| Social Media Marketing for Small Business | |
By Adrianne Lynch, IT Director
Are you confused about Social Media? Are you concerned that it is a waste of time? Do you want to learn how to profit from Social Media Marketing?
These questions and many others will be discussed openly in our upcoming "lunch and learn" seminar entitled Social Media Marketing for Small Business.
Here are some of the topics that will be discussed:
- Will Social Media Marketing work for your business?
- Where (and how) to get started
- The role of blogging in Social Media Marketing
- What you need to know about marketing on Facebook
- Is Twitter worth your time?
- Did you know that the #2 most visited website is a Social Media site?
- Mining Gold at LinkedIn
Date: April 13th, 2011
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
Brownbag session
General Admission: $10
Member Price: Free
This is the first of a series of Social Media training sessions. This seminar will be led by Anthony Kirlew, Founder of AKA Internet Marketing, a 10+ year veteran of Internet Marketing who consults and coaches businesses on effective Online and Social Media Marketing strategies. |
| The Power of One! You Can Make a Difference | |
By Annette Sellers, V.P. of Sales
Referrals are so important to the success of your business and just as important to the growth of the Chamber. A special thank you goes out to all of our members who participated in The Power of One! The program welcomed many new members to the Chamber and additional partners for you to do business with. Do you have a referral partner in your contact sphere that would prosper from the Chamber's benefits? Share with them your experience and the power of the referral network at the Chamber. As the Chamber continues to help you advance your business, pay it forward and help another community member advance theirs. As you continue to meet new people in our community or come across referral partners, associates, neighbors, and new businesses, ask them if they are a member of the Chamber. Together we can help strengthen our Town and businesses will flourish and prosper. It is Your Chamber...Your Choice! |
| Shred-A-Thon |
Protect yourself from identity theft! The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with TNT Shredding to shred sensitive documents.
Shredding Fee is $5/box (10"x12"x15"). Boxes available onsite for purpose of measurement.
If you are interested in showcasing your business at the Shred-A-Thon, purchase a booth for only $75.
Saturday, April 9th
9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce |
| Gilbert Leadership News |
Gilbert Leadership Class XIX Announces Service Project
Chamber's Gilbert Leadership Program will benefit Boys & Girls Club Gilbert Branch.
The Chamber's Gilbert Leadership class of 22 business leaders will come together to raise funds and supplies to provide improvements to the Gilbert Boys & Girls Club learning center.
The work days will be held on Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16 at the Gilbert Boys & Girls Club located at 44 N. Oak.
Improvements to the learning center will include repainting of the room, relocating white boards so the children can reach them, installing corkboards, build/paint/install a corner unit bookshelf, and supply textbooks and AR reading books appropriate for 2nd - 8th grades. The estimated total needed for the project is $4,500 which the Gilbert Leadership class will raise through cash and in-kind donations from Gilbert businesses and individual donors.
Contact Adrianne@gilbertchamber.com if you would like to make a donation.
Gilbert Leadership Alumni Social Meet and Greet
Is there a new executive in your company? Whether they are new to town or new to a leadership role, bring them to our Meet and Greet to talk to Gilbert Leadership Alumni about their experience and memories of being part of a class, creating friendships and leaving a legacy in Gilbert.
Spouses and partners are welcome. It will be on Wednesday, April 28th at Buffalo Wild Wings on McQueen and Elliot in Gilbert. There will a brief welcome and information about the program, followed by networking with complimentary appetizers.
If you are interested in learning more about Gilbert Leadership please attend our Recruitment Breakfast on Thursday, May 12th at 7:30 a.m. at the Town of Gilbert.
Gilbert Leadership is a premier leadership program of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce designed to help develop our Town's current and future leaders. Gilbert Leadership brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to develop their leadership potential. The Gilbert Leadership program influences the community by building leadership capacity, increasing knowledge and awareness of community concerns, and by nurturing our future leaders.
Our Mission:
"Increase citizen participation in the community by creating awareness of leadership opportunities and developing individual leadership skills which support the goals of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce."
For more information please visit www.gilbertleadership.com |
|
Cook is Elected;3 Seats Still Up for Grabs in General Election | |
By JW Rayhons, Chairman of the Board
Congratulations to Eddie Cook for being elected to the Town Council during the March Primary Election. Cook expressed his support for business, commitment to a long-term relationship with the Chamber, and focus on economic development during our endorsement process. We look forward to working with him.
That leaves three seats with a field of six candidates. The Chamber conducted an in-depth endorsement process which included written responses, forum participation and one-on-one interviews. While all candidates focused on business issues, the Chamber felt that a stable, historic perspective and commitment to the long-term visioning of Gilbert is paramount during these critical stages in Gilbert's development.
The election is not over and there is still much work to do. We cannot express enough, the importance of you and your employees taking time to vote. Make sure your voice is heard.
The Chamber endorses the following candidates:
Linda Abbott Ben Cooper Dave Crozier Les Presmyk
To find out more information about these candidates, visit www.gilbertaz.com |
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| Governor Signs Jobs Bill | |
By Eric Emmert, EVCCA Lobbyist
In a historic vote, the Arizona Legislature passed and the Governor signed the Arizona Competitiveness Package also known as the "Jobs Bill" last month. The bill is designed to stimulate the creation of jobs and grow the Arizona economy.
The package includes many provisions the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance have historically recommended. The Alliance was the first Chamber organization last year to call for passage of jobs creation legislation.
The package includes the following:
Arizona Commerce Authority
Comprised of 17 top CEO's from around the state, the Authority will focus on business attraction, retention and expansion in key base industries.
Arizona Competes Fund
Also known as the "Deal Closing Fund", the Arizona Competes Fund will provide qualifying companies with funding that stimulates and promotes industries that provide stable, high-wage jobs. The program will be funded through increases in corporate income tax withholding, and capped at $25 million.
Arizona Quality Jobs Tax Credit
The Quality Jobs Tax Credit replaces Arizona's expiring Enterprise Zone Program. This performance based tax credit will provide qualifying businesses with a $3000 tax credit for each new qualifying job. The credit is limited to 400 jobs per employer per year.
Optional 100% Sales Factor
Multi-state businesses have the option of calculating their corporate income taxes based on sales. Currently, Arizona's corporate income tax is calculated through a formula based on property, payroll and sales.
Corporate Income Tax Reduction
In an effort to assist small businesses in Arizona, the corporate income tax rate will be reduced to 4.9% from 6.97% between 2014 and 2017.
Commercial Property Tax Assessment Ratio Reduction
Commercial property in Arizona will be reduced from a 20% assessment ratio to 18% over the next four years.
Personal Property Tax Reduction
Through a change in the indexing, the Business Personal Property Tax threshold will be increased from $67,000 to $79,000.
Capital Gains Elimination
The capital gains tax on income derived from investments in qualified small businesses that have been certified by the Arizona Commerce Authority will be eliminated. Additionally, the long-term capital gains tax is also decreased.
Research and Development Tax Credit Reduction
Businesses that make research and development expenditures in cooperation with any of Arizona's universities will enhance the R&D Tax Credit by 10%.
Should you have questions about these or any other issues impacting business, please feel free to contact the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance contract lobbyists (Tom Dorn, Eric Emmert and Heather Bernacki) at (602) 606-4667.
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| Kiokom Teams Up With Chamber for Toursime Kiosk |
The Gilbert Chamber and KioKom are offering members the opportunity to advertise on the six kiosks located throughout the community - it's a virtual concierge at your fingertips! These kiosks direct visitors to your business and will text your contact information to their mobile phone. We've already had 4,200 visits to the kiosks. To receive a special offer please contact Donna at 480-389-4669.* (Correction on Phone Number) |
| Go Green! Tip of the Month |
Reduce Paper Use 
Use rags instead of paper towels, cloth napkins instead of paper ones. Buy post consumer recycled paper and recycle it when you've used it.
Source: earthshare.org |
| Chamber member "Shout Out"! |
The following members provided door prizes and/or catering at recent events:
Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply
B.R.I.O. Tuscan Grille
Brueggers Bagels
Business Journal
Costco Wholesale
Country Inn & Suites by Carlson
Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que
Grimaldi's Coal Brick Oven Pizza
Jim Hayden and Associates
KioKom LLC
Luv My Bling
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Polka Dots & Popsicles
San Tan Village |
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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 550 members ranging from home-based businesses to large corporations and representing for more that 47,000 employees. To learn more about or join the Chamber, please contact (480) 892-0056 or visit www.gilbertaz.com. |
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Chambers across the state met with legislators during the annual Chamber Day at the Legislature. Pictured are Barry Drost, JW Rayhons, Representative Steve Urie, Kathy Tilque and Jeff Mirasola at the luncheon. Topics of discussion included the jobs package, budget, and unemployment insurance fund solvency. |
|
2nd Annual Scholars Golf Tournament | |
Sponsored by:
Thursday, April 7th
6:00 a.m.-Registration Opens
6:15 a.m.- Breakfast Buffet
7:30 a.m.- Shotgun Start
Trilogy at Power Ranch
4415 E. Village Parkway, Gilbert | |
Enjoy a spring day at the second annual Scholars Golf Tournament. This event features an 18 hole tournament and an awards luncheon. The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce will be donating partial proceeds to fund scholarships for students participating in the Gilbert Public School & Higley Public Schools Districts' Scholars Program.
Foursome Package-$600
Individual Golfer-$150
Luncheon-$25
Register Now |
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Sponsored by:
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Gilbert Insurance Group
Maddy's Pool Supply & Service
MAX Solutions, PLLC
Rayhons Financial Solutions
The IT Workshop
General admission-Call for details
Wednesday, April 20th
7:30 a.m.- 10:00 a.m.
Val Vista Lakes Meeting & Banquet Facility
1600 E. Lakeside Dr., Gilbert
Last of Quarterly Workshop series designed to help you advance your business! Don't miss this exclusive opportunity for Gilbert Chamber of Commerce members only! Class Four: Defining a Referral Process and Tracking Referrals: A Referral System for Small Business, Effective follow up to generate more business and assuing ongoing referrals.
General admission- Call for details
Chamber members only- $10
Register Now |
|
Luncheon Event | |
What Women Want...In Business
Sponsored by:
Luv My Bling
Simply Ravishing Nails
State Farm Insurance
The Original Basket Boutique
Tuesday, April 26th
11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Higley Center for the Performing Arts
4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert
Calling all fashion divas! Make your reservations now to attend this fun luncheon as Chamber members and community leaders put their best foot forward to showcase spring and summer fashions coordinated by Dillard's at SanTan Village. Models will share the latest trends in business and casual attire, footwear, jewelry and more. | |
General admission - $35
Chamber member admission - $20
Register Now |
| Chairman's Express |  | |
The following members are recognized for their continued support and contributions to the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce:
APS
Banner Health
East Valley Tribune
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
SRP |
| Premier Members |
APS
Banner Health
East Valley Tribune
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Southwest Airlines
Thorobred Chevrolet
Town of Gilbert
Villa Siena
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| Website Referrals |
February 2011
Listings Displayed in Directory
Barleen's Arizona Opry
Gilbert Promotional Corporation
Hale Centre Theatre
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix-Gilbert
Higley Center for the Performing Arts
Hyatt Place Phoenix/Gilbert
Joe's Farm Grill
Oregano's Pizza Bistro, Inc.
SanTan Elegante and Legado Hotel
SanTan Village
Website Clicked on
Arizona Exterminating
Copperstar Repertory Co.
Edible Arrangements
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix-Gilbert
Nexagen USA
SanTan Elegante and Legado Hotel
SanTan Village
The Original Basket Boutique
Tree Care Plus. Inc.
Virtual Colonoscopy of the Valley
Watson's Flower Shop
Map of Location Displayed
AKA Internet Marketing
Attila - Szasz (Attila The Handyman)
Banner Gateway Medical Center
BASC Expertise
Dance Republic
Dental Media Pros
Dragon Wok Fine Chinese Restaurant
Omni Self Storage
Pre-Paid Legal Services
Watson's Flower Shop | |
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| You Say It Best! | |
"As a management leader who has grown several businesses for other people, I now wanted to ensure I am building my own effectively. Front Runner is a great overview of the basics to establish a solid foundation for a successful business. I loved watching the excitement the program generated in so many when they realized the great opportunities that lie ahead for them."
Joan Krueger
Jim Hayden & Associates | |
| Membership Anniversaries | | |
March Renewals
1-5 YEARS
4th Wall Productions, LLC
A Better Connection, Inc.
Allstate WorkPlace Division
Annovative Solutions, LLC.
Arizona Exterminating
Berkner Naturopathic LLC Creative Smiles
Broadstone Twin Fields
Bryant Pest Control
Craftsmen in Wood, MFG.
Hyatt PlacePhoenix / Gilbert
Invision Auto Body
Invisus Direct
Jimmy's of Chicago
Metro Fire Equipment, Inc.
Network Automotive ServiceCenter
Premise One, Inc
Professional Business Connection
Purcell Tire & Rubber Company
Spaich Benefits
Springbok Wellness Centre & Rehab
Sunrise Urology, PC
Superstition Lakes Dental
The Gilbert SkyBox Sports Grill
Ultimate Tan
6-10 YEARS
Arizona Animal Wellness Center
Great Western Bank
Hale Centre Theatre
Iguana Mack's
M&I Bank- William's Field
Rayhons Financial Solutions / ING Financial Partners
Wal-Mart
11-15 YEARS
Barnes Fine Jewelers
D Squared Incorporated
International Minute Press of Gilbert
Perkins Accounting, P.C.
16-20 YEARS
Gilbert Boys & Girls Club
Power Ranch
21+ YEARS
APS
Bar 4 Self Storage, LLC
HobbyTown USA
Sir Speedy Printing & Copying
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