CEO Update

PRESIDENT | CEO UPDATE

Terri Kimble

CEO

@terri_kimble

PRESIDENT | CEO

It is clear that we need to create belonging in our cities, in our schools and in our workplaces. The Chandler Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead to prepare and educate our business community.

This year at the Legislature, there has been over 1,000 bills introduced to date. As an advocate for business, we continue to monitor and keep you informed on the issues that affect business at the local, state, and federal levels of government. In fact, at February’s Public Policy, we will hear updates from Senator Bowie, Representative Jermaine, and Representative Epstein addressing some of the 1,000 bills and what each of them as working on. We will also have the City of Chandler Budget Manager, Matt Dunbar talking about proposed changes in the city fees as it relates to the Cost-ofService Survey. Water, solid waste, and trash are a few of the areas looking at increases that will not only effect residents but also have a direct effect on business. There will be an opportunity to ask questions to each of our speakers.

Last week, Gov. Doug Ducey unveiled his final budget proposal as Arizona’s commander-in-chief—a $14.25 billion spending plan that boosts state spending by $1.4 billion, roughly 9% over the budget enacted last year. About $364 million of that new spending will be ongoing, with nearly a third going toward new tax cuts.

The governor’s budget proposal essentially serves as his opening bid as he’ll spend the coming months negotiating a final budget with the GOP-controlled Legislature. At this point, the only thing we know for certain is that lawmakers are required to ink a plan into law by June 30.

Workforce and hiring continue to be a challenge for businesses of all sizes. February 22, we have invited City of Chandler Economic Development Director, Micah Miranda to address these issues in Chandler and how we are addressing the business needs. Intel will be talking about how they are addressing workforce at the local level and long-term solutions across the nation.

During the coming year you will see a broad range of touches into many areas of the Chamber that will bring to light this important issue. We are especially proud to offer DE&I training as part of our Community Foundation Leadership Institute. This year’s participants will be exposed to valuable DE&I instruction that will culminate with a program certification in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

The quarterly Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Round Tables feature relevant speakers and topics that evoke discussion and the sharing of ideas.

As you can see, the Chandler Chamber’s programming for the coming year touches many facets of our businesses, our schools and community. We look forward to creating many other ways in which we can incorporate and promote “belonging” in Chandler.