| Chamber Endorses Pro-Business Dist. 22 Candidates | |
By Kathy Tilque, president and CEO
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce endorses candidates in an effort to educate our membership about those candidates who will best be a friend of business while in office.
The Gilbert Chamber invited all District 22 candidates to participate in a questionnaire and candidate forum. Each candidate was scored on their ability to recognize and understand business issues, support for business priorities, background and experience, as well as an informal survey of our members present at the forum. The Chamber's formal endorsement policy and official positions on business issues were used as the foundation of this ranking.
There is one seat available in the Senate and two seats available in the House. After careful consideration, the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce endorses candidate Andy Biggs for Senate and and candidates Eddie Farnsworth, Laurin Hendrix, and Steve Urie for the House seats.
Eddie Farnsworth Laurin Hendrix Steve Urie
Check out our website for more information about each of the District 22 candidates as we have posted their written responses to our questionnaire and video clips from our candidate forum.
Your voice is very important! Mark your calendar to vote on August 24! Please share this information with your employees - every vote counts for your business. |
| Bundled Marketing Packs Offer Members Big Savings | |
By Sarah Watts, executive assistant
Visibility and business recognition are two of the most important steps in building your referral business. Last month, the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce introduced three new marketing packages for members to enhance their visibility at a discounted rate for service.
Package A-Receive two months of newsletter flier inserts, a second category listing in the Chamber's electronic and print directories, four passes to the Referral Institute series, three passes the Early Edition networking series, and three passes to the Evening Edition networking series-a value of $390, just $250.
Package B-Receive one rotating banner advertisement on gilbertaz.com, a Featured Member profile in one edition of the Chamber's online and printed monthly newsletter, three passes to What Women Want...In Business luncheons, three passes to the Early Edition networking series, and three passes to the Evening Edition networking series-a value of $590, just $300.
Package C-Receive two advertisements in the Chamber's online monthly newsletter, a Featured Member profile in one edition of the Chamber's online and printed monthly newsletter, a twenty-five word description under your listing on gilbertaz.com, four passes to the Referral Institute series, three passes to What Women Want...In Business luncheons, three passes to the Early Edition networking series, and three passes to the Evening Edition networking series-a value of $750, just $350.
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Community Kiosks Put Info at Fingertips | |
By Sarah Watts, executive assistant
Tourists to Gilbert will have important information at their fingertips as the Chamber's tourism committee launches the community's first tourism information kiosk program in partnership with Kiokom, LLC.
 Tourism kiosks will be installed mid-September in locations including, SanTan Village, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, Hampton Inn, SanTan Legado Hotel, and the Gilbert Historical Museum.
The touch-screen, paperless kiosks will include categories such as Where to Stay, Where to Eat, What to Do, Where to Shop, and Real Estate and will feature a "text me" option for users.
A business listing on the kiosk can be purchased by Chamber members for $50 per month. Upgrade packages are available. All kiosks will display the same content and can be updated in real-time via a password-protected website.
Members soon will be contacted regarding kiosk advertising opportunities. If you have an immediate interest, please contact Sarah at (480) 892-0056, ext. 104, or sarah@gilbertchamber.com. |
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Sponsor Program to Develop Future Leaders | |
By Adrianne Lynch, technology director
In July, Gilbert Leadership received more than 44 applications for the 25 spots available in the upcoming class. This is an exciting time seeing so many professionals ready to learn how to get engaged in the community, connect with others sharing similar passions and advance in a leadership role.
 For more than 18 years, Gilbert Leadership has served as the premier leadership program of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, designed to help develop our town's current and future leaders. The program brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to develop their leadership potential.
Each year, the program holds nine issue days that highlight different aspects of the community, including history day, education day and more. In addition, the class participates in a team building day and also is challenged to develop and implement a class project that will serve as an enhancement and lasting benefit to Gilbert.
The Gilbert Leadership program influences the community by building leadership capacity, increasing knowledge and awareness of community concerns, and by nurturing our future leaders.
These experiences would not be possible without the support of incredible sponsors who invest in the development of our community's leaders. If your company would like to extend its support to the program for the upcoming class or to learn more about how you can become involved, contact Adrianne (480) 892-0056, adrianne@gilbertchamber.com, or visit www.gilbertleadership.com. |
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Nominations Due for Gilbert Excellence Awards | |
Do you know an individual or business who contributes to the betterment of our community? If so, nominate them for recognition at the 15th Annual Gilbert Community Excellence Awards.
Each year, the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce partners with the Gilbert Republic, Gilbert Public Schools, Higley Unified School District, Chandler-Gilbert Community College and the Town of Gilbert to identiy and present awards to outstanding recipients.
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Senator McCain Visits With,Takes Questions From Chamber Members | |
By Kathy Tilque, president and CEO
Senator McCain brought news from the nation's Capitol to more than 100 Chamber members in July. Key topics of discussion were the economy and the importance of small businesses, the national health care bill, and national border security.
 Senator McCain noted Republican candidates must commit that they will "balance the budget, repeal or replace Obamacare, and institute the line item veto" to get this country turned around.
"John Kyl and I have put together a ten-point plan to address immigration which is making progress," announced McCain. He reiterated that border security must be top priority, a fair guest worker program approved secondly, and then a system developed to deal with those individuals who are here and contributing to their families and the community.
The Senator supports tax relief for small businesses. He believes we must institute medical malpractice reform to reduce health care costs; creating risk pools for those with pre-existing conditions, and allowing small businesses to form association groups to reduce premiums.
The event also honored Senator McCain with the presentation of the U.S. Chamber's Spirit of Enterprise Award for his support of businesses with regard to federal issues.
A special 'thank-you' to sponsors APS, Arizona Bank & Trust, National Bank of Arizona, and SRP for their support of this important event.
Click here to view a photo album of this and other Chamber events! |
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| Go Green! Tip of the Month | |
Summer: It's Not Over Yet! Protect yourself from sun over-exposure! In summer, always apply sun block SPF 15 or more to protect your skin from solar UV radiation. Just five or more sunburns can really increase your risk of developing skin cancer. The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. so seek shade or wear protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt.
Source: EPA-United States Environmental |
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Stable Footing; Avoid Ankle Strains and Sprains with Simple Precautions | |
By Ed Redmond, SCF Arizona
Since the first steps we take as children, we tend to take standing and walking for granted - until one misstep causes great pain.
Among the most frequent workplace injuries each year are strains or sprains to the ankles or feet. Sprains are injuries to ligaments - the fibrous bands that connect bones to bones and stabilize joints. Strains are injuries to muscles or to tendons, which connect muscles to bones.
Generally, sedentary workers who slip, stumble, or otherwise take a misstep are more likely to sprain an ankle than a more active employee. Prompt treatment will speed healing and reduce the risk of further injury, but 20 percent of sprains lead to chronic ankle pain.
When a foot turns unexpectedly, the ligaments or tendons are stretched in a manner in which they are not intended. A turn of the ankle can happen at any time for many reasons, but major causes include:
- Working on uneven surfaces;
- Inattention to footing when going up and down stairs;
- Stepping on something on the floor that you didn't see;
- Jumping over something, such as an irrigation ditch.
The risk can increase when employees are involved in activities that involve lifting and bending. Individuals who use poor techniques or body mechanics, who are in poor physical condition, who have poor endurance or who fail to stretch and warm up before a physical activity, are more likely to suffer a sprain or strain.
With an acute sprain, the worker may experience localized pain that worsens with further activity. The worker will see swelling and possible discoloration from bleeding into the muscle. When the sprain occurs, the individual may hear a "pop" or "snap" and actually feel the joint slipping.
In the case of a strain, the worker may complain of pain, loss of function, change in sensation, or may feel a defect or swelling along the body of the muscle. Symptoms noticeable in chronic strains caused by repetitive stress include stiffness, soreness, and tenderness that may worsen gradually with increased use of the muscle.
Strains and sprains are classified in three categories by severity. Regardless of the category or whether it is a sprain or a strain, it is best to have a medical professional evaluate injury and to determine the best course of treatment.
SCF Arizona's Preferred Connection Network has more than 3,400 medical professionals experienced in workplace injuries. Arizona businesses that are SCF policyholders can refer an injured worker to one of these PCN medical providers, and in doing so will keep treatment costs lower, which results in less impact to the company's loss ratio. The nearest PCN provider to a workplace can be found by going to www.scfaz.com/pcn/.
The most severe of these kinds of injuries can require several sessions of occupational therapy as it heals.
SCF offers these tips for avoiding a sprained or strained ankle:
For more workplace safety information, go to SCF's website, www.scfaz.com, to review and order safety cards and brochures or review SCF's "Safety Net" training videos. If you would like more information on how you can earn additional bonus dividends through your SCF plan, contact Sarah at sarah@gilbertchamber.com. |
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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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More than 100 members and guests of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce attended the first workshop of the Referral Institute series last month. Mark your calendar for the next workshop on October 20th! |
Evening Edition Networking Event | |
Sponsored by:
Monday, Tuesday...Happy Days! We're going back in time to the days of hula hoop spinning and bubble gum blowing contests. This will be a night to remember so dress the part and join us for this fun event!
Thursday, August 5th
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Grease Monkey
1436 N. Higley Rd., Gilbert
General Admission - $10
Chamber Member Price - $5
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Early Edition Networking Event | |
Sponsored by:
Attend a special discussion to learn how your business can benefit as a Chamber member. Then, attend a mixer to connect with others and build relationships to improve your referral business. Share your commercial, win door prizes, and enjoy a light breakfast.
Wednesday, August 18th
7:30 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.
How to Get The Most From Your Membership
8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Networking Event
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 101, Gilbert
General Admission - $10
Chamber Member Admission - $5
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Health Care Reform Panel Discussion | |
How does the Health Care Reform Bill impact your business? Hear from a panel of experts from industries including health care, accounting, insurance, and human resource services and find out how this federal mandate will change your business decisions.
11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
SanTan Elegante Conference Center
1800 S. SanTan Village Parkway, Gilbert
General Admission - $35
Chamber Member Price - $20
Admission includes lunch.
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| Chairman's Express |  |
The following members are recognized for their continued support and contributions to the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce:
Banner Gateway
Medical Center
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
SRP |
| Premier Members |
APS
Banner Gateway
Medical Center
East Valley Tribune
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Thorobred Chevrolet
Town of Gilbert
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| Website Referrals |
Listings Displayed in Directory
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
SanTan Village
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.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Greenfield Lakes Golf Course M&I Bank- William's Field
Maddy's Pool Supply & Service
MAX Solutions, PLLC.
Rayhons Financial Solutions / ING Financial Partners
SCF Arizona
SRP
The I.T. Workshop, LLC. Website Clicked On
A.L. Russell & Associates, Business & Medical Practice Coaching
Bella Venture Marketing
Best Western Legacy Inn & Suites
Big League Dreams Gilbert
Hyatt Place Phoenix / Gilbert
Joe's Farm Grill
Liberty Market
OpenRain Elite Software
SanTan Elegante and Legado Hotel
Seville Family Dentistry
StoneRidge Dental
Sunrise Urology, PC
Map of Location DisplayedBest Western Legacy Inn & Suites
Chiropractic USA
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson
Discount Traffic Survival School
Edward Jones
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix-Gilbert
Hyatt Place Phoenix / Gilbert
Infusionsoft
Martinez & Shanken, PLLC Northern Trust Bank
SanTan Elegante and Legado Hotel
SkySigns USA | |
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| You Say It Best! | | |
"The Referral Institute is absolutely, positively necessary for a successful outlook on your business and personal relationships. Get out of your box and learn a new, effective way to deliver your business. It's not about you, it's about how you can be of service to others."
Kelly Schager
The Sign Guys |
| Membership Anniversaries | |
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1-5 YEARS
Advantage Office Suites
Charleston's Restaurant
Elite Urgent Care
Invision Auto Body
Joe's Farm Grill
Maddy's Pool Supply & Service
National Bank of Arizona
OmniMount Systems, Inc.
SightCare, Inc.
Watson's Flower Shop
6-10 YEARS
Imagine Charter School at West Gilbert
SanTan Village
Wells Fargo Bank - E. Williams Field Rd.
11-15 YEARS
A.C.T. Awards, Engraving & Promotional Products
Gilbert Rotary Club
Meridian Bank, NA
Serrano's Mexican Restaurants
16-20 YEARS
Dillard's Distribution Center
R&K Building Supplies, Inc.
Re/Max Alliance Group - J. Webley
Target Commercial Interiors
21+ YEARS
A & P Nursery & Lawnmower Shop
Bjerk Builders, Inc.
Edwards Jones - Bret Seeley
Falconer Funeral Home
Gilbert Veterinary Hospital, P.C.
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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:
Bruegger's Bagels
Cathy's Rum Cake Worldwide
Charleston's Restaurant
Chick-Fil-A
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
FieldHouse
Greenfield Lakes Golf Course
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix-Gilbert
Kate Cox, Individual
LaVie Nails & Spa
M&I Bank
Parkway Bank
The Sign Guys |
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