January Hits Record Level of Pending Home Sales in ARMLS, Signifying Home Sales Prices Are Likely To Increase

For Immediate Release

Fidelity National Title and Cromford Report Releases Trends & Predictions
Discussed At Recent Sold-Out Industry Event

Tempe, Ariz., Jan. 26, 2010 – Fidelity National Title, one of Arizona’s largest title insurance and escrow service companies, in partnership with Cromford Report, a subscription-based online statistical resource on the Metropolitan Phoenix residential resale market, today confirmed that the top of the Arizona real estate market was in June of 2006, with the bottom hitting in April of 2009. Maximum inventory of homes on the market was in late April of 2008.

According to Michael Orr, Analyst and Author of The Cromford Report, this month’s pending sales in ARMLS (the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service) are at a record level for January, signifying an increase in demand – a critical indication of recovery for Arizona’s real estate market and a positive sign of market activity. Market recovery is likely to be shallow and slow. Steady price stability is important to prove Arizona is past the bottom and inspire market confidence in a recovery.

A keynote speaker for the recent sold-out Fidelity 2010 Real Estate Crystal Ball event, Orr stated “”…like a supertanker, once the real estate market gathers momentum, it is very slow to turn around. 2010 won’t see a dramatic shift, but we can expect to see a shallow upward trend across the market. The number of homes under contract is more than double what it was last January, and sale price increases are likely to follow.”

He continued on to state that while the buying frenzy has cooled at the bottom of the market, activity is warming for homes in the $250,000 – $400,000 range.
While many markets are showing an upward trend, it is important to note that some areas and neighborhoods are flat or continue to decline. There may be another dip in sale prices as short sales continue to dominate the market, but the recent trend of sales price increases are a positive indication.

“The last three months of 2009 saw a 60% increase in short sale closings,” stated Fidelity Senior Vice President Steve de Laveaga.”In 2010, you will see a number of lenders move to aggressive short sale programs and cash for keys for sellers.”

December and January data for 2010 shows a 25 percent drop in REOs compared to last year, short sales increased by 16 percent, and normal sales increased by nine percent.

Short sales are expected to dominate the market this year, with REOs declining in importance as banks/lenders are discovering that they lose less money on short sale transactions. According to de Laveaga, trustee sales by bank-owned properties result in an average of $38,000 lost per transaction compared to a short sale.

Fidelity partner Mark Parris of RE/MAX Renaissance Realty, who was a panelist at the January 2010 Fidelity Real Estate Crystal Ball event, said, “banks are now implementing a better short sale process, so we are seeing more agents dealing directly with sellers before the banks get involved. This is a good step in the right direction for everyone.”

This information is released in partnership with Cromford Report, a daily subscription-based online report tracking residential real estate trends of the Metropolitan Phoenix area.

About Fidelity National Title Insurance Company of Maricopa County
Fidelity National Title of Maricopa County was established in 1981 and has maintained a steady physical and financial base in Arizona for almost thirty years, remaining rock solid through decades of market swings. It is protected under the umbrella of Fidelity National Title Group, which holds over $2.8 billion in reserves.

Fidelity is one of Arizona’s largest providers of title insurance and escrow services, with 13 offices Valley-wide and a staff with almost 100 years of combined experience servicing a portfolio of more than 6,000 mortgage accounts. Additionally, it is one of Arizona’s leading resources for real estate agent continued training. Fidelity recently launched Fidelity Big Mouth – a blog aimed at helping real estate agents and lenders digest the Arizona real estate market.

Fidelity National Title Group
Founded in 1848, Fidelity National Title is the world’s largest title insurance company, issuing insurance policies and escrow services throughout the US, Canada, Mexico and 50 countries. It is one of the nation’s largest providers of title insurance and escrow services, and is ranked at #264 on the Fortune 500, an annual list compiled and published by Fortune magazine that ranks the top 500 U.S. closely held and public corporations. The respected title insurance underwriters that comprise Fidelity National Title Group issue approximately HALF of the residential and commercial title insurance policies in the United States. It is one of the foremost experts in the area of HUD, short sale, REO and foreclosed properties.

Fidelity National Title Group is a subsidiary of holding company Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE:FNF), a leading provider of title insurance, specialty insurance, claims management services and information services. For more information, visit www.fnf.com.

About The Cromford Report
The Cromford Report is owned and produced by Cromford Associates LLC, an Arizona limited liability company managed by Michael Orr and based in Mesa, Ariz.

Orr holds a masters degree in mathematics from the University of Oxford and spent 31 years in the computer industry, working for companies like IBM and Fujitsu. He relocated from England to California in 1992. In his most recent positions he was President of Tarantella and CEO of Mobilearia, both Silicon Valley technology start-ups now acquired by larger companies.

He first started investing in real estate in 1976 and left the computer industry in 2002, moving to Arizona to focus on real estate investment. He obtained a real estate license in 2005 and has been working on real estate market analysis since 2006. The results are published each day in The Cromford Report – an online resource for professionals focused on the Greater Phoenix residential resale market. He has been working closely with ARMLS and the Information Market LLC since July 2008.

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IF YOU LOVE JAZZ…PLEASE HELP US KEEP IT ALIVE!

In his opening address to the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., said that “Jazz speaks for life… it takes the hardest realities of life and puts them into music, only to come out with some new hope or sense of triumph. It has strengthened us with its sweet rhythms when courage began to fail. It has calmed us with its rich harmonies when spirits were down. And now, Jazz is exported to the world.  This is triumphant music.”

 How Do You Test The Worthiness Of A Vision?   

Not in times of comfort and abundance; when things are good.  The test of a vision comes in the tough times.  In many ways, this is a time of trial for Sedona Jazz on the Rocks as we tackle the thorny issues of an economic crisis.  Yet, we are confident that we will pull through. 

Sedona Jazz on the Rocks plays an unique role in fostering Jazz as a cultural art form.  A look at the impact of our mission, “to preserve jazz for future generations through education and performance programs,” encourages us to forge ahead and inspires us to evolve and grow.  

Since its inception, Sedona Jazz on the Rocks has placed its primary focus on creating, developing and financing innovative educational programs for Arizona’s talented young musicians. On average, our music training programs provide quality jazz education to thousands of young students each year.

We need only recall the kids we have supported throughout our 28 years, their hopes and dreams about how their lives are supposed to work.  They come to us with varying levels of talent, ability and enthusiasm, and what they accomplish as a result of our programs compels us to remain steadfast in our commitment.

Did you know that Jazz is America’s indigenous art form? 

We strive to broaden public awareness of the artistic, historical and cultural contributions that Jazz has made to the American music landscape. It is a cherished part of our heritage that must be sustained, as it is relished.

Did you know that Jazz on the Rocks earned the Governor’s Tourism Award?

Our Festival started modestly in 1981, but in the years since we have brought many world-renowned jazz artists to Sedona, and have earned national and international recognition through our annual jazz festival.  

We are driven to continue this tradition of excellence in Jazz education and performance.  We are energized by the growing number of young people who are interested in and excited about Jazz, even as funding for music programs in our nation’s schools continues to diminish.

We’re digging in deep to ensure that we can provide supplemental programs and activities to keep Jazz alive for these students. We have been aggressive about cutting costs every where we can, and we’re working hard to raise more money from donors.  We are committed to finding a way to support our scholarship winners and our Youth Band. 

I’ve been reminded that at present “it’s tough for everybody”.  Of course that’s true, but it’s a lot tougher for some than others.  We must not forget that there are families whose incomes are so minimal that they are barely able to provide the basics for their children. Our worst-case scenario is that when deserving students look to us for help, we would have to turn them away for lack of resources to meet their needs.

I hope you will agree that ours is a vision worthy of triumph.  If you are in a position to help or are interested in knowing more about our programs, please call us at (928) 282-1985, or visit our website at http://www.sedonajazz.com/subjects/support/make-a-donation.htm.

By: Bettye Wilson
President, Sedona Jazz on the Rocks

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Valley-based Center Offers Innovative, Drug-Free Treatment Options for ADD/ADHD, Learning Disorders

New training program measures brain oxygenation and blood flow, enhancing Neurofeedback results

Scottsdale, Ariz. – The Center for Attention Deficit and Learning Disorders announces today that it has added Hemoencephalography (HEG) to its list of treatment options for patients with ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, mood disorders and other conditions. HEG utilizes infrared light to measure blood flow and oxygenation levels in the brain during a Neurofeedback session. 

 “The use of HEG in our Neurofeedback training sessions allows us to better target the areas of the brain that are not functioning at normal levels,” said Dr. Sanford J. Silverman, Ph.D., founder of the Center. “The goal of Neurofeedback is to exercise the brain in a specific way and create new connections between neurons that carry information to other areas of the brain. In patients with ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities and other disorders, we typically see less activity in certain areas of the brain. Our program trains the brain to re-activate these areas. It’s like taking your brain to the gym.”

 According to Dr. Silverman, adding HEG to the Center’s training program was part of his ongoing effort to offer the most comprehensive treatment plan available to train the brain in a variety of modalities.  The Center, which combines psychology, cutting-edge science and technology to treat a variety of disorders, is one of only five providers in Arizona that offers HEG.

 According to client surveys, 80 percent of the Center’s patients notice immediate improvement in their ability to focus and concentrate. “We have found that while our program works as a supplement to other therapies, in many cases it’s actually an alternative to medication for ADD/ADHD and other disorders,” said Dr. Silverman. “It allows our patients to realize more thorough and long-term results. In some cases, we find significant breakthroughs where other forms of treatment have not worked.”

 About the Center for Attention Deficit and Learning Disorders

Located in Scottsdale, Ariz., the Center for Attention Deficit and Learning Disorders combines psychology, science and technology into effective treatment for children and adults with ADD/ADHD and other clinical disorders. In conjunction with traditional psychotherapy, Dr. Silverman utilizes Neurofeedback, Quantitative EEG (Brain Mapping), Hemoencephalography (HEG), Interactive Metronome®, and SMART Brain Games (developed by NASA) to create a customized treatment program that targets the needs of each individual. For more information about the Center, please visit www.centerforadd-az.com or call (480) 314-4299.

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WOMEN-OWNED HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMPANY ANNOUNCES PERFECT 10 CHALLENGE

Slimmer Silhouette invites women who give for a living to also take care of their health in 2010

PHOENIX, Ariz. Slimmer Silhouette is excited to announce the Perfect 10 Challenge, an engaging health and life-makeover challenge for 2010 that encourages women in leadership positions at charities and non-profit organizations nationwide to champion their cause by taking better care of themselves. In January, ten women will be selected from applicants nationwide to take on the challenge, which includes life coaching, nutrition and fitness coaching, and a weekly Slimmer Silhouette™ body wrap.  The grand prize winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Disneyworld, a year’s supply of the body wrap system, a cash prize, a beauty makeover, as well as a donation and valuable exposure for their organization. Total combined value of all prizes is over $22,000.

“The saying goes that the most beautiful women are a ‘Perfect 10,’” said Meggie Hale, founder of Slimmer Silhouette.  “We are searching for the ‘Perfect 10′ women whose giving spirit and internal beauty impact the world in a positive way.  However, they’re often so busy caring for others that proper health, nutrition and external beauty often become secondary priorities. Through the Perfect 10 Challenge, Slimmer Silhouette intends to give back to these women in hopes that they’ll all discover that in taking care of themselves they will have even more to give.”

Slimmer Silhouette encourages members within charities and non-profit organizations nationwide to nominate a woman in a leadership position within their organization whom they feel deserves to be a part of this health and beauty transformation.  Contestants will be selected by the Slimmer Silhouette executive team based upon their application. For more details on this challenge, visit www.perfect10challenge.com.

About Slimmer Silhouette™ Slimmer Body Wrap

Headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., Slimmer Silhouette was founded by a team of women with combined backgrounds in beauty products and healthcare with passion for helping others. Their collective team desire is to promote a healthy lifestyle and beauty both inside and out. Slimmer Silhouette Slimmer Body Wrap™ offers a cost-effective, spa-quality body wrapping system that sheds inches fast and is made for use at home. Unlike water-loss wraps, their proprietary mineral solution used with special wrapping bandages helps draw out impurities surrounding fat cells, muscle and skin tissue, resulting in compaction of the tissues, the diminished appearance of cellulite, with the added bonus of inch reduction.

For more information about the Slimmer Silhouette home body wrap system, you can visit: www.SlimmerSilhouette.com or to follow the Perfect 10 Challenge visit us on Facebook as Slimmer Silhouette.

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The North Pole Experience, Arizona’s ALL-NEW Holiday Adventure, Will Stay Open an Extra Week to Accommodate Demand

 Who:     North Pole Experience (www.northpoleexperience.com)

 Where:  Molly Butler Lodge (www.mollybutlerlodge.com), 109 Main St, Greer, AZ 85927

 Schedule:   November 27, 2009 – NOW EXTENDED TO January 2, 2010

 More information: 

Due to very high demand for tickets and cabin packages, the North Pole Experience (NPX) will be extended to stay open through Saturday, Jan 2.  This is the inaugural year for North Pole Experience, an all new family holiday adventure at Santa’s fun-filled interactive workshop in Greer, Ariz.

 At this time they have also added additional early tours (start at 3:30 p.m.) on high demand and sold-out dates: December 5, 12, 19, 20, 21, and 24.

 NPX will be closed on New Year’s Eve, due to Molly Butler Lodge’s New Year’s Eve Celebration to kick off to their Centennial Year (2010).  The lodge’s Executive Chef Ted Christensen will serve up a premier “land and sea” buffet from 4 to 10 p.m. at $55 per person, or $100 per couple. 

 The celebration will include a live band, dancing, drink specials throughout the evening, New Year’s Eve party favors, and a special 100th Anniversary commemorative gift from Molly Butler Lodge. 

 Molly’s will also serve free champagne and non-alcoholic beverages at midnight. 

For Dining Reservations, Call: 928-735-7226
For Cabin & Lodging Reservations, Call: 928-735-7617
For The North Pole Experience, Call: 888-NPX-SANTA

For more information please visit www.mollybutlerlodge.com or www.northpoleexperience.com.

 

NEW HOME BODY WRAPS ARE A QUICK SLIM-DOWN SOLUTION FOR HOLIDAYS

PHOENIX, Ariz. (December 4, 2009) – It happens every year. After over indulging in turkey, mashed potatoes and pies on Thanksgiving and eating leftovers for a week straight, many are suddenly panicked wondering how they’re going to look their best for all those holiday parties. A body wrap is a popular new way to shed inches and impurities fast, but a trip to the spa may not be in their budget this year. As a result, many are turning to do-it-yourself alternatives such as Slimmer Silhouette™ Slimmer Body Wraps which offer a cost-effective, spa-quality body wrapping system that sheds inches fast and is made for use at home.

Slimmer Silhouette Slimmer Body Wraps mineral-based system is unlike the many dehydrating water-loss wraps on the market,” said Meggie Hale, the founder of Slimmer Silhouette.  “Our high-grade proprietary mineral solution encourages the release of impurities and contaminants that clog pores, build up in the body over time, and distort the body’s appearance.  Our specially formulated mineral solution combined with wrapping bandages draws out impurities surrounding fat cells, muscle and skin tissue, resulting in compaction of the tissues, the diminished appearance of cellulite, and the added bonus of inch reduction.”

Not only does this wrap system offer inch loss, but many Slimmer Silhouette customers also report the following additional health benefits: 

  • Tightening and toning of the skin
  • Improved body contour and curve definition; lifting thighs, buttocks, breasts
  • Minimized appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and cellulite
  • Softer, smoother skin
  • Relief from muscular tension and pressure in the joints
  • Improved mental clarity
  • Stress relief and relaxation
  • More restful sleep

This unique body wrapping system is also a safe alternative to liposuction, far less costly, and requires no subsequent “down time.” The cost effective Slimmer Body Wraps kit includes 12 wraps (several weeks of supplies) and averages $21 per wrap – far less than the cost of a comparable body wrap treatment at a spa or resort.  Also, X percent of December sales will be donated to Toys for Tots, a children’s charity.

“Our team is deeply committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle and beauty both inside and out. While our wraps can help you look fantastic in that party dress by shedding inches, we encourage a holistic approach to looking and feeling one’s best.  That certainly includes good nutrition and exercise with regular wraps,” said Hale. 

For more than three decades Hale has been a leader and visionary, marrying the fields of healing and beauty. Hale has personally reaped the benefits of her wrap system, dropping 6 sizes in less than six weeks, another 6 sizes over time-equaling a total of 12 sizes and is still seeing the inches melt away.

For more information, or to order online, visit: www.SlimmerSilhouette.com.  

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Privada at Pinnacle Peak Builds Near Zero Energy, Luxury Green Homes

See today’s coverage in the Scottsdale section of the Arizona Republic!

Scottsdale, Ariz. (Nov. 12, 2009) – Privada, the luxury gated enclave in North Scottsdale, is going Green and Solar with all new homes offered in the community. The builder, Monarch Privada Construction, LLC, has made a significant commitment to protecting the planet by building homes that are more energy efficient, comfortable and durable than other homes.  In fact, the new homes come with a guarantee of heating and cooling energy usage. Environments for Living®, a third party energy certification program, reports that the homes are up to 71 percent more energy efficient than other new code-compliant homes, and up to 99 percent more energy efficient than the average ten year old home.

 “We have made a considerable commitment to creating a community that is in harmony with the beautiful Sonoran desert at our doorstep,” said Peter Burger, president of Monarch Privada Construction LLC.  “We have scoured the industry for resources to build the most energy efficient homes in the market while minimizing the impact on the environment and on the bank account.”

The new homes at Privada will reduce the carbon footprint by up to 66 percent over other conventional code-compliant homes. A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through such things as burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation.

 Additionally Privada is making standard on all new homes a new solar electric system that will deliver up to 65 percent of the home’s energy needs, making them “Near Zero” homes. Echo™ Solar System is a complete photovoltaic solar solution that produces enough electricity to run appliances, heat water for bathing, as well as heat the pool and spa, and even home heating and home cooling. “With Echo, Privada gives the homeowner the power to do it all; the power to save money and secure their energy needs into the future, and the power to conserve the natural beauty of the desert,” said Gordon Handelsman, president of PVT Solar, the provider of the Echo™ Solar System.

All of the new homes are being constructed in association with the City of Scottsdale Advanced Green Building Program.  The homes have also been awarded the Diamond Level, the highest level of achievement from Environments for Living®, a national construction program that looks at the home as a system of systems and helps builders construct homes that are more energy efficient, comfortable and durable than conventional code-built homes. Privada is also an APS Energy Star® and Solar Community.

 Specific examples of Privada’s commitment to energy efficiency and green building are:

 ▪ “Near Zero” energy usage

▪ Solar electric system that delivers up to 65% of the home’s energy needs

▪ Insulation and framing techniques that minimize voids

▪ Fresh air delivery system means less dust, fewer odors and remarkably comfortable temperatures

▪ High efficiency HVAC systems with 16-Seer dual stage air conditioning along with 95 percent direct vent furnaces 

▪ Low-E energy efficient wood and aluminum clad windows 

▪ 60 to 70 percent of all exterior walls are double framed and provided for deep recessed windows and added insulation

▪ State of the art insulation systems which provide for an exceptional thermal envelope

▪ High efficiency solar water heaters with recirculation system for quick demand

▪ Low-flow plumbing fixtures

▪ Energy Star front loading washer

▪ Energy efficient dishwasher

▪ Foam roofing system provides for a greater thermal barrier and reduces heating and cooling demand

▪ Over a 30 percent reduction in water consumption compared to other code-compliant homes

▪ Irrigation fertilization systems that reduce water consumption

▪ Smart Irrigation Systems monitor weather conditions

▪ Xeriscape (use of low water consuming plants and gardening practices that support water conservation)

▪ High efficiency pool pump reduces energy by 30 to 90 percent over traditional pool pumps

 

Resources:

Privada:  PrivadaPinnaclePeak.com

Monarch Privada Construction, LLC:  Monarchllc.com

City of Scottsdale Green Building Program: ScottsdaleAZ.gov/greenbuilding

Environments for Living®: EnvironmentsForLiving.com

PVT Solar: PVTSolar.com

Energy Star®: EnergyStar.gov

Arizona Public Service: aps.com

Media Contact:

Martha Moyer Wagoner, Master Planned Communications, LLC

602.861.8006    martha@masterplannedcommunications.com

Santa to Reward Nine Ariz. Families for Finding His Missing Reindeer on Nov. 7

All New Holiday Adventure Awaits Families at
The North Pole Experience, Opening this Winter

GREER, Ariz. (October 23, 2009) – Never in the history of the world have children been allowed into Santa’s Workshop– until now.  In fact, nine very lucky Arizona families will be awarded a key to Santa’s Workshop by Santa himself at a special Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, November 7 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Stuffington Bear Factory in Phoenix. Opening this winter, The North Pole Experience (www.northpoleexperience.com) gives children and their parents, unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to Santa’s Workshop– via the quaint White Mountain ski/summer village of Greer, Ariz. 

The special Breakfast with Santa event will offer a light continental breakfast and is free and open to the public.  Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves will visit with guests and welcome family photo opportunities.

Each of the nine Arizona families to be recognized at the event were selected from among the many that answered Santa’s call for help when his reindeer went missing during his vacation in Ariz. this summer. Using the clues posted by Santa’s ELF CSI Unit at www.northpoleexperience.com, each family found one or more of the reindeer located throughout Arizona. 

The winning families are: the Lock family of Phoenix, the Currell family of Show Low, the Hymes family of Phoenix, the Hilton family of Prescott, the Naughton family of Tucson, the Oransky-Betancourt family of Gilbert, the MacAluso family of Phoenix, the Bienz family of Mesa, and the Hazzard family of Mesa.

Following the Breakfast with Santa event, Santa and crew will be heading up to Greer to put finishing touches on his 5,000-square-foot workshop there, which features the elves’ toy factory with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, Santa’s office and state-of-the-art “Naughty or Nice Surveillance” system, and Mrs. Claus’ bakery. 

 When the Workshop opens this winter, visitors to The North Pole Experience will roll up their sleeves to make special toys with the help of Santa and his elves.  After the “work” is done, children will receive a golden key to the Workshop from Santa himself and the adventure will then continue with a peek at Santa’s office, toy museum and the elves’ quarters, followed by cookies and milk and storytelling with Mrs. Claus.

 Greer, Ariz. is located 12 miles from Sunrise Ski Park in the White Mountains.  Admission to The North Pole Experience for adults is $74 and $62 for children (12 and under) and includes a hearty dinner at the historic, award-winning Molly Butler Lodge Restaurant. Overnight cabin packages, which start at $440 for a family of four, include admission to The North Pole Experience, dinner and breakfast at Molly Butler Lodge Restaurant and accommodations at one of Molly’s charming woodland cabins.  Molly’s cabins are situated on large private lots and range in size– sleeping families of four to large family groups of up to 16. 

 The reservation line is 1-888-NPX-SANTA.  For more information, visit www.northpoleexperience.com.

Phoenix Metro Area Second in Nation to Have Full Fleet of Carbon Neutral Taxis, Clean Air Cab First in Arizona

Mesa, Ariz., October 20, 2009 - Clean Air Cab, Arizona’s most environmentally friendly taxicab service, today announced the launch of the very first carbon neutral taxicab service in the state of Arizona. While a Washington D.C. taxicab service was the first in the Nation to have an all green taxi fleet last year, Arizona’s Clean Air Cab is the first all green fleet in Arizona and the Southwest, and will be serving the entire Phoenix Metropolitan area.

While many consumers expect to pay more for green alternatives that benefit the planet, Clean Air Cab rates are slightly less than their competitors.

According to Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, “Phoenix is committed to becoming the first carbon neutral city in the nation. “We have been leaders on sustainability issues for decades and value responsible investments like this one to help us be the best stewards we can be.”

The fleet is composed of 100 percent hybrid vehicles.  The Ford Crown Victoria’s traditionally used by cab companies releases approximately 160% more emissions than the hybrid vehicles used by Clean Air Cab. Clean Air Cab purchases carbon credits to offset their emissions, then goes the extra mile in pursuit of a negative carbon footprint by subsidizing the planting of trees in Brazil rain forests. There is no other cab service in the state that is fully carbon neutral or negative. The company intends to plant 10 trees each month for every cab in service, and has already planted 260 for the month of October.   

“We believe that going green isn’t something you do – it is something you are,” said Steve Lopez, Founder of Clean Air Cab. “Our intention is to take the trendy out of ‘going green’ and deliver a product that allows consumers to be green just by participating.”

Clean Air Cab is opening their hybrid doors to the public on October 20th, 2009 with 26 cabs and plans to grow their fleet to 200+ cabs. It is estimated that a fleet of 26 traditional taxis would produce approximately 1800 tons of greenhouse gases per year. Clean Air Cab’s fleet of 26 taxis will not produce any [tons of greenhouse gas].

Consumers can book a Clean Air Cab taxi online at www.CleanAirCab.com or by calling 480.777.9777. Service is offered Valley-wide.

What does it mean to be “carbon neutral” and “carbon negative?”

According to Wikipedia, being carbon neutral refers to achieving net zero carbon emissions by balancing a measured amount of carbon released with an equivalent amount sequestered or offset. Many companies and individuals purchase carbon offsets to diminish their own greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, electricity use, and other sources. With the current trend for companies to become carbon neutral, there is now an emerging trend for some organizations to go beyond this in their sustainability efforts and become carbon negative by offsetting more than 100% of their carbon emissions.

Sprinkle me with parmesan, Marcella’s opens Oct. 12 at Scottsdale Fashion Square

Hope all you “foodies” out there are enjoying Arizona Restaurant Week!!  Well, hold onto your forks, because Marcella’s Italian Kitchen, the latest brainchild of nationally acclaimed restaurateur Cameron Mitchell, opens October 12 …in the new wing at Scottsdale Fashion Square. The 10,000-square-foot namesake restaurant was inspired by Marcella Libertini, an Italian chef and house manager for the Tuscan villa whom Mitchell met when vacationing with his family in Tuscany a few years ago.

From Marcella’s comfortable, but energetic atmosphere to its service apparel featuring spunky sayings such as “Will Trade Husband for Wine” and Sprinkle me with Parmesan,” Marcella’s will have guests kicking back, feeling at ease, and absolutely falling in love with their food.

The restaurant is a bustling café, offering all the charm and energy of Italy with a robust, but uncomplicated Chef-driven menu.  Favorites include the fresh made Gnocchi con Bolognese with braised lamb; Ravioli Mezzaluna with goat cheese, Italian bacon and mushrooms; and Marcella’s Lasagna with sweet Italian sausage.  Their extensive pizza list includes favorites such as the Margherita D.O.C. with mozzarella, plum tomato, and sweet basil; and the Sicilian with capacola, salami, meatballs, asiago cheese and red onions. 

For more details or to get an exclusive invite to one of the preview lunches or dinner (Oct 8 &9) email: morgan@kwprgroup.com

phone: 480-239-0109   |   email: kelly@kwprgroup.com   |   fax: 480-907-1516   |   Copyright © 2009 KWPR Group. All Rights Reserved.