| Chamber, Town Partner on Strategic Tourism Goals |
By Kathy Tilque, president and CEO
After many months of research, the Chamber's Tourism committee presented a five-year strategic plan to the Town Council and received approval to move forward with the first year's plan while the Town looks at its long-term vision for tourism marketing activities.
This was the first formal discussion the Town has had on tourism. Our committee members have worked very hard this past year to develop new marketing materials and ideas using technology to promote Gilbert.
In response to these efforts and input from our members, the Chamber has instituted:
· A visitors' guide and destination map;
· A visitors' website visitgilbertaz.com;
· A landing page, visitgateway.com, in cooperation with Mesa and Queen Creek;
· A limited physical visitors' center focusing on Gilbert and other specific state-wide promotional materials;
· The introduction of electronic kiosks that will promote businesses throughout the community;
· A special tourism membership level that includes additional advertising opportunities on the website and publications; and
· Strategically placing marketing materials throughout the community.
The first year's strategic goals also include:
· Inventory of Gilbert's tourism "enhancers" and "generators";
· Inventory of tourism publications and websites to include deadlines and costs;
· Place marketing messaging in strategic venues;
· Develop a list of strategic data collections reports and costs to obtain/maintain the reports;
· Identify long-term strategies, costs, and funding sources.
"All in all, we have a very ambitious year ahead of us but it will prove to provide a solid foundation to make long-term tourism decisions and we are very proud to be leading these efforts," announced JW Rayhons, Chairman of the Board. "We look forward to reporting on our progress throughout the year." |
| New Tourism Level Brings More Web, Print Exposure | |
By Sarah Watts, executive assistant
The Chamber's Board of Directors recently approved a new membership level for businesses related to the tourism industry.
The Tourism Level will provide the regular benefits of a Business Level Chamber membership, including a listing in the Chamber's directory and a URL and map link from the Chamber's web site, gilbertaz.com.
This level will also feature members on Gilbert's official tourism website, visitgilbertaz.com, with benefits including:
- A business listing and photo by category;
- A web site, map and e-mail link to your business;
- A twenty-five word description;
- A listing in the Visitors' Guide ase a tourist destination; and
- A map point on the Visitor's Guide destination map.
This level is subject to approval and exclusive to tourism-specific industries. For more information, contact Annette at (480) 926-6020. |
|
Governor Brewer Speaks at Chamber Luncheon | |
By Sarah Watts, executive assistant
Governor Jan Brewer spoke to members of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce on August 19th at a luncheon sponsored by Mercy Gilbert Medical Center.  In response to an inquiry about Obama Care and its burden to the state, the governor replied, "It's obvious that Arizona is not going to be able to sustain it. We are barely able to sustain what we deliver today and, if in fact it becomes effective in the manner in which it is now, it will cost you and I-the tax payers of Arizona-about ten billion dollars."
Governor Brewer also placed an emphasis on the importance of education, from elementary through college graduation and emphasized her priority to protect funding for it. "[Prop 100] is a one cent sales tax that was put into the constitution to be used two-thirds for education and the other third for public safety," the governor said. "You've got a commitment from me; you've got a commitment from the constitution; that this is the way it is going to take place." Click here to view video excerpts or a photo album of the luncheon. |
|
| |
|
|
Contact Updates to Begin for Leadership Alumni | |
By Adrianne Lynch, technology director
 Gilbert Leadership has launched a year-long initiative to update the program's alumni information. In the coming months, program intern and recent class XVIII graduate Tim Coluquon will be reaching out to alumni to collect updates on past participants' contact information and community involvement.
The alumni committee is researching software and web programs to create a new place to keep connected to other alumni and community opportunities. For now, alumni are encouraged to join the Gilbert Leadership Facebook page, facebook.com/gilbertleadership, to reconnect with the organization and catch up with classmates. For more information or to update your information, contact Adrianne at adrianne@gilbertchamber.com. |
|
Submit Nominations for Business Woman of the Year | |
By Marty Tomljenovic, vice president of special events
Do you know a woman leader, a mentor or a woman entrepreneur that has made a difference?
What Woman Want . . . .In Business will host the first annual Business Woman of the Year Award Luncheon on Tuesday, January 25 at San Tan Elegante Convention Center. Sponsored by National Bank of Arizona, this event will highlight women of honor in our community.
Deborah Bateman, Executive Vice President Specialty Banking and Marketing with National Bank will be the featured emcee. Nominations are being accepted at this time. Any woman who has achieved excellence in her chosen field, demonstrated leadership, resourcefulness and creativity in her career and is involved in the community should be nominated. Other considerations will include the nominee's continuous support for the advancement and leadership development of other women and unique contribution of setting herself apart from her peers. The nomination form can be found on the Chamber's website, gilbertaz.com. In addition to the form, please submit a written description as to why your nominee should be considered for the Gilbert Chamber's Business Woman of the Year. Deadline for all nominations is Friday, October 15, 2010. For additional information, contact Marty at (480) 926-6003 or e-mail marty@gilbertchamber.com.
|
|
Onerous Paper Mandate Hidden within Law | |
By Kathy Tilque, president and CEO
The Gilbert Chamber joined the US Chamber and hundreds of business groups to urge Congress to co-sponsor the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act, which would repeal onerous reporting and paperwork requirements hidden in the health care law.
Of particular concern was Section 9006, which would require businesses to file 1099 tax returns starting in 2012 for many purchases. Businesses of all sizes would be required to report on each vendor for all purchases totaling over $600 annually, which would dramatically increase accounting costs and time-consuming paperwork. The exemption for purchases from corporations would be limited and expanded to property (goods), as well as services.
The Gilbert Chamber continues to advocate on our members' behalf and it's through our members' investment and commitment that we can do so. Thank you for your leadership and continued support! |
|
| |
|
| Go Green! Tip of the Month | |
Community Shred-A-Thon Bring your sensitive documents for immediate, on-site destruction. 
Saturday, October 2nd
9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 101, Gilbert
$5 per box (10"x12"x15")
Boxes available onsite
for purpose of measurement. |
|
Keep Workers Safe from Hazardous Materials | |
By Ed Redmond, SCF Arizona
More than 30 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals each year on the job, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
At the same time, one of the most common reasons OSHA cites businesses for failing to comply with workplace safety regulations is because they fall short in meeting the federal agency's Hazardous Communication Standard (HazComm), which is designed to protect workers from exposure to dangerous chemicals.
The HazComm standard requires employers to provide workers with information and training on all chemicals they handle on the job, the hazards associated with those chemicals, how to protect themselves against exposure and what to do if they are exposed.
The standard also requires proper labeling of chemicals, maintaining a written HazComm program, an inventory of all hazardous chemicals, training employees and up-to-date information on each hazardous chemical.
"It's there for the employees to know what they are dealing with," said Gerry Coley, a loss control consultant for SCF Arizona, the state's largest provider of workers' compensation insurance.
To help Arizona employers understand the HazComm standard and comply with it, SCF's loss control safety experts recommend that business owners and safety directors:
-
Become familiar with the OSHA standard. The agency provides a simple summary in its free brochure "Chemical Hazard Communication" (OSHA 3084). It can be obtained by calling the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) office at 602.542.5795 in Phoenix or 502.628.5478 in Tucson; OSHA's Publications Office at 202.693.1888. SCF also offers a brochure and a convenient fact card, which can be ordered online at www.scfaz.com. For the brochure, order 64-481 and for the fact card, order 64-9121.
-
Identify responsible workers who will ensure compliance. A properly run HazComm program is not a one-shot deal. It requires ongoing training. For example, the standard requires training employees every time a new chemical is introduced into the workplace. Finding workers to handle the responsibility ensures continuity and accountability. Coley says that "reviewing the HazComm program on a regular basis with follow-up training is critical."
-
Make a written inventory of hazardous chemicals in your workplace. This list should not be limited to liquids in containers. It should cover hazardous solids, gases, vapors, fumes and mists, which cannot be contained. Once compiled, make sure a Material Safety Data Sheet is available for each hazardous chemical. These MSDS sheets contain essential information such as medical symptoms and recommended care if exposed.
-
Create a written HazComm program specific to your workplace. This program should address labeling requirements, employee information and training, and established procedures. MSDS and the written program must be available and accessible to all workers. That means if you keep the MSDS in your office and the office closes at 5 p.m., the night shift can't access the information, which is a violation of the regulation.
Coley recommended that employers make sure that all employees review MSDS prior to handling highly hazardous materials. "If you get something in your eye or skin, it may be too late to look it up in the book," he cautioned.
Finally, he said it is imperative to understand proper labeling and MSDS requirements. While chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors are responsible for providing the MSDS for their products, an employer must obtain the necessary information if a chemical does not have one.
Labels must include the chemical's name, the hazard warning and the hazardous effects. Labels also must be legible and prominently displayed.
Updating the MSDS to match with current inventory could help prevent OSHA citations, Coley said.
To get more information on how to implement a successful HazComm program, go to www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/whatishazcom.html. To read an SCF story about how a local business created an effective HazComm program, visit www.scfaz.com, click on "Safety," then AZ@Work magazine. SCF Arizona is the state's largest workers' compensation insurer, providing coverage to more than 35,000 active policyholders and some 500,000 employees statewide. SCF has operated in Arizona for 85 years, holds $3.4 billion in assets and employs more than 500 people. SCF is headquartered in Phoenix and has offices in Flagstaff, Lake Havasu City, Prescott, Show Low, Tucson and Yuma. For more information about SCF Arizona, visit www.scfaz.com.
If you would like more information on how you can earn additional bonus dividends through your SCF plan, contact Sarah at sarah@gilbertchamber.com. |
|
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. | |
|
|
|
|
|  |
JW Rayhons, Jesse Gambill and Gerald Sajor revved things up last month at the Evening Edition Networking Event, sponsored by Grease Monkey. |
Evening Edition Networking Event | |
Sponsored by:
It's Wednesday Night Football at SanTan Ford! Join us for a play-by-play event to remember, including live music, guest appearances by players and cheerleaders of your Arizona Cardinals and game-winning door prizes!
Wednesday, September 8th
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
SanTan Ford
1429 E. Motorplex Loop, Gilbert
General Admission - $10
Chamber Member Price - $5
|
Early Edition Networking Event | |
Sponsored by:
Aloha from TruWest Credit Union! Join the fun of a Hawaiian Luau and play musical beach towels, pass the coconut and Hawaiian BINGO to meet your fellow chamber members. Enjoy a Hawaiian-inspired continental breakfast and drinks!
Wednesday, September 15th
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
TruWest Credit Union
207 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert
General Admission - $10
Chamber Member Admission - $5
|
|
Luncheon Event | |
AND
BEST LANDSCAPING
This fun speed networking event will give you one-on-one time with many key elected officials and leaders within the Town of Gilbert. Meet representatives from code compliance, crime prevention, and the fire department as well as the town's small-business ombudsman and elected officials.
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Town of Gilbert
50 E. Civic Center Drive, Room 300, Gilbert
General Admission - $35
Chamber Member Price - $20
Admission includes lunch.
|
| 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
| |
|
| Website Referrals |
Listings Displayed in the Directory
Advanced Mechanical Inc.
Carpet Plus Colortile
Country Financial
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix-Gilbert
Hyatt Place Phoenix / Gilbert
Joe's Farm Grill
Marketside by Wal-Mart
Mr. Handyman of Gilbert
Paul Davis Emergency Services Chandler/Gilbert
SanTan Elegante and Legado Hotel
The Little Clinic
Villa Siena
Top Sponsor Views
APS
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Gilbert Insurance Group
Maddy's Pool Supply & Service
MAX Solutions, PLLC.
National Bank of Arizona
Rayhons Financial Solutions / ING Financial Partners
SCF Arizona
SRP
The I.T. Workshop, LLC.
Top Website Views
4th Wall Productions, LLC
A.T. Still University
California Wire Cloth, Inc.
Hale Centre Theatre
Imagine Technologies Inc.
John's Refrigeration
Mr. Handyman of Gilbert
Orbit Cleaning,LLC
ROCKET MEDIA
SanTan Village
The Little Clinic
| |
|
| You Say It Best! | | |
Comments about August's Evening Edition Networking Event, sponsored by Grease Monkey
"I'm so glad I went to last night's mixer. It was so much fun!"
Melissa Forrester
United Food Bank
"Fun was had by all. That's how you're to network ...having fun and making friends."
Gayle Schmidt
Buffalo Wild Wings |
| Membership Anniversaries | |
| |
1-5 YEARS
American Family Chiropractic of Gilbert
Arizona Bank and Trust
Carrabba's Italian Grill
FirstBank of Arizona
Gilbert Hospital
Good Night Pediatrics East Valley
Hospice Family Care Inc.
Mountain Vista Medical Center
T. Marreel & Associates
6-10 YEARS
Cox Communications
Crown Collision Center
Gilbert Chapter of United Mesa Firefighters
Greater Phoenix SCORE
11-15 YEARS
American Legion Post 39
Golba Group Realty & Property Management
Mesa Verde Property Mgmt., Inc.
16-20 YEARS
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Power Ranch
21+ YEARS
Bar 4 Self Storage, LLC
Severn Trent Services, Inc.
Southwest Gas Corporation
SRP
|
| Chamber Member Shout Out! | |
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce recognizes the following businesses for their contribution of door prizes or catering last month:
A Mug You Can Trust
Bedmart
Bruegger's Bagels
Cathy's Rum Cake Worldwide Gilbert
Charleston's
Chiropractic USA
Jeannie's Grooming
SAM'S Club - Gilbert Rd.
The Fieldhouse Restaurant & Bar
The original basket boutique
Wildflower Bread Company |
|
|
Join us in Spain!
