Volume 2014, Issue 11
The Chamber Vista A monthly publication of the Sierra Vista Area Chamber
November 2014
Ron Barber and Martha McSally Come to Sierra Vista Volume 2014, Issue #11 Mini Expo and Shred-A-Thon
Ambassador Spotlight—Sabra Albritton Business Spotlight –Dove Security
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CopperPoint Flu Information
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Small Business Social Media
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Festival of Trees
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Recent Ribbon Cuttings & BAT
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Schedule of Events
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Member Page
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Board of Directors / Chamber Staff
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The Congressional District 2 Debate was hosted by the Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, October 14th. Ron Barber and Martha McSally squared off in the debate held at Buena High School, bringing in over 500 people from around Cochise County, anxiously awaiting the battle for Congress. The Business Advocacy Committee came up with 13 questions for Ron Barber and Martha McSally. The questions were not revealed to anyone prior to the debate. A coin toss decided which candidate would answer the first question. The moderator and Chamber Board Member, Phil Vega, had a strong presence with the crowd, commanding respect towards both candidates. Applauding after the candidate’s answer, was acceptable, but not a second before. At one point, the timekeepers had to start the time over, due to a loud crowd. The debate lasted about 90 minutes. Ron Barber and Martha McSally gave their all to confirm or convince voters that they were the best choice for Congress. In the end it is in the hands of the voters.
We would like to extend our deepest Thank You For Supporting our gratitude to the Sierra Vista Police Department, Rangers and Buena High Chamber! School for their support and assistance with the Congressional District 2 De-
bate. It was a team effort, which helped make such a successful debate. If you were unable to attend the debate or would like to see the debate again, you will find it on the Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce website www.sierravistachamber.org as well as the Sierra Vista Herald website, www.sierravistaherald.com. General election voting is Tuesday, November 4th. We encourage our Chamber Members to vote in all elections— remember every vote counts! For voting information or polling places please see the County’s website: https://www.cochise.az.gov/electionsspecial-districts/home. For more pictures of the debate and other Chamber events please visit our Facebook, Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce.
Photo courtesy of Mark Cline
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The Chamber Vista
Mini Expo and Shred-A-Thon Join other non-profit and home based businesses at this year’s Mini Expo. The Mini Expo is open to Chamber Members and non-Chamber Members. This is a great opportunity to get your products and services out to the community at a very low cost. With the holidays right around the corner what better time to showcase your product and services? When: Saturday, November 8th Where: Mall at Sierra Vista Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
While perusing the Mini Expo, stop by the Shred-A-Thon to get your important documents shredded. The Shred-A-Thon will be in the parking lot of the Mall at Sierra Vista. There is no limit to how many boxes you can bring. Each box is $5.00 and only two boxes are allowed each time in line—this is to ensure everyone gets their shredding done. When: Saturday, November 8th Where: Mall at Sierra Vista Time: 11:00am-2:00pm
Ambassador Spotlight: Sabra Albritton Sabra Albritton Tell us about you and your current job. I am the Common Area Coordinator for The Mall at Sierra Vista. My responsibilities include temporary tenant accounts, marketing and events. Temporary Tenants operate at the mall for 3 years or less and usually operate off of a cart or Kiosk in the common area, although they may operate in a store when one is available. Marketing duties include updating our website and Facebook accounts and indoor and outdoor promotional events. There are over 50 events held at The Mall at Sierra Vista each year, which all need to be coordinated with dates, mall location, set up and tear down of tables chairs and stage when requested. Although my duties can be challenging at times, I love working at The Mall at Sierra Vista where
everyone is like family, from the mall staff to the store employees. How long have you been and what motivated you to become an Ambassador? I became an ambassador in August, with the encouragement of Mary Tieman. I have been attending Business at Twilights for the past 4 years and I felt it was a great way to support the Chamber and local businesses. What qualities most contribute to being a great Ambassador? A great ambassador loves their community, supports local businesses with integrity and respect, is dedicated to the success of Chamber and other businesses, and represents both their employer and the Chamber in all activities. How do you benefit from the role? I have the opportunity to learn and grow professionally from other business people in the community, and it is a great avenue to give back to my community. How does your company benefit
from your participation as an Ambassador? My participation allows for The Mall at Sierra Vista to be recognized by the community as an actively involved Chamber member that supports other businesses as well as the Chamber. What was the best (most fun, most memorable, etc…) project that you have worked on as an Ambassador? I am currently involved with the planning of the Chamber float for the Christmas Parade. What is one thing about you that most don’t know? I grew up in Bisbee with 7 sisters and 2 brothers.
Volume 2014, Issue 11
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Business Spotlight: Dove Security & Fire, Inc. won the CSAA Monitoring Station of 2014. This is the most prestigious award given to a monitoring station.
ESPESP-Dove Security & Fire, Inc. has been doing business in the Sierra Vista Community since 1993 with Mike Epperson. I (Dan Crimmins) joined in 1998. We quickly became partners. We enjoyed engineering, installing custom Security & Fire Systems, CCTV, Card access and biometric systems. Some of our clients we represent are ADT, Vivint, Honeywell and Monitronics.
2007 we added Dove Security with Custom Audio/Video programs to our line up. Programs included Direct TV, Dish Network, Century Link and Cox Buisness. We also represent and in- Children Programs and Missionary prostall/service Bose Systems, Onkyo, grams of our church. Harman, Klipch, etc. We believe in our Motto, “Service is our In 2008 my wife, Brigitte joined us and 1st Concern.” Over the years we have 2012 my son Michael came on board. acquired several thousand clients This business challenges you to stay (Residential & Business). We work very abreast of all the exciting new tech- close with our clients and as a result nologies constantly emerging. We are we are privileged to call many of them always looking for new ways to help our friends. Our web site secure our clients’ needs and making www.dovesecurity.com has many of their lives easier. our clients’ testimonials.
Being a “military family” we have had 4 Sierra Vista is our home and we love it son/son-in-law’s in the Army. We have here. Great place to live and raise a supported Ft. Huachuca and Davis family. Monthan AFB. for their Soldier and NCO of the Month for each of the 11th signal and M.I. Brigade/Battalions’ and Doves’ Monitoring Company is“COPS”, Air Force Wing. I am Honored to be a It has 9 Stations across the U.S. We Honorary Thunderbird and M.I. are a 5 Diamond Central Monitoring We also Strongly support our Church, Station and again this year, we have
Festival of Trees Kick off the holiday season with the Annual Festival of Trees at the Mall at Sierra Vista. Participate in this festive tradition by entering a tree, centerpiece, gingerbread house or wreath and transform the Mall into a Winter Wonderland. The Festival of Trees displays decorated trees from various businesses and non-profit group and the beautiful entries will be on display to thousands of visitors during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. When: November 23rd—December 5th Where: The Mall at Sierra Vista Time: Mall Hours of Operation The entry deadline is Friday, November 7th. Please see the flyer insert for entry form and more information. Registration can also be done online or at the Chamber. For more information, contact your Sierra Vista Area Chamber at (520)458-6940 or coordinator@sierravistachamber.org
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The ChamberNewsletter Vista Title
CopperPoint—Combating Flu Season Impact on Business Top health officials in Arizona are calling on state citizens to get vaccinated for the flu, according to a report from The Associated Press. Arizona Health Services Director Will Humble told the news source that officials are testing flu specimens to determine which strains are circulating, as well as which ones may be resistant to drug treatment. With the state’s Department of Health Services reporting that 12,000 people in Arizona were hospitalized or sickened by the flu during 2013, businesses may want to take flu season seriously. In addition to sapping worker productivity, the flu and other illnesses can cost businesses dearly in sick days. In fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu costs the economy nearly $10.4 billion alone in direct costs for hospitalizations and outpatient visits for adults. For businesses that must contend with the approximately 111 million workdays lost due to the flu each year, the cost comes to nearly $7 billion.
Understanding the illness As outlined by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. While many cases are mild, others can become extremely severe, resulting in hospitalization or death. “Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications,” the organization stated on its official website. “The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.”
Promoting vaccinations The CDC maintains the best way for businesses to reduce the impact of flu season is to promote vaccinations among employees. There are two strategies businesses can use, according to the CDC. One strategy involves hosting a flu vaccination clinic in the workplace. “To minimize absenteeism, employers frequently offer onsite seasonal flu vaccination to employees at no or low cost to their employees,” the CDC states. “This option can work well if the employer has an on-site occupational health clinic. If you don’t have a clinic, pharmacies and community vaccinators can be contracted to provide seasonal flu vaccination services onsite.” This might be one avenue for businesses to consider, as it will all but guarantee that workers are given an opportunity to enhance their immune systems against influenza. However, if this isn’t an option, the CDC also recommends educating employees on where they and their families can receive flu vaccinations in the community.
Avoiding the spread of illness There are also a number of preventative measures businesses might consider besides vaccinations. For instance, businesses may want to inform employees that they should avoid close contact with people who are sick. Additionally, asking workers who are sick to stay home can help prevent the illness from spreading throughout the workplace. Other simple preventative measures include reminding workers to cover their noses and mouths when they cough and sneeze, as well as encouraging employees to regularly clean and disinfect their work stations. Asking workers to thoroughly wash their hands on a regular basis also can help prevent the spread of germs during flue season. Written by: Safetynetplus
*Annual dividend statements have been mailed to enrolled members! Did you know that Sierra Vista Area Chamber Members receive a discount on their insurance by choosing CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company? CopperPoint covers more than 19,000 Arizona businesses and their employees. They are based in Phoenix and have a statewide presence, including an office in Tucson. Contact CopperPoint today for a free quote! 602.631.2600 or online at www.scfaz.com
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56th Annual Christmas Light Parade “Christmas Around the World” This year’s theme for our 56th Annual Christmas Light Parade is Christmas Around the World. For more than half a century the Chamber has been staging one of the largest Christmas parades in the state. This popular and high profile community event attracts thousands along the Fry Blvd. route. Applications and sponsorships are available online at www.sierravistachamber.org or at the Chamber office. When: Saturday, December 6th Time: 5:30pm
For more information, contact your Sierra Vista Area Chamber at (520)458-6940 or email coordinator@sierravistachamber.org
7 Steps to Using Social Media As a startup or small business owner, you know there’s a lot to accomplish with limited resources. Traditional marketing can be a drain on your funds. Social media marketing, on the other hand, is pretty low-cost and gives you a direct line to current and prospective customers. Social media offers small businesses a cost-effective way to reach their customers. #1: Do Your Homework Behind every exceptional social media campaign is a great strategy. #2: Coordinate Your Social Channels If you treat each social media platform as a stand-alone effort, your success will be limited. Your networks should work together to help you achieve your goals. #3: Get Started, but Start Small You’ve defined your target audience, you know where to reach them and you’ve optimized your other marketing touch points. #4: Listen and Share
Social media conversations are happening all around in real time. #5: Create Your Daily Plan
With a steady stream of content in the pipeline, you’re primed to post and engage on social media. #6: Boost Results With Social Advertising
If you want to accelerate your social media performance, it’s worth your time to explore paid advertising options. #7: Lather, Rinse, Repeat
The last step is the most critical: Measure and analyze your results. For more information on using social media to help your business go to: http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/socialmedia-guide-small-businesses/
For upcoming events please visit members.sierravistachamber.org/events
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The Chamber Vista
Networking and Community Support
Schedule of Events Nov 5–MAC Luncheon, TMAC, 11:30am Nov 8–Mini Expo & Shred-a-thon, The Mall at Sierra Vista, 10:00am4:00pm Nov 13—Business Before Hours, Garden Plaza Apartments, 7:30am8:30am Nov 13–Business At Twilight (BAT), Southeast Arizona Association of Realtors, Inc, 5:00pm-6:30pm Nov 21– Chamber 101, Chamber Office, 11:30am-1:00pm Nov 23-Dec 5—Festival of Trees, Mall at Sierra Vista Dec 3—MAC Luncheon, TMAC, 11:30am Dec 6—Santa Fly-In, Ace Hardware Parking Lot, 9:00am Dec 6—56th Annual Christmas Light Parade “Christmas Around the World”, Fry Blvd, 5:30pm Dec 13—Toys for Tots Toy Drive, Chamber Office
Top : MAC Luncheon; Business at Twilight at Prestige Assisted Living Bottom Left: Congressional District 2 Debate Bottom Right: New Frontier Animal Medical Center Ribbon Cutting
Business at Twilight November 13 Hosted by :
Business Before Hours November 13 Hosted by: Garden Plaza Apartments 7:30am-8:30am 100 Golf Links Rd. Come share about your business with other business members of the community. Don’t forget your business cards!
Southeast Arizona Association of Realtors, Inc 5:00pm – 6:30pm 125 S. 2nd St. Come join the fun and don't forget your business cards!
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A Special Welcome to our New Members! Comfort Inn & Suites
520-459-0515
USAWOA AZ Silver Chapter
Empire Homes, Inc
520-455-5506
USMCR Toys for Tots Hereford, AZ
Kartchner Caverns State Park
520-586-4109
520-226-5062 520-803-0968
Thanks to These Members for Renewing Their Commitment to the Business Community! Allstate Insurance Company– Pat Meldrum Dove Security American Cancer Society, Relay for Life of Sierra Vista Arizona Auto & Radiator Repair CerendipiTees *Home Based Business of 2012* CGI *Large Business of the Year 2012* Coco-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc
Echoing Hope Ranch Golf Cars of Arizona Horse’n Around Rescue Ranch and Foundation, Inc Isaacson Homes La Casita Mexican Restaurant Lowes Sierra Vista
New Frontier Animal Medical Center *Large Business of the Year 2014* Outback Steak House Real Estate Press of Cochise County Southeast Arizona Association of Realtors, Inc Tee Sign Design, LLC The BBs Dance Troupe The Social Register
Desert Star Waste Solutions.
Executive Club Members Allstate Insurance Company - Pat Meldrum
KKYZ Radio
Rommel Equipment Services
American Family Insurance
Landmark Cafe, The
Rosemont Copper
American Southwest Credit Union
Lawley Automotive Center
Sierra Vista Ace Hardware
Arizona Water Company
Lawley's Team Ford
Sierra Vista Herald & Bisbee Daily Review
Baroumes Law Group, PLC
LegalShield - Carolyn Weaver
Sierra Vista Napa
Bisbee Blue Professional Baseball Clubs
Life Care Center
Sierra Vista Regional Health
Bishop & Brown, LLC
Long Realty Co.
Sierra Wash-N-Dry
CACI, Inc.
Longhorn Restaurant
Solid Solutions
Castle & Cooke Arizona, Inc.
Mall at Sierra Vista - Management Office
Southeastern Arizona Contractors Assoc.
Castle & Cooke Mortgage, LLC
ManTech Telecommunications & Info Systems
Southwest Gas Corporation
CerendipiTees *Home Based Business of 2012* CGI *Large Business of the Year 2012* Cherry Creek Radio City of Sierra Vista Complete Nutrition Cox Communications Cox Media Dental Village Executive Realty Management & Sales, LLC Garden Terrace Assisted Living Home Horizon Moving Systems of Sierra Vista, Inc .
Mr. Fix It of Sierra Vista, LLC Naco Dental National Bank of Arizona Navy Federal Credit Union New Frontier Animal Medical Center
Southwestern Eye Center Stachel & Associates, P.C. Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Coop. Systems Integration Via Elegante Assisted Living, Sierra Vista
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors, David Burnett
Patio Pools & Spas
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Pioneer Title Agency
Wayland Baptist University
Pueblo del Sol Country Club
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc.
Real Estate Press of Cochise County
Windemere Hotel & Conference Center
The Chamber Vista is a publication of the Sierra Vista Area Chamber 21 E. Wilcox Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 (520) 458-6940, Fax: (520) 452-0878 www.sierravistachamber.org Mission Statement The Sierra Vista Area Chamber promotes business and provides leadership for the improvement of the community. Chamber Staff
2014-15 Board of Directors
Executive Director:
Executive Officers: Chair - Rick Shelley, Horizon Moving Systems Past Chair - Mike Benson, TDY Housing Chair Elect - Jack Blair, SSVEC Treasurer - Glen Cobb, Sierra Suites Member-at-Large– Mary Tieman, Southeast AZ Workforce Connection
Member Services Manager: Communications & Events Coordinator: Kaylene Nicholas coordinator@sierravistachamber.org
Board Members: Nancy Nash - Stuff ‘N Baskets Ken Cecil - Mall at Sierra Vista Elsie MacMillan - Sierra Toyota Phil Vega - Sierra Vista Herald / Bisbee Daily Review Kevin Peterson - CGI Virginia Cleven, ERA Four Feathers Realty Paul Melo, Williams & Melo Law Mark Schmitt, SBDC Cochise College
Office & Accounting Manager: Ronda Yost officem@sierravistachamber.org Office Receptionist: Olivia Aguilera reception@sierravistachamber.org
Sierra Vista Area Chamber
PRESORTED
21 E. Wilcox Dr. Sierra Vista, AZ. 85635
STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID SIERRA VISTA, AZ PERMIT NO. 59
CURRENT RESIDENT OR
Sponsor a Veteran
Veteran’s MAC Luncheon Location: TMAC Time: 11:30am-1:00pm $15 per ticket
Business’ can sponsor multiple Veterans RSVP at (520) 458-6940
"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." -Cynthia Ozick