The Gilbert Chamber has been involved with the Town to change the current business registration process to an annual licensing. Business registration information collected in the past was used to determine if hazardous waste was deposited into the the Town's wastewater. In an effort to allow businesses to complete all the paper work and remit payments at one time, the Town is considering a process which would include fire inspection and police alarm information on one form. Currently, this information is collected at different times throughout the year. 

While the Council won't vote on the new changes to require an annual business license until the beginning of 2011, they did vote to approve changing the three-year registration to an annual registration effective in December 2010. The fee for an initial registration will be $35 and a renewal will be $15. These are anticipated to be the same fees for a business license. (There are specific types of businesses whose fees are larger such as day cares, restaurants, etc. due to other licensing requirements but for a general business these costs will remain the same.)

The Chamber agreed that making the change now to an annual registration would allow businesses to move into the licensing queue within a year instead of three-years of paying fees at different times of the year. The Chamber also worked closely with the Town to identify ways to efficiently change these processes and notifying businesses electronically at renewal times which resulted in savings up to $200 a year in some cases.

Home-based businesses are required to register their business under the current ordinance and will need to continue that practice once their registration has expired.

The Town of Gilbert is working on obtaining the software needed to allow for on-line licensing to include credit card payment. The Chamber has stressed the importance of upgrading technology to make it easier for businesses to conduct transactions with the Town electronically. We are pleased to see the progress made in this area as it will save businesses money and time.

Shop Gilbert has launched a new opportunity for Gilbert businesses to highlight their products and services while also spreading the word about the benefits of shopping locally.

Showcase Your Business

Record an amateur commercial showcasing your Gilbert business and include Shop Gilbert messaging to help us spread the word about shopping locally.

Your video should be between 15 and 30 seconds long and must include the phrases "Shop Gilbert" and "Put your money where your house is!"

Your video should also include at least one piece of Shop Gilbert promotional material such as the sustainable shopping bag, temporary tattoo, bookmark or window decal. All materials are available at the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.

Upload your video to YouTube or another hosting site, then send the video URL by e-mail to sarah@gilbertchamber.com

Tip: Keep your script word count between 65 and 90 words. Try to include the following points when writing your script: Business name and location, the product or service your business provides, what makes your business unique and why you support the Shop Gilbert campaign.

Look For Your Commercial

Your commercial will be posted on Shop Gilbert's website and Facebook page and may even be highlighted in Shop Gilbert marketing materials.

Deadline

Commercials should be submitted before December 31, 2010. Please allow two weeks from date of entry for commercial posting.

Visit www.gilbertaz.com/ShopGilbert for additional information and to view a sample commercial. Entry into the video campaign and enrollment in the Shop Gilbert program is free-of-charge and limited to Gilbert businesses.

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 

Need a Business Mentor? We Have Your Match!