Web site aims to give local businesses a boost

SCOTTSDALE - In an age dominated by Corporate America, getting exposure for homegrown businesses can leave many mom-and-pop entrepreneurs in the dark.

Enter the Web site Local First Arizona.

Teaming up with local businesses of all kinds and sizes in 2003, non-profit Arizona Chain Reaction turned to the Internet and founded Localfirstaz.com.

While serving the entire state, hundreds of Scottsdale business owners, such as glass artist Newt Grover, have also signed on and are using the outlet to gain additional clientele.

The site includes a link to Grover's glass blowing business, Newt Glass, which he opened in 1985 with his wife and business manager, Lee.

"There is nothing like working with molten 2,000-degree glass," Newt Grover says on his Web site. "It moves fast, is hard to control and shows color like no other medium."

Grover sells his elaborate, twisting, colorful glass pieces to businesses and homeowners. His business lists no address, but he can be reached at 480-948-3185.

Also taking advantage of the additional outlet of Local First AZ is Uncorked Wine Bar, which touts itself as Scottsdale's "the unpretentious wine bar."

Uncorked, 16427 N. Scottsdale Road Suite 130, has a link to its main Web site where customers can view the bar's menu of various foods, deserts, beer and wine. Uncorked can be reached at 480-699-9230.

Below is only a small sample of businesses displaying information on Local First AZ:

• Cowboy Ciao is at SouthBridge, 7133 E. Stetson Drive. Chef Bernie Kantak and his team present a Modern American menu with Southwestern and global influences. Contact the business at 480-946-3111.

• Party Art By Joan offers face and body painting and temporary tattoos for birthday parties and weddings. Artist Joan Langdon can be reached at 480-363-4119.

• Apple Box Pictures, 14301 N. 87th St., Suite 308, specializes in films, television and video production for all media platforms and communication mediums. Contact: 480-998-2195.

• Alliance For Better Living, 4805 E. Desert Cove Ave., offers pastoral counseling for individuals, couples and families by an ordained minister holding a doctorate degree in psychology. Contact: 602-569-6426.

• Seniors Choice at Home, 3260 N. Hayden Road, No. 209, provides affordable alternatives for seniors who prefer to stay at home, but require non-medical assistance or caring companionship. Contact: 480-946-4414.

• Fusion Restaurant & Lounge, 4441 N. Buckboard Trail, is a casual, contemporary American neighborhood restaurant open for lunch and dinner and has a full bar featuring local beer. Contact: 480-423-9043.

• Poisoned Pen Press, 6962 E. First Ave., No. 103, publishes mystery fiction books that have won multiple literary awards, including The Los Angeles Times book prize. Contact: 480-945-3375.

• Jolt Java Coffee House & Café, 14418 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 185, sells coffee, espresso, tea, smoothies, sandwiches, salads, soups and has Internet access. Contact: 480-607-7771.