Since February 2005, Jo Van Loo of Phoenix has been a familiar face to those passing through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Several times a week, she volunteers her time as an Airport Navigator answering questions and providing directions to those visiting the state. She is one of more than 400 Navigators who give their time to welcome over 100,000 travelers to Arizona every day. The Navigators’ smiles and helpful attitudes are often the first encounters visitors have with the state.

Jo enjoys being a volunteer because she loves helping people. She also volunteers with other organizations in the Valley of the Sun including the Musical Instrument Museum and Reap What You Sew, which makes quilts for charity. Several times a year, Jo also volunteers in Nicaragua to teach residents there how to sew.

For more information on the Navigator volunteer program, visit http://skyharbor.com/volunteer

Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord has garnered one of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council’s (GPEC) top honors.

Mayor Lord has been selected as the recipient for GPEC’s Distinguished Service Award.   Mayor Lord has been active with Greater Phoenix Economic Council since she was first elected to Goodyear City Council in 2005.

“It’s quite an honor to receive the award and be recognized among my peers,” Mayor Lord said. “More importantly, it’s critical that communities throughout the Valley work together to strengthen the region through economic development while supporting legislation that allows cities and industries to remain strong so we can continue to provide strong services and quality of life for our citizens. GPEC has been a great asset to our communities.”

A strong supporter of the military community, in 2010 Mayor Lord was part of a group of GPEC members who was instrumental in securing the F-35A Lightning II Fighter Jet Training Program at Luke Air Force Base, which will be implemented next year.

Mayor Lord has been an integral part of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council over the years. In 2009, she became Chair of the GPEC Ambassadors and helped launch the Certified Ambassador Program, which allows members to raise an awareness of GPEC’s efforts to improve business climate and the state’s competitiveness. During that first year, seven Ambassadors earned their certification, and in the five years of Mayor Lord’s leadership, the program grew in popularity and this year, with nearly 1500 Ambassadors, 63 of whom earned their certification.

In addition to being an advocate for local policy issues that affect the economic development of the region, Mayor Lord has worked with GPEC representatives to advocate for the renewable energy industry by working on state legislation and by traveling to D.C. to testify in opposition to proposed federal tariffs on solar cells.

– GOODYEARAZ.GOV –

Contact: Mike Sakal, Public Information Officer

Office:  623-882-7053; michael.sakal@goodyearaz.gov

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb9YCVJUEHY&feature=youtu.be

Congratulations & Happy Birthday, City of Maricopa!

The City of Maricopa is celebrating the 10^th anniversary of its incorporation today. On October 15, 2003, a community of 1,040 residents became Arizona’s 88^th municipality. Now, a community of more than 45,000 will celebrate the city’s 10^th birthday.

To commemorate their first decade in local government, the city has been having celebrations throughout the week including history events, shop local events and a digital photo contest. They are also dedicating their brand new City Hall and Chamber of Commerce buildings today.

This weekend, the City of Maricopa will be celebrating its anniversary at their annual Stagecoach Days event, which celebrates the founding city and rich cultural background of Maricopa’s residents.

Read all about the City of Maricopa’s history, upcoming events and find out the Top 10 Reasons why Maricopa Matters at www.maricopa-az.gov.

This October, you might notice a bit more color while walking through the streets of Phoenix or Glendale. Both cities are decorating in pink and purple colors to commemorate good causes.

Downtown Phoenix is turning purple to bring awareness to Domestic Violence Month. City landmarks and buildings like Tovrea Castle, Phoenix City Hall and Phoenix Convention Center will be lit up purple for the month of October. Additionally, a section of First Street will be painted purple, while garbage trucks and fleet vehicles will be outfitted with posters and magnets displaying information about domestic violence. A “purple flash mob” was filmed in Phoenix Cityscape and Phoenix City officials have filmed PSAs about the importance of detection and prevention of Domestic Violence.

The City of Phoenix is committed to becoming a national leader in preventing and responding to domestic violence. It is one of the most widespread and dangerous health and safety challenges facing our community today.

“I hope this display of purple during October serves as a reminder that stopping domestic violence is a priority for our community,” said Mayor Greg Stanton.  “We must be vigilant about maintaining the effort year-round by continuing to invest real resources to fight domestic violence, including better training for police officers allowing them to detect signs of abuse when responding to calls.”

Meanwhile, in downtown Glendale, merchants are painting the city pink to show support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Downtown Glendale businesses are decorating storefronts in the signature pink breast cancer color. In addition, select businesses will be offering special discounts, merchandise and menu items to benefit Susan G. Komen Central and Northern Arizona (Komen CAN AZ) and other local breast cancer programs.

Glendale residents and visitors will have the chance to participate in the showing of support by voting for their favorite pink business. Community members are asked to vote for their favorite shop by leaving a dollar donation collection jars that benefit Komen CAN AZ.

Downtown Glendale merchants will also show their support for the 21^st Annual Susan G. Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure®, taking place in Phoenix on Sunday, Oct. 13, by displaying event posters and brochures and by joining the Glendale Goes Pink team.

Avondale Police Officer Justin Iwen recently became the 2013 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Officer of the Year.

Officer Iwen received the award at MADD’s annual event, which recognizes the commitment made by individuals to help make Arizona’s streets safer, by stepping up impaired driving enforcement and continuing the public’s education on the hazards of drinking and driving.

He was bestowed this honor because of his commitment to recognizing the importance of driver’s safety by detecting and removing impaired drivers from the streets of Avondale. Officer Iwen has participated in almost all the West Valley DUI Task Forces, and is always willing to offer his assistance with DUI investigations or accidents. Iwen also received a MADD DUI Enforcement Award for his enforcement efforts in Fiscal Year 2012/2013, conducting over 600 traffic stops, issuing over 240 citations and arresting over 50 individuals, all who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Lieutenant Albert Bates, who supervises Avondale’s Traffic Division stated, “Officer Iwen has displayed a tremendous commitment to the safety of drivers. There is no doubt his enforcement efforts have made our streets safer.”

Officer Justin Iwen is a member of the Traffic Division for Avondale, and has been “Serving with Honor” for the Avondale Police Department since 2008.

Lieutenant Albert Bates, who supervises Avondale’s Traffic Division stated, “Officer Iwen has displayed a tremendous commitment to the safety of drivers. There is no doubt his enforcement efforts have made our streets safer.”

Officer Justin Iwen is a member of the Traffic Division for Avondale, and has been ‘Serving with Honor” for the Avondale Police Department since 2008.

The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is to “stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.” MADD is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk driving and underage drinking.

Chandler’s year-long Centennial Celebration received one of the highest honors achievable for government communicators, the Savvy award, from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA). The Centennial Celebration was selected as the outstanding one-time special event among communities with a population of more than 200,000.

The Savvy awards salute skilled and effective municipal and county communication professionals who have successfully demonstrated creativity, innovation and fiscal stewardship. The entries are judged by local government professionals and persons from the professional, consulting and academic communities who are highly knowledgeable in marketing and communications.

Chandler began planning for its 100th birthday more than seven years in advance, and formed a Centennial Steering Committee in 2009 to create a special community celebration. The committee included representatives from a broad cross section of the community, including Chandler schools, non-profit agencies, faith-based organizations, service clubs, businesses, Chandler Historical Society and the Chandler Museum. Much of the centennial effort was spearheaded by the City’s Communications & Public Affairs Department (CAPA), Museum Division, and Special Events staff.

The City of Glendale also received recognition for various city events held throughout the year. Their team received five awards from the festival industry’s top professional organization, the International Festival and Events Association, for excellence in event production.

Glendale took home several awards for the annual Glitter and Glow Block Party, including the best full-length TV program and best commemorative pin and best event photo. They also received awards for the annual Glendale Chocolate Affair.

The Town of Gilbert’s  Development Services Department’s One Stop Shop is making services more accessible and convenient for residents and businesses. Since its opening in March, 49% of permits submitted for review were handled over-the-counter with the new programs, saving both time and money for businesses and residents.

To find out more about Gilbert’s “One Stop Shop,” visit: www.GilbertAZ.Gov.

Congratulations to the City of Mesa Parks and Recreation!

Mesa received a $20,000 grant through the Let’s Play, City Construction sponsored by Dr. Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) and KaBOOM!  The grant money will go towards improvements for a new playground at Porter Park, 420 E. 8th St. between Mesa Dr. and Brown Road.
Mesa applied for 2013 Playful City USA recognition and also submitted a Let’s Play grant application to the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group and KaBOOM!. Mesa was selected to receive a Let’s Play City Construction Grant among the 217 communities that earned Playful City USA status in 2013.

“We are delighted to have been chosen as one of the 217 cities in the nation to receive this grant,” Mesa Parks, Recreation and Commercial Facilities Director, Marc Heirshberg said.  “As our parks age, there is a need to improve the amenities and update the existing play structures.  Through this grant we’re able to speed up this process and take care of the parks that are more mature.”

This will be the third park build for Mesa with KaBOOM!  In 2009, Mesa was awarded $230,680 to build two playgrounds, one at Park of the Canals and one at Beverly Park.

“KaBOOM! and Mesa have an important partnership to improve parks with generous grants and motivated volunteers,” District 1 Councilmember David Richins said.  “I am excited to see improvements at Porter Park to serve another of Mesa’s great neighborhoods. I know neighbors and local businesses will roll up their sleeves and work side by side, like we did on build day for the Park of the Canals, to remake Porter Park as a great place to play! Thank you KaBOOM!”

Playful City USA is a national program advocating for local policies that increase play opportunities for children. KaBOOM! created Playful City USA in 2007 to help local governments address the play deficit among children and it is through mayors, city council members, parks and recreation departments, school districts and community leaders that the program succeeds in benefiting children.

For more information about the public meeting, dates and times, visit: http://www.mesaaz.gov/roads/PublicMeetings.aspx or to learn more about Mesa’s parks visit: www.mesaaz.gov/parksrec.

The City of Avondale was recognized by the Center for Digital Government with a Digital Government Achievement Award Honorable Mention at an event on Friday, Sept. 13, in San Francisco, CA.

Avondale’s Angel Voice solution is being honored for improving government-to-citizen engagement.  The city service assists area residents calling in to register for financial assistance under grant programs, sends utilities disconnection calls so customers can prevent utilities turn-offs, and auto-notifies sanitation customers when holidays change their trash pickup days.  The city detailed significant time and customer service improvements produced.

In its 18th year, the Digital Government Achievement Awards recognize city, county and state governments for outstanding innovation, functionality, productivity and performance for websites and applications.  “As technology continues to evolve, governments are finding innovative ways of utilizing new technologies to transform operations and engage with citizens,” said Todd Sander, executive director of the Center for Digital Government. “This year’s winners have demonstrated the ability to adapt to the changing technology landscape, while creating first-class public and business services.”  The Center presented 57 awards in 10 categories this year.

Avondale has been on the ranking as a Digital City Survey Winner since 2011, reflecting the city’s commitment to be a contender among the nation’s most tech-savvy cities.

View the full story from the City of Avondale