Morning Coffee
Each month, Mayor Phil Gordon makes himself accessible to the public by hosting Downtown Business Coffee Meetings at various locations throughout Downtown Phoenix. Stop in on your way to work for a cup of joe, lively discussion and updates on city plans and topics. 602.262.7111.
Green Gals
These local ladies prove that being eco-friendly is more than choosing paper over plastic—support a good cause and a greener world with the businesses of these Valley recycling wonder women:
Ann Siner: Helping women dress in designer duds for less, Ann Siner opened My Sister’s Closet in 1991. Today, Siner’s business, Eco-Chic Consignments, owns and operates 11 Valley-wide resale consignment stores under four brands: My Sister’s Closet, My Sister’s Attic, Well Suited and Small Change. An active community member, Siner donates any items not sold within 60 to 90 days (consigners can get a tax receipt) to one of Eco-Chic’s charities of choice like Sojourner Center, Friends of Animal Care and Control and Arizona Animal Welfare League. 480.991.1860, www.mysisterscloset.com.
Elaine Birks-Mitchell: As founder of Bosom Buddy Bra Recycling, Elaine Birks-Mitchell and her business-partner husband gather and distribute bras to women in homeless shelters and transitional housing. Points of delivery have included agencies like Florence Crittenton, The Central Arizona Shelter Service and Fresh Start Women’s Foundation. 480.998.2283, www.brarecycling.org.
Lizz Burnette: Previously the founder of an image consulting business, Lizz Burnette opened Scottsdale consignment shop, Regal Rags, in 1995 after realizing that her clients’ discarded clothing would be a great fit for other women. Not just a popular resale clothing business, Burnette’s shop features numerous events throughout the year, including dress-up tea parties for young girls. 480.970.5665, www.regalrags.com.
Never too Young
It’s safe to say that Annica Benning is an accomplished 14-year-old. This high school freshman’s passion for Native American culture and art inspired her to write the book, “Arizona: Nations and Art”—an educational tool that also features her own photography. Once funds are raised for a November printing, the youngster hopes to distribute her book to 145,000 Arizona fourth graders, encouraging schools to include Native American art and culture in history courses. Benning—along with the help of her parents—also created Preservation Press, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting cultural education in classrooms. www.annicabenning.com.
Talent Watch
Only 21 years old, Diamondback slugger Justin Upton was not only the second youngest player in Major League Baseball during the 2008 season, but the outfielder is turning heads with his hitting streaks and homeruns. We think this 2007 Minor League Player of the Year is one to keep your eye on in future innings.
Did you know?
Kate and Andy Spade, husband-and-wife founders of the famed accessories brand Kate Spade, met while attending Arizona State University. It wasn’t until years later that the pair met again in New York City and began dating.
Did you know?
Born in Phoenix and a graduate of the University of Arizona, Joan Ganz Cooney created the hit children’s TV show, Sesame Street, in 1969.
