10 years, was operated by Arizona Oncology Services in Phoenix. Patients may either receive radiation treatment at Sonoran Desert Oncology or seek treatment outside of Yuma.

Music school opens

  Jason and Elle Arviso, known for performing in local funk-rock and jazz band Groove Jones, have opened JAM (Jason Arviso Music) University a 862 S. 5th Ave. The music school is designed to teach aspiring local musicians how to play instruments and sing.

  The Arvisos teach vocals, guitar, bass guitar, percussion, saxophone and flute. For more information, call 257-0560 or log on to www.jamuniversity.com.

24 Karat, Line Upon Line relocated

  After 30 years in the same location, 24 Karat is moving and will be at 2390 S. Avenue B. But first,
the jewelry store is having a moving sale that begins Monday.

  The store's current location at 2374 S. Avenue A was purchased by the city of Yuma for roadway
improvements. Owner Kathy Ahuactzin said she will be moving over the Fourth of July weekend and plans to be open for business in the new location July 6. The store will have the same phone number of 782-3306.

  By the way, the new location for 24 Karat is the old location for another business, Line Upon Line, which has moved to 12351 S. Avenue 4E.

  The business, owned by Jonathan and Rosalie Lines, carries Christian books and novelty items. For more information, call Rosalie at 580-3247. The business also sells items online at lineuponlineyuma.com.

Library friends open bookstore

  The Friends of Yuma County Libraries bookstore is now open for business inside the new Yuma Main Library, 2951 S. 21st Drive, with an assortment of paperbacks, hardbacks, audio books and gift items.

  The bookstore is staffed by volunteers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, with some evening hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Call 373-6519 for more information.

  Donations of new and gently used books, DVDs and CDs can be left at the Heritage Branch Library, 350 S. 3rd Ave., or the Main Library. Call to arrange for pick up of large donations. Visit the Friends online at www.yumalibraryfriends.com.

New ophthalmologist practice

  Dr. Patrick Aiello, an ophthalmologist, has established the Aiello Eye Institute, 11551 S. Fortuna Road, Suite E, and is accepting new patient referrals. His office can be reached at 782-1980.

  Aiello is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor. He completed an internal medicine residency at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and an ophthalmology residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

  Board certified in ophthalmology and internal medicine, Aiello serves as state air surgeon with the rank of colonel in the Arizona National Guard.

Natures Express adds catering

  Natures Express, 2905 S. 4th Ave., now has a catering division managed by Rhonda Foley, who started as a catering production chef before owning a catering business in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

  The catering menu consists of gourmet vegan sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, hot entrees, side dishes and "decadent" desserts.

  Natures Express Catering will cater to such events as corporate functions, business luncheons, open houses, social gatherings, graduations and birthdays. A minimum 48-hour notice is required for most events.

  Catering service is available seven days a week. Call Foley at 317-8301 to request a menu, discuss menu items or place an order.

Desert Dugs expands menu

  With one year under their belt, Doug and Carolyn Woodall, owners of Desert Dugs Pizza, have expanded their menu to such items as spaghetti with meatballs and breadsticks, in addition to pizza, wings and meatball sandwich.

  The shop is located at Coyote Wash in Wellton and can be reached at 785-9877.

Program to help at-risk students

  Through a private/public collaboration, a new program has been developed to help at-risk students stay in school.

  The GOOD (Growing Our Own Destiny) program got its inception in the search by Yuma Business and Education Collaborative for a way for the private sector to connect with the schools and encourage those students most at risk of dropping out to stay in school.

  The Yuma program will be offered through a partnership among Yuma Union High School District, YBEC and Yuma Private Industry Council.

  Tanya Getsinger, the program supervisor, is looking for businesses willing to participate through mentoring, job opportunities and scholarship support. She can be reached at 329-0990, Ext. 114, or tgetsinger@ypic.com.

Quechan Tribe converts former
casino to events center

  The Quechan Tribe has converted the California side of Paradise Casinos to the 800-seat Paradise Event Center, whether concerts, dinners or other special events, said David Julian, marketing director.

  To book an event at the center, contact Denise Gloria at 1-760-572-1623 or dgloria@playqcr.com.

Stanhope branches out
to spray coating business

  Scott Stanhope has branched out into another business, Vortex Spray Coating. The permanent coating can be applied to truck beds, patios, decks, trailers, garage floors and other surfaces.

  He said the new business is being run as a division of Arizona Brake and Wheel, another business he owns. Stanhope added that his son Brian is handling the new business. For more information, give him a call at 750-0411.

EZ Tyme Fitness Center moves

  EZ Tyme Fitness Center has moved to its "new, bigger and better" location in the Tamarack Center, 7875 E. 24th St., Suites 2 and 3, after a quarter-million-dollar investment in improvements and new equipment, reported owner John Horvath.

  The gym offers workout equipment, cardio cinema, cardio boxing, personal training and aerobic, self defense and cross training. Regular gym hours will be 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. For  more information, call 342-6366.

New concept in acupuncture

  Sacha Landreneau, a licensed acupuncturist since 2001, is bringing a new concept in acupuncture to Yuma with the establishment of her business, Yuma Community Acupuncture, 550 E. 32nd St., Suite 5 in Cooke Plaza.

  The clinic will offer affordable acupuncture in a relaxed group setting, making it more affordable. Acupuncture treatments can alleviate pain, balance the digestive, immune, respiratory, reproductive and nervous systems, and activate the body’s innate healing mechanism, she said.

  At least initially, the clinic will be open from 1 to 8 p.m. Mondays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 1 to 7 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Walk-ins are welcome or call 344-2223 to schedule an appointment. A sliding fee scale is offered.

WOW Electronic breaks ground

  WOW Electronic has broken ground on its new design center and warehouse at 1881 S. 4th Ave. The work that can be seen from 4th Avenue in front of the existing building is for the design center. A warehouse and offices are being added in the back.

  The work is expected to be completed in December. In the meantime, the business is operating at a temporary location at 1965 S. 4th Ave.

  WOW Electronics is featured in the spring issue of HB Living, a publication that focuses on a high definition lifestyle and electronics.

Home Instead offers
medical alert system

  Home Instead Senior Care has partnered with Philips Lifeline and now is the sole provider in Yuma County for the medical alert system that provides seniors with another link to assistance with the press of a button in case of an emergency, announced owner Dave Kirchner.

  Home Instead, which recently moved to 2475 S. Avenue A, Suite C, can be reached at 317-3037. The business provides nonmedical companionship care for seniors.

Homewood Suites honored

  Homewood Suites by Hilton Yuma has earned the No. 1 spot out of more than 240 Homewood Suites hotels for overall combined service and accommodations, reported Lorraine R. Cruz, director of sales.

  The extended-stay hotel, located at 1955 E. 16th St., opened its doors to guests in mid-February.
The hotel can be reached at 782-4100.

Mariott owners honored

  Sunridge Hotel Group of Mesa, which owns and operates 11 Marriott hotels, including the three in
Yuma, was recently honored by Marriott International Inc. at a national conference.

 Sunridge received multiple management company of the year awards, multiple best new opening awards, and awards for highest guest satisfaction scores. This is the second year the company has received Marriott’s Partnership Circle Award.

  The three Yuma Marriott properties include Fairfield Inn, Springfield Suites and Town Place Suites.