| Members To Weigh In On Sign Code By Survey |
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By Kathy Tilque, President/CEO
Visibility using signage may be the difference between success and failure for many of our community's small businesses, especially in this economy. The Chamber's Public Policy committee has created a survey to encourage members to weigh in on the issue of temporary signage. The survey is very easy to navigate and should take less than three minutes to complete.
The survey was mailed to members as an enclosure in December's paper newsletter. It will also be e-mailed to members and made available at upcoming mixers, luncheons and meetings.
We invite you to share additional comments and concerns by e-mail to kathy@gilbertchamber.com or by attending the next Public Policy committee meeting on Wednesday, December 9th at 4:00 p.m. Please RSVP to attend by calling (480) 892-0056. Sign codes are always a concern to our members. Please take a few moments to share your input-together we can make a difference for our business community. |
| Ad Space Available in 2010 Business Directory |
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By Sarah Watts, Executive Assistant
Members of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce are invited to advertise in the official 2010 Business Directory and Visitor's Guide. This annual publication features an alphabetical directory list as well as a buyer's guide section of categorical business listings.
New to the publication is the visitor's guide section which will include editorial and a two-page map spread highlighting Gilbert's points of interest.
More than 3,000 copies of the 2010 Business Directory and Visitor's Guide will be distributed throughout the community over the next year and a replica of the printed publication will be on the Chamber's website, www.gilbertaz.com.
Promoting your business in the 2010 Business Directory and Visitor's Guide will increase your visibility to consumers, other businesses, and tourists. Premier advertising space is limited and will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis.
To reserve your advertising space or for more information, contact Hank Highsmith, Account Executive for Lawton Publications, by e-mail at HankH@lawtonsales.com or by phone at (480) 892-0056, ext. 105. |
| Golf Tourney to Raise Scholarship Funds |
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By Marty Tomljenovic, VP Special Events
Let's get back into the swing of things! Save the date for the 2010 Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Scholars Golf Tournament on Thursday, April 29th. The tournament will be a nine-hole, four-person scramble with a shotgun start at 3:00 p.m. followed by a Patio Party at 5:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend and help welcome the golf participants to the patio for the wrap up party. Whether you golf or not, plan to attend the Patio Party and celebrate our first tournament to raise funds for scholarships. The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce has created a Scholars Fund to help students in the Gilbert Public School District and Higley Unified School District continue their education upon graduation. There will be seven students selected, each representing the seven high schools in Gilbert and Higley, and each will receive $250 toward their college education. Cost is $75 per person or $300 per foursome. Contact Marty at (480) 926-6003 or e-mail marty@gilbertchamber.com. 
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| Shop Gilbert and Smile Photo Contest |
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These lucky winners each won a $50 gift card good at Joe's Real BBQ and Joe's Farm Grill. Visit www.gilbertaz.com/shopgilbert to vote for your favorite photo and enter the contest today!
Alexa DiSano at Macy's at SanTan Village
Hayden Hurley at Lil' Einsteins in Gilbert
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| Chamber Holds First Women's Luncheon |
| By Marty Tomljenovic, VP Special Events
The first quarterly women's luncheon program, held Thursday, October 29, 2009, was over the top! Sponsored by National Bank of Arizona, the featured speaker was Deborah Bateman, executive vice president of specialty banking & marketing for NBA. Her presentation was "The Three C's - Communication, Community and Connections."  Attendees donated undergarments to benefit the Bosom Buddy program. Because of the success of these donations, future luncheons will continue to focus on a cause and will ask attendees to donate items for a charity. On behalf of the committee, many thanks to National Bank of Arizona for sponsoring this fun event. The committee would also like to recognize the Hyatt Place for providing the location, International Minute Press of Gilbert for in-kind services and Macy's for providing the centerpieces. Save the date for the next luncheon on Thursday, January 21, 2010. Contact Marty at (480) 926-6003 or by e-mail at marty@gilbertchamber.com. For additional details of this and other upcoming events, visit www.gilbertaz.com. |
| Tips for Eye Safety in the Workplace |
| By Grace Hodges, VP Programs/Services
Because most of us have to work with a video display terminal (VDT), you should be aware of the precautions you can take to prevent eyestrain and other visual discomfort. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and OSHA offer these tips:
1. Take a break from looking at the computer monitor. OSHA recommends a 10-minute break after two hours of continuous VDT work.
2. Make sure you have proper positioning of the display screen. Most new VDT's have separate, adjustable keyboards and display screens that allow both the keyboard and display screen to be positioned appropriately for the employee.
3. Lighting should be arranged to avoid reflections and glare on the screen. Sometimes standard office lighting is too bright for comfortable VDT use. If this is the case, you may want to install a screen glare filter that attaches directly to the surface of a VDT screen.
Brought to you by:
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| Chamber Members Meet with Treasurer Martin |
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By Kathy Tilque, President/CEO
Treasurer Dean Martin admitted he was wrong in his projections of a severe deficit a few years ago which earned him some name-calling of "chicken little"; unfortunately he was a bit too optimistic in his projections. The state is actually worse off than he had predicted.  Arizona State Treasurer Dean Martin met with members of the Chamber during its Good Government Breakfast Series, hosted by SRP. The Treasurer shared with the group that the State would have to reset expenditures back to fiscal year 2005 numbers to get out of the downward spiral we are currently experiencing; which could be reinstated through specific triggers as the economy improves. The State ran out of money in April and has been issuing IOU's and selling them to make payroll. While many lawmakers claim that 60 percent of the general fund budget is untouchable, Treasurer Martin noted that 30 percent of that is mandated by citizens' votes and the other 30 percent is formula driven and there seems to be no political will to change formulas. He foresees the need to restructure many areas that are legislated in order to get out of this mess, even though he predicts a slow recovery will take place during the fiscal year 2010 budget period.
A Constitutional change is needed to establish real debt limits, consolidation of debt options, and removal of lease/purchase options to bridge the lack of revenues until the economy turns around. Restructuring the system of filling positions during these times needs to be addressed as well, according to Martin.
Treasurer Martin noted that the current sales tax increase being proposed will only plug a small portion of the budget hole, saying that the sales tax rate would have to be doubled to make any significant difference if expenditures are not cut.
The Chamber's Public Policy committee hosts four Good Government breakfasts each year to meet with key elected officials in an informal roundtable setting.
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| Go Green! Tip of the Month |
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Shut down and unplug electronics.
Make small changes to conserve and pay for less energy, like shutting down your computer when you're not using it and plugging your cell phone and other electronics into power strips so you can turn several devices off with one switch. Source: www.filterforgood.com |
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Ambassador Training Coming Up! |
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Calling all members that enjoy people, want to welcome new members to the Chamber and are looking for opportunities to get involved with special events, marketing and networking. It's time you become an Ambassador!
Reserve your spot at the upcoming Ambassador Training Session.
When:
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Where:
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Office
Time:
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
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Adopt A Senior This Holiday Season |
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The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is asking you to adopt a senior to benefit the homebound seniors and disabled who are served by the Gilbert Senior Center, a program of Community Services of Arizona. An average list costs $25 and may include a number of needed items. For those willing to help but too busy to shop, monetary donations are also being accepted. To adopt a senior or for more information, contact Sarah Agnes at (480) 892-0056 or e-mail intern@gilbertchamber.com. All donations must be delivered to the Chamber by Tuesday, December 8th. |
| Leadership in Gilbert Days Parade |
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Congratulations to Gilbert Promotional Corp. for pulling off a successful 2009 Gilbert Days Parade on Saturday, November 14th. Members of the community showed their support for the parade by lining the streets of downtown Gilbert and they got quite a show from the parade entries, including a float from the Chamber's own Gilbert Leadership.
Gilbert Leadership would like to thank Mark Sequeria for coordinating and running the float; Josanne Longshore for supplying the trailer, tow vehicle, and rhino; Rod Bailey for serving as the spokesperson; and Matt Nebgen, Andrew Chanse, Daragh Mahony, Katie Stringham, Marianne Pekala, Woodrow Terrell, and Heila Gibb for tirelessly working the crowds.
For more information and updates, become a fan of Gilbert Leadership's Facebook page or contact Adrianne by e-mail at adrianne@gilbertchamber.com. |
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This could be your Ad!
Contact Sarah for information and rate sheet.
(480) 892-0056, ext. 104
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| Mark Your Calendar! |
Chamber members Jean Flis and Sherrie Courtney served as commentators at the 2009 Gilbert Days Parade on November 14th. |
Register to attend any of the Chamber's upcoming events. Call
(480) 892-0056 or visit
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| Small Business Workshop
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Guerilla Marketing
Part III
Attend this workshop to learn how to effectively market your business using free and low-cost marketing methods.
Thursday, Dec. 3rd
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 101, Gilbert
Sponsored by:
General Admission - $35
Chamber Member Price - $25 |
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Business Wrap Up...Network NOW! |
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Attend this traditional holiday mixer hosted by Norwood Furniture and meet other chamber members. This event includes door prizes and hors 'devours.
Wednesday, Dec. 9th
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Norwood Furniture
216 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert
Sponsored by:
One Time Visitor Price - $10
Chamber Member Price - $5 |
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Gilbert NOW!... Network at Noon |
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Update from the Capitol
Hear from District 22 representatives from the State House and Senate as they share their positions on the State's budget, current economy, and upcoming bills.
Wednesday, Dec. 16th
11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Southeast Regional Library
775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert
Sponsored by:
General Admission - $25
Chamber Member Price (with reservation) - $15
Chamber Member Price (at door) - $20 |
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Discover Tuscany |
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$2,999 per person includes:
10 days, Airfare, Hotels, 13 Meals, More
Click here for more information, including a complete itinerary.
Give the gift of travel this holiday season and make memories that will last a lifetime! |
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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 Medical Center
Gilbert Tribune
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
SRP |
| Premier Members |
| A.L. Russell & Associates
APS
Banner Gateway Medical Center
Gilbert Tribune
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
SRP
Thorobred Chevrolet
Town of Gilbert
Villa Siena |
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| Website Referrals
October 2009 |
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Listings Displayed
American Tax and Financial Services, LLC.
B.R.I.O. Tuscan Grille
Bolero's at Seville Golf & Country Club
Buffalo Wild Wings
Cafe Rio
Country Cottage Cafe & Gift Shop
Dragon Wok Fine Chinese Restaurant
Grimaldi's Coal Brick Oven Pizza
It's A Grind Coffee House
Joe's Farm Grill
Papa John's International
The Gilbert SkyBox Sports Grill
Coupons Viewed
ActionCOACH Business Coaching
Elements Therapeutic Massage
International Minute Press of Gilbert
Papa Johns Pizza
Phoenix Children's Academy
Solana Luxury Rentals
Storage One Self Storage
Sponsors Displayed
A.L. Russell & Associates
Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply
APS
B.R.I.O. Tuscan Grille
Banner Gateway Medical Center
Cox Communications
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
National Bank of Arizona
Norwood Furniture
Painted Trails
SCF Arizona
SRP
Thorobred Chevrolet
Websites Clicked On
A Mug You Can Trust
ActionCOACH Business Coaching
American Tax and Financial Services, LLC.
AZTEAZ, LLC
California Wire Cloth, Inc.
Capitol Accounting & Counsulting
Copper Canyon Dental
Fitness Works Athletic Clubs
Precision Dental
Somerset Landscape and Maintenance
Warren's Jazz Bistro
Maps Viewed
B.R.I.O. Tuscan Grille
Elite AZ Property Management
Fresh from the Bean, LLC
Golba Group Realty & Property Management
Joe's Farm Grill
Personal Safety CPR
Ranchview Realty, LLC.
Seville Golf and Country Club
Southwest Educational Billing Services
The Accounting Experts, LLC.
Wells Fargo Bank
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| You Say It Best! |
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"You go above and beyond to help everyone. Thank you for all the support and for being there for us on the ribbon cutting."
Donna Morgan-Esquibel
Storage One Self Storage
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| Membership Anniversaries |
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1-5 YEARS
Boudreau Consulting LLC
Century 21 Platinum Real Estate
East Valley Endoscopy
Gateway Storage Solutions
Gilbert AZ News
JD's Homestead,LLC
Kachina Cadillac, Hummer, SAAB
Legacy Secure Strategies
LeTip international, Inc.
Sam's Club - 2621 S. Market Street
Solana Luxury Rentals
Sunrise of Gilbert
TeamLogicIT S.E. Valley AZ
Ultimate Tan
Valley Of The Sun Mortuary & Cemetery
6-10 YEARS
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Comprehensive Women's Healthcare
East Valley URGENT CARE
Farmhouse Village Pavilion
Gilbert Education Foundation
Gilbert Pool Services, LLC
Mesa Family Physicians/Dr. David E. Benton
Southwest Educational Billing Services
Town of Gilbert
Wells Fargo Bank - 1495 E. Warner Road
11-15 YEARS
Honda Service Center of Gilbert
Sign A Rama
16-20 YEARS
Gilbert Mail
Pioneer Landscaping Materials, INC |
| Chamber Member Shout Out! |
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The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce recognizes the following businesses for their contribution of door prizes or catering last month:
A Mug You Can Trust
Arizona Science Museum
Banner Gateway Medical Center
Dolly Steamboat
Firehouse Subs
Gilbert Historical Museum
LaVie Nail & Spa
Painted Trails
Premier Designs |
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