| New Workshop Series To Offer Immediate Savings |
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The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Council (SBC) is introducing a series of several workshops intended to provide small businesses with an immediate plan of action for reducing expenses and increasing cash flow.
"Many small businesses are facing difficult decisions during these economic times," said Alonzo Russell, owner of A.L. Russell & Associates and Chairman of the Chamber's Small Business Council. "We want to equip them with quick and easy steps that can be taken today to save money."
 The first workshop, Increase Your Cash Flow Now; Simple Steps for Immediate Savings, was held in December as a roundtable discussion whereby attendees shared ideas and local executives provided strategies for results. Based on the positive feedback received, the SBC will offer this workshop again in January.
"During these economic times, it is important that we address those issues impacting small businesses on a daily basis," said Kathy Langdon, President/CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. "Our Small Business Council created this ongoing series to meet this need."
Increase Your Cash Flow Now; Simple Steps for Immediate Savings will be held on Thursday, January 15th from 7:30a.m. to 8:30a.m. There is no cost to attend however this workshop is limited to 25 attendees. Reservations must be received by January 13th at Noon.
For more information, contact the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce at (480) 892-0056. Registration can be completed on our website, www.gilbertaz.com. |
| Renovated Website Gets Chamber Up To Speed |
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The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce recently completed a renovation and upgrade of their website- including staff blogging and news posting capabilities - with a generous donation by ROCKET MEDIA.
"We are always glad to be involved with the Gilbert Chamber," said Laura Kalkman, Director of Marketing at ROCKET MEDIA. "Their organization has helped our business grow and we are glad to do the same for them."
 Originally designed by ROCKET MEDIA in 2004, the website's recent renovation will decrease load time and integrate a content management system for better control and optimization. According to Kalkman, an updated website will enhance the Chamber's visibility with the business community and, in turn, increase membership.
"We are excited about our new website. It will allow us to keep our members and the community involved in our goal to help local businesses," said Adrianne Lynch. " We are proud to have ROCKET MEDIA as a supporter."
To view the updated website, visit www.gilbertaz.com. To learn more about ROCKET MEDIA, call (480) 699-2579 or visit www.rocketmediastudios.com. |
| EVCCA Presents 2009 Priorities to EV Legislators |
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The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA) presented its priorities for the upcoming session to legislators at the annual reception in December. Representatives from the House and Senate were present and participated in a discussion of the upcoming session and looming budget deficit problems. The eight East Valley chambers, including the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, and the Dorn Policy Group will monitor and participate in the discussions throughout the session on behalf of our more than 7,500 business members.
The EVCCA considered the following items to be of priority to our business community:
Initiative Reform
The Alliance supports efforts to increase requirements for ballot initiatives including, but not limited to: advancing filing dates; permitting legislative changes to initiatives with voter ratification; increasing the number of required signatures; creating penalties for deceptive solicitation; establishing county requirements for signature collection similar to that of statewide offices; requiring legislative council to review and title initiatives prior to signature collection; and requiring those who sign a petition to complete the entire line.
Representative Andy Biggs, of District 22, and Kathy Langdon, President/CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.
Privatization
The Alliance supports reestablishing the Privatization Enterprise Review Board to determine which state services may be best delivered by the private sector.
Western Climate Initiative
The Alliance is opposed to Arizona's participation in the Western Climate Initiative. To ensure that Arizona's businesses remain competitive, any greenhouse gas emission regulations should be addressed at the federal level.
Dedicated Funds
The Legislature should honor the integrity of, and restore revenues to designated funds that were used over previous budget cycles to mask the shortfall in state revenue. The credibility of the budget process must be restored by returning these dollars to their intended purposes. If tax-supported funds are found not being used for the intended purpose during regularly scheduled reviews, the tax and fund should be abolished.
Equalization Property Tax
The Alliance strongly urges the Legislature to permanently eliminate the State equalization property tax.
Arizona Regulatory Oversight Commission
The Alliance supports the reestablishment of the Arizona Regulatory Oversight Commission to ensure appropriate review of rulemaking in state government.
Laurie Eberst, President of Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and Chairman of the Board of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, and Senator Thayer Verschoor of District 22.
Tort Reform
The Alliance supports reform of the current litigation system including tort reform and greater use of alternative dispute resolution to reduce costs to business.
Health Insurance
The Alliance encourages innovative measures to assist small businesses in providing healthcare coverage for employees, including providing incentives for insurance companies. Legislative emphasis should be placed on access, portability for the insured and reasonable costs. |
| Easy Ways to "Stop and Smell The Roses" |
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Now that the holiday rush is over here are a few ideas for taking time for you.
· Return to a hobby or sport you enjoyed as a child. Perhaps you'll get so absorbed in it that you will lose track of time.
· Take an hour-long vow of silence. Disconnect from phones, e-mail, television and errands. Notice how you become more aware of your own body and breathing.
· Reconnect with nature, no matter the season. Hike a trail, walk on the beach, watch a sunset or spend some time under the full moon. Nature moves at her own pace and can be a great model for your own schedule.
· Spend some time with a child an older person or even an animal. They move to their own inner rhythm instead of watching the clock.
· As you go about your everyday activities, make eye contact with someone who might seem unimportant to you, like the cashier at the grocery store. Connecting more fully with casual acquaintances adds richness to moments that are typically lost.
Every day, plan something fun and relaxing that you can look forward to. |
| Safety In Your Home Office |
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Whether you're called a teleworker, telecommuter or home office worker, you wear a lot of hats. Whatever business you're in, you handle accounts marketing, business development, production, public relations and planning. Today's home office workers need to add another hat to that list - Safety and Security Officer.
Workers in corporate offices have safety designed for them by facilities manager; in the home office, you have to play that role. It is up to the home officers to wear the safety and security officer's hat. What if a client or visitor slips on something at your home? What if they sue your company? This could be devastating for you business.
Here are a number of tips for making the home office safe:
- Tie computer cords together with twist ties so that you and your clients don't trip or fall.
- Don't leave files strewn around your home office.
- If you are a parent, don't leave toys on the floor or in doorways.
- Don't store items to high on shelves. That way you won't strain yourself or fall reaching for them.
- Set up proper lighting in your home office space. Use task lighting at your desk. Make sure you have access to a light switch by the door so that you don't have to walk across a dark room.
- Purchase an ergonomically designed keyboard to reduce repetitive strain injuries.
- Secure the windows to your home office with window locks.
- Be sure you have working smoke alarms, and keep fire extinguishers nearby.
- Ensure that electrical outlets are not overloaded. Use power-surge equipment and battery backups to protect computer equipment.
- Close the window shades when you leave your home office to protect from theft.
Source: SCF Arizona |
| Leadership Honors Town's History |
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Gilbert Leadership Class XVII celebrated the town's heritage with History Day on December 19, including a walking tour of downtown Gilbert and visits from special guest speakers.
The class heard presentations by Dale Hallock (former mayor of Gilbert) on the early history of Gilbert, Jo Albright (Gilbert's first female mayor) on the growth of Gilbert from the 80s forward, and Dr. Brad Barrett (former Superintendent of Schools) on the history of Gilbert schools.
One of the highlights of the day was a panel discussion of seven long-time residents who spoke about different aspects of life in early Gilbert. The class had lunch at Joes Real BBQ followed by a tour of the Heritage District and the Historical Museum.
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| Chamber Member Shout Out! |
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The following members donated door prizes at recent events:
A. L. Russell & Associates
A Mug You Can Trust
Boston's
Coyote Athletic Center
East Valley Tribune
Falcon Air Conditioning
Joe's Real BBQ
Knockouts!
LaVie Nails & Spa
LifeChurch.tv
Premier Barter
Premier Designs
Rayhons Financial Solutions & ING
Simply Ravishing Nails
Super Suppers
Salerno's
Udder Delights
The following members catered recent Chamber events:
Chick-Fil-A (San Tan Village)
Udder Delights |
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The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce recently held the 2008 Volunteer Appreciation Event to show appreciation to those who give their time and energy to the organization. Here are just a few pics of the fun evening...
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| Mark Your Calendar! |
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| Business Connections Morning Mixer |
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Thursday, January 8, 2009
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Slate Bistro and Bar at Trilogy
General Admission - $10
Chamber Member Price - $5
Sponsored By:
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| Winter 2009 Shred-A-Thon |
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Saturday, January 17, 2009
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 101, Gilbert
First 2 boxes - Free
Each add'l box - $5.00
(Box dimensions 10"x12"x15")
Sponsored By:
Open to the community |
| Workshop |
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Thursday, January 15, 2009
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Increase Your Cash Flow; Simple Steps for Immediate Savings
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 101, Gilbert
Free
Sponsored by:
GCOC Small Business Council
Reservation required by January 13th
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| Gilbert NOW! Luncheon |
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Wednesday, January 21, 2009
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
A special Candidate Forum where candidates for Gilbert Town Council and Mayor will provide respones to questions concerning local business.
Southeast Regional Libarary
775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert
General Admission - $25
Chamber Member Price - $15
Sponsored By:
Reservation required by January 19th
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| Business Wrap-Up Evening Mixer |
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Thursday, January 22, 2009
5:30 p.m. - 7:30p.m.
Solana Luxury Condominiums
1941 W. Pierpont, Mesa
General Admission - $10
Chamber Member Price - $5
No reservation required |
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| Chairman's Express |
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The following members are recognized for their continued support and contributions to the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce:
APS
Banner Gateway
Gilbert Tribune
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
SRP
Wells Fargo |
| Premier Members |
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A.L. Russell & Associates
APS
Banner Gateway Medical Center
Coyotes Athletic Centers
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Southwest Image Cleaning
SRP
Thorobred Chevrolet
Villa Siena |
| Save The Date! |
| Join us for the 9th Annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner! |
A Night In New Orleans promises to be an unforgettable evening of live jazz and great food served by local celebrities!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
6:30 p.m.
Silent Auction and Cocktails
7:30 p.m.
Dinner & Entertainment
$600
Sponsor a table and choose your Celebrity Waiter
$50
Individual ticket
Contact Marty at (480) 926-6003 or marty@gilbertchamber.com to reserve your seat! |
| Membership Anniversaries |
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1-5 YEARS
AAA Insurance
Hamilton Publishing,LLC
Rowley, Chapman, Barney and Buntrock
First Impression Security Doors
Alphagraphics #291
Arizona Farm Bureau Federation
Wells Fargo Bank-90 S. Val Vista Dr.
State Farm Insurance and Financial Services
It's A Grind Coffee House
KinderCare Learning Center
Wells Fargo Bank-1090 E. Ray Rd.
Gateway Storage Solutions
Rigatony's
LinzTech LLC
Western Skies Golf Club
Seville Golf & Country Club and Bolero's at Seville
6-10 YEARS
Mr. Electric
Gilbert Pool Services, LLC
Comprehensive Women's Healthcare
Gilbert Education Foundation
Gateway Fellowship, SBC
Joe's Real BBQ
Southwest Educational Billing Services
Nathan T. Davis, D.D.S., PC
11-15 YEARS
Waste Management
16-20 Years
Hunter Contracting Co. |
| Website Referrals
November 2008 |
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Listings Displayed in Directory
Country Cottage Cafe & Gift Shop
El Pollo Loco
Old World Pizza
Capitol Accounting & Consulting
Meridian Bank, NA
Serenity Dental
Desert Schools Federal Credit Union
Seville Golf & Country Club and Bolero's at Seville
Merlin Networking System
M&I Bank
Coupon List View
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
International Minute Press of Gilbert
Papa Johns Pizza
Udder Delights
Coupon List View
Sponsor Image Click
East Valley Tribune
WHPacific
Gilbert Historical Museum
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Golba Group Realty & Property Management
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Mr. Clean A Can
SanTan Village
SRP
Website Clicked On
Capitol Accounting & Consulting
Creative Hands Studio
Hampton Inn - Mesa
Watson's Flower Shop
Grimaldi's Coal Brick Oven Pizza
GS Capital Lending
Country Cottage Cafe & Gift Shop
Joe's Farm Grill
Merlin Networking System
San Tan EyeCare
Top Referring Search Engines
Google, MSN, Yahoo
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| You Say It Best! |
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"I have been a member of several Chambers of Commerce and I can say the Gilbert Chamber really sets itself apart in its commitment to build members' businesses and impact the Gilbert community in positive ways.The Chamber is successful not only because of the wonderful people working for the Chamber, but because of the members themselves."
Frank Hamilton, Publisher
Hamilton Publishing, LLC
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