May News from the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce

BusinessReview Online Edition

A monthly publication of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce

June 2011

In This Issue

General Plan Approved, Councilmembers Elected

Compare Your Policy and Receive a Free Month of Fliers

Mark Your Calendar!

Chamber Annouces Scholarship Winners

Legislature Adjourns Historic Session

Go Green! Tip of the Month

Chamber Member Shout Out

General Plan Approved, Councilmembers Elected

By Kathy Tilque, President/CEO

I, for one, am thrilled this election is over. I've never in my 20 years in Gilbert experienced such anonymously deceptive campaigning. That's not to say I haven't witnessed some vicious campaign stunts but, in the past, candidates have proudly displayed their name as the mastermind behind such tactics. It is truly disappointing that society has provided an affirmation for this type of anonymous bad behavior simply through their silence.

Publicly, all candidates have denounced any involvement in this negative and, at times, illegal type of campaigning. In getting to know the newly-elected officials and having a long-time relationship with the outgoing officials, I believe everyone seems genuine on this issue. Campaign debates have been civil; there was no public name-calling or personal attacks.

So who is responsible for the use of all those "witty and clever" hand-written signs? They obviously don't take enough pride in their beliefs to sign their name or take credit for such antics. Is this the new, socially acceptable way to grow a community through hate and

half-truths? I sure hope not. I received several calls from businesses and residents visiting Gilbert who were embarrassed for our community when they saw these signs. Wow, that's a great way to entice new businesses to town.

Other than the "anonymous outside" influencers, all candidates should be commended for focusing on the issues during the public debates. I feel confident that all of our elected officials will work hard to keep this a great community.

Congratulations to Ben Cooper, Eddie Cook, Jared Ray, and Victor Petersen on their election to Town Council. We've enjoyed the time spent with these gentlemen during the campaign and look forward to working together.

Special thanks for all the time, vision, and support of the business community that Linda Abbott, Dave Crozier, and Les Presmyk put into making this an award-winning community, especially during such an incredible decade of unprecedented growth. Their dedication led to the updated General Plan getting approved. All you have to do is look around to see the positive impact each of them have contributed to Gilbert.

Compare Your Policy and Receive A Free Month of Fliers

By Sarah Watts, Executive Assistant

Chamber members will receive one month of newsletter flier inserts when they request a free quote for workers' compensation from SCF Arizona. Whether or not you currently hold a policy with SCF Arizona, you are encouraged to receive a quote and learn more about the advantages of becoming a policy holder. The Chamber has partnered with SCF Arizona to encourage safety in the workplace and bring additional savings to our m SCF color embers. SCF policy holders who are in good standing with the Chamber are eligible to receive bonus dividends.

To request a free quote from SCF Arizona and receive one month of flier inserts - a $125 value - contact Sarah by e-mail at sarah@gilbertchamber.com or (480) 892-0056, ext. 104.

Requests for quotes will be accepted through June 30^th. Fliers must be delivered to the Chamber by July 15^th for August's newsletter.

Mark Your Calendar!

What Women Want... In Busines/Expo and Luncheon

Tuesday, July 26th

10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

SanTan Elegante Conference Center

1800 S. SanTan Village Parkway, Gilbert

This event will give you the opportunity to showcase your business and connect with other Chamber member businesses. Networking and relationship building are the key to any successful company. Bring a friend and enjoy the expo as well as a great lunch. What a great way to introduce the Chamber to others in the comm What Women Want logo unity.

Booths Availabe-$100

General admission-$35

Chamber member admission-$20

This is an event you won't want to miss develop new contacts, meet Chamber members and enjoy a featured guest speaker.

Chamber Announces Scholarship Winners

By Kari Cluff, Scholarship Chair

On Thursday, April 7^th, the Gilbert business community came together at Trilogy Golf Club to enjoy the sunshine, play a round of golf, and benefit students in both Gilbert Public Schools and Higley Unified School District. 0.9102564102564102

The program is particularly geared toward the middle 50 percent, students who may not otherwise strive to take this level of academic rigor.

High school seniors from these districts who chose to participate in the Arizona Academic Scholars Program are eligible to apply to the Chamber for scholarships. This program is an incentive program designed to motivate students to complete an academically-enriched high school course of study and graduate prepared to excel in continuing education.

The successful scholarship recipients for 2011 are:

Gilbert Public Schools

· Desert Ridge - Mary Weeks: As a champion of animals from a young age, Mary's eventual goal is to receive a PhD in Zoology and have the opportunity to work with a wildlife reserve or the Fish and Wildlife Management. Mary plans to attend Northern Arizona University.

· Gilbert High School - Seth Weakly: Seth has participated in Gilbert FFA and is an Eagle Scout. Seth plans to attend the University of Arizona. He hopes to study urban and environmental horticulture science to perhaps one day get a job in sustainable food science and help feed the world's growing population.

· Highland High School - Samantha Story: Samantha is enrolled in the Massage Therapy Program at East Valley Institute of Technology and will soon have her license. She will be able to utilize her massage therapy skills as she pursues further education. Samantha plans to attend MesaCommunity College in the Fall as she begins her path towards a career as a physical therapist.

· Mesquite High School - Crystal Bright: Crystal is already taking college courses in psychology and plans to attend the University of Arizona. She plans to major in Nursing with a minor in Children's Psychology with a goal of becoming a pediatric nurse.

Higley Unified School District

· Williams Field High School - Christian Lee Castro: Christian has completed 400 hours of volunteer service during his high school career. Many of these hours have been with medical facilities. These opportunities have interested him in following an education and career path in the medical field.He plans to attend Arizona State University.

1.173913043478261

The Higley High School

winner was not finalized at the time of the publication.

The tournament was sponsored by San Tan Ford and scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Chamber's Annual Awards Luncheon on June 28.

Legislature Adjourns Historic Session

By Kathy Tilque, President and CEO

The Arizona Legislature adjourned last month after adopting a

mid-session budget and passing historic business friendly legislation. Many of the issues the EVCCA advocated for years were realized at the close of the 2011 legislative session. Below are bills that were signed into law that will impact your business.

HB 2001 - Arizona Competitiveness Package

In addition to establishing the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Arizona Competes Fund, this bill includes a number of tax breaks for businesses.

If your business...

Makes significant capital investments and creates high wage jobs, you'll receive a withholding tax credit.
Purchases equipment, your business personal property tax will be reduced.
Owns its own building, you'll receive a phase down of your property taxes over several years.
Engages in multi-state commerce, you may elect a single sales factor apportionment formula .
Pays corporate income tax, you'll receive a tax reduction over several years.
Engages in research and development with any Arizona university, you'll receive a tax break.
Utilizes the Arizona Job Training Program, the program will be funded.

HB 2619 - Unemployment Insurance; Special Assessment

This bill places an assessment on businesses to pay off an Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Loan. If the loan is not paid off by November 2012, Arizona employers lose a significant federal tax credit. With this bill, employers will pay $28 per employee in 2011 and $42 per employee in 2012 rather than paying substantially more over time.

The EVCCA worked closely with lawmakers on these and many other business bills throughout the session. The annual EVCCA Legislative Report Card is expected to be released in June.

Go Green! Tip of the Month

Use Your Bike for Shopping, Visiting and Errands.

Make bicyclying the standard, environmentally effiecient way to get from one place to another. Add a carrier rack or baskets to your bike to make it easier to transport your briefcase or groceries.

Source: earthshare.org

Chamber member "Shout Out"!

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

Arizona State Credit Union

Breugger's

Buca di Beppo

Buffalo Wild Wings

Cox Communications

Extra Mile Floor Care

LaVie Nails & Spa

SCF Arizona

Simply Ravishing the Salon

TruWest Credit Union

You Say It Best!

"Chambers are essential in building relationships with other business-to-business people. The Gilbert Chamber provides you with all the tools to make your business a success. Thanks to the Gilbert Chamber!"

Bill Greene

United Pressure Cleaning

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

Heels, hats and fun were included in last month's What Women Want...In Business Fashion Show. Simply Ravishing the Salon's staff enjoyed a great lunch after assisting with the model's hair and makeup.

Evening Edition Networking Event

Sponsored by:

1.1045751633986928

Tuesday, June 28th

11:00 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.

SanTan Elegante Conference Center

1800 S. SanTan Village Parkway, Gilbert

This prestigious event honors many Chamber members, businesses and individuals that have succeeded and have grown their business during the past year.

Award recognition will include: