| Leaders from Participation, Solutions; Not Bad Behavior | |
By Kathy Tilque, president and CEO
Out with old, in with the new? I have heard that phrase in several settings of late and I have been contemplating what that actually means. Considering Gilbert is a somewhat young community, celebrating 90 years of incorporation this year, the fact is development did not take off in Gilbert until the 1990's. So in that respect, our community is more like a teenager entering its 20's than a grandparent in its 90's.
So does it mean that if people have been engaged in their community over the past twenty years they are now too old and incapable of generating new ideas? These people founded the vision of what Gilbert is today, they withstood the backlash of the "no-growth" mindset and developed a community that continues to be one of the most sought after to raise a family and now a destination for business growth. Gilbert and Higley schools owe much of their success to those who have been engaged these last twenty years, all the old-timers and the young new parents who have contributed with their time and dollars.
I look at the Chamber's Gilbert Leadership program that is entering its twentieth year. We still have many of the original organizers involved yet we bring in new board members each year to keep the program fresh and address timely community issues, all the while maintaining the integrity of the program. What a concept - the old and the new working together to make this a better community.
What happens to the integrity of our community as a whole when we make promises to get rid of the historic perspective on our boards/commissions without much thought to those contributions? Instead, do we focus towards bringing in new people at any cost? Those appointed to boards/commissions should be required to spend time at public meetings, as a private citizen or an alternate, prior to being placed in a position to make important recommendations as to the future of Gilbert. I'm not talking about planning a community event or a one-time dinner party. I'm talking about preparing leaders who could change the landscape of our community, make decisions that cannot be repealed and could result in the erosion of Gilbert's quality and attractiveness.
I believe we have fallen victim to the "squeaky wheel" syndrome. We are teetering towards the obligatory international hand gesture being shown to those who have contributed years of hard work as they are unceremoniously escorted to the door. We need to embrace different opinions, encourage all residents and businesses to be engaged in community activities but do so through a series of opportunities to provide education about the issues and give them time to understand the importance of their decisions on the future of this community.
This community was built by those who created the vision along with those who played the "nay-sayer" role and there is room to continue dialog between the two. It is easy to stand up and criticize, not so easy to bring solutions. It's time to re-evaluate our appointment and decision-making processes; stop rewarding those who behave badly to make a name for themselves.
We are a community of character and we need to honor that philosophy and recognize that a person's character is truly defined during the hard times; and often times past performance is a good indication of future behavior. Reward those who are part of the solution and not those who are just looking to discredit others. Let's bring all sides together for a healthy community dialog as we find balanced solutions together - and let those who don't want to find solutions go play in someone else's sandbox.
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Adopt A Senior!
Grant the wish of homebound and low-income seniors by shopping for items on their wish lists. Lists average $25. Monetary and other general donations are acceptable.
To request a list, contact Kristin or Sarah at (480) 892-0056 or send an e-mail to intern@gilbertchamber.com.
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| Members Receive Thousands in Workers' Comp Dividends | |
By Sarah Watts, executive assistant
Members enrolled in the SCF Arizona workers' compensation Association Safety Plan (ASP) recently received more than $40,000 in bonus dividends. The Chamber's partnership with SCF Arizona allows qualified members to receive this bonus dividend in addition to any individual dividends already received.
 An active and unified approach to accident prevention can mean a larger potential dividend for members. By working closely with SCF Arizona, participating ASP members have lowered their worker's compensation costs and increased safety in the workplace.
To find out how your business can receive a bonus dividend on workers' compensation through SCF Arizona and the Chamber's ASP program, contact Sarah at (480) 892-0056, ext. 104, or e-mail sarah@gilbertchamber.com.
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Gilbert Leadership Names Class XIX Members, Holds Team Building Day | |
By Adrianne Lynch, technology director
Gilbert Leadership, a program of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, has named the 25 members of Class XIX. The class represents a mix of corporate professionals and small business owners who work in such areas as health care, education, insurance and renewable energy. Gilbert Leadership is a nine-month development program that brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds one Friday a month to learn about such topics as government, social services, local business and Gilbert's history. The Gilbert Leadership program influences the community by building leadership capacity, increasing knowledge and awareness of community concerns, and by helping leaders learn how they can best serve using their unique talents and interests. Participants also make a lasting contribution i n the form of a class project. Past class projects have benefitted the Gilbert Historical Museum, The Riparian Institute and Discovery Park.
These individuals have selected for Gilbert Leadership Class XIX:
William Michael Atkins, Law Office of W. Michael Atkins;
Barbara Benell, Legacy Financial, LLC; Michael Bianchi, Banner Gateway Medical Center; Roger Broz, Marketside; Chelle Bullard, Gilbert Promotional Corp.; Mai Lin Garcia, A.L. Russell and Associates; Trevor Gelder, First Solar, Inc.; Julie Graham, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center; Barbara Guy, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center; Jonathan Hoellrich, Marsh Management and Real Estate; Kelli Houghton, Banner Baywood Hospital; Tony Johnson, Community Services of Arizona; Gina Lopez, Jackson White; Dr. Atif Malik, CHW - East Valley; Mark Newman, Keller Williams Realty; Darren Patoni, The I.T. Workshop; Joseph Shelley, City of Mesa; Thomas Stark, Wells Fargo Bank; Bob Steiger, Salt River Project; Roger Stewart, Arizona Regional MLS & SCUBA-AZ; Marty Uhlhorn, Gilbert Insurance Group; Sharon Cholet Valentine, Valentine Investment Properties, LLC; Mark Walerstein, Just Personalized, LLC; Sonya Williams, Higley Unified School District; and Debbora Woods, Higley Unified School District. More than 300 individuals have graduated from the program since 1990, including Vice Mayor Les Presmyk, Councilmembers Linda Abbott, Dave Crozier, and John Sentz, past Mayor Cynthia Dunham, Assistant Town Manager Tami Ryall, Gilbert Chamber President and CEO Kathy Tilque, and many other community leaders. For more information about Gilbert Leadership, contact Adrianne Lynch at (480) 570-0600 or visit www.gilbertleadership.com |
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Save the Date - 2011 Celebrity Waiter
Thursday, February 3rd
6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Villa Siena
890 W. Elliot Raod, Gilbert
Sponsored by:
General admission - $75
Chamber member admission - $60
Register Now
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Tourism Efforts Include Information Kiosks, Intern | |
By Sarah Watts, executive assistant
Gilbert residents and tourists will have a new tool at their fingertips with the recent launch of the community's first kiosk system, in partnership with Kiokom, LLC.
The tourism kiosks have been installed in locations including the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, the Gilbert Historical Museum, Hampton Inn, the SanTan Legado Hotel and the food court at SanTan Village.
The touch-screen, paperless kiosks feature categories such as Where to Stay, Where to Eat, What to Do and Community Resources with links to local services.
A business listing on Gilbert's kiosk system can be purchased by Chamber members for $50 per month. All kiosks will display the same content and can be updated by advertisers in real time via a password-protected website.
To assist the Chamber and its Tourism Committee with increased tourism-related efforts, the Chamber recently welcomed intern David Bullis to its staff. David will work with the committee on research-related projects, will serve as the staff liaison for the tourism kiosk system and will maintain the on-site visitors' center. Please take time to welcome David.
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Ordinaces That May Impact Your Business |
The Gilbert Chamber is currently working on the following items that may impact your business:
If Prop 203 passes on November 2nd, medical marijuana dispensaries and cultivation sites will be allowed to open in Gilbert and other Arizona communities. The Chamber is working with the Town on an ordinance that will restrict placement of facilities in regards to schools, churches, residents, parks, etc.
A public nuisance ordinance is being discussed at the Town; the Chamber is investigating its impact on businesses as it relates to property or equipment becoming unsafe or deficient such as vacant structures, broken windows, trash, etc.
Replenishing the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and paying back the federal loan to keep this fund solvent is key to keeping business rates low. Options to do so are being discussed at the State level which may include a temporary increase in taxes to secure our current 5.4% credit from the federalgovernment because of our previous healthy fund balance. Our EVCCA lobbyists are actively participating in these discussions.
The EVCCA is finalizing our annual Legislative Agenda which will be presented to our East Valley Legislators in December. The Agenda outlines important business issues and priorities that may come before the Legislature in January.
The Chamber has been actively involved in the rewriting of the General Plan which will go before the voter's next May. You can find out more about the changes by visiting www.gilbertaz.gov.
Your Chamber continues to work on your behalf! If you'd like to get involved in our public policy committee, please contact Kathy at 480-892-1103 or by e-mail at kathy@gilbertchamber.com.
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Second Referral Institute
Draws A Crowd |
More than 100 Chamber members and their guests attended last month's second workshop of the Referral Institute series.
Referral strategist Victoria Trafton shared with attendees the importance of understanding different behavioral styles saying "people buy from and refer to people they know, like and trust." Trafton suggested you attempt to match the behavioral style of the individual you are working with, including their work pace and tone of voice.
Attendees were assigned homework in preparation for the next workshop and were encouraged to practice these tips by attending Chamber networking events in an effort to create positive word-of-mouth.
Mark your calendar to attend the third workshop of the Referral Institute series on Wednesday, January 19th from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
To learn more about this program or to reserveyour spot at the next workshop, contact Annette at (480) 926-6020 or e-mail annette@gilbertchamber.com. Register Now.
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| Share Your Projections for Next Year's Economy |
The law firm of Baird Williams & Greer (BWG), in partnership with the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, is looking to hear from Arizona-based businesses about their projections for the 2011 economy. As part of its annual Valley Economic Forecast, BWG is collecting information from local businesses to forecast next year's trends to help companies plan for the coming year.
Companies can share their input by completing an online survey at: https://app.e2ma.net/app2/survey/35092/23838/daadbcec4e/. The survey will be made available until Monday, November 8, at midnight and should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. For more information about Baird Williams & Greer visit www.bwglaw.net. |
| Go Green! Tip of the Month | |
Reduce your carbon footprint! Leaving your car at home twice a week can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 1,600 pounds per year. Save up errands and shopping trips so you need to drive fewer times. If you commute to work, ask if you can work from home at least some days, and you'll reduce air pollution and traffic congestion - and save money. |
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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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Safety Committee members Lorraine Umphrey of Monterrey Tile Company and Lee Frische of the Town of Gilbert accepted this year's SCF Arizona dividend check on behalf of the Chamber's ASP Members. |
Evening Edition Networking Event | |
Thursday, Nov. 11th
6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Gilbert Historical Museum
10 S. Gilbert Road, Gilbert
We'll celebrate in cowboy and cowgirl style with door prizes, great food and beverages!
Sponsored by:
Help us kick off Gilbert Days with a wild western party, including great barbecue, country western karaoke and horse-drawn wagon rides through downtown Gilbert.
General admission-$25
Chamber member admission-$5
Register Now
Pre-registered guests of members may attend at the member rate. |
Early Edition Networking Event | |
Wednesday, Nov. 17th
7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Gilbert Road,
Ste. 101, Gilbert
Connect with others and build relationships to improve your referral business!
Sponsored by:
7:30 a.m.
Attend a panel discussion to learn more about your benefits as a member of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.
and/or
8:00 a.m.
Networking begins. Win door prizes and enjoy a light breakfast.
General admission-$25
Chamber member admission-$5
Register Now
Pre-registered guests of members may attend at the member rate. |
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Evening Edition Networking Event | |
Thursday, December 2nd
6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Bedmart, Inc.
2720 S. Market Street, Gilbert
Don't be a Scrooge!
Join us for a networking event to remember.
Sponsored by:
Get into the holiday spirit with the help of Santa and his Elf! Attendees will enjoy great food, winter beverages and massages from Chiropractic USA. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to benefit the Toys for Tots program and be entered to win a Donald Trump mattress.
General admission - $25
Chamber member admission - $5
Register Now
Pre-registered guests of members may attend at the member rate. | |
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Early Edition Networking Event | |
Wednesday, Dec. 15th
8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Gilbert Boys & Girls Club
44 N. Oak Street, Gilbert
Come help us make a difference in the lives of Gilbert children.
Sponsored by:
Help the Boys & Girls Club and the kids that need additional support to participate in club activities.
A holiday giving tree will be displayed for attendees to help pay for a child's annual tuition.
General admission - $25
Chamber member admission - $5
Register Now
Pre-registered guests of members may attend at the member rate. | |
| 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
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Southwest Airlines
SRP
Thorobred Chevrolet
Town of Gilbert
Villa Siena
Medical Center
East Valley Tribune
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| Website Referrals |
Listings Displayed in the Directory
Art Rocks Studio
Batteries Plus
California Pizza Kitchen
Comerica Bank
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix-Gilbert
Home Health and Hospice of Arizona
Hyatt Place Phoenix / Gilbert
Joe's Farm Grill
Orbital Science Corporation
SanTan Elegante and Legado Hotel
Top Sponsor Views
AZ D & C Commercial Advisors
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Best Landscaping Company
Gilbert Insurance Group
Maddy's Pool Supply & Service
MAX Solutions, PLLC.
Rayhons Financial Solutions / ING Financial Partners
San Tan Ford
The I.T. Workshop, LLC.
TruWest Credit Union
Villa Siena
Top Website Views
A Green You Can Trust
Advanced Chiropractic
Batteries Plus
Bound Tree Medical, LLC
California Pizza Kitchen
Debra R. Merrill CPA, PLLC
Hale Centre Theatre
Higley Center for the Performing Arts
mortgage.Com
Spectrum GPS Tracking
Top Map Views
A Green You Can Trust
Advanced Chiropractic
Batteries Plus
Bound Tree Medical, LLC
California Pizza Kitchen
Comerica Bank
Home Health and Hospice of Arizona
Integrative Health Patient Care
Jakes Grill and Bar, LLC.
Oak For Less
Sattler Pension & Wealth Management
Spectrum GPS Tracking | |
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| You Say It Best! | | |
"I attended both Gilbert Leadership (Class VIII) and the FrontRunner class. Both impacted our businesses positively. Front Runner is taught by proven professionals with proven business success. It would be hard to find more relevant, useful business solutions in any other setting."
Tad Peelen, Co-Owner
Joe's Real BBQ
Joe's Farm Grill
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| Membership Anniversaries | |
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Renewals thru September 30, 2010
1-5 YEARS
Arizona State Credit Union
Carlsson Family Eye Center, PLC.
Dillard's
GS Capital Lending
Horne Kia
LaVie Nails & Spa
Premier Designs Jewelry - Jean Flis
State Farm Insurance and Financial Services
Sunrise of Gilbert
Udder Delights
Wyde Beam Broadband
6-10 YEARS
D&R Construction
Jeannie's Grooming
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport
Robert J. Voordeckers, CPA
United Food Bank
11-15 YEARS
Bamford Realty, Inc.
Frankie D's Salon
Monterrey Tile Company
16-20 YEARS
Gilbert Historical Museum
Lawton Publications
Pioneer Landscaping Materials
Spectrac Suspension Centers, Inc.
21+ YEARS
Chandler/Gilbert ARC
The Arizona Group
Valley of the Sun United Way
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