26 JUNE 2017 ARCAD A NEWS By Laura Cafiso Former ASU baseball player, serial entrepreneur and Arcadia resident Aaron Klusman embraces the “buy local, give local” philosophy with his latest venture, Neighborhood Initiatives (NI). Neighborhood Initiatives produces a branded product, NI Water, that local retailers can buy and offer for sale in their business. Proceeds from NI water sales are donated to a cause chosen by that business, in their neighborhood. Founded in 2015, Neighborhood Initiative’s water is sold at local hot spots such as the Original ChopShop Co., Flower Child and The Henry. Klusman may be onto something with his niche water. Americans drink more bottled water than soda, according to a recent Bloomberg article. With options including Coca-Cola’s Dasani, Glaceau’s Smart Water, Pepsi’s Aquafina and Starbuck’s Ethos, the market is saturated, pun intended. “Another water that’s just another one- trick pony is not what’s needed in the world,” Klusman said. “But our water adds value to its retailers, with a micro-giving component to invest in communities, creating a feel-good for customers...and it’s obviously healthy.” The water aims to stand out amongst the abundance of choices, to make a difference, right where the consumer drinks it. Maricopa County Food System Coalition (MarCo) received NI’s first donation from the Original ChopShop Co. created by husband and wife team Ryan and Caitlin Jocque, Original ChopShop Co. gave $2,000 to MarCo, whose mission – to enhance its neighborhood by serving “just feel good food.” – jives with its own. MarCo, comprises leaders in government, health and the restaurant industries and focuses on driving local food sourcing for restaurants, as well as nutrition education, food distribution and sustainable farming. “These funds will be used to help raise awareness about how the food system functions throughout the county,” said Paris Masek, a MarCo board officer. Klusman strives to make this giving process as flexible as possible for retailers, since they know their demographic and hear about causes from customers and employees. Retailers can choose to give monthly, quarterly or sooner if a cause pops up, like a need for funding for a disaster or medical emergency. Ultimately, restaurants, employees and patrons choose the beneficiaries of the money raised by selling NI Water. And that’s Klusman’s overarching principle in doing business. “My hope is to foster collaborative enterprises that inspire a common good. Neighborhood Initiatives is the best example of that,” he said. Neighborhood Initiatives teams up to give back to community BUSINESS BRIEFS TACOS, TEQUILA & WHISKEY Started as a modern twist on Mexican Street Food in Denver, Colorado, Tacos, Tequila & Whiskey is making its Arcadia debut. Located at 3950 E. Indian School Road, Tacos, Tequila & Whiskey has been included in multiple ‘best of’ lists for Mexican restaurants in America. You’ll find a list of unique tacos, an interesting drink menu and a large outdoor patio area. RADI8 HOT YOGA Also part of the newly refurbished northwest corner of 40th and Indian School Road is radi8 HOT YOGA. Classes available include radi8HOT, a 65-minute set series of yoga poses in a hot and humid room, and radi8FLOW, which connects breath and movement, while building strength. radi8 HOT YOGA is located at 3950 E. Indian School Road. WANDERING TORTOISE If you’re a craft beer fan, there’s a new neighborhood spot for you. The Wandering Tortoise is independently owned and operated at 2417 E. Indian School Road, specializing in craft beer and wine. Co-owners Shay Gau and Justin Evans have lived and worked in the Arcadia neighborhood for almost 12 years. Beer lovers can grab a seat at the bar or pick up a six-pack to go from the extensive selection. DIRTY DOG CAR WASH Arizona native Jay Fisher purchased the self-serve car wash located at 2909 N. 56th St. three months ago and has already given the business a new look. Major renovations and upgrades have been made to the car wash, including a dog washing station for furry friends along for the ride. BEHIND THE BUSINESS Local restaurants team up with Neighborhood Initiatives to support Lucky Dog Rescue, an all-volunteer led animal rescue nonprofit, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Respect Comfort Care NEW ASSISTED LIVING IN ARCADIA Receive $1,000 Off First Months Rent * Intimate home with lush green backyard BILTMORE-ARCADIA 3213 E. Mitchell Drive Phoenix, AZ 85018 At Blue Sage Assisted Living our inti mate home setting offers a dignified, luxurious and loving approach to advanced age care. Contact Us! (480) 900-7209 info@bluesageliving.com *Must mention this ad to receive discount.