| New Year Brings Big Changes to Programs, Services |
By Kathy Tilque, president and CEO
After several months of member surveys and program evaluations, the Chamber's Board of Directors have developed a business plan that will bring members together to engage the community, connect with others and advance their businesses.
Beginning July 1, members will see changes in many of the Chambers programs and services.
Members will engage with the community by helping one another through a business-to-business mentoring program, the Shop Gilbert program, honoring others at the Community Excellence Awards and raising funds for local students at the Scholars Golf Tournament.
Members will connect with others to build successful business relationships. There will be a shift in the timing and types of events the Chamber hosts.
"We will not just do something because it's something we've always done," said JW Rayhons, owner of Rayhons Financial Solutions and Chairman of the Board.
"Our events and programs will focus on using members' time wisely and bringing to them a significant value and unforgettable experience."
Some events, such as the Gilbert NOW! luncheons, have been removed from the business plan and will make room for new opportunities. Referral Institute is a quarterly series that will completely shift the way Chamber members network with each other. In addition, morning and evening networking opportunities will be held earlier in the morning and later in the evening to give members an increased chance for participation.
In most cases, evening networking events will be held the first Thursday of each month, morning networking events will be held the third Wednesday of each month, and luncheon events will be held the fourth Tuesday of each month. Be sure to update your calendar to reflect these changes. You may set e-mail reminders and register for events on the Chamber's website, www.gilbertaz.com.
Finally, members will advance their businesses by improving their bottom line and solving issues that impact them. The Chamber will continue to provide discounts on workers' compensation and health care benefits. Likewise, the Public Policy committee will work to advocate on behalf of all members.
"You can be certain the Chamber is representing the opinion of the majority by regularly participating in surveys," said Rayhons.
According to Rayhons, this is a new year full of progress and opportunity. "It is up to members to join the Chamber in engaging with the community, connecting with others, and advancing your businesses." |
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Referral Institute Teaches Relationship Networking | |
By Sarah Watts, executive assistant
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce will hold the first of four exclusive educational programs and networking events as part of the Referral Institute series, presented by business referral strategist Victoria Trafton. Trafton will share her expertise with business owners who want to significantly increase their referral business. "Victoria Trafton is an absolute 'master' of referral marketing," said Darren Patoni, president of The IT Workshop. "She helps others focus on the fundamentals through education, training and practice." The first workshop will focus on networking within the Chamber for more referrals to help members leverage what they are already doing. Referral Institute will be held on Wednesday, July 21st at Villa Siena, 890 W. Elliot Rd., in Gilbert. Admission is $10 and includes breakfast. Registration and networking will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the program will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. To register or for more information, visit the Chamber's website at www.gilbertaz.com. The event is exclusive to Chamber members. Non-members must be accompanied by current members to attend. |
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Town Council Approves Temporary Signs | |
By Kathy Tilque, president and CEO
Town Council members voted to approve sign code changes to relieve restrictions for temporary signage which is most beneficial for small businesses suffering from visibility issues. The Chamber surveyed its membership last fall and has been working with the Town since to encourage these changes.
Businesses will now be able to place up to a maximum of two (2) A-frame signs and/or flying banners combined-one on each street frontage. They may display a total of three (3) of these signs which include a combination of street frontage signs and within their parking areas. In addition, they may display special sales event signage up to 8 days per month. Businesses 10,000 sq. ft. or less are eligible in commercial areas and businesses up to 30,000 sq. ft in business parks.
The temporary sign code amendment will be brought back before the Council in 21 months to revisit the effectiveness of these changes. The Chamber has also met with Town Staff and Council urging them to invest in the technology needed to allow businesses to apply for permits online with fillable forms and credit card payments.
Chamber members worked tirelessly to promote these changes and we are pleased with the Council's vote. The Chamber will be updating a temporary signage brochure and website link in the near future to assist businesses. Here's how the Council voted; a 'yes' vote indicates support for the Chamber's position.
Yes - Abbott, Cooper, Crozier, Daniels, Lewis, Presmyk, Sentz
No - n/a |
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2010 Annual Award Winners Honored at Chamber Luncheon | |
By Sarah Watts, executive assistant
The Chamber recognized outstanding businesses and individuals last month at the 2010 Annual Awards Luncheon, sponsored by M&I Bank.
Award recipients included Wildflower Bread Co. as Large Business of the Year, Maddy's Pool Supply & Service as Small Business of the Year, Buffalo Wild Wings as Family Business of the Year, Monterrey Tile Co. as the Safety Award recipient, Valley Women for Women OB/GYN as Employer of Choice, and Springbok Wellness Center as Wellness in the Workplace recipient. Awards were also presented to Vice Mayor Linda Abbott who received the Gilbert Leadership Award and Angela Tauscher of Mary Kay Cosmetics as Volunteer of the Year.
Mayor John Lewis served as master of ceremonies and scholarships were awarded to seven local high school students as a result of funds raised through the Chamber's Scholar's Program and golf tournament fundraiser.
Outgoing Chairwoman of the Board, Susan Brechbill of Brechbill Consulting, reviewed the Chamber's past fiscal year and welcomed incoming Chairman JW Rayhons of Rayhons Financial Solutions.
"I want to thank you for the honor of serving as your chairwoman this year," Brechbill said. "We've got a lot of exciting plans for the year ahead and I know that JW will make significant contributions and exceed your expectations as chairman of the board of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce."
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Gilbert Leadership Honors Class XVIII Graduates | |
 Gilbert Leadership celebrated the graduation of Class XVIII last month at Val Vista Lakes Club House and were honored to hear from guest speaker Chief Tim Dorn. Special attendees included Mayor John Lewis, Vice Mayor Linda Abbott, and town council members John Sentz and Les Presmyk. The following individuals are recognized as Gilbert Leadership Class XVIII graduates; Debra deFisser, Colleen Fisher, Patricia Garcia-Likens, Steven Gotfried, Michelle Gramley, Debbie Hallman, Elizabeth Harper, Richard (Rich) Haupt, Steve Hewitt, Nicholas Holmberg, Katharine Keller,Laura Kile, Susan Manion, Cindi Mattheisen, Michael McCleve, Catherine Mitchell, Matt Nebgen, Gayle Schmidt, and Dave Sharpe. Thank you to the following outgoing members of the Board of Directors for your leadership and support: Donna Blackman, 2004-2010 Katie Stringham, 2004-2010 Adeliada Severson Ph.D, 2007-2010
Barb VerNard, 2007-2010
Thank you to the following program sponsors:
Platinum
Bushtex
SRP
Gold
APS
Banner Gateway medical Center
MarketSide
MercyGilbertMedicalCenter
Silver
Achen Gardner
Aeon Development, Inc |
| Go Green! Tip of the Month | |
Be Conservative, Cover Up! Keep a cover on your swimming pool when it is not in use. This will decrease water loss due to evaporation by 90%! Source: www.futurefriendly.com |
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Chamber Meets with Town Council to Present Local Priorities |
Members of the Chamber's Board and Public Policy committee met with the Mayor and Town Council along with the Town's executive leadership team on June 15th. In addition to an update on the Chambers' new programs and community service, a 5-year tourism strategic plan was presented and the public policy committee offered its 2010 Local Priorities to ensure "Long-term Community Sustainability through a Healthy Business Environment." "The priorities were well received by the Council and it was gratifying to learn that we are on the same page in regards to long-term strategic planning; reasonable taxes, fees, and regulations; as well as, efficiencies through technology investment," said Kathy Tilque, president and CEO. "We were pleased to have more than 40 active members in attendance to share these priorities from their unique standpoint." To view these priorities, click here. |
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Safe Driving Saves Lives; A Review of the Basics |
By Ed Redmond, SCF Arizona
Transportation-related accidents account for the greatest number of workplace fatalities every year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
 Whether you drive a company car on a work-related trip or in your own vehicle on personal time, defensive driving tactics could be a lifesaver for you, your passengers and other drivers.
"A majority of businesses I work with omit including defensive driving training in their safety policy," said SCF Loss Control Consultant Armando Sapien. "They make the assumption that their drivers already know driving laws. But this type of training could help them reduce accidents and help protect them from liability in certain instances."
During the busy summer driving season, SCF recommends that all motorists, especially those who drive as part of their job, follow sensible safety suggestions to reduce the chances of being involved in a wreck. Some of these include:
Approach intersections cautiously, even when the light is green - The majority of accidents occur at intersections. Moreover, most of them occur within three to five seconds after
the light changes.
"The most dangerous time of an intersection is when the light just turned green," said Bob Morrone, safety coordinator for COMTRANS, which runs a fleet of 150 vehicles. He recommends that drivers wait a full car length behind the crosswalk in order to delay entering the intersection for a few seconds.
He also suggests covering (but not activating) the brake about 100 feet from the intersection and as you pass through it. "If you cut three-quarters of a second off your reaction time that cuts off 25 to 40 feet of stopping distance" Morrone explained.
Avoid tailgating - Drivers should maintain a four- to seven-seconds space cushion behind the vehicle in front of them, depending on speed. The higher the speed you are traveling, the further the distance should be. "The faster you go, the less reaction time you have," Morrone said. "That's what it's all about. Stopping in time to avoid an accident."
Do not talk or text on your cell phone while driving - While there continues to be legislative attempts nationally and locally to prohibit this, nothing has come of it.
"In some studies I've seen, talking on the phone can actually make the driver more impaired than a drunk driver," says Sapien.
Don't hold up traffic - Drivers can be cited for impeding traffic even if they are going the speed limit.
"People who go slower in the left lane hold up traffic," says Morrone, who teaches his drivers to use the center lane. He notes that when you impede traffic, you could create road rage in other drivers.
Check the vehicle's tires - Tire blowouts are a common cause of accidents. If it happens, hold the steering wheel firmly and keep the wheels pointed straight as you decelerate. Do not attempt to turn or to brake hard. After slowing down, safely pull off to the side of road.
Make safe lane changes - Properly adjust your left and right outside mirrors and rear-view mirror and use them constantly. Don't just rely on the mirrors when making a lane change. Be sure look over your shoulder to make sure another vehicle isn't in a blind spot. Use your turn blinkers to alert other drivers of your intentions.
For more safety and driving tips, go to SCF's website, www.scfaz.com to review and order informational cards: "Driving: Motor Vehicle Safety Tips," "Driving: Stay in Your Seat - Air Bags/Seat Belts," "Driving Essentials," or "Defensive Driving." Additional safe driving information is available from OSHA at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/motorvehiclesafety/recognition.html.
If you would like more information on workplace safety please contact your SCF Association Coordinator. |
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Mission: The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce serves as the business advocate to strengthen the business climate in Gilbert.
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit, membership-based organization with more than 600 members ranging from home-based businesses to large corporations. To learn more about or join the Chamber, please contact (480) 892-0056 or visit www.gilbertaz.com. | |
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Outgoing Chairwoman of the Board Susan Brechbill passed the gavel to incoming Chairman JW Rayhons last month at the Chamber's Annual Awards Luncheon, sponsored by M&I Bank. |
Evening Edition Networking Event | |
DISTRICT 22
CANDIDATE FORUM
District 22 Senate and House candidates will provide responses to questions concerning priorites on State issues. Join us and learn more about these decision makers who want the opportunity to vote on issues that will directly impact your business!
Thursday, July 8th 5:00 p.m. - Networking
5:30 p.m. - Forum Begins
Chandler-Gilbert
Community College
2626 E. Pecos Rd., Chandler
Ironwood Bldg, Room 219
General Admission - $10
Chamber Member Price - $5 |
Early Edition Networking Event | |
REFERRAL INSTITUTE
How To Network within the Chamber for More Referrals
This event is an exclusive educational program and networking event presented by referral strategist Victoria Trafton. Trafton will share her expertise to significantly increase your referral income.
Sponsored by:Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Gilbert Insurance Group Maddy's Pool Supply and Services MAX Solutions and Services Rayhon's Financial Solutions The I.T. Workshop
Wednesday, July 21st 7:30 a.m. - Registration and Breakfast 8:00 a.m. - Referral Institute Villa Siena 890 W. Elliot Rd., Gilbert Member-only event* Admission - $10 REGISTER NOW
* Non-members welcome as guest of member. |
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Midday Luncheon Event | |
WHAT WOMEN WANT
...IN BUSINESS.
Women in business will come together to share their products and services at this Business Expo and Luncheon. Guest speaker Susan Ratliff of Exhibit Experts will present How to Succeed When You Don't Feel Successful.
Sponsored by:
Tuesday, July 27th
Business Expo 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Lunch
11:00 a.m.
Presentation
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
SanTan Elegante Conference Center
1800 S. SanTan Village Parkway, Gilbert
Chamber Member Price - $20
Expo Booth Space Available! |
| Chairman's Express |  |
The following members are recognized for their continued support and contributions to the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce:
APS
Banner Gateway Medical Center
East Valley Tribune
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
SRP |
| Premier Members | |
APS
Banner Gateway Medical Center
East Valley Tribune
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
SRP
Thorobred Chevrolet
Town of Gilbert
Villa Siena | |
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| Website Referrals | |
Listings Displayed in Directory
American Tax and Financial Services, LLC.
Big League Dreams Gilbert
Bolero's at Seville Golf & Country Club
Hale Centre Theatre
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix-Gilbert
Higley Center for the Performing Arts
Hyatt Place Phoenix / Gilbert
Joe's Farm Grill
SanTan Elegante and Legado Hotel
Magic Pest Control
The Great Taste of Chicago
Coupon Displayed
ActionCOACH Business Coaching
International Minute Press of Gilbert
Sam's Club
Solana Luxury Rentals
Sponsor Displayed
Annovative Solutions, LLC.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Famous Daves Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que
Greenfield Lakes Golf Course
M&I Bank- William's Field
MAX Solutions, PLLC.
SCF Arizona
Southwest Gas Corporation
National Bank of Arizona
SRP
Website Clicked On
Academy of Etiquette
ActionCOACH Business Coaching
Best Western Legacy Inn & Suites
Big League Dreams Gilbert
Century 21 Platinum Real Estate
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix-Gilbert
OpenRain Elite Software
SanTan Elegante and Legado Hotel
Seville Family Dentistry
Copper Canyon Dental
Map of Location Displayed
A Better Tint & Accessories
Amberwood Development, Inc.
Arizona Spine & Joint Hospital
Best Western Legacy Inn & Suites
Carlsson Family Eye Center, PLC.
H & R Block
Hyatt Place Phoenix / Gilbert
Joe's Farm Grill
Farm House Restaurant
Norwood Furniture
Serrano's Mexican Restaurants
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| You Say It Best! | | |
"Congratulations on another outstanding awards luncheon! Everything ran so smoothly and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. Kudos to your staff for all their hard work! Once again, it made me so proud to be a member of the Gilbert Chamber!"
Kayla Kolar
Gilbert Historical Museum |
| Membership Anniversaries | |
1-5 YEARS
Brunswick Zone XL-Gilbert
Costco Wholesale - Market St.
Edible Arrangements
FedEx
Grease Monkey & Detail Center/Car Wash
H&R Block
Molly Maid of Gilbert - East Chandler and Queen Creek
Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino
The Gilbert SkyBox Sports Grill
6-10 YEARS
Achen-Gardner Engineering, LLC
Costco Wholesale - Arizona Ave.
11-15 YEARS
A Better Choice Home Inspections, Inc.
Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary
Tomar Electronics
16-20 YEARS
Gilbert Boys & Girls Club
University of Phoenix | |
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| Chamber Member Shout Out! | |
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce recognizes the following businesses for their contribution of door prizes or catering last month:
Annovative Solutions
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
LaVie Nails & Spa
Simply Ravishing Nails |
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