Councilmember Bridget Binsbacher
Councilmember, Mesquite District & Executive Director, Cactus League Baseball Association
Bridget Binsbacher has served as a Peoria council member representing the Mesquite District since 2015. She has also served two terms as Peoria's Vice Mayor.
"With a high quality of life, a talented workforce and business-friendly environment, Peoria is the best place to live, work and play," says Councilmember Binsbacher.
And Binsbacher should know. She has lived in the Northwest Valley for more than three decades. She and her husband Jon, a fire captain and paramedic, have four children. Binsbacher has more than two decades of experience in the finance industry and serves as the Executive Director of the Arizona Cactus League Baseball Association. She has been recognized as a top Arizona business leader and one of the state's most influential women.
Binsbacher appreciates all of the area's businesses. "Businesses are the heart of our community and we are thankful for the innovation and opportunities they bring to Peoria."
Matthew Lynch, MD
Owner, Lynch Vein & Aesthetics
Dr. Matthew Lynch, a board-certified general surgeon and medical director of Lynch Vein & Aesthetics, provides therapeutic, nonsurgical options treating vascular lesions, spider veins, hyperpigmentation, acne outbreaks, loose skin, and more.
Choosing to live in North Peoria was a thoughtful process. "I did a lot of research into the north Phoenix metro area regarding demographics, population growth, and median income," explains Dr. Lynch. "There are no other vein surgeons north of the 101 and no aesthetic surgeons in North Peoria."
Dr. Lynch attended the University of Wisconsin for undergraduate and medical schools. He met his future wife Stevie in Chicago, where he spent five years in residency. After returning to Wisconsin as a general surgeon for more than seven years, the couple moved to the Phoenix area in 2015 to be close to Stevie's mother.
Lynch Vein & Aesthetics has state-of-the-art treatment rooms outfitted with some of the leading technologies. "I do my best to provide treatments right here in our office," says Dr. Lynch. He can provide vein, laser, liposuction, and injectable needs.
The Lynch family, which now includes Alexandra (10) and William (9), enjoys being a part of the North Peoria community. "I am thankful for the way the business community has embraced us at all the networking events we have attended." LynchVein.com
Julie LaCroix
Publisher, North Peoria Lifestyle
Julie LaCroix says she always loved the heat and the desert and planned on retiring in Palms Springs. But then she discovered Peoria in 2016. "The lake, the people, and the mellow vibe were a welcome contrast to the vibrancy of growth," reflects LaCroix. "I was fascinated with how every resident was so proud to live here and how unique it is in the Valley."
She built a home in 2018 planning to retire here. Her parents fell in love and relocated to the area in 2019. LaCroix followed in 2020 after her kids left for college.
But LaCroix didn't retire. Instead, she launched North Peoria Lifestyle. Her background is in executive coaching, marketing and economic development, where she helped individuals and small business owners differentiate themselves.
"The opportunity to publish North Peoria Lifestyle is the perfect vehicle for integrating into my new community, meeting friends, and adding instant business value. I jumped at the chance to expand the Lifestyle brand from our sister publications throughout the Valley. I am proud to be leading this project to help define and reflect what is uniquely Peoria."
LaCroix defines the publication as "A swanky magazine delivered monthly to affluent residents. It is full of relevant content on who to know, what to do, and where to buy."
Kate & Chris Simonds
Attorneys & Owners, Simonds Law Group, PLLC
Kate and Chris Simonds, attorneys and owners of Simonds Law Group, offer family law solutions. "We develop our client's objectives and find the most effective and efficient way to solve their family law issues," says Kate.
The couple grew up together in Southeast Wisconsin. They studied law in Michigan and took advantage of international programs to study abroad. After practicing law in Wisconsin for a few years, they closed their practices to relocate to Arizona. But they took a circuitous route. "We sold everything we owned and lived on a boat in Key West for two years," says Kate.
When they moved to Arizona in 2017, they explored every area of the Valley. "We joined together and opened Simonds Law Group in March [2021]," explains Kate. "Local leadership has prioritized fiscal responsibility and government accountability, which is important to use as business owners. We see other motivated and active families enjoying Peoria."
The couple is thankful for the climate and the lifestyle. "We love being able to live an active lifestyle outdoors with our German Shepherd. You can find us boating on Lake Pleasant, riding the road bike trails, hiking the community parks, and enjoying the dining and shopping options." They also eat a plant-based diet and appreciate that the mild winters allow for year-round fresh produce. SimondsLawGroup.com
Jessica Morrison
Owner, Allstate, Vistancia
Jessica Morrison opened the Allstate office in Vistancia in 2018, where she works closely with her husband, Timothy Limes (below). The pair focus on educating their clients and providing the best insurance coverage. "We aren't what most people would consider salespeople," explains Morrison. "We are insurance advisors who happen to write policies."
When Morrison relocated to Arizona from California several years ago, she lived near 67th Avenue and Happy Valley. "I wanted to build a home and open a business in a down-to-earth, affluent area," she says. "I was sick of the Bay area commutes. Vistancia had all the components I was looking for in a community: good schools, the potential for positive growth, the need for local businesses, and a great cost of living. When I also found an empty [office] spot perfect for an insurance agency, I knew it was meant to be."
Morrison is thankful for the growth of diversity happening in Peoria. "People of all ages, all ethnicities, and all education levels can thrive here. Even in tough times and with different points of view, Peorians stick together and level up."
Timothy Limes
Owner Wishwell Insurance Brokers, Vistancia
Timothy Limes, a native Arizonan, works closely with his wife Jessica Morrison (above). He opened Wishwell Insurance Brokers in 2020. "We are dedicated to delivering insurance options through every stage of life," explains Limes. "From motorcycles to Medicare, Wishwell can find a solution that meets your budget, coverage needs, and service expectations."
Limes agrees with Morrison that North Peoria is an ideal location. "It was important to build our home and work in the same area," he explains. "We knew the West Valley was the only option. North Peoria fits our laid-back lifestyle and is perfect for families."
Limes acknowledges those who help empower his company. "I am grateful for the ability to find the skilled employees I need to grow. Starting a business and sustaining it depends on the folks you have around you. We have been very fortunate to have amazing team members in both of our businesses." WishwellAgency.com