May News from the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce

BusinessReview Online Edition

A monthly publication of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce

May 2011

Congratulations to Gail Garcia from the Gail Garcia Agency!

You have won a full year's banner ad on our website a $250 value, for responding to our membership survey.

In This Issue

Top Notch Speakers for Economic Forecast

The Business Community Must be Heard this Election!

Leadership to Host Breakfast

Gilbert Chamber Supports General Plan Ballot

Chamber Businesses Recongized at Luncheon

Legislature Passes 2012 Budget

Go Green! Tip of the Month

Chamber Member Shout Out

Top Notch Speakers for Economic Forecast

By Kathy Tilque, President/CEO

Join us for our annual Economic Forecast featuring presentations from Lattie Coor, Chairman and CEO of the Center for the Future of Arizona; Barry Broome, President/CEO of Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and Dan Henderson, Business Development Manager for the Town of Gilbert on Tuesday, May 24, 2011.

"With such an assortment of information about the economy, this forecast luncheon will bring you up to speed on the positive steps the State of Arizona and the Town of Gilbert are taking to not only help your business grow but also attract new business ventures," said Chairman of the Board JW Rayhons. "If you are interested in what the future holds for economic development then this luncheon is for you. It's also great opportunity to ask questions of these dynamic leaders."

The luncheon will delve into how Arizona stacks up against other states, how the recently signed Jobs Bill will enhance opportunities to attract key businesses to Arizona and allow Arizona businesses to grow, as well as, steps the Town of Gilbert is taking to achieve their strategic objectives in economic development; in particular life science type industries. You'll also learn about some of the exciting new businesses coming to town.

The Business Community Must be Heard this Election!

By Kathy Tilque, President/CEO

Early voting began April 21^st and your vote is extremely important. Your Chamber has done extensive research on all the candidates for Town Council. While there are some very nice candidates who have placed their hat in the ring we feel that you, as business owners, should strongly consider whether you would place the management of your business in the hands of someone with no prior experience in your industry. If you question that wisdom then we urge you to take a look around at what a wonderful community Gilbert is today. It didn't happen overnight, it took courage and vision to stay true to making Gilbert a desirable community; not only for residents and families but for business as well. We have maintained a strong, open-door type communication with our current councilmembers and have found they are always eager to meet with businesses one-on-one or in group settings to find out how they can help grow and support your business.

Times are tough, there is no doubt, and our future is in the hands of those YOU elect. Please take a moment to hear directly from the candidates the Chamber endorses by clicking here. Please share this information with your network of clients and friends.

Shred-A-Thon

Due to the rain, last month's Shred-A-Thon was cancelled, but please join us this month.

Protect yourself from identity theft! The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with TNT Shredding to shred sensitive documents.

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Shredding Fee is $5/box (10"x12"x15"). Boxes available onsite for purpose of measurement.

9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Gilbert Chamber of Commerce

Saturday, May 14th

Leadership to Host Breakfast

Gilbert Leadership Briefing and Breakfast

Gilbert Leadership Logo plain Come out to breakfast and meet past and current leaders who are making a difference in industry and civics. Learn more about the Gilbert Leadership program and how to become part of Class XX! Make some great friends and find out how to use your leadership potential to impact your community! For more information visitgilbertleadership.com; facebook.com/gilbertleadership; or contact Adrianne@gilbertchamber.com.

Gilbert Chamber Supports General Plan Ballot

By Kathy Tilque, President/CEO

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce has been actively involved in the public process of updating the Town of Gilbert's General Plan which will go before the voters in May 2011. This revised General Plan will set the stage for Gilbert's growth and priorities during the next ten years and requires a vote of support from our community.

The update process was spread out over more than a year's time and included monthly public meetings of subcommittees, open house meetings throughout the community and feedback from citizens, businesses, and other entities such as schools, county, and water resource partners.

Of particular interest to the Chamber is the updated economic development and environmental chapters that outline long-term strategies for our community. However, the Plan's long-term strategies stretch beyond just economic development and include many of the quality of life issues that are important to our citizens and businesses. We urge you to take time to review the General Plan online at www.gilbertaz.gov/planning/GenPlan2011.cfm.

Support of the 2011 General Plan will ensure our community continues to grow, prosper and maintain fiscal stability as we approach build-out. A vote of support is a vote for the future of Gilbert.

Chamber Businesses Recognized at Luncheon

By Marty Tomljenovic, VP of Special Events

Help us celebrate and recognize Chamber members for their time and support at the Annual Chamber Awards Luncheon, Tuesday, June 28, 2011. The event will be held from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Elegante Conference and Reception Center, 1800 South San Tan Village Parkway.

This special luncheon will recognize businesses and individuals for their commitment and support of the Gilbert Chamber. Awards will include the Large and Small Business of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Employer of Choice, Wellness in the Workplace, Family Business, Volunteer of the Year, SCF Safety Award and Gilbert Leadership Award.

This year the Chamber will be honoring and recognizing our many volunteers who have given of their time to the Chamber by helping with programs, sponsoring events, and for their time and effort throughout the year.

Reservations are required. Individual tickets are available or table sponsorship for eight can be made by calling Marty at 480-926-6003, email marty@gilbertchamber.com or checkout our website at www.gilbertaz.com.

Ambassadors...It's Time to Sign Up!

Want to put some additional fun into your membership? Join the Chamber Ambassadors. Sign up for one of the most rewarding committees at the Chamber. Members of this group are energetic and help welcome new members, assist at special events and work together to grow the Chamber.

The terms are for six months. The new group of Ambassadors will serve July 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. A brief training is required. Sign up now. Call Marty at the Chamber, 480-892-0056 or email marty@gilbertchamber.com.

Legislature Passes 2012 Budget

By Eric Emmert, Dorn Policy Group

The Arizona Legislature passed and Governor Brewer signed the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget last month after weeks of negotiations between House and Senate leaders. With the temporary one-cent sales tax ending in two years and federal stimulus funds ending, legislative leaders worked to trim state government spending amid challenging economic times. Some of the notable budget issues include:

Consolidate several state government administrative functions and offices
Require co-pays for Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) assistance
Increase AHCCCS eligibility requirements
Increase employee contributions to the Arizona State Retirement System
Reduce soft capital funding for K-12 education
Defer partial funding to Arizona universities

Govenor Signs Unemployment Insurance - HB 2619

The Arizona Senate amended a House Bill to include a fix to the state Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. The Fund borrowed from the Federal Government to make required payments and is currently operating with a negative balance. If HB 2619 is not signed into law, the Federal Government will take over Arizona's unemployment insurance program costing employers significantly more money than costs associated with the proposed fix.

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.

Kiokom Teams Up With Chamber for Tourism Kiosk

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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.

Go Green! Tip of the Month

Refurbish responsibly

Use water-based or vegetable-based paints, stains, and varnishes. Don't wash paint thinners, household cleaners, oil, or pesticides down the drain or pour them on the ground; use them up, give leftovers to friends or a charity, or dispose at your local toxic waste disposal center.

Chamber member "Shout Out"!

The following members provided door prizes and/or catering at recent events:

American Family Chiropractor of Gilbert

B.R.I.O Tuscan Grille

Banner Gateway Medical Center

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Costco Wholesale

Dr. Clifford, DDS

East Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists

Extra Mile Floor Care

Foresight Chiropractor

GermRid, LLC

Grimaldi's Coal Brick Oven Pizza

Health Nation

Integrative Health Patient Care

Jim Hayden & Associates

John's Refrigeration

LifeQuest Chiropractor

Luv My Bling

Massage Heights

Nationwide Vision/ Sightcare

Orbital Sciences

Polka Dots & Popsicles

Rotolo's Pizzeria

Sam's Club -Gilbert Rd.

SanTan Village

StoneRidge Dental

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sunrise Urology

Z Ultimate Defense Studios

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.

Chamber Directory

Board of Directors

Chamber Staff

Community and Member News

www.gilbertaz.com

Chamber Board and Town Council members were on hand to meet with Congressman Jeff Flake (center) at the Chamber's Annual Good Government Series Luncheon, sponsored by SRP.

Evening Edition Networking Event