Message From the BAP Board of Directors
To get to know Carla Hancock as the new Biltmore Area Partnership’s Vice President is to know that I have a passion for people and the community I live in and the community at large. I jokingly hashtag with the college age girls that I mentor that we are #BetterTogether and we are about #FaithFunFamilyFellowshipFoodFitness and I always throw in #Fashion too because of ‘how I’m built’. I love surrounding myself around these things and the Biltmore Area and the Biltmore Area Partnership helps support all of these passions for me and I try to do my best to support it back to the Biltmore Area. So whether it is enjoying my home inside Biltmore Greens, or providing mortgage services to Arizonans for over 30 years with the last 16 years in the Biltmore Area, or my husband, Graeme, and I walking the Biltmore Circle or up to the Arizona Biltmore Resort, or over to Biltmore Fashion Park to shop or dine or wander with a hot chocolate and take in the sights and sounds of the Biltmore or catching a movie at the AMC Theatres or now making it over to my new Biltmore Life Time gym (not as much as I would like to though 😊). I just love honoring where I live and work by enjoying and feeling joyful about where I live and work and try to surround myself with like-minded and forward minded people who do the same and give back to their community to be a part of their community. So, I joined the Biltmore Area Partnership and the Biltmore Ladies Lunch Bunch both several years ago to learn from our Speakers and be of service where I ca be. It has been an honor serving on the Biltmore Area Partnership Board these last few years and what an honor to be named this board’s Vice President. It will be my sincere pleasure to work along side Phil Tibi, our current President, and all of our board members to continue to serve our Biltmore Quadrant of businesses and community. Thank you for asking me and hope to see all of you at our next luncheon whether it is via Zoom or in-person – let’s stay dedicated to making the Biltmore Area GREAT.
Upcoming Zoom Meetings
Our March 23rd Zoom Meeting will be with Tina Tambour, the senior Housing Analyst for the Comford Report. “The Cromford Report is more than just a market report, it’s an interactive statistical tool based on actual data that can be tailored to various parameters such as zip codes, cities, types of real estate, and more. Real-time visual meters and graphs are just the tip of the iceberg…Everyone attending this special meeting will be remarkably impressed with what the Cromford Report has to offer” says BAP President and Associate Broker, Phil Tibi”
Our April 27th Zoom Meeting will be with Steve Chucri the President of the Arizona Restaurant Association and a Maricopa County Board Supervisor.
We look forward to seeing everyone virtually, and, better yet, in person!
Thank You
To our Councilman Sal DiCiccio for speaking to the BAP on February 23rd. As usual it was extremely informative and timely.
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Message from Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee
Greetings Biltmore Area Partnership Members,
I hope that this message finds you well. Thank you for your work in many of Arizona’s key economic industries including hospitality, retail, real estate, and banking.
As your Arizona State Treasurer and the Administrator of AZ529 Education Savings Plan, I encourage families to plan and save for their child’s future education. For the next step in my initiative to promote the AZ529 Plan, I recently appointed members of the new statewide AZ529, Arizona’s Education Savings Plan Advisory Committee to assist in raising awareness of the AZ529 Plan. The Advisory Committee members are subject-matter experts in multiple important facets of education and civic leadership, including urban and rural colleges, public and private schools and universities, vocational training, and apprenticeship programs. This outstanding team of experts on the AZ529 Advisory Committee is committed to expanding the outreach of AZ529 savings to underprivileged families who may not have the resources or a plan in place for the future education of their family members. Every child deserves an opportunity for advanced education, no matter their zip code.
For more information about the AZ529 Plan, visit AZ529.gov. If you or your organization would like resources or are interested in partnering with my office to promote the AZ529 Plan, please email my office at AZ529@aztreasury.gov or call 602-542-7529. We want to work together to reach Arizona citizens and families. I appreciate your dedication to the prosperity of the Biltmore Area.
Sincerely,
Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee
TreasurerYee@AZTreasury.gov
www.AZTreasury.gov
Message From Steve Chucri, Maricopa Board Supervisor and President of the Arizona Restaurant Association.
Supervisor Steve Chucri’s Statement on Today’s (2/26/21) Court Decision Judge Thomason’s decision brings much-needed clarity to the question of state law related to the Senate subpoenas and their application to the release of ballots. I am pleased that the Court resolved this issue so that we can all proceed with the business of representing our
constituents. I respect the Judge’s decision and look forward to working with the Senate to provide remaining outstanding materials. I was hopeful we all could have resolved this issue without a protracted legal battle, and I was prepared to proceed with our own forensic audit late last year, as my vote reflected. Cooperation between the County and the Legislature benefits our mutual constituencies, not only related to elections law and policy, but on many other fronts. We can achieve better results by working collaboratively.
Forensic Audit Complete
It is vital for us to listen to people’s concerns, to take them seriously, and to be open to closer examination when it comes to something as important as the right to vote. My constituents have reached out to me regarding Maricopa County’s voting system to verify that it is safe, reliable, and secure for election result outcomes. Confidence in elections has and always will be paramount to me. In December, I began to advocate for a 3rd party examination of the tabulation machines to further assure the general public that their votes are counted, serving to restore and maintain faith in our elections. Such a forensic audit would examine software and hardware questions, and claims of the ability to tamper with votes and outcomes.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors hired two independent firms, SLI Compliance and Pro V&V to do just that. These firms found that the configuration and setup of the tabulation equipment provided an accurate counting of ballots and reporting of election results. Auditors found no issues with equipment and software. Neither found evidence of hacking or vote switching. They found that the software and equipment functioned properly and had not been altered between the time it was federally certified and when it was used in the November election. Maricopa County’s tabulation equipment (Dominion Democracy Suite 5.5B) went through extensive testing and received federally accredited Election Assistance Commission certification.
The audits covered these categories:
Source code tests
This checked that the hardware and software is exactly the same as it was when originally federally certified. This is important because the certification involved tests to ensure the equipment did not allow for vote manipulation or external or backdoor access workarounds. Audits found that the software was certified and there was no evidence of tampering.
Malicious Software and Hardware Tests
No evidence that malicious software or hardware was found on the tabulators or system.
Network and Internet Connectivity Tests
Auditors found no issues with the closed secure network and there is no evidence of Internet connectivity.
Accuracy Tests
There was no evidence of vote switching. Auditors concluded that the equipment tabulated and adjudicated ballots accurately.
Maricopa County invited elected officials from different political parties or their designees to watch the audits take place. The public was also able to watch on live cameras streamed to the Recorder’s website.
This audit was specific to the machines and systems. At this time, the County and the Senate are waiting to hear from the judicial branch about the Senate’s request for the release of the ballots themselves.
Some of my constituents are concerned that we endeavored to do this additional audit, while some of my constituents feel it is not enough. My hope is that this completed forensic audit can assure the public that their votes are counted and secure, not only looking back, but looking to future elections as well. I believe it was necessary and right to address the questions that emerged following the 2020 elections, and I’m confident we did that thoroughly and with all Maricopa County voters in mind.
View the audit results here. For more information about the audit timeline and process in Maricopa County click here.
As always, please let me know if I can be of assistance.
Thank you.
Sincerely, Steve Chucri, District 2 Maricopa County Board of Supervisors www.maricopa.gov/steve 602-506-7431
Camelback High School
Hello BAP Members!
Camelback has kicked off the new year with energy and enthusiasm as we re-engage our community through the virtual platform. Camelback is happy to report growing enrollment with 130 more students than the prior year while also having more students pass all of their classes than back in 2019 when we were in person. We have our eye on growing our CTE programs including Engineering, Accounting, Hospitality, and Real Estate so if you have some connections or would like to engage with us about student interns we would be happy to have that conversation!
We also want to thank BAP Board Member Carla Hancock for participating in our “Camelback Chats” and sharing her story with our students. If you would like to be one of our next speakers or know a great connection we would love to talk to you!
Looking forward to the day when I get to meet some of you!
James Arndt
jarndt@phoenixunion.org
602-775-3658
News In and Around The Biltmore Area
Camelback East Village Planning Committee
Pursuant to A.R.S. Section 38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the CAMELBACK EAST VILLAGE PLANNING COMMITTEE and to the general public, that the CAMELBACK EAST VILLAGE PLANNING COMMITTEE will hold a meeting open to the public on Tuesday, March 2, at 6:00 p.m.
Per the most recent social distancing guidelines from the federal government, no residents will be allowed to attend the meeting in-person.
OPTIONS TO ACCESS THE MEETING
Call-in to listen to the live meeting: Dial 602-666-0783, Enter meeting access code 1266641644#, and press # again when prompted for the attendee ID
Observe the live meeting virtually.
Register for the event at:
Submit a comment on an agenda item:
Send your comments to Sofia Mastikhina at sofia.mastikhina@phoenix.gov
By: 48 hours prior to start of the meeting.
Indicate: Item Number and Case Number
Register to speak and/or submit a comment on an agenda item:
Contact: Sofia Mastikhina at 602-256-5648 or sofia.mastikhina@phoenix.gov
By: 48 hours prior to start of the meeting (Staff will make every effort to accommodate requests to speak submitted beyond the 48-hour period. Due to the added demands of facilitating the virtual environment for the public, applicants and other staff members, we cannot consider any request less than six business hours before the start of the meeting)
If registered to speak, click on the following link at the time of the meeting to join the event and speak when called upon: https://cityofphoenixpdd.webex.com/cityofphoenixpdd/onstage/g.php?MTID=e80665b0b46468a06cd66f3cc0c320c46
Local First Arizona
Please go to: https://www.localfirstaz.com/events to find out about events that will be happening in your area and how to help and support your local business during this time.
HAPPY HOUR/SOCIAL HOUR IN 85016
Please check with individual restaurants to see if they have resumed Happy Hours.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS
Biltmore Fashion Park
SPRING CONCERT SERIES FEATURING NEON
APRIL 3, 2021 THROUGH APRIL 24, 2021 | CENTER LAWN
Join us in Center Lawn for complimentary live music performances by NEON.
Every Saturday in April.
Saturday, 4/3: 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday, 4/10: 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday, 4/17: 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday, 4/24: 3:00 -6:00 PM
Social distancing and mask guidelines apply.
We have also expanded the outdoor seating to True Food, Capital Grille, Season’s 52 and Pomo to help allow more guests to enjoy these fine dining establishments.
Life Time at The Biltmore
Life Time Biltmore is fully open and operating with something for the whole family!
From fitness classes and youth programs to roof top cabanas and pool side service, we are excited to have our doors open for our Biltmore community.
To find out what is open and what is closed and for further details on specials, events, and to find out what else is happening at The Biltmore Fashion Park during this time, go to www.shopbiltmore.com
Carla Hancock/Bay Equity
Hello Biltmore Area Partners – just to brag…Bay Equity Home Loans branches across the country (including Arizona) broke record after record for 2020 and even our start of 2021!!
A Note from our Chief Executive Officer, Brett McGovern about what is pushing interest rates higher despite a long road ahead for the economy and a lack of inflation? And, How is it that the Federal Reserve Presidents and meeting minutes say monetary policy will stay the same, yet rates head higher anyway?
“We are coming off a time with unexpected low rates. They are still low, despite having gone up in recent weeks. Due to the pandemic our government is incurring huge deficit spending, with trillions of dollars more of stimulus coming. We have a growing Federal Reserve balance sheet as the Fed continues to purchase Treasury and MBS daily. Fortunately as older, higher interest rate debt matures it is being refinanced by our government at lower rates.
Yet the market is realizing ultimately someone has to pay for it, traditionally in the form of higher taxes. On top of this, inflation concerns are emerging as investors look ahead to what could be a booming
economy post-pandemic. The Federal Reserve has made it clear it can change course quickly based on economic conditions. Bay Equity can do the same.
Even though rates have moved higher, I still see a favorable environment for all or most of 2021 with rates still historically low. But we must be aware of opposing pressures and be ready for change. No one has a crystal ball, and anyone who says they do is misleading you. Yes, the current move higher in rates will affect the industry’s volume. What should Bay Equity LOs be thinking about as we head into rate territory we haven’t been in since early 2020?”
Thank you for supporting me as your local Mortgage Loan Professional and thank you for supporting Bay Equity’s Arizona office!! Together, we make a difference! #BetterTogether! Carla Hancock, Senior Loan Officer CHancock@BayEq.com and/or 602.350.1351.
The Esplanade
Here is the current update, as of today, for our restaurants, bars and AMC at The Esplanade:
Restaurants: Hours of Operation and Services that they offer.
-FlINT: Sunday – Thursday 4:00p.m. – 9:00p.m. Friday – Saturday 4:00p.m.- 10:00p.m. To Go & Dine-In
-UPSTAIRS: Tuesday-Saturday 5:00p.m. – 11:00p.m. Dine-In
-City Market Deli: 7:00a.m.- 3:00p.m. To Go, Dine-In and Delivery
Saturday-Sunday: Closed.
-Tocaya- Sunday- Thursday 11:00a.m.-9:00p.m.
Friday-Saturday 11:00a.m.-10:00p.m. To Go, Dine-In and Delivery
-Comoncy- Monday-Friday 7:30a.m.- 3:00p.m. To Go & Dine-In
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
-MercBar: Reopening date undetermined.
-Goldwater: Reopening date undetermined.
Retail
AMC- Is now open Friday-Sunday but the hours of operation vary based upon show times. Check website for the details for those
E-Center: reopen date undetermined.
AC Hotel Biltmore
The AC Phoenix Biltmore is fully open and looks forward to welcoming back our guests! Join us in the AC Kitchen for Breakfast 6 am – 10 am weekdays and 7 am -11 am on weekends. Our AC Lounge opens at 4 pm daily for dinner and drinks. Here is what to expect during your upcoming stay: – Protective barriers at the Registration Desk – Contactless check-in if using the Marriott Bonvoy App or very limited contact if requesting to be issued standard keys – Floor markings and signage to encourage social distancing – All employees are required to wear masks – Hand sanitizing stations at key touchpoints in the hotel (elevators, lobby, restaurant etc.) – The AC Lounge and Kitchen is open for dine-in or take-out. Seating capacity in the AC Lounge and Patio have been modified to encourage social distancing – The Fitness Center and Swimming Pool are open for guest use. Seating arrangements and signage is in place to encourage social distancing. – Increased cleaning/sanitizing schedules for all public areas and key touchpoints of the hotel – Occupied rooms will only be serviced upon request to limit contact – Marriott’s Commitment To Clean program is in place – this includes, but not limited to, ensuring rooms are completely sterilized using EPA-approved cleaning & disinfecting agents that kill the COVID-19 virus. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you, and hope you will call on us if we can do anything to assist you.
Arizona Biltmore Golf Club and Adobe Restaurant
Patio Time!: Enjoy the Adobe Restaurant’s beautiful patio throughout the month of March. The bar is always open until 6 PM! If you are hungry, you can dine from our afternoon or happy hour menu until 4 PM Monday – Thursday, and until 5 PM Friday – Sunday.
Spring Conditions: The Adobe Course and Links Course are both in pristine condition. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoy a fun round of golf at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club this March.
Adobe Happy Hour: Enjoy a beautiful view and a great deal on drinks beginning at 3 p.m. daily on the Adobe’s outdoor patio. The bar is always open until 6 p.m.! On Saturdays and Sundays, The Adobe has all-day specials, including $5 Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. Plus, be sure to check out the seasonal chalkboard for specials in the bar.
Are You A Rewards Member? Did you know Biltmore Rewards Members automatically save on greens fees just for signing up? Its free and easy to become a Rewards Member – either download the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club App and sign-up there or sign-up in the golf shop. Rewards Members earn points for playing and purchases towards free golf!
Adobe Curbside Takeout & Delivery: The Adobe Restaurant continues to offer curbside takeout service and delivery through third party partners (Uber Eats, Grubhub & DoorDash) from 8 AM to 3 PM daily. The takeout menu offers a full menu of favorites, plus beer, wine and soft drinks are available. To view The Adobe Restaurant’s Takeout and Delivery Menu, visit www.theadoberestaurant.com and click the menu button. To place an order, call (602)468-9160.
Mask Up: A friendly reminder that face masks are required when indoors, and when in close proximity to others while outdoors, at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club and Adobe Restaurant. This is a City of Phoenix requirement; therefore, we ask that all guests comply. Finally, please support club employees should they need to enforce the mask mandate. We appreciate your cooperation.
Everyday Specials at The Arizona Biltmore Golf Club: The Arizona Biltmore Golf Club offers great ways to play and save:
Sunday Family Day: Kids under 17 play free with a paying adult after 1 pm (1 child per adult 21yr or older).
Lunch Break Special: Enjoy a hot dog, a drink and a bucket of practice balls for just $15.
Biltmore Golf Happy Hour: $20 includes 4 to 9 holes of golf with golf cart, and one happy hour drink (up to a domestic beer). Available any day after 4:45 PM.
Frontline & Public Service Rate: As a small token of our appreciation for all they do for the community and country, all frontline workers and first responders (doctors, nurses, police, fire, emergency services and military) will receive $5 Off of their round. Bring up to 3 friends with you at the same rate and enjoy the great conditions. (Must have valid I.D., good for all current and retired personnel).
For more information, to book a golf tee time, corporate lunch or private function, please visit www.azbiltmoregc.com or www.theadoberestaurant.com.
Bluewater Grill
We are open. We are closed Mondays. Open Tuesday thru Thursday from 11:30 to 8:30 and Friday thru Sunday 11:30 to 9pm. Same happy hour as before.
The Capital Grille-Biltmore Fashion Park
A Winter Must – Prepared Daily, Enjoyed First
Our Executive Chef begins preparing the French Onion Soup by transforming onions and butter into caramelized perfection. With a touch of sherry, a rich broth begins to take shape – the rest is our secret. Each crock is then topped with housemade croutons and a creamy blend of Jarlsberg and mozzarella. Mere moments under the broiler to melt the fromage and voila! Bubbly bliss.
We’re happy to take your reservation. 602-952-8900, or do take out.
To find out what is happening at the Capital Grille, and their take out and online menu go to: www.capitalgrille.com
Embassy Suites Biltmore
The Embassy Suites Biltmore was excited to reopen its doors on June 12th and looks forward to welcoming back our Team Members and Guests! Hilton and our team members have set up industry leading solutions to provide a safe environment for our guest and team members during this very challenging time. We have also adjusted our property to have all of the CDC and social distancing guidelines to create an environment that creates comfort for you and your family.
We have provided a special rate for all Arizona Residence so they can enjoy a staycation. Please call 602.955.3992 and when making your reservation and ask for the AZ residence rate.
We look forward to welcoming you all back.
Stay Safe.
ZAKEE JONES – Assistant General Manager
Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Biltmore
t: +1 602.385.3706 I 602.388.6505
2630 E. Camelback Rd Phoenix, AZ 85016
Embassysuites.com
The Hermosa Inn
WINTER/SPRING BED & BREAKFAST
Enjoy 15% off your stay and $50 breakfast credit daily in your choice of accommodations.
Enhance your Bed & Breakfast package with our deliciously fun Bubbles Bar. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a weekend with friends, or just a quick staycation, this effervescent treat is sure to add sparkle to your morning. Enjoy breakfast in your beautiful casita, or in LON’s, accompanied by a bottle of Prosecco and three perfect mixers: freshly squeezed orange juice, white peach puree and prickly pear nectar. Non-alcoholic option available.
Valid for stays between 1/3/21 – 5/16/21 Exclusively On Line * Occupancy based on Single or Double occupancy, Subject to availability. Valid for new reservations only. 24-hour cancellation policy will apply. * Bubbles Bar is not available with any other offer.
The Hermosa Inn and LON’s are open. Reservations will be required at LON’s to allow us to manage capacity and remain compliant with all guidelines. For more information and reservations, visit hermosainn.com\offers For reservations call LON’s at 602.955.7878 or reserve online at www.lons.com
The Gladly
Currently, we are adhering to gatherings of no more than 10. However, we anticipate that number to increase soon.
Our restaurants are opening at 4:00 p.m. The dining room is set up with a 6 ft. perimeter around each table so only about 25% of our normal capacity will be seated and reservations are recommended. All back of the house staff and front of the house servers will be wearing masks. Disposable menus and other single use items as needed. All team members are having their temps taken upon arrival for their shift. Strict sanitation and cleaning are in practice.
The Hermosa Inn and LON’s are open. Reservations will be required at LON’s to allow us to manage capacity and remain compliant with all guidelines. For more information and reservations, visit hermosainn.com\offers For reservations call LON’s at 602.955.7878 or reserve online at www.lons.com
Seasons 52 At The Biltmore
Fresh From Our Kitchen
As always, we’re welcoming the season with 100% fresh produce. If it’s in any of our starters, entrées, or sides, it came fresh from the ground, to our kitchen, to your table without ever seeing a freezer. As we get ready to shift to our Spring Menu, we’re adding asparagus to the kitchen. This crisp, sweet, bright green veggie is a highlight of our new menu and we can’t wait to share all of it
Now Serving a Preview of Spring
We’re making our Buffalo Cauliflower Flatbread available just for you, before anyone else even knows about it. Featuring roasted cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce, scallions, and a bleu cheese drizzle atop our traditional, thin and crispy flatbread. Order online today, or join us in our dining room for your secret sneak peek.
Go the Seasons 52 website for Specials and regular takeout menu www.seasons52.com
Telephone number for Seasons 52 at The Biltmore Fashion Park is 602-840-5252 for reservations.
2021 APRIL NEWSLETTER
As a member of The Biltmore Area Partnership, you are invited and encouraged to submit special deals, promotions or activities on behalf of your company for inclusion in our newsletter. Please submit any articles by March 23 for the April Newsletter.
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jessica Dorvinen – Frazer, Ryan, Goldberg & Arnold, LLP/BAP Foundation (Secretary)
Carla Hancock – Resident of ABEVA/Bay Equity (Vice President)
Zakee Jones – Embassy Suites Biltmore (Treasurer)
Phil Tibi, – The Phil Tibi Group (President)
Ed Rossi – Executive Director
For a list of our current members, and information on our luncheon speakers, please go to: www.biltmoreareapartnership.com and click on Events.
Biltmore Area Partnership:
Phone: (480) 368-0974/ (602) 957-6483 E-mail: azbapphx@aol.com Website: www.biltmoreareapartnership.com
Mailing Address:
3104 E. Camelback #174
Phoenix, AZ 85016