What started out nine months ago as a simple gathering between the Chamber and the Town Council turned into a vision of successful partnerships between the two entities at a meeting hosted by SRP on June 23rd.
 
First, we welcomed in three new members of the Council-John Lewis, John Sentz, and Jenn Daniels.  While we will miss the outgoing members, we appreciated meeting the newly elected members at their first formal meeting.

  

The dynamics of the Council have significantly shifted and it was encouraging to witness the positive, polite, and inclusive manner of Mayor Lewis.  Many of the remaining council members have heard the Chamber's philosophy on business issues before and know it well, but this meeting provided us a great opportunity to talk about the changing economic environment and the importance of good, sound economic policy.
 
The Chamber's local priorities were presented by Public Policy Chairman Jon Olson and included input on dealing with the Town's $7M deficit.
 
According to Olson, the Chamber is concerned with the uncertainty of the state's budget deficit on the town's budget and feels this is not the time for a temporary 30-month sales tax increase. Instead the Chamber recommended organizing a community working group to evaluate long-term priorities, efficiencies and outside influences on the town's ability to sufficiently provide services.

Members of the Council recognized the seriousness of the proposed increase but  several felt it a necessary action based the current information they have and plan to deal with the uncertainty relating to state funding when that information is received.
 
The proposed use tax was also a topic of  discussion as the town considers ways to balance their budget. It is recognized this tax would have a significant impact on Salt River Project and its customers. A reduced rate of 1% would actually bring in more money to Gilbert based on peak load demands and cost of producing power. A surprise recommendation from staff to make the use tax a permanent tax was presented and will be voted on June 30th.
 
Mayor Lewis and members of the Council invited the Chamber to continue making recommendations and to participate in future discussions on behalf of local businesses. This is a partnership the Chamber looks forwarding to developing. 
 

 

 

The Chamber's Public Policy committee has been extremely busy the past few months.  Many issues have been in the works at the Town of Gilbert.  The Chamber was well represented at the stakeholder meetings and at the official Town meetings.  A brief overview of these issues follows:
 
Capital Improvement Projects/System Development Fees (SDF) - The Chamber continues to support the philosophy that new growth pays for infrastructure improvements related to that growth through SDF.  Chamber representatives met with Town staff for six months to evaluate all new projects and the impact on the SDF for the upcoming year.  After fully vetting the projects, the Chamber supported the approximate 6% increase in fees.  The updated projects and fees passed at the Council.
 
Water/Wastewater/Reclaimed Rate Fees - These enterprise funds are self-sufficient and rates are evaluated each year to keep the funds whole.  Increased costs of chemicals and usage were evaluated as representatives from the Chamber met with Town staff.  The Chamber agreed and supported the flat 6% increase in fees which was a better option than a conservation method that would charge larger users a significantly higher rate.  Council approved these fee increases.
 
Non-Traditional Businesses - The Chamber weighed in through stakeholder groups, meeting with Town staff, and at public meetings its concern with creating a new regulation that would create a separation ordinance eliminating clustering of like businesses or businesses identified as non-traditional.  At this time non-traditional businesses are designated as tattoo studios, pawn shops, and cash checking businesses.  The Chamber believes it is not good economic policy to regulate businesses in this manner and recommended a conditional use permit process to solicit public input into whether a particular type of business would be offensive to a neighborhood.  The Council approved the separation and use permit with a 4-3 vote.
 
General Plan Update - The Town is required to update its general plan by 2011; the Chamber is involved in this process regarding the vision and expectations for build-out in Gilbert.  The Chamber's focus will be on economic development to ensure sustainability for the community as we can no longer depend on new growth to fund the community's quality of life.
 
Town and State Budget Deficits - The Chamber has been actively involved in providing input into both local and state budget discussions through meetings with the Town Council and through the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance. More information will follow.
 
If you'd like to participate in the Chamber's Public Policy committee, contact Kathy Langdon at kathy@gilbertchamber.com.

 

 

Gilbert Leadership Class XVII celebrated their participation in the Chamber's program at a graduation ceremony on June 12th. 
 
Held at Seville Golf and Country Club, the event was emceed by Wally Delecki and featured guest speaker Michael Zimmerman, chief financial officer of GoDaddy.com.  A special tribute was paid to Mike Kalhoff, Chairman of the Board, as he recently accepted a position with United Way in Nevada. 
 

On June 13th, the Gilbert Historical Museum hosted an unveiling of the building's recent energy renovation.  Members of Class XVII participated in the building's efficiency facelift as part of their class project. The museum expects to realize a savings of approximately $7,000 each year as a result of their efforts.
 
As this Gilbert Leadership Class XVII celebrated their accomplishments in June, the program's Board conducted interviews with more than 30 applicants for the upcoming class. 

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce recognizes the following businesses for their contribution of door prizes or catering last month:

 

As a thank you to local businesses, azcentral.com Digital Solutions is offering members of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce a unique opportunity to win $10,000 in advertsing.

 

It's simple - just click here and complete a quick, two-minute survey. You will be automatically entered to win $10,000 in advertsing on azcentral.com while help us better identify and serve your online marketing needs.

Contact Sarah for information and rate sheet.

 

 General Admission - $10

Chamber Member Price - $5 

 

 

 

Members of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce are eligible to receive discounts on healthcare through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Humana, and Total Dental Administrators...

 

More information