Put Fleming’s Chandler on your holiday gift list. Wrap up this restaurant for yourself. This season of joy — Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa — Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 905 N. 54th St., just off Ray Road at the Interstate 10 exit, is an ideal place to celebrate with friends and family.

The Newport Beach, California-based steakhouse, which offers prime meats and chops, fresh fish and poultry, salads and sides, also welcomes you at two Scottsdale locations and a west side Peoria venue.

“Fleming’s is always a place to come and celebrate, no matter what time of year, but during the holidays, we see families, friends and co-workers getting together even more so,” says John Jeffrey, operating partner at Fleming’s Chandler.

Assisting him and staff are Chandler residents Chef Partner Michael Garcia, Sous Chef Carlos Guerrero and Front of the House Manager Nicholas Longobardi.

Michael has three young boys with wife Monica, who works for the Chandler school district. His two older boys participate in Chandler Little League. Carlos and his wife have three children, including new twins; and Nicholas and wife Laura, from Los Angeles, recently celebrated their first anniversary.

Jeffrey suggests the private dining rooms for a holiday party for family or business or a number of seasonal menu, wine and spirits specials for two or more.

A night out with your spouse, friend or significant other? One option, through January 3, is the Fall Prix Fixe Menu: three courses for $39.95. Fleming’s Executive Chef Russell Skall’s menu offers a choice of appetizer, Oysters Rockefeller or Autumn Salad; two entrées, Veal Osso Bucco, on creamy risotto, or Cioppino in a spicy tomato broth; and a Dark Chocolate Cheesecake, served on crème anglaise.

Corporate Director of Wine Marian Jansen op de Haar has paired wine selections for each entrée: with the veal, a Masi Veneto Campofiorin Italy, 2006/2007; the Von Buhl Riesling Pfalz Medium-Dry Jazz Germany, 2008, for the seafood medley; and, accompanying dessert, a Renwood Zinfandel Amador County Amador Ice, 2008.

Additional seasonal wine and spirits specials are also available in Chandler and all Valley Fleming’s. From Sonoma Valley, the Forty-Six Diamonds Cabernet 2008 is the boutique wine of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar — a collaboration with famed California winemaker Walter Schug.

Aged in French and Hungarian oak barrels, the lush blend comprises Cabernet Sauvignon from three vineyards as well as Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Merlot and Malbec. While supplies last through the holiday season, a glass is $16.25 and a bottle $65.

“The Forty-Six Diamonds wine program has been a lot of fun for us over the last few years. It provides us with an exclusive blend for Fleming’s from some of the great wineries around the world that we can offer to our guests,” Jeffrey says, explaining that Marian has collaborated with wineries and winemakers to create Forty-Six Diamonds. Paintings from artist and wine aficionado Thomas Arvid are the labels for each.

With dark cassis, plum, blueberry and black currant fruit flavors and fine-grained integrated tannins and a long finish, the Forty-Six Diamonds pairs best with the restaurant’s New York Strip and Rib Eye steaks, notes Bruce Duffy, wine manager for Fleming’s Chandler.

He adds that Fleming’s is featuring another wine for the holiday season, the Merryvale Profile 2006 at a special seasonal price: $125/bottle, significantly lower than the normal $295 charged in house and less than retail. This, too, is offered while supplies last.

Written by David M. Brown

Ten years ago, the land around Riggs Road between Higley and Power didn’t really scream country club living.

Now, much of the barren desert is covered by lush fairways and greens and a beautiful  clubhouse and sports facility sit at the peak of a road called Country Club Drive.  Seville Country Club is what bloomed out of the desert 10 years ago and now its members and staff are preparing for a year-long party in celebration of this milestone.

“It’s going to be a great celebration,” says Ryan Barmore, membership director at Seville. “We’re going to have a year’s worth of fun events for our members to enjoy.”

To kick it off, Seville has launched an innovative program to invite new members to join in the festivities. Barmore says the club is offering a new seasonal membership package for those who call Arizona home during the cooler months. Those who own a home outside of Arizona can get a 25 percent discount on the annual dues for memberships that run from either November through April or December through May.

“It’s not common for a club in Arizona to offer a seasonal membership,” Barmore says. “It’s very unique.”

Seville will also give local residents who may be interested in joining the country club a chance to be a “Member for a Day” on two Mondays in December. A limited number of golfers will get a chance to play the private course, which recently opened after overseeding in October, and also have lunch at Bolero’s.

Those interested in either the seasonal membership or the “Member for a Day” program can contact Barmore at (480) 279-3040 or at ryan.barmore@ourclub.com.

Seville Country Club opened in 2001 with a vision of community with a resort feel. The golf course was designed by Gary Panks, who has created some of the finest golf courses in Arizona and throughout the United States. Besides Seville, Panks designed Silver Creek Golf Club in White Mountains, which was selected by Golf Digest as Arizona’s

“Best New Public Course” for 1986, and Sedona Golf Resort in Sedona, which was named one of the “Three Best Resort Courses You Can Play,” also by Golf Digest.

Seville also offers a state-of-the-art sports club that includes three tennis courts, a 3-story high waterslide, splash pad, sports pool, lap pool and cabanas, sand volleyball courts, outdoor basketball courts and exercise studios for group classes or private instruction and training.

Members and the public can both enjoy Bolero’s restaurant, which offers contemporary American cuisine, with an emphasis on food quality and engaging service. Bolero’s features an array of in-house, chef-prepared dishes that will appeal to everyone in the family.

Those interested in golf or sport club memberships can call Barmore at (480) 279-3040.

Written by Louis Sacco

JEB & Company specializes in IT Consulting & Managed Services. They proactively monitor, manage and maintain workstations and servers so their customers don’t have to. For one monthly fixed fee, they handle all IT needs, including patch management, anti-virus, spyware removal, temporary file removal, 24/7 monitoring, remote remediation access and more. The company motto is, “Let us manage your network, while you take care of business.”

What led you to start your business?

I was laid off from an IT firm and started looking for work. I decided that rather than make someone else money from my hard work and ideas, I should do it for myself. I had a lot of insight to the managed services arena, so my early research and setup was already done.

Tell me something about your business that people might not know?

Even though our company is a staff of two (myself and my wife) we have the backing of thousands through our managed services partner. We have a 600 person Network Operations Center (NOC) and a 250 person U.S.-based Service Desk.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome as a business owner?

New client acquisitions. I know that I have excellent service offerings and I have a very competitive price point. However companies do not necessarily change their IT services on a regular basis. My prospective clients either have an IT provider or they are a new business. While my sales cycle is longer than I would like, I know the clients will come over once they see what I can offer them.

What drives your passion in this business?

I like to help people. I feel good inside knowing that the work I am doing is helping another small business move forward. Since I am working directly with the business owner, I know that they appreciate what I am offering and how I am offering it. That is why our monthly services are on a fixed fee basis. They know exactly how much IT will cost them each month. No matter how many issues arise, they will always have the same low price.

What advice would you give somebody starting their own business?

Make sure that you have an effective CRM (Customer Relationship Management system). You need to be able to manage all of your client and potential client interactions. You also need to follow up with clients and potential clients on a regular basis. You are the face of your company, so it is important that your clients see you and you are easily accessible. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Stuart’s TIP:

Jaimie makes a great point in keeping in touch with prospects and clients.  Follow up is the key to maintaining those great relationships, and a good system for keeping up on that is key to a small business owner’s success.  I encourage all entrepreneurs to allocate time each week to following up with prospects and customers – you’ll be surprised at the

positive impact that will have on your bottom line.

JEB & Company

2925 E. Riggs Rd., Suite 8-214, Chandler, AZ 85249

480-389-5321

info@jebandcompany.com

www.jebandcompany.com

Written by By Stuart Preston, MyBusiness Advisors

The manufacturer inspected the installation and even determined that its product was within the company standards, even though it was somewhat uneven.  Roark decided to eat the cost and replaced all 1,300 square feet of tile.

“It was a tough decision, but it was the right decision,” Roark says. “We replaced every bit of that tile because we wanted our customer to be happy. And it proved beneficial because that customer has sent a couple of referrals our way.”

That brand of customer service has made Flooring Gallery and More!, which has showrooms in Sun Lakes and in Goodyear, a success, even in a down economy.

Flooring Gallery and More! offers a range of home improvement products, such as carpets, tile, wood, laminate, vinyl countertops, cabinets, cabinet reface, natural stone, roofing new and repair, shutters and blinds and rugs and bindings.

Roark has been selling and installing floors for 16 years and is committed to making sure every installation is done with pride and professionalism.

“A quality company stands out due to outstanding customer service, trust, honesty, integrity and exceeding customer expectations,” he says. “We strive to deliver ethical and trustworthy and believe referrals are the key to the success of Flooring Gallery and More!”

Flooring Gallery and More! is located in Sun Lakes at 9666 East Riggs Road, next to Ace Hardware. It is a Mohawk premier retailer and offers the “newest and most fashionable styles at very competitive prices.” The company’s sales team is trained to coordinate flooring around existing décor and offers free in-home estimates and design consultation.

Currently, Flooring Gallery and More! is offering a special free tile rip out with the purchase of tile and installation. In addition, for each three feet of carpet purchased, the next one is free. They have many tile, hardwoods and laminate floors on sale this month.  Granite countertops are a premiered sale item as well.

For more information, call the sales team in Sun Lakes at (480) 895-4241 or in Goodyear at (623) 935-6088. The Goodyear stories located at 15479 West McDowell Road, Suite 105, at Interstate 10 and Pebblecreek Parkway.

The company website is www.flooringgalleryandmore.com.

Written by Louis Sacco

Twenty degrees cooler in the summer than the Arizona deserts, San Diego offers you and your family proximity to Mexico, miles of beaches, SeaWorld, the attractions of Balboa Park and other well-known venues such as the Wild Animal Park.

At the same time, don’t forget about excellent lesser-known opportunities in the northern areas of the city and beyond: beach communities such as La Jolla and Oceanside and up to Laguna Beach and east to Escondido, Julian and the Anza-Borrego Desert. Many of these attractions are available taking U.S. Route 101, which you can connect to in California via State Routes 56 or 78 from Interstates 15 or 5 or SR 163.

“With 36 miles of beaches, San Diego North offers a variety of water activities that individuals and families can enjoy,” says Hilary Townsend, director of public relations for the San Diego North Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The temperate climate in San Diego North allows for these outdoor activities to be experienced year round. There’s always something new to enjoy.”

Start at surfing-rich Oceanside. Its pier is the longest wooden version on the West Coast and provides a surf break, making both sides a popular location for the sport. Also, the California Surf Museum documents the area’s surfing culture and history.

Among the finest places to stay in the area is, just north, the 396-room Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, where the children can participate in the new Jean-Michel Cousteau’s “Ambassadors of the Environment,” with natural experiences through excursions, games, multimedia presentations, discussions and activities.

At Legoland in Carlsbad, the just-opened water park features a variety of attractions including Build-A-Raft, where children can help construct a Lego variety, enjoy several water slides, a 45-foot-tall tower playground and two wading areas. Adjacent to Legoland is the new child-focused Sea Life Aquarium, which features, among many species, more than 50 sharks from 14 different species.

Just south, in La Jolla, is the world-famous Birch Aquarium, which contains interactive exhibits that showcase discoveries of Scripps oceanography explorers through displays, touchable tide pools with anemones, hermit crabs, mussels and sea plants.

Swamis Beach, also in Encinitas, was immortalized in “Surfin’ USA” by the Beach Boys, and overlooking the Pacific Ocean is the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple, an idyllic garden for meditation and views.

Another beach town is Solana Beach, where adults in particular will enjoy the Cedros Design District with its 85 boutiques and art galleries. For evening entertainment, stop in at the Belly Up Tavern, which attracts a variety of bands. Just north of San Diego are two favorite coastal towns: upscale Del Mar and La Jolla. Del Mar Village has many specialty boutiques and outstanding café-style patio dining.

In La Jolla, visit the oceanfront Museum of Contemporary Art, with rotating exhibitions and an outdoor sculpture garden. Or, shop, dine or gallery hop on Prospect and Girard.

If you stay at the Lodge at Torrey Pines, known for its world-class hospitality and adjacent golf course, you can hike to the beach through moderately challenging shore trails. But make sure your group comprises hikers with appropriate footwear and sunscreen. A shopping-loving friend of mine, whom I had sold on the hour or so trek, is still reminding me that this wasn’t exactly the La Jolla she had bargained for!

For more information, see www.SanDiegoNorth.com.

Written by David M. Brown

Miles Beccia, personal trainer at Snap Fitness in Queen Creek, is looking for some losers who want to be winners. Snap Fitness is hosting a “Biggest Loser” contest through December 16 with great prizes for winners in the following categories:

• Total Body Transformation

• Most Total Inches Lost

• Most Body Fat

• Percentage Lost

• Most Total Weight Lost

Participants must commit to at least two times weekly in any of the following programs to enter the contest: morning boot camp and/or Pilates; FIT-TEAM group personal training; or three levels of 1-on-1 personal training sessions.

Beccia says the Fit-Pro Teams program have become popular as they provide great training in small, group setting that is fun and filled with energy with a lot of social motivation.

“You really become accountable to your group,” he says.

Boot Camp classes are led by a fitness professional that are designed to condition muscle, increase endurance and reduce workout boredom. They have many structured levels to meet any participants needs.

Another training option at Snap Fitness is Pilates, which helps sculpt and strengthen the body’s torso, or “core.” Pilates uses mat exercises and equipment with controlled movement to tone and strengthen the body. Instructors at Snap Fitness show how building flexibility, strength and coordination help for a full-body conditioning experience.

Get better workouts and better results with the help of Snap Fitness Personal Training. Whether you’re a first-time exerciser looking to get started on a plan, or an experienced athlete ready to take your workouts to the next level, Snap Fitness is dedicated to helping you reach your fitness goals.

Snap Fitness is located at the southeast corner of Rittenhouse and Ocotillo, 21258 East Rittenhouse in Queen Creek. Those interested can call (480) 987-1255 or visit the website www.snapfitness.com/queencreek.

Written by Louis Sacco

Inta Juice is a locally owned smoothie bar with more than 50 smoothies to choose from, including Green Tea and organic Acai. They offer fresh vegetable blends and wheatgrass.

What led you to start your business?

We are both health conscious, and we wanted to focus on that lifestyle. We felt Inta Juice offered the best opportunity to expand in that area. We have the largest menu around and you can even make your own. We have customized smoothies, giving the customer the power to be creative. You can’t make a bad one at Inta Juice. We still believe customers are No. 1. We have knowledgeable employees, with great customer service and cleanliness.

Tell me something about your business that people might not know.

We offer fundraising opportunities and have worked with various PTO’s, youth groups and athletic clubs. We’ve helped Chandler Rotary, San Tan Legacy Soccer, ICAN, Boys and Girls Club, Gold Medal Swim, Basha Cheer, and many more.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome as a business owner?

Four years ago, we were the first Inta Juice in the valley, so introducing a new name in the smoothie business heading into a recession has been very difficult. At the same time, there were eight other comparable businesses within a 3-mile radius. Most of those are gone, now. We got the word out by advertising in local publications and always trying to get our name out in our fundraising efforts. Additionally, we have built our Guest Book and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/intajuicechandler) lists to nearly 1,000 customers.

What drives your passion in this business?

Starting new and making it succeed by building a very loyal customer base. It’s very gratifying to have someone tell you how they enjoy your product. We hear it every day! We get amazing comments in our Guest Book. They tell us our flavors are the best, there’s no aftertaste, and they can taste every fruit in them. Some of the comments include, “This place rocks!”, and, “You knock the competition out of the water!”

What advice would you give somebody starting their own business?

Make sure there is a market for your product. Expect long hours and many setbacks. Most importantly, you had better enjoy what you are doing. That’s why it’s important to support the family-owned small businesses, they have good reason to hold their heads high and the biggest part is the quality of product, service and cleanliness. Family owned businesses take a lot of pride in their business.

Stuart’s TIP!

Anita and Tom have done a great job at taking a new business and getting the word out. It all starts with the passion of the entrepreneur and a great product. Once those are in place, customers will start telling friends and family and pretty soon an entire community will gather around that business. Every business should strive to build 1,000 or more loyal fans, just like Anita and Tom have done.

INTA JUICE

1445 S. Arizona Ave.

Just South of the San Tan 202 Freeway

(480) 821-1675

Fax: (480) 821-1373

Hours: M-F 9-7;

Sat 9-6; Sun 10-5

Written by By Stuart Preston,

MyBusiness Advisors

Two of the major thoroughfares in the Southeast Valley are Riggs and Ellsworth Roads.

Now, a long-time Arizona law firm bearing the same names is increasing its presences in the area with a new Queen Creek office. Not coincidentally, two of the partners are related to the families named on street signs that run throughout the area.

Riggs Ellsworth & Porter, which has been in business since 1998, recently hired attorney Keith Nelson to run the office, located at 21321 East Ocotillo Road.

The new office opened July 1st of this year.

“We really love the Queen Creek and southeast Gilbert areas,” says Matt Riggs, a principal of the firm. “It’s a fantastic area. I own property here and always thought it would be a great place to open an office.

“Our Mesa office receives a lot of calls from people in this area and we thought an office in Queen Creek would be more convenient to those clients.”

Things fell into place when Nelson heard that Riggs had contemplated expansion into Queen Creek.

“I’ve known Matt for several years and when I learned his firm wanted to open a new office in Queen Creek I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” Nelson says. “It’s a tremendous career opportunity for me.”

The firm focuses on personal injury cases, including catastrophic injury, automobile accidents, and wrongful death, along with criminal defense, including misdemeanors, DUIs, and felonies. The firm also handles domestic relations cases such as divorce, child custody and other family relations matters.

Nelson is a native of the east valley and a graduate of Arizona State University. He attended Gonzaga University’s School of Law School in Spokane, Washington, where he graduated magna cum laude.

He has been married to his wife, Jayleen, for 13 years and they have two daughters. He is very active in the Boy Scouts of America and serves on the Board of Directors for the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and as a Judge Pro Tem for the Maricopa County Justice Courts.

Both Nelson and Riggs say the firm plans to become very active in volunteering in Queen Creek and the southeast valley. They also hope to continue to be successful in helping their clients with their legal issues.

Riggs is a fifth generation Arizonan and a graduate of the College of Law at Arizona State University, the third generation of his family to practice law. He and his wife, Dawna, have six children. He is also heavily involved with the Boy Scouts of America and with his church.

The objective of Riggs Ellsworth & Porter is to provide aggressive and skilled representation while providing compassionate legal counsel. The firm’s legal skills and experience effectively level the playing field in its areas of practice.

“We have a great track record for winning,” Riggs says.

Riggs Ellsworth & Porter also has offices located at 1423 South Higley Road in Mesa and 240 North White Mountain Road in Show Low. For more information or to schedule an appointment regarding a personal injury claim, please call the firm at (800) 777-8529.

Written by Kirk Kern

More and more valley residents are realizing it’s time to stay put in their homes due to the current market conditions in real estate. We call this group, the “stay-at-homers.” Many are realizing now is not the time to move unless absolutely necessary. As the result, folks are looking for ways to beautify their homes without breaking the bank.

Have you ever stopped to think about the dollars you can save by turning to your local merchant for your furnishings and home services? Ikea and Ashley Home Furniture are terrific stores with phenomenal products, but have you ever considered what it means to our state when you buy from a locally-owned business? Not only can you save money by supporting your local merchants, but you are also supporting the state programs and services funded by the dollars generated by your purchases. “When you shop at a locally owned business, 45 cents of every dollar stays in Arizona — versus only 13 cents of every dollar spent at a national chain,” says Local First-Arizona, a nonprofit organization working to strengthen communities and local economies.

A new way for valley residents to find the perfect match to local home décor hidden gems (unique home décor stores and experienced home service professionals) is through a new online, free, real time, matching application for consumers provided by iSearchDecor. iSearchDecor is a locally based company that, at no charge, provides an easy way for consumers to venture out of their immediate vicinity and find local hidden gems that one may have never found on their own. Many people tend to go to the same places over and over again, or aimlessly drive around not knowing where to go. With iSearchDecor, instantaneously, consumers can receive targeted information on where to go for exactly what they need in home decor. A map is even provided for quick reference.

Look to a local merchant first for all of your home décor and home service needs. By supporting them, you are also supporting your community and your state.

iSearchdécor is the Nation’s premier, no charge, on line, real time, matching application for consumers who seek the perfect match to local home décor hidden gems (unique home décor stores and experienced home service professionals). To learn more about the program, to find hidden gem stores and service professionals, and to receive exclusive insider savings on purchases, visit: www.iSearchDecor.com and include SanTan210 in the “How Did You Hear About Us” field.

Alicia Guerrieri is founder of iSearchDecor.com.

Written by Alicia Guerrieri