Members of a chamber of commerce possess higher credit scores on average compared to businesses that are not members, according to a new study released in February by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.
 
The study, conducted by business credit bureau Cortera™, detailed the credit scores and payment behavior of ten local chambers of commerce across the United States and found chamber members to have an average credit rating of 629, compared to a 557 average score for businesses at large.
 
"This is great information to have," said Kathy Tilque, president/CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. "Although, it comes as no surprise to me that members of chambers are more fiscally responsible, as they are also more community-conscious by supporting their local chamber."

 

The study was contracted by ACCE, an organization representing more than 7,300 chamber professionals through the United States and Canada.
 
"Chamber members have long been seen as responsible and reliable members of their community," said Mick Fleming, president and CEO of ACCE. "From a credit standpoint, chamber members on average are better businesses, and as a result they have significant advantages in obtaining the funds they need. In this economy and the tight credit environment we are experiencing, that's especially important."
 
A complete copy of the study, which includes both the aggregate findings and the individual commercial credit scores for each of the ten local chambers, is available on the Chamber's web site,  www.gilbertaz.com. 

 

 

March was a busy month as the Chamber spent countless hours advocating on behalf of our members.  Multiple bills and budget negotiations at the State Capitol kept the EVCCA extremely busy.
 
We met with chambers across the State to discuss the depleted unemployment trust fund and the need to put pressure on the federal government to extend interest free loans to the State to bridge the payment of claims while replenishing the fund. The State has paid out just short of $1B in claims this past year. Unfortunately, there will be a temporary assessment on unemployment taxes paid by employers to pay back these loans but we are advocating that it doesn't become effective until 2011 to allow our businesses to prepare.  We are recommending a .5% assessment in 2011 and 1% in 2012 because the threat of Arizona losing its 5.4% credit for employers if we don't have a healthy trust fund would negatively impact businesses far greater in the long run than a two year assessment. 
 
We anticipate relief from temporary sign restrictions and increased flexibility to go to the Council by May. We are working simultaneously with the legally required meetings to speed this process along. 
 
The Chamber's Board of Directors sent a letter to the Mayor and Council members to adopt a policy to consider Gilbert businesses when procuring items; we understand it may not always make sense but to allow our local businesses the opportunity to earn their business will keep in line with our Shop Gilbert message.
 
We will be evaluating both the Arizona and Gilbert ballot issues regarding increased sales tax in April.  If you have thoughts please feel free to let me know.
 
We welcome all of our members to participate in our public   policy efforts; we meet twice each month. If you'd like to join us, please e-mail me at kathy@gilbertchamber.com.