Volume 2013, Issue 10
The Chamber Vista A monthly publication of the Sierra Vista Area Chamber
October 2013
Pay tribute to veterans at November Military Affairs Luncheon Volume 2013, Issue #10
Update from Executive Director Amanda Baillie
2
Chamber’s new publication
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Festival of Trees
3
Mini Expo 2013
4
October Events at a Glance
5
City Welcomes Economic Development Manager
6
Member Page
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Board of Directors / Chamber Staff
8
“We Mean Business”
By Amanda Baillie Executive Director While the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee enjoys hosting its regular lunches at Fort Huachuca, next month’s event is the highlight of the annual calendar. Bring A Veteran to Lunch, on November 2, 11:30 a.m. at Thunder Mountain Activity Center, is the business community’s opportunity to pay a special tribute to those who have served on behalf of this nation. And this year we are delighted to announce that our guest speaker will be U.S. Congressman Ron Barber. More than 200 people usually attend this event, and we expect this year to be no exception. There are a couple of ways that our members can become involved. Your business can buy lunch for a veteran by donating money to the Chamber. Our staff will then distribute the lunch tickets to area veterans and your com-
pany will receive recognition at the luncheon. Alternatively you can buy tickets in advance from the Chamber to distribute to veterans or other guests of your choosing. Tickets costs $15 each. Bring A Veteran To Lunch features a packed agenda that focuses on the sacrifices, past and present, carried out by military members. This is best demonstrated when we invite the oldest veteran and the youngest serving soldier to cut a cake. We expect our veteran to be 97 and our soldier to be 18. It is a moment not to be missed. If you wish to buy tickets for the Chamber to distribute, or for your own invited guests, drop by the Chamber at 21 E. Wilcox Drive or call us at 458-6940. These tickets must be purchased in advance. Those individuals who wish to attend must RSVP first by calling the Chamber. Payment for individuals can be made at the door.
Release your inner cowboy at the 55th Christmas Light Parade The Chamber is accepting entries for the 55th Annual Christmas Light Parade. Taking place on Saturday, December 7, at 5:30 p.m., the night time parade has grown to become a spectacular celebration of the holiday season. Last year saw the number of lighted floats nearly double to more than 40, with over 70 entries in total. The parade, sponsored by Lawley Automotive and Cox, offers our members a chance to promote themselves to the
thousands of people who line the route along Fry Blvd. It is also an opportunity to participate in a Sierra Vista tradition that has entertained our community for more than half a century. We want your imaginations to run wild when decorating for this year’s theme—A Cowboy Christmas. And don’t forget to fill the night sky with both illumination and music. Included in this newsletter is a registration form. Call 458-6940 for more details.
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The Chamber Vista
Chamber Update by Executive Director Amanda Baillie Last month the Chamber hit on year which allows us to improve the quality of our prosomething of a milestone. Our membership surpassed grams, events and benefits. 640 (647 to be exact) which means we have achieved a net growth of more than 100 new members since June 2011.
“...the Chamber is growing stronger year on year, which allows us to improve the quality of our programs, events and benefits.”
Third, it gives encouragement to me and my team that we are heading in the right direction. Our number one priority is always to meet the needs of the business community and we That is a number we are very hope that our growth is a reflecproud of and it means, in tion that we doing something our view, a few things. right. First, it’s an encouraging Fourth, it allows the Chamber sign that our local economy to become a force to be reckhas weathered the recesoned with in the political and sion and is continuing to advocacy arena. When we are recover. While we are not able to tell our representatives our of the woods yet, there and government agencies that is still much in our commuwe are the largest business nity to be positive about. organization in Cochise County,
employees, it means our voice will be heard. However, we know that we must continue to work hard to maintain these positive results. Yes, we have seen success that has taken us from the red to the black and we have welcomed many new members to our organization. But that does not mean we can sit back and take it easy for a while—far from it.
Our success spurs us on to do it even better next time and our members can rest assured that the Chamber team continues to look for ways to improve our services. I look forward to telling you about the next 100 milestone Second, it means the Cham- representing more than 12,000 when we achieve it! ber is growing stronger year
Get your business mapped on the Chamber’s new look publication For many years the Chamber has produced and sold the official city map. Although GPS is commonly used as a navigation tool these days, the Chamber still sells and distributes thousands of paper maps every year. In fact, we sell maps to the general public on a daily basis. However, the Chamber always strives to remain relevant and we decided to take a look at our map and how we could improve it. We are planning to launch a new style publication, which will take the form of a booklet featuring a pull-out map of Sierra Vista and surrounding areas of Cochise County. We will also include maps of downtown Bisbee and Tombstone. This glossy booklet will contain useful information about our
community, with an emphasis on recreation and tourism. The Map Wrap is a unique opportunity for our members to advertise to both area residents and visitors to our community. The Chamber is often the first port of
call for both tourists and people considering relocating here. The first thing they usually ask for is a map of the area. Produced by Village Profile, advertising space is available both on the map itself and within the booklet. Spaces are already filling up. Village Profile representative Alynne Lustig is currently in Sierra Vista selling advertising space on behalf of the Chamber. The company is offering affordable rates, along with free ad copy and design services. To find out how your business or organization can be featured in this new look publication, call Alynne Lustig at the Chamber at 458-6940. She can also be contacted by cell phone at (480) 720-6999 or by emailing Alynne.vp@villageprofilemail.com
Volume 2013, Issue 10
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Festival of Trees—The tradition continues
This month sees the official launch of the 14th Annual Festival of Trees. There are a few changes to this popular event, which we believe will benefit businesses in particular. This year, the festival is being jointly hosted and organized by the Chamber, Sierra Vista Herald and the Mall at Sierra Vista. The collaboration of these three major entities means exposure of this event and its participants will significantly increase. That’s good news for businesses looking for some creative, low cost ways to get their name out to thousands of potential customers. We are particularly encouraging Chamber members to get involved by entering a tree for display at the Mall during the 12 day festival. The cost to you is the tree and its decorations—there is no entry fee. Your tree will then be viewed by the thousands of people who visit the festival from November 24 until December 5. All of the trees, along with the gingerbread houses, Christmas wreaths and centerpieces, are sold to the public, who can Buy It Now at full price or at the auction on December 5. One of the goals of this event is to raise enough funds to pay for a new library at the Boys & Girls Club of Sierra Vista clubhouse. Currently, the club is using its dining
facility as a makeshift library, which does not allow the children to have a quiet area for reading and homework. Also benefiting from this event will be a soldier’s family, chosen by the Fort’s Chaplain’s office. This family will be the recipient of the Charity Tree. In addition, a number of local nonprofits have families that cannot afford their own tree. Members of the public are able to purchase trees and donate them to Good Neighbor Alliance, Forgach House, the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and St. Vincent de Paul. A new feature this year will be a schools category, where area schools can submit a tree. The tree chosen as the first place winner by the judges will then be sold and the school that submitted it will receive those funds. The presenting sponsor of the Festival of Trees is Sierra Vista Health Regional Center and our major media sponsor is Cherry Creek Radio, featuring K101, KWCD and KTAN. We are offering all Chamber members the opportunity to gain valuable exposure by also signing up as a sponsor. Northrop Grumman, RV City, Pioneer Title and Dickerson Fundraising Solutions have already taken advantage of this offer. Sponsorships are available from just $100. Businesses that participate in the festival, either as a sponsor or tree donor, may be eligible for a marketing dollars tax deduction (see your tax professional for details), while those who purchase a tree, gingerbread house, centerpiece or wreath will receive a tax deduction receipt from the Boys & Girls Club.
All Chamber members should have received a letter, entry form and sponsorship form in their September newsletter. This information is also available on our website www.sierravistachamber.org. For more details, call event manager Eva Dickerson at 515-4654.
Don’t forget to download the free Chamber APP for all your local shopping and services’ needs. Featuring only Chamber members, events, hot deals and more!
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The ChamberNewsletter Vista Title
Mini Expo 2013 features home-based & non-profits If you are a home based business or non-profit, don’t forget to sign up for this year’s Mini Expo at the Mall at Sierra Vista.
Schedule of Events
so we encourage interested businesses and organizations to sign up now by calling the Chamber at 4586940 or visiting www.sierravistachamber.org
Oct. 2—Military Affairs Luncheon 11:30 am at TMAC. Please RSVP. Oct. 9—Ambassadors Committee Meeting, 7:30 am at Fairfield Inn. The Chamber will be hosting this Oct. 9—SBDC Internet Marketing event on SaturThe cost is $99 Tools Class, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. day, November 2 for members and Oct. 9—Ribbon Cutting, Valley Imagfrom 10 a.m. to 4 $149 for noning Solutions, 5:30 pm 902 E. Fry Blvd p.m. members, which Oct. 10—Business at Twilight by Presincludes a table, tige Assisted Living, 5:00. 4400 For only $99 you tablecloth and can promote your Avenida Cochise. two chairs. business to hunOct. 16—Leadership Sierra Vista Govdreds of potential ernment Day, 8:30 am at the Chamber. This year, the new customers in Chamber is also Oct. 18—Board Meeting, 7:30 at the just six hours. holding a Shred- Chamber. a-Thon at the Oct. 23—Military Affairs Committee The Mini Expo is Mall in conjunction with the Mini Meeting, 8:00 am at the Chamber. sponsored by Sulphur Springs Valley Oct. 25—Chamber 101, 11:30 am at Electric Cooperative and is an ideal Expo. opportunity to start some early It is anticipated this event will attract the Chamber Christmas shopping. additional traffic to the Mall and our Nov. 2—Mini Expo, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.. Shred-A-Thon, 11:00 am to 2:00 And, thanks to our media sponsors, vendors. pm at The Mall at Sierra Vista. vendors will receive even more expo- The Shred-a-Thon will take place in sure through this event’s extensive the Mall parking lot from 11 a.m. to Advertise to 651 local businesses advertising—the earlier you sign up, 2 p.m. for about 20 cents each! the more publicity you will receive. Vendor space is limited – we have Reach over 634 businesses in Sierra Vista and surrounding communities already started taking registrations –
SHRED-A-THON Saturday, November 2 The Mall at Sierra Vista 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your documents to be professionally and securely destroyed by Shred It. Cost is $5 per copier box. Sponsored by
Take advantage of this member-only benefit!
We insert and mail for you!
Super low advertising rates! Members pay only $99. Executive Club Members pay just $49.
SPECIFICATIONS: Inserts must be on 8.5x11, flat, non-glossy, standard weight (20lb.– black & white, 24/28lb.— color) paper. June NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: Wednesday, October 25, 2013 NOTE: Insert space is limited and is provided on a first come, first serve basis. For information, call the Chamber at 458-6940 or email: mdillard@sierravistachamber.org
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Top Row: Business at Twilight hosted by Specialist in Dermatology. Rows 2 & 3: Ribbon Cuttings at Valor Hospice Care, Lawley Automotive, Hobby Lobby, four members at Haws Professional Plaza (Edward Jones - Landon Spilsbury Nathan Williams and Paul Melo, Esqs. Sierra Vista CPA, Michael Squires Desert Vista Orthodontics, Neal Jones) and Edward Jones. Row 4: Leadership Sierra Vista 2014 Row 5: Home & Business Expo at The Mall at Sierra Vista
For upcoming events please visit us at www.sierravistachamber.org/events
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The Chamber Vista
City Welcomes New Economic Development Manager The City of Sierra Vista has selected its first economic development manager, Nancy Martin, who will focus on projects designed to bolster area business growth and retention. Ms. Martin brings 15 years of economic development experience to the City, having worked for both economic development agencies and as an independent economic development consultant on many projects throughout southern California.
“Nancy’s engaging style and cooperative outlook makes her a great fit for this new position,” says Mary Jacobs, Sierra Vista assistant city manager. “The Mayor and Council’s direction to expand the City’s role in economic development is a huge step forward for Sierra Vista, and Nancy’s extensive background and history of successful economic development projects will play a significant role in helping our community’s economy grow.”
opportunities. She also has experience interacting with the federal government, including success advancing and implementing a Procurement Technical Assistance Center through the Department of Defense; facilitating the reinstatement of a “through-the-fence” designation by the Federal Aviation Administration for a regional airport; and mitigating federal permitting issues for a large solar energy project.
“Nancy brings a wealth of economic development knowledge and experience to the City of Sierra Vista,” says Chuck Potucek, Sierra Vista city manager. “Her passion for growing our own local businesses will serve our community well.”
“Ms. Martin brings to the table a vast knowledge of resources and approaches needed to assist both small and large businesses, including support for entrepreneurs and start-ups, familiarity of Foreign Trade Zone benefits; workforce development programs; and grant
Her efforts have earned her national and state awards for economic development retention, attraction and marketing. Ms. Martin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from the University of Phoenix.
Hiring People with Disabilities With the convergence of ever-more sophisticated assistive technology and greater motivation on the part of employers, people with disabilities can look forward to greater employment opportunities. But challenges remain due in part to persistent myths and stereotypes, as well as legitimate business concerns related to employment of this still largely untapped demographic. Many of these concerns, though, may be overstated or unwarranted. And, due to the challenges they face, people with disabilities can bring a lot to the table, particularly when it comes to innovation.
BUSINESS AT TWILIGHT Hosted by:
In 2011 The City of Sierra Vista launched, CODI (Commission on Disability Issues) to act as a liaison between the City and its disabled population. The Chamber has partnered with the Commission to help distribute information. We’ve added a page to our website to explain business insights and tax benefits of considering people with disabilities to be valuable members of your organization’s team. Visit our website for more information: hsierravistachamber.org/
hiring-people-with-disabilities/
Prestige Assisted Living Thursday, October 10, 2013 5:00 pm 4400 Avenida Cochise
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
Food! Fun! Raffle! Prizes!
Poster Outlines What To Do When An Active Shooter is in the Vicinity The notion that you could be in a position to make hard and fast decisions during an active shooter situation may seem la bit far fetched but a few simple steps may save lives. The US Department of Homeland Security has created resources about how to prepare for and manage active shooter situations. A one-page poster to display in the
workplace suggests 3-steps about how to react and assume a leadership role: 1.) Evacuate; 2.) Hide Out; 3.) Take Action by attempting to incapacitate the shooter only as a last result. Get your copy of “How to Respond When an Active Shooter is in Your Vicinity” by visiting www.sierravistachamber.org/shooterpreparedness
Volume 2013, Issue 10
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A Special Welcome to Our New Members! Calvary's Rock Church Financial Services; Elizabeth Speck, PLLC, AFC Sierra Vista CPA LLC Heavenly Fudge Cross Winds Thrift Store State Farm Insurance, Penny Wright Desert Vista Orthodontics Rent A Center Cross Fit Cochise Upgrade Your Fitness
Keller Williams Southern Arizona We Frame It! Cochise Gun Club Imagine Early Learning Center Nationwide Vision Agnew Capital Management LLC Gunny's Barbeque Today's Look & Day Spa Outback Steakhouse
Thanks to these members for renewing their commitment to the business community A
Executive Club Members Allstate Insurance Company - Pat Meldrum American Family Insurance American Southwest Credit Union American Systems Arizona Water Company Beacon Group Bishop & Brown, LLC BrightStar HomeCare CACI, Inc. Castle & Cooke Arizona, Inc. Castle & Cooke Mortgage, LLC CerendipiTees *Home Based Business of 2012* CGI *Large Business of the Year 2012* Cherry Creek Radio City of Sierra Vista Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. Cox Dental Village Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Garden Terrace Assisted Living Home General Dynamics Information Tech. Hobby Lobby
Horizon Moving Systems of Sierra Vista, Inc. JR's Food and Spirits KKYZ Radio Landmark Cafe, The Las Palomas Apartments Lawley Automotive Center Lawley's Team Ford Life Care Center Long Realty Co. Longhorn Restaurant Mall at Sierra Vista - Management Office ManTech Telecommunications & Info Systems Mr. Fix It of Sierra Vista, LLC Naco Dental National Bank of Arizona Netmedix IT Solutions New Frontier Animal Medical Center Northrop Grumman Corporation Patio Pools & Spas Pioneer Title Agency Pueblo del Sol Country Club Rommel Equipment Services
Rosemont Copper Company Sierra Vista Ace Hardware Sierra Vista Herald & Bisbee Daily Review Sierra Vista Regional Health Southeastern Arizona Contractors Assoc. Southwest Gas Corporation Southwestern Eye Center Specialists in Dermatology Stachel & Associates, P.C. Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Coop. Sun Canyon Inn Systems Integration Tailored Living The Boeing Company TownePlace Suites by Marriott University of Phoenix-Sierra Vista Campus Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors, David Burnett Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Wayland Baptist University Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc. 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.
2012-13 Board of Directors Executive Officers
Chamber Staff
Chairman - Michael Benson - TDY Housing Past Chairwoman - Dee Dee Hoeft, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Chair Elect - Rick Shelley - Horizon Moving Systems Treasurer - Anita Farrow, National Bank of Arizona Secretary - Jack Blair, SSVEC
Executive Director Amanda Baillie, abaillie@sierravistachamber.org
Board Members
Communications Director Margaret Dillard, mdillard@sierravistachamber.org
Frank Gonzalez, - Lawley Automotive Elsie MacMillan - Sierra Toyota Ken Cecil - Mall at Sierra Vista Phil Vega - Sierra Vista Herald / Bisbee Daily Review Nancy Nash - Stuff ‘N Baskets Nathan Williams - Nathan Williams, Law Office Glen Cobb - Sierra Suites Kevin Peterson - CGI Mary Tieman - Southeast Arizona Workforce Connection
Membership & Marketing Director John Hargraves III, jhargraves@sierravistachamber.org
Office Manager Toni Rogers, officem@sierravistachamber.org Events Coordinator Diane Erwin, derwin@sierravistachamber.org
Sierra Vista Area Chamber
PRESORTED
21 E. Wilcox Dr. Sierra Vista, AZ. 85635
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