A-Team Team Members – Thanks to whom we can do what we’re doing right now: TELL YOUR STORY

A-Team

Curious to know the team behind our success? Here are the A-Team team members. Thanks to them we are able to do what we love most, tell your story!

Filomena (Meena) Roberts

  • Role: Sales Agent
  • Experience: Licensed for about a year
  • Background: Used to own a furniture store; also an art teacher at Calvary Christian School
  • Residence: Lived in Lake Havasu for 6 years
  • Personal & Interests: Married with children; husband in law enforcement; enjoys boating, jet skiing, and visiting Burgers by the Bridge
    Team impact on community: values giving back through drives, and other initiatives.

Meena Roberts, a dedicated sales agent, has been licensed for about a year. She is also an art teacher at local Calvary Christian School. A resident of Lake Havasu City for six years, Meena enjoys family life with her husband, who is in law enforcement, and their children. Her favorite pastimes include boating, jet skiing, and dining at Burgers by the Bridge. Through various drives and community initiatives, Meena values giving back and enhancing the quality of life in Lake Havasu City.

Cindy Dionne

  • Role: Sales Agent
  • Experience: With A Team since day one
  • Background: Lifelong sales professional; involved in youth programs and mentoring through the London Bridge Rotary Club
  • Residence: Lived in Lake Havasu for 37 years
  • Personal & Interests: Enjoys boating, desert activities, and supporting local restaurants; raised children in the area.
    She loves how passionate about community involvement the A team is. She is able to be a mentor and see that the A team is appreciated by local dedicated professionals and volunteers.

A founding member of the A Team, Cindy Dionne brings a lifetime of sales experience to her role as a sales agent. Having lived in Lake Havasu City for 37 years, Cindy is deeply involved in youth programs and mentoring through the London Bridge Rotary Club. She enjoys boating, desert activities, and supporting local restaurants while raising her children in the area. Cindy’s passion for community involvement is mirrored by the A Team’s dedication to local initiatives, making her a proud mentor and advocate for the team’s impact.

Amy King

  • Role: Sales Agent
  • Experience: Over 5 years with A Team
  • Background: Originally from California; involved in local events and family support initiatives
  • Residence: Lived in Lake Havasu for 17 years
  • Personal & Interests: Enjoys boating, off-roading (side by side), and dining at local Mexican restaurants; loves a good flaming margarita. Supports her daughter’s involvement in Lake Havasu Racing.
    Amy is leading I Love Lake Havasu Racing.
    Believes the A team makes a large impact in providing support for mothers and children, and families in need.

With over five years of experience on the A Team, Amy King has made a significant mark as a sales agent. Originally from California, Amy has lived in Lake Havasu City for 17 years. She enjoys boating, off-roading, and savoring local Mexican cuisine, particularly flaming margaritas. As a leader of I Love Lake Havasu Racing, she supports her daughter’s racing pursuits and believes the A Team makes a substantial impact by providing support for mothers, children, and families in need.

Tami Decker

  • Role: Sales Agent
  • Experience: 2 years with A Team
  • Background: Worked at London Bridge Resort for 10 years
  • Residence: Lived in Lake Havasu for 15 years
  • Personal & Interests: Enjoys family lake outings; Has a huge family here in Lake Havasu City. Notes that the A team values education and sports for kids who inspires her community involvement. Says the A team is passionate about providing sports and educational programs for youth in the community.

Tami Decker has been a sales agent with the A Team for two years, following a decade-long tenure at London Bridge Resort. A resident of Lake Havasu City for 15 years, Tami enjoys family outings on the lake and values the community’s strong educational and sports programs for youth. Inspired by the A Team’s passion for these causes, she actively participates in efforts to enhance opportunities for local children.

Melanie Block

  • Role: Sales Agent
  • Experience: One year
  • Background: President-elect of Women’s Council of Realtors for Havasu area; active in fighting legislation.
  • Residence: Lived in Lake Havasu for 3 years
  • Personal & Interests: Sings at Mount Olive Church and volunteers singing and karaoke at Prestige Senior Living; enjoys dining at Barely Brothers and Shugrue’s.
    She believes in A Team’s impactful community support, specifically that they help their clients who are facing foreclosures keep their homes and find investors.

Melanie Block, a sales agent for one year, serves as the president-elect of the Women’s Council of Realtors for the Havasu area. Active in legislative advocacy, Melanie has lived in Lake Havasu City for three years. She enjoys singing at Mount Olive Church, volunteering at Prestige Senior Living, and dining at local favorites like Barley Brothers and Shugrue’s. Melanie appreciates the A Team’s dedication to helping clients facing foreclosure and securing investment opportunities, reflecting the team’s impactful community support, always going above and beyond for clients.

April Young

  • Role: Sales Agent
  • Experience: One year
  • Background: New to real estate
  • Personal & Interests: Loves boating, off-roading, jet skiing, and live music; enjoys visiting Martini Bay and Chabones.
    appreciates A Team’s support for education and the community.

New to real estate and with the A Team for one year, April Young loves the vibrant lifestyle of Lake Havasu City. She enjoys boating, off-roading, jet skiing, and live music, frequently visiting Martini Bay and Chabones. April values the A Team’s commitment to education and community support, appreciating the positive difference they make in the lives of local residents.

Dan Coonis

  • Role: Sales Agent
  • Experience: Over 6 years with A Team
  • Residence: Lived in Lake Havasu for 19 years
  • Personal & Interests: Enthusiastic about boating, car shows, and desert storms. enjoys ocean activities and trade shows
    Involved in volunteering and donations with the A team to make a community impact.

Dan Coonis has over six years of experience as a sales agent with the A Team. A 19-year resident of Lake Havasu City, Dan is passionate about boating, car shows, and desert storms, also enjoying ocean activities and trade shows. His involvement in volunteering and donations through the A Team underscores his dedication to making a positive community impact.

Holy Skelton

  • Role: Sales Agent
  • Experience: 10 years with A-Team
  • Background: Involved in Grace Art Theatres and has two daughters in the theater; originally from Kansas City
  • Residence: Lived in Lake Havasu for 28 years
  • Personal & Interests: Enjoys teaching and community theater; favors Dolce restaurant.
    She appreciates Chad’s (team leader) willingness to help clients and families with moving in and out of their homes with his own personal trailer, and sees the impact the team has by donating to charities.

Holly Skelton has been with the A-Team for 10 years, deeply involved in Grace Arts Theatre and supporting her two daughters’ theater interests. Originally from Kansas City, Holly has lived in Lake Havasu City for 28 years. She enjoys teaching and community theater, and dining at Dolce restaurant. Holly appreciates the team’s leader, Chad, for his hands-on support for clients moving homes and the team’s charitable donations, highlighting the A-Team’s community-focused spirit.

Scott Carroll

  • Role: Sales Agent
  • Experience: New to the team (2 weeks)
  • Background: Long-time resident since 1979
  • Personal & Interests: Enjoys fishing, working on cars, and spending time with family; supports EMTs, nurses, and law enforcement; enjoys dining at El Mariachi and Angelinias, and breakfast at Northside Grill; active in the Buses by Bridge and Rods and Relics communities.
    Loves seeing the positive impact the A-Team has on the community and always going above and beyond for clients and family support services.

Scott Carroll, a new addition to the A-Team, has been a long-time resident of Lake Havasu City since 1979. He enjoys fishing, working on cars, and family time, supporting EMTs, nurses, and law enforcement. Scott is also a licensed captain and can most often be found spending time out on the ocean. Scott frequents local eateries like El Mariachi, Angelinas, and Northside Grill and is active in the Buses by Bridge and Rods and Relics communities. He admires the A Team’s dedication to client support and community services, enhancing the well-being of Lake Havasu residents. Specifically protecting underprivileged families, and providing resources for women and children who need it.

Brittni Lares

  • Role: Admin
  • Experience: A couple of months with A-Team
  • Residence: Lived in Lake Havasu for 4 years
  • Personal & Interests: Prefers home life but enjoys being on the water and jeeping in the desert; loves BBQing.
    Had no comment on community involvement.

As an admin with the A-Team for a few months, Brittni Lares has lived in Lake Havasu City for four years. She enjoys a quieter home life but loves being on the water and jeeping in the desert, especially barbequing.

A-Team

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) by Kryistyna Hook

Lake Havasu City would not be the place it is today without the spectacular businesses that help attract visitors from across the country. For those businesses to continue succeeding and building trust with their customers, they need the assistance of Kryistyna Hook and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).  

Kryistyna’s Background 

Kryistyna Hook is the Director of Media Relations for the BBB and assists our local community of businesses to be the best they can be. Before coming into her role at the BBB, Kryistyna graduated from  Cal State Long Beach with a degree in health administration. While completing her degree, a required course in marketing persuaded her to add a minor in marketing to her academic journey. After school,  she pursued jobs in marketing and public relations, where she spent time advocating for businesses and building trust with them. 

Outside of work, Kryistyna enjoys her life in our beautiful town with her husband and son traveling for her son’s travel soccer club. When she isn’t spending time with her family, she enjoys doing yoga sessions to keep her mind clear. Kryistyna also loves the food scene in Lake Havasu City by visiting local food trucks and restaurants. An event that she loves attending is First Friday, where she admires businesses and the community collaborating to support each other and grow. She also enjoys the time that she has spent on the board of directors for the Chamber and River Cities United Way. 

Director of Media Relations BBB

In her role with the BBB, Kryistyna is passionate about encouraging businesses to be ethical and sharing resources that they might need to be successful. “The BBB is a champion for ethics and doing the right thing in the community. I love sharing that with our community. We have been around for over a  hundred years but are shifting to help businesses be better and offer them the tools to do so. A lot of  people aren’t aware of that, so I love educating them about it and then connecting entrepreneurs and small  businesses to help them thrive.” 

A major way that the BBB helps businesses succeed is by offering accreditation if businesses follow a set of standards that include objectives like doing the right thing, having a business license, honest advertising, and consumer transparency. Some ways that you can count on the BBB to contribute to the community are by advancing ethics, prioritizing community impact, celebrating role models, connecting businesses, creating confident consumers, and instilling ethics in youth. The BBB also offers free education for starting a business the right way, high school scholarships based on essays discussing ethical dilemmas, a BBB4Good program that promotes business giving back, and 0% interest business loans and funding which had a major impact on our local businesses during COVID. 

What’s Next for Kryistyna? 

Coming up, Kryistyna and the BBB are preparing for the annual HavaStartup Business Competition. The event is organized by ASU at Lake Havasu with the Chamber Foundation for Education and Leadership and the BBB is taking place. The competition allows a resident from Lake Havasu City to submit a  business plan and compete to win a cash prize to support startup costs. Applications are now open, and the deadline is Friday, January 24th of this upcoming year. 

On January 23rd, Kryistyna and the BBB are also hosting the BBB + Empower by GoDaddy Main St.  Accelerator learning session taking place at Nomadic in Lake Havasu City. This session is intended for small businesses to learn about the 8-week program, thrive, and get resources.  

For more information about the BBB and its programs, visit The Better Business Bureau website

Perfection 2 Detail by Patty MacMonagle

Perfection 2 detail

In Lake Havasu City, Perfection 2 Detail offers a lot more to the community than its detailing services. Patty MacMonagle owns and runs Perfection 2 Detail, which has been open since November 2022. 

Patty’s Background

Before opening her own detail shop, Patty spent years in the detailing business and realized it was time to start her own path. At 53 years old, she started a challenge she was willing to accept, opening her own business. When asked what the best part about her business, Patty stated, “I love my customers. They are a lot more than that to me. They are my family and I enjoy the relationships we create from doing business together.” From the ages of 7 to 50, Patty raced BMX bicycles, even riding for Team USA. During her BMX career, she learned lessons that would help her with her new business. “It taught me discipline, structure, and all kinds of things that have been essential to owning my own business.”

Outside of business, Patty enjoys the time she spends with her Fiancé, Chuck Mcknight, and her blended family. Patty and Chuck recently got engaged over the holidays in Central Park, New York, on Christmas Eve. Together, they enjoy their 6 kids Ryan, Alexa, Madison, Tanner, Megan, and Alyssa and 3 grandchildren. Patty and Chuck expect a busy year as they have plans to get married in November, 3 daughters who are recently engaged, and another grandchild on the way in May.

Perfection 2 Detail

Perfection 2 Detail offers tons of detailing services, and more beyond that. They offer washes, mini and full details, and ceramic coating on just about any vehicle. “We do cars, trucks, boats, side by sides, RVs, boats, and golf carts. Our philosophy is that if it rolls or floats, we do it all.”

Beyond detailing, they also offer vehicle pickup and delivery concierge, fueling, cooler loading, and launching and retrieving. As you wait for your details to be completed, you can lounge or work in their spectacular lounge. “We have Perfection 2 Detail merchandise, AO coolers, DSO sunglasses, Nauti Shine products, snacks, TVs, and games and coloring books for the kids. “Family is so important to me, and I want everyone that comes in here or walks by us to feel welcome.” Patty also wants the community to know that if you are by her business on the island, it is a safe space to stop by and relax.

Community Connections

The local charity is extremely important to Patty, as she is involved in the Hav-A-Sis women empowerment organization, HAVAdopt Children’s Christmas Project, and giving to local unhoused veterans. This past Christmas, her detail shop hosted the HAVAdopt Children’s Christmas Project that had 168 recipients. Recently, unhoused veterans in Lake Havasu City have also been able to pick up items from her shop and Perfection 2 Detail has officially become a 365-day drop off location for donations. 

Perfection 2 Detail is also closely involved with Lake Havasu City regattas as they frequently donate to events for boats and side by sides. In the past year, Patty’s shop sponsored the DCB and Carrera boat regattas. 

As a result of her community involvement, Patty was nominated for the Heroes in Heels Award on February 7th. 

For more information on Perfection 2 Detail and the services they offer, visit perfection2detail.com  

AZ Party Express by Pedro Espinosa

AZ Party Express

In a town that’s known for a good time, you might need the contact of the biggest event rental business in the Tri-state area. Pedro Espinosa owns and runs AZ Party Express to make all your dreams come true. 

About Pedro 

Pedro acquired AZ Party Express in 2020, adding it to his portfolio of businesses. He also owns Saleen Fiberglass Restorations (Saleen FR) and the HTM boat company. Pedro is enjoying the different experiences with his new business. “It’s awesome to see how events touch people’s lives and I take pride in throwing the best event possible.” 

At home, Pedro enjoys spending time with his 2 children, Allison and Logan, his mother, Blanca, and his father, Pedro Sr. “I enjoy kids’ birthday parties a little extra because I have my own. My family is so important to me, and I am honored to be a part of making these events special for others.”

AZ Party Express

AZ Party Express specializes in event rentals and planning. They have been running since 1994 and offer a plethora of options. They have rentals such as tables, chairs, portable bars, event tents, swamp coolers, linens, and even luxury portable restrooms. Their luxury portable restrooms are fully loaded with 2 or 10-stall options, A/C, and Bluetooth speakers. Within their warehouse, you can also find standout rentals like a bouncer ball pit, throne chairs, a carriage, a flower wall, and much more!

 For planning services, they can plan from start to finish or as needed. To make event planning flawless, they partner with other venues, and vendors to get the best result possible.

 AZ Party Express has your party needs for events like birthday parties, weddings, business meetings, bar mitzvahs, quinceaneras, celebrations of life, and more. In his new business venture, Pedro appreciates serving the local community. “It is a pleasure to serve this community and they are giving me a new perspective on this town. To see them celebrate with their loved ones and come together is special. Whatever they are celebrating I am proud to be a part of it and make it memorable.”

Coming up for AZ Party Express

With the upcoming high school event season, AZ Party Express is now available to quote pricing for packages. They are also preparing packages for quinceaneras and sweet 16 parties.

Recently, AZ Party Express has moved to a new location and is now at 690 London Bridge Road. Along with their new location, expect updates to the inventory listed on the website for rentals. AZ Party Express loves to discount event packages, so don’t forget to call for special pricing. 

To get your party started, visit azpartyexpress.com or call 928-453-6000.

Stephanie and Cole Wood Owners of Champion Rentals

Champion Rentals

Planning a trip this summer to Lake Havasu City? Want to enjoy the calm water in the winter? Stephanie
and Cole Wood, owners of Champion Rentals, have the answers you need.

Stephanie and Cole’s Background

Previously located in Elk Grove, California, Stephanie and Cole moved here with their 2 kids to pursue a
new opportunity and change. Cole worked in the car business in California, and realized he and his
family were ready for a change. Stephanie and Cole have been coming to Lake Havasu City on vacations
for years, staying at Crazy Horse Campgrounds before enjoying a family members home in town. They
quickly fell in love with Lake Havasu City and its amazing amenities like the lake and desert trails.
Eventually they started looking for business for sale for a change in scenery, and 3 months ago, they
bought Champion Rentals.

Champion Rentals

Currently, Champion Rentals offers water toys like their 10 pontoons, 24 jet skis, stand up paddle
boards, petal boats, and kayaks. When asked about the best part of their new business, Cole stated,
“We really love being on the water and getting to come to work in our boardshorts and flip flops. We
also love interacting with visitors that come to town and are looking for a fun time by renting with us.”
Stephanie and Cole emphasize that the Lake Havasu City community has welcomed them with open
arms. “Gary at Rubba Duck Safari has been really great to us, along with Dallas Finch and Chad Nelson.
Chad has been amazing hooking us up with business and connections. All the businesses down in the
English Village have been so awesome too. We are really grateful.”

Coming up for Champion Rentals

This upcoming year, around March/April, Champion Rentals is hoping to expand by offering guided tours
either up to the Topock Gorge or down to Havasu Springs. Special pricing will be available when tours
first launch. Stephanie and Cole are ecstatic about their new business and look forward to the future.
“We are so excited about joining the Havasu community and being part of the English Village. We are
going to start coming up with new things to offer after tour guiding, maybe winter fishing boats and
looking to add some experiences to Lake Havasu for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information on Champion Rentals, you can call 928.855.8088. Follow their social media
accounts to stay tuned for more information about guided tours coming early 2024!
Instagram- championrentals
Facebook- ChampionRentalsLH

Women in Business: Colleen Mattison – HCHF Food Bank

In honor of Thanksgiving, we wanted to honor the woman who feeds more families in town than ever, Colleen Mattison.

The holiday season is here, and an incredible woman’s work at the Havasu Community Health Foundation (HCHF) Food Bank is crucial. Colleen Mattison is the manager at the HCHF Food Bank and has been there for the last five years.

About Colleen

Meet Colleen, a seasoned manager with extensive experience in the food and beverage industry. Having spent a significant part of her life overseeing restaurants, she has honed her leadership skills and industry insight.

Beyond her managerial role, Colleen has dedicated eight years to volunteering with the interagency, leading her to support the Food Bank actively. In her personal life, she shares 23 years of marriage with her husband, Rod, who moved from Australia to be with her. The couple treasures their time together with their two beloved dogs.

Colleen’s commitment extends beyond her professional and personal life. She actively engages with her Church, contributes to the Student Assistant Program, and supports various organizations, including Soroptimist, Women with Will Power, the women’s shelter, Faith and Grace, and the Clothes Closet.

Colleens’ Role at the Food Bank

At HCHF Food Bank, Colleen enjoys connecting with people and appreciates her dedicated volunteers. She describes her role: “I feel like Santa Claus every day, giving people something, and they leave happy. My volunteers are amazing.”

Operating on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 am to 1 pm, the Food Bank offers a monthly program with staples like rice, beans, and produce. Thanks to volunteer efforts, they provide a “Van-Go” Home Delivery service. The senior program, currently full with a waitlist, extends the monthly offering. Members can also pick up bread and produce daily. Colleen and her team stand as a vital support system for the community.

Coming up for Colleen and the Food Bank

The Food Bank currently serves over 1,400 families monthly and requires immediate donations. Winter essentials like blankets, socks, comforters, sleeping bags, and soup are in high demand. With the holidays approaching, the Food Bank welcomes turkey and ham donations and toiletries, reusable bags, and pop-top canned items.

Drop off your donations Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7 am to 1 pm. On December 3rd, the River Riders Toy Run will provide toys for children up to 11 years old. These toys are exclusively for Lake Havasu City residents, and you don’t need a Food Bank membership to receive them. Your support actively makes a significant impact on the community.

Working at the Food Bank and witnessing the generosity of the Lake Havasu City community is deeply meaningful for Colleen. She expresses, “I absolutely love how giving the Lake Havasu community is. I get really emotional talking about this because it is such a wonderful community. During COVID, things were hard for everyone, and this town rallied together to support us at the Food Bank. These are such helpful and loving people, and they never cease to amaze me.”

For more information about the HCHF Food Bank, visit their website.

Note: The Food Bank will be closed for Thanksgiving on November 23rd and 24th.

Women in Business: Stephanie Lueras – Heart and Sole Fitness & Wellness

Are you seeking a new fitness journey? Where do you begin? In Lake Havasu City, Stephanie Lueras owns Heart and Sole Fitness & Wellness to coach and educate people about health and fitness.

What inspired Heart and Sole Fitness & Wellness?

Stephanie is a personal trainer, nutritionist, and diabetes educator at Heart and Sole Fitness & Wellness.

After embarking on her fitness journey, Stephanie was inspired to turn fitness into more than a hobby. After losing 200 pounds, she took her journey further by obtaining the certifications she would need to be a trainer and an educator.

Stephanie embraces and recognizes the uniqueness of every client, “ Everybody is individual and unique. We all reach our goals in different ways. A lot of times, we have different barriers in reaching our goals, too.”

Stephanie’s success with coaching and educating comes from her experience as a pastor. Before opening her fitness company in 2020, Stephanie and her husband used to be Pastors. Married for 15 years, Stephanie and her husband have been Pastors in New Mexico, Phoenix, and southern California. Her skills as a Pastor have helped her succeed in her new line of work. “I took the knowledge from counseling and serving people and married it into what I’m doing now. I meet people where they’re at and help them to succeed where they want to go.”

What does Heart and Sole Fitness & Wellness offer?

Stephanie offers two main in-person and virtual packages: Mindful Momentum Coaching and Mindful Momentum Coaching + Personal Training.

Mindful Momentum Coaching includes weekly 30-minute laser coaching sessions and ongoing support as needed via email, text, or messenger.

Mindful Momentum Coaching + Personal Training includes everything in the first package, plus full access to the Mindful Momentum Content Vault and up to 3 body-positive personal training sessions per week.

She is also proud to say that her packages are HSA and FSA-compliant, so people can use their benefits on wellness care instead of paying out of pocket.

How can you start?

Stephanie goes the extra mile by consulting with your physicians or physical therapists to align with your existing care routine rather than complicating it. This ensures a seamless integration with your current health regimen.

Additionally, Stephanie offers group fitness classes for those eager to experience her unique style. Classes are available at MCC, in water at the Aquatic Center, and virtually through a weekly Zoom session.

More about Steohanie’s work:

Beyond her business, Stephanie is passionate about contributing to the local community. She collaborates with the Sherry Shoes Project and the Panty Project, both initiatives managed by a local teacher sorority. The Sherry Shoes Project focuses on providing shoes to children in need, while the Panty Project ensures that underwear is available in nurse offices. This proactive approach prevents disruptions to children’s learning experiences in case of accidents.

Stephanie actively supports these causes through quarterly fundraisers. She is committed to backing these non-profit endeavors despite running a for-profit business, emphasizing her dedication to community welfare.

For more information on Heart and Sole Fitness & Wellness, visit heartandsolefit.com

By Alicia Armendariz

This content is sponsored by The A Team- Real Estate Professionals

Women in Business: Joelle Dickinson – London Bridge Resort

The London Bridge Resort has been a main attraction in Lake Havasu City since it opened in 1984. The Resort has amenities for every age group, so it has maintained its popularity. For the last 7 years, Joelle Dickinson, a remarkable woman in town, has been a part of the Resort’s popularity thanks to her contributions as Director of Fun.

Joelle’s Background

Joelle Dickinson is the Director of Fun at the London Bridge Resort and has worked with them since she started at the front desk 10 years ago. Joelle is no stranger to the hospitality industry as she has been a waitress, an employee at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and a residence hall director at Lincoln College, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree.

On top of that, Joelle values family time. Married for 7 years, she and her husband have a daughter, Aubrey, and a Golden Doodle, Ellie. Beyond work, Joelle is the President of the Hospitality Association and Chairwoman of the Board for CFEL. She enjoys volunteering at events like Desert Bash and Winter Fest, contributing to the community.

Director of Fun

In her current position as the Director of Fun, Joelle enjoys interacting with the guests she meets at the Resort. “I love interacting with different types of people and providing a fun atmosphere for them. We see different guests every week, so I enjoy providing our activity schedule to them.” Currently, the Resort has Canvas and Cocktails on Tuesdays and her favorite activity, Afternoon Tea on Wednesdays. Both events are open to the public. The Resort also does a seasonal Oatman Bus Tour from September to March on Tuesdays at 10am, open to the public.

The activity schedule varies by week, but in the summer, events are geared toward kids with activities like glitter tattoos, hair tinsel, movie nights at the pool, and bingo by the pool. In the winter, they have activities like wood burning, wine glass etching, string art, and ceramic tiles.

What’s Next for Joelle?

With the holiday season coming up, the London Bridge Resort has a particularly exciting event approaching as the sponsor and producer of Lake Havasu City’s Festival of Lights. Opening night for the Festival of Lights is November 24th, and the Resort’s 12 Days of Christmas at The Backyard at Kokomo takes place from November 29th to December 22nd. The event is open to the public and occurs on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 5-8 pm. At the 12 Days of Christmas event, you can expect to see Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause, letters to Santa, the ice-skating rink, and special vendors.

For more information on the events mentioned, you can email activities@londonbridgeresort.com

Women in Business: Andrea Helart – Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce

Meet Andrea Helart, President and CEO of Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce. Lake Havasu Chamber’s mission is to “empower business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders by creating opportunities for education, leadership, and economic prosperity,” per their current website.

Andrea became the President and CEO as of September 1, replacing Lisa Krueger, who was the president and CEO for 21 years.

A little about her background

Andrea’s personal background gives her a head start on the needs of the Lake Havasu community. Andrea was born and raised in Lake Havasu City, and members of her family have been in town since 1963. She attended grades K-12 in Lake Havasu City, and the teachers she had in school inspired her successful career path.

Andrea comes into this new role with a highly qualified background that has prepared her for leadership at the Lake Havasu Chamber. Her alma mater is Northern Arizona University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in administrative leadership, along with a principal certificate covering grades K-8.

After college, Andrea spent 14 years as a teacher and six years as a principal before fulfilling a Community Outreach Coordinator position at the district office Superintendent. As community outreach coordinator, she collaborated with United Way to create the Havasu Community Schools Coalition, which directly serves local students and families.

More recently, she joined the Chamber Foundation for Education and Leadership as a board member in 2022

Andrea’s husband of 15 years, Jason Helart, is Chairman of the Lake Havasu Chamber Board of Directors. Together, they have two boys who inspire Andrea to stay in the field to give back and have a local impact on their own community.

Programs Affiliated with Lake Havasu Chamber of Commerce

The Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce has a Foundation for Education and Leadership that aims to directly impact the community by supporting their wants and needs for business education programs. The foundation has an internship program called The Leadership Lake Havasu Program that creates an opportunity for high school students to spend six weeks learning about a career or industry. This program helps individuals fulfill leadership roles within the Lake Havasu community through a development program.

The Lake Havasu Chamber also holds events that connect community members with local businesses. These events can help businesses identify community needs or even find new clientele. Some of the Chamber’s more popular events include Desert Bash, scheduled for December 8th-10th and Winter Fest, scheduled for February 3rd and 4th of 2024.

What’s next?

Coming up in the next few months, the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce is launching a couple of new websites.

The first website is the Lake Havasu Chamber, estimated to launch this October, and the Chamber Building Industry Alliance (CBIA), estimated to launch this November with an informational session this month.

.

Association left behind when it dissolved. The CBIA directly supports the building industry and the needs that they have so the Chamber can better serve the community.

Overall, the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce is the business hub of the community where community and business can connect. To hear a welcome message from Andrea herself, Click here! – https://youtu.be/koj0z0QZX34?si=bGDYHes-dgCtY8Jc.

This content was written by our amazing staff writer Alicia Armendariz

And sponsored by The A Team- Real Estate Professionals.

Women in Business: Andrea Foote – Anderson Auto Group

In Lake Havasu City, a local car and powersport dealership does a lot more than sales. Andrea Foote, Marketing Director for Anderson Auto and Powersports, coordinates with non-profit organizations to help sponsor events in town. In almost every event at Lake Havasu City, Anderson Auto and Powersports is involved in giving back to their customers.

Personal background

Andrea was born and raised in Lake Havasu City and attended school in town until graduating from Lake Havasu High School. After high school, Andrea attended Arizona State University, where she received a bachelor’s in communication and a master’s in higher and post-secondary education. Following graduation, Andrea found success working for the city of Scottsdale in multiple departments. After her time in Scottsdale, Andrea began working for the city of Peoria. In Peoria, she gained the marketing skills she uses with Anderson Auto and Powersports by planning up to 72 events a year with 25 thousand people in attendance.

After spending time in bigger cities, Andrea and her husband decided to move back to Lake Havasu City. Since moving back to town over a year ago, Andrea and her husband welcomed their newborn son. Now that she is back in her hometown with a family of her own, Andrea explained, “I love being involved in our community at a high level. What we do here is more than sales. We give back the dollars that our customers spend with us to their local community.”

More of Andrea’s work

Recently, Andrea has worked on significant projects for Lake Havasu City and surrounding areas. In Kingman, Anderson now has naming rights for the next 5 years, with now called Mohave County Fairgrounds Anderson Ford Rodeo Arena. At the fairgrounds, a 4-day fun-filled event took place in September featuring live entertainment, a carnival, vendors, amazing food, and more.

Also taking place in Kingman, a Ford Mobile Service Unit will now come to your home for most services done at the dealership. In Bullhead City, Anderson also acquired naming rights for 5 years at the Colorado Union High School District (CRUHSD) Fieldhouse, which is now the Anderson Auto Group Fieldhouse. At the Fieldhouse, you can expect a “ultimate indoor sports experience in a climate controlled atmosphere” featuring artificial turf, meeting rooms, and stadium seating. Specific to our town, Lake Havasu High School recently remodeled their gym to a sparkling new facility that all students, faculty, and staff can use. Anderson’s role in the remodel of this gym was providing the financial support to make it happen.

Anderson Auto and Powersports

While Andrea works with Anderson to sponsor many events in town, their work with the special needs community is extremely dear to them. Anderson Auto and Powersports employ members of the special needs community and some of their employees have family members who are a part of the community as well. As all of their work with the special needs community is extremely important to them, a few events stand out.

Anderson Powersports just recently landed a 3-year title sponsor for Desert Storm. During the 3-day Desert Storm event, “Kruisin’ for a Kause” takes place the Wednesday before Desert Storm kicks off for members of the special needs community to take a ride in the boats. Coming up this month, Anderson will have their Boo Bash event, separate from Fright Night, for members of the special needs community to enjoy in a quiet and less-chaotic environment. On a larger scale, Anderson is the title sponsor for Special Olympics Arizona. Andrea works with Anderson to raise money for the Special Olympics team that helps pay for their trips to the competitions at the state or national level. Locally,

Anderson actively participates in Mile Markers, New Horizons, and Rise, and they aspire to increase their collaboration with Shining Stars.

Even though Andrea hasn’t been with Anderson Auto and Powersports for long, she has already made valuable impacts in our local community. When asked about her future goals with Anderson, Andrea stated, “I want to continue learning more about private sector business from the top down and making contributions to our community.”

This content was written by our amazing staff writer Alicia Armendariz

And sponsored by The A Team- Real Estate Professionals.