HAPPY NEW YEAR!! The Upcoming New Year Is A Perfect Time to Forget Sorrows and Remember The Good Things in Life. May Every Moment Of The Coming New Year Bring Happiness And Prosperity Into Your Life. Happy New Year!
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When : Always December 27 Make Cut Out Snowflake Day is here and now. Here's a day to show your crafty skills, as you make paper snowflakes. Making cut out snowflakes is a great project for kids. However, you don't have to be a kid, to have fun making paper snowflakes. It's a skill that is practiced by many people. They say no two snowflakes are alike. It shouldn't come as a surprise, that there are seemingly countless different snowflake designs. Templates abound, from fast and easy patterns, to intricate time consuming designs to challenge the most practiced "snowflaker". So, if you like snow...bring it on! Bring out the paper and scissors, and cut out some paper snowflakes on this very special Make Cut Out Snowflake Day .
Cities oppose changes to construction sales tax PHOENIX — Arizona’s cities and towns are worried a proposal to change how sales taxes are collected from building projects will severely cut the amount they receive from new construction. The reforms outlined in a report by a task force appointed by Gov. Jan Brewer would have contractors pay sales taxes where they buy materials. That’s a big change from the current system that assesses sales taxes on a percentage of the project’s value. The Arizona Republic reports (http://bit.ly/W0oV1m ) the League of Arizona Cities and Towns estimates cities could lose $168 million a year. That’s because sales taxes that now go to municipalities where a project is built could instead be collected where construction materials are actually sold. The potential revenue from construction-related taxes helps pay for crucial city services. “In Scottsdale, we don’t have a lot of places where they purchase these materials,” said Brad...
Special December Book Sale Visit us at this special sale, receive a free book! Tired of navigating tight aisles and bumping elbows with other shoppers at our warehouse location? Or maybe, you’re just not inclined to drive out to 29th Avenue & McDowell on your weekend. We’ve got you covered! From December 8th to the 16th, join the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library for our first-ever, special offsite book sale at the Camelback Colonnade, conveniently located at 19th Street and Camelback Road (1919 E. Camelback Road). We’ll be at it from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily in the space formerly occupied by Mervyn's where you can comfortably browse 200,000 books, CDs and DVDs over 80,000 square feet. We brought all of your favorite genres and subjects from the warehouse and we’re also pleased to include thousands of fresh, new-to-you titles. The prices are great at $2 per paperback and $4 per hardcover, CD or DVD. And, in an effort to put affordable books back into the community, we’...
Happy Dec. 12, 2012! By Meagan McCrary Good news: The world isn't going to end today (that won't possibly happen until 12/21/12). But it is the last time the month, day and year will all be the same number—at least until January 1, 2101. Consecutive date sequences are both magical and mystical for their rare occurrences and the hidden meaning of numbers. Because 12 can be so easily divided, it's commonly used in measurements. There are 12 inches in a foot, 12 ounces in a troy pound (which is used to measure gold, silver and gems), 12 in a dozen, 12 hours on a clock, 24 hours in a day, and 12x12 (144) equals a gross.
AGC Member Survey Highlights Impact of Fiscal Cliff/AGC Leaders Hear from Capitol Hill Yesterday, AGC executive board members, along with other AGC tax policy leaders within the association, participated in a call with House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) where McCarthy described the fiscal cliff situation as “going nowhere.” This statement comes the day after AGC concluded a survey that illustrates how the fiscal cliff is already impacting AGC members and how they conduct their business. The survey results also highlight the drastic action that members will potentially be forced to take if indiscriminate tax increases and indiscriminate spending cuts go into effect on Jan. 1. Read More
From the "maybe I am getting old" category.... but all I can say is, "Really?"...... Pizza Hut Unveils Pizza Perfume If you’ve ever wanted to smell like fast-food pizza, Pizza Hut has heard your pleas. What started out as a joke has turned into a cheesy reality — a pizza-scented perfume. The idea sprang from a gag by Grip Limited, the advertising firm that works with Pizza Hut Canada, which made the proposal last August on Facebook. Customers loved the idea, with thousands responding, and Pizza Hut smelled a marketing opportunity. Alas, the eau de pepperoni will not be widely available. Instead, the 100 bottles that were produced will be delivered to some of the Facebook fans who were so enthusiastic about smelling like a dorm room fridge. [ Source ]
CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT IS LOOKING UP! Construction hiring “continues to firm up,” according to two construction executive recruiters cited by EconoPlay on Thursday in its “November jobs outlook” ( www.econoplay.com ). “Dan Conroy of the Conexco Group in St. Louis [said,] ‘We had a good November—up 27% in billings from last year and meaningful activity carrying over from a decent October….Construction companies in certain market segments are forging ahead. Electrical and mechanical construction activity is strengthening due mostly to renovation and upgrades to existing facilities. [Heavy-civil contractors] seem to be actively bidding work, but it still remains very competitively priced….Commercial activity, however, remains pretty flat.’…Bill Stynetski, president of HardHatJobs in Dallas, continues to see good orders for estimators and project managers for healthcare, multifamily residential, energy and industrial construction. ‘November has been a very busy month. Job orders ar...
Scottsdale mortgage broker gets 30 months in prison for fraud A Scottsdale mortgage broker and construction company owner has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and has to pay $110,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to fraud charges. Michele Marie Mitchell , 45, was president of Arizona Cooling Control Plus Inc., according to federal prosecutors. She and an associate, Jeremy West Pratt , used straw buyers and false loan documents to obtain $17 million in loans for 17 different properties across the Valley. The straw buyers received $15,000 in kickbacks per house. The two defendants pocketed other loan money and the properties went into foreclosure. Mitchell was sentenced in federal court in Phoenix this week, according to the FBI and IRS . Pratt was sentenced to six months in jail earlier this year. Both Mitchell and Pratt will also have to serve three years of federal probation, respectively. Phoenix Business Journal ...
Hope it was your ticket!! Winning tickets for the giant Powerball jackpot were purchased in Arizona and Missouri. The winning numbers for the $587.5 million jackpot are: 5-16-22-23-29 and 6 for the Powerball. The winning ticket sold in Arizona was purchased at a 4 Sons Food Store in Fountain Hills, Ariz., state lottery officials said. If you are either the Arizona Powerball winner, or the Missouri Powerball winner, you can expect to fork over 25 percent in federal lottery taxes to Uncle Sam. Arizona lottery winners also have to pay 5 percent in state taxes, while Missouri lottery winners need to hand over 4 percent in state taxes. Even with all that taken out of your huge jackpot, you'll still have a bank account full of money just in time for Christmas! If you have the winning ticket & you need help spending some of that cash, just let me know!
Arizona will not create a state-based health exchange Gov. Jan Brewer notified the Obama administration Wednesday that Arizona will not pursue the creation of a state-based health insurance exchange. Instead, Arizona will participate in a federally-operated exchange. “This has been one of the more difficult decisions of my career in public service,” Brewer said in a prepared statement. “My opposition to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is unwavering, as is my belief that it should be repealed and replaced with legislation that achieves its stated goals: to improve access to quality, affordable health care in this country. But I am also aware that the ACA remains the law of the land. Likewise, though I am a steady advocate of local control, I have come to the conclusion that the State of Arizona would wield little actual authority over its ‘state’ exchange. The federal government would maintain oversight and control over virtually every aspect of our exchange, limiting our abi...
HAPPY PINS AND NEEDLES DAY! When : Always November 27th The real purpose of Pins and Needles Day is to commemorate the opening of the pro-Labor play Pins and Needles on Broadway on this day in 1937. Over decades of time, people lost track of the original meaning of this day. Today, most people look upon Pins and Needles Day , as a nervous and anxious day. Its a day of eager anticipation, as we await an event or for something to happen. One could argue that kids are on pins and needles from now until Christmas, as they nervously wonder if they have been good enough to receive a visit from Santa in a few weeks. Of all the special days on the calendar, this is a nerve racking day. You are on pins and needles until that special future event successfully unfolds. And, if it doesn't.......... well we will just think positively. We hope you have a happy, and calm, and relaxing Pins and Needles Day!
HAPPY CYBER-MONDAY! Don't forget to spend your money where it really counts! A membership in CFMA! Why join? So glad you asked: If you are involved in any aspect of construction finance – C F M A is for YOU ! ! ! · Interact with your peer group. · Develop new and rewarding alliances. · Receive the best and latest industry – related technical and management information. · Enhance your efficiency. · ...
This time of year, our thoughts turn to being thankful & how we can express our gratitude for all gifts in our lives. One of the best expressions of thankfulness is volunteering. It can be as little as two hours or as big as a lifetime commitment. There are numerous organizations in the Valley that would be grateful for any help and it is easy to connect with them - as simple as a mouse click! Check out "Phoenix Volunteers" (no endorsement is implied, this is simply a suggestion): Phoenix Volunteers supports various non-profit organizations in the Valley by organizing local volunteer opportunities, making it easy for busy people in the community to volunteer their time. By coordinating local volunteer opportunities at convenient times and for minimal amounts of time, only 2 to 4 hours, Phoenix Volunteers makes it easy to fit volunteering into your hectic schedule. Events are usually held on weekends or evenings and are posted well in advance. ...
What will I do without my Twinkies? Twinkies maker Hostess going out of business Hostess Brands , the bankrupt maker of Twinkies and Wonder Bread, said it has sought court permission to go out of business after failing to get wage and benefit cuts from thousands of its striking bakery workers. Hostess said a national strike by members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union that began last week had crippled its ability to produce and deliver products at several facilities. The liquidation of the company will mean that most of its 18,500 employees will lose their jobs, Hostess said on Friday. The 82-year-old company said it took the decision to shut down after determining that not enough employees had returned to work by a deadline on Thursday. The company, which filed for bankruptcy in January for the second time since 2004, said it had filed a motion with U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain in White Plains, New York, for permission to...
Don't Forget.... In addition to the spiff from National, your VoS CFMA is making you an offer you can't refuse! For every guest you bring to this weeks lunch, you are entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card for either Total Wine or Starbucks ! In addition, if any of those guests become members of CFMA, you are entered into another drawing to be held in January for a really super, fantastic prize (to be announced)! Bring lots of guests! Get lots of chances to win!
Don't Forget.... In addition to the spiff from National, your VoS CFMA is making you an offer you can't refuse! For every guest you bring to next weeks lunch, you are entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card for either Total Wine or Starbucks ! In addition, if any of those guests become members of CFMA, you are entered into another drawing to be held in January for a really super, fantastic prize (to be announced)! Bring lots of guests! Get lots of chances to win!
Don't Forget.... In addition to the spiff from National, your VoS CFMA is making you an offer you can't refuse! For every guest you bring to the October lunch or the November lunch, you are entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card for either Total Wine or Starbucks ! (one drawing per lunch) In addition, if any of those guests become members of CFMA, you are entered into another drawing to be held in January for a really super, fantastic prize (to be announced)! Bring lots of guests! Get lots of chances to win!
Wear Something Gaudy Day When : Always October 17th Wear Something Gaudy Day is your chance to really stick out in a crowd. The word "gaudy" refers to something bright, gay, cheap, showy, outlandish, or otherwise not in good taste. Have a little fun on this day. For just one day, forego fashion and style. Look for something to wear that's really wild and wacky, and will stick out like a sore thumb wherever you go. If you don't have anything like this in your wardrobe, perhaps a friend does. Note: If you're always garbed in gaudy attire, this is your day to look like everyone else!
Get ready for the Valley of the Sun's 22nd Annual Golf Classic Wednesday, October 24, Orange Tree Golf Course to raise $$$ for construction-industry scholarships Click here for brochure with details and registration form Wanted: Sponsors, Golfers, Donations Raffle tickets for prizes are available for purchase at lunch meetings through October 18
Don't Forget.... In addition to the spiff from National (see yesterday's post), your VoS CFMA is making you an offer you can't refuse! For every guest you bring to the October lunch or the November lunch, you are entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card for either Total Wine or Starbucks ! (one drawing per lunch) In addition, if any of those guests become members of CFMA, you are entered into another drawing to be held in January for a really super, fantastic prize (to be announced)! Bring lots of guests! Get lots of chances to win!
Receive a $50 Comdata gift card for each new member who joins CFMA by October 31! Refer 3 new members who join by October 31, and you’ll receive a COMDATA gift card for $150. Offer ends October 31, so sign up your prospective Subcontractor, Surety or CPA members today! Remember to have them put your name in the “Referred by” section of the application. Click here for full rules For more information about CFMA Membership benefits, or to obtain a member application contact Stacy Williams or Mike Verbanic at: 609.452.8000 Gift Cards supplied by CFMA Member Savings Partner CONSTRUCTION FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ...