In Business Magazine - Feb. 2011 - Special Chamber Section

Valley Chambers Profiled Your Guide to Valley Chambers of Commerce

Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Carefree - Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce Chandler Chamber of Commerce Gilbert Chamber of Phoenix Glendale Chamber of Commerce Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Mesa Chamber of Commerce North Phoenix Chamber of Commerce North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Peoria Chamber of Commerce Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce Tempe Chamber of Commerce

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Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce

Terri Kimble, President & CEO

Profile

Founded: 1994 Head of Organization: Terri Kimble, President and CEO Membership Contact: Tracy Doren Number of Members: 620 Number of Staff: 6 Largest Annual Event: Red, White & Boom Community Fireworks Awards Programs: Chamber Day of Champions, Women in Business Awards Gala Area of Specialty: Small Business Professional Development & Fast Track Networking

Chamber Staff Terri Kimble President and CEO

Paulette Pacioni VP of Marketing & Communications Christine Hamel Events Coordinator Tracy Doren Membership Services Specialist John Stokes Membership Services Specialist/IT Carol Blonder Membership Services Specialist Sheila Coonen Connecting to Serve Liaison

Contact Info

10235 S. 51st Street, Suite 185 Phoenix, AZ 85044 (480) 753-7676 info@ahwatukeechamber.com www.ahwatukeechamber.com

Why does Ahwatukee Foothills have its own chamber of commerce?

Even though the village of Ahwatukee Foothills is located within the Phoenix city limits and is recognized as one of the Phoenix urban villages, it is sometimes perceived as a separate town because of its distinct and strong identity supported by the area’s commerce and community. The newly formed Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation was created to distinctly meet various needs of the community.

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber members utilize their networking opportunities to full capacity positioning their businesses for growth and success. The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber has been a driving force in the Ahwatukee area for more than 17 years, promoting success in the business community by fostering a supportive and diverse business environment.

Our members realize that you get what you give and they realize that makes the difference when building a business. Our heavily attended chamber activities are designed to connect our

members with potential clients and customers.

Chamber members meet at networking and leads groups, mixers, seminars, ribbon cuttings, workshops and more, bringing together an average of 70 business leaders each week. In addition, there are a host of chamber events and committees throughout the year that offer members a chance to make new contacts and friends, positioning their business to be the first choice for a customer’s needs.

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce works hard for its members by strengthening the local economy, promoting the community, providing networking opportunities and representing the interest of businesses with government. We offer advocacy for our businesses at the city, county and state level through the chamber’s membership in the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance for the important issues that affect our business community. We are an all-encompassing resource for the community and, as the voice of commerce, we represent businesses working together to improve the quality of life for all who choose to reside in this beautiful community.

Did You Know?

Red, White & Boom Community Fireworks Our largest annual event, the Ahwatukee Red, White and Boom Fireworks, is hosted by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Ahwatukee business community and residents. Each year around July 4th, the Chamber Fireworks Committee, businesses and community donate their time and money to salute our country and make lasting memories for all who attend. The fireworks celebration reflects the family atmosphere Ahwatukee provides, offering games for the kids, great food, live music and a spectacular fireworks display rivaled by few.

Member Benefits We offer our members: • P rofessional Development • F ast Track Networking • F ree One-on-One Business Coaching • R eferrals • F ree Advertising • C redibility • V isibility • A dvocacy

To Join: Call (480) 753-7676 or www.ahwatukeechamber.com and follow us on Facebook.com/Ahwatukeecc & Twitter.com/Ahwatukeecc 46

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Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Glenn Hamer, President & CEO Arizona has endured several years of job losses and large budget deficits. Many economists believe that we are now on the cusp of a gradual recovery. The policy choices that our elected leaders make this year will help to determine the course of that recovery.

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Arizona Manufacturers Council look forward to working with the legislature and governor to advance legislation that will aid in private-sector job creation. One of the most important policy components of a job creation strategy is a phased-in restructuring of our taxation system to make Arizona more competitive on a regional, national and even international basis.

Thoughtful tax policy changes will make Arizona a more attractive place for businesses to invest and to expand their operations.

The other critical component for economic recovery is a balanced budget that eliminates the structural deficit. No longer can the state government rely on temporary budget balancing techniques such as fund sweeps, federal stimulus funds or sale-leaseback financing of state-owned

Member Benefits Your Voice. The Arizona Chamber is your voice on state and federal issues.

Your Resource. Through our programs, events and committee meetings, you have direct access to the government policymakers whose decisions affect your bottom line.

Your Bottom Line. The legislative and regulatory measures that impact your profit centers are at the core of our public policy advocacy efforts.

buildings, because these options have been largely exhausted. Bold leadership is required to develop sustainable fiscal solutions that will provide necessary revenue for vital core services such as education, health care and infrastructure; eliminate or minimize any nonessential expenditures; and avoid actions that would jeopardize federal matching funds, which are an essential part of Arizona’s economy.

The Arizona Chamber provides thought leadership on policy issues ranging from regulatory reform to labor law to campaign finance. Our partners at the Arizona Manufacturers Council are strategically focused on moving forward policies targeted to sustain and grow manufacturing throughout Arizona.

Our Small Business policy agenda has been created in partnership with the Arizona Small Business Association to bring focus to the policy issues facing small employers. We invite you to join with us in advancing these policies to build a stronger economic future for our state.

Of Note

Your Advocate Nearly 800 individuals attended the Arizona Chamber’s 2011 Legislative Forecast Luncheon in January. We welcomed a packed house of elected officials and industry representatives who heard from Gov. Brewer, Senate President Russell Pearce, Senate Minority Leader David Schapira, House Minority Leadert Chad Campbell and Speaker of the House Kirk Adams.

Though Arizona finds itself in a challenging legislative environment, attendees were encouraged that. although they might disagree on the details, all of the event’s speakers agreed on the need to spark economic recovery in Arizona.

The event also presented the opportunity for the Chamber to formally roll out its 2011 edition of the Business Agenda. The document, available at www.azchamber.com, outlines the Chamber’s priorities at the legislature and highlights the short- and long-term goals for the Arizona Manufacturers Council and the Chamber’s issue committees.

Profile Founded: 1961 Head of Organization: Glenn Hamer, President and CEO Membership Contact: Garrick Taylor Number of Members: More than 400 members representing more than 250,000 Arizonans Number of Staff: 9 Largest Annual Event: Legislative Forecast Luncheon, every January before the opening of the legislative session.

Awards Program: Representative and Senator of the Year; Milton Friedman Award; Heritage Award Area of Specialty: Public Policy

Chamber Staff Glenn Hamer President and CEO Suzanne Taylor Senior Vice President of Public Policy Lorna Romero Director of Government Relations Garrick Taylor Director of Communications Katie Whitchurch Director of Events & Operations

Contact Info

1850 N. Central Avenue, Suite 1433 Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 248-9172 www.azchamber.com

To Join: Please visit the membership tab at azchamber.com for more information on how to become a member inbusinessmag.com

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Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Gonzalo de la Melena, President & CEO

Profile Founded: 1948 Head of Organization: Gonzalo de la Melena, President and CEO Membership Contact: Carlos Velasco, Membership Services Number of Members: 445+ Number of Staff: 11 Largest Annual Event: Black & White Ball and Business Awards, April 2, 2011 Awards Program: Black & White Ball and Business Awards Area of Specialty: Economic Development, Capacity Building, Market Intelligence, Advocacy

Chamber Staff Gonzalo de la Melena President and CEO Susette Coumides Financial Officer James E. Garcia Director of Communications Carlos Velasco Membership Services Lorena Rodriguez Director of Events Alika Kumar Director-Minority Business Development Center Gustavo Costales Business Consultant

Contact Info 255 E. Osborn Road, Suite. 201 Phoenix, AZ 85012.

(602) 279-1800 info@azhcc.com www.azhcc.com.

The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was founded more than 60 years ago. I have been associated with the association for more than 10 years ­— as a corporate partner and investor, small business owner, board member and, now, as the new president & CEO beginning Jan. 1, 2011.

Among my top goals, I am committed to contributing new ideas and efficiencies to help the AZHCC continue its proud legacy.

In addition to my appointment, our board has chosen a new chairman for 2011. Tony Astorga is CFO, SVP & Chief Business Development Officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, and brings decades of executive level leadership skills to his new post. This team promises to bring transformational change to the AZHCC in what many say is a transformational era in the history of our organization and our community.

Consider the changing marketplace in Arizona: 1. Phoenix is now a minority-majority city (joining the likes of Los Angeles, San Antonio,

Miami and Chicago). The purchasing power of Hispanics in Arizona is $34 billion a year, 20 percent of Arizona’s total consumer buying power, with a growth rate three to five times faster than the general market.

2. Fifty-six percent of Arizona K-12 students are minority (Hispanic represents 46 percent of the total), which means the state’s pipeline of talent and labor will overwhelmingly come from communities of color.

3. The great majority of business activity in Arizona and nationwide is generated by small businesses. There are an estimated 60,000plus Hispanic business enterprises that account for approximately 15 percent of the state’s business activity, and our market segment is growing at a rate two to three times faster than the general market.

Arizona’s economic future greatly depends on the growth and progress of its diverse communities. That means that in order for Arizona to increase its competitive advantage, we must nurture and unlock the potential of the state’s minority business communities.

Of Note

AZHCC Chairman pledges to build value As chair of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2011, Tony Astorga plans to help transform the organization by bringing greater value to its members and the state’s business community.

"I want to build upon the chamber’s growing reputation as an economic development organization and advocate for small business owners,” said Astorga.

A certified public accountant, Astorga earned a B.S. in accounting with high honors from Arizona State University. He is senior vice president and chief business development officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBS), and he was president of BCBS of Mexico from 1994 to 1999.

Astorga serves on the boards of directors for the Arizona Community • E conomic Development Foundation, ASU Foundation, Phoenix Art Museum, Valley of the • M arket Intelligence & Research Sun United Way Foundation and other major groups. He has received • C apacity Building numerous civic and business awards, including the "2008 Centers of • A dvocacy Influence Award.”

Member Benefits

To Join: Call Carlos Velasco at (602) 294-6083, email membership@azhcc.com or visit www.azhcc.com 48

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Carefree-Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce

Noah Kendrick, Chairman of the Board As we celebrate our 46th year as the CarefreeCave Creek Chamber of Commerce, let’s take a moment to share why we should be looking forward to the future and what the Chamber has to offer our businesses, visitors and residents.

Currently, we have a number of projects underway, including the renovation of our Visitor’s Center and the upgrading of our website. This will provide improved communication to the visitors of our community and provide additional resources to our local residents. The Chamber strives to be the local resource for what’s happening in Carefree and Cave Creek. We remain committed to the organization and support of local art festivals and special events for our community throughout the year. We welcome your ideas and suggestions on how we can improve our level of support.

Within the Chamber, we continue to have a dynamic committee structure that provides our membership the opportunity to give back to the communities that support them. The spirit of volunteerism, a major part of our culture, is alive and well. Our members volunteer countless hours working alongside local nonprofits and supporting community events. Over the past year, the accomplishments of these committees have

ranged from supporting the local food bank to awarding a college scholarship. The talents, time and energy of committee members are given without the expectation of receiving anything in return. Their generous donation of time and resources strengthens our community ties.

The majority of the businesses and organizations that make up our local business community do not have marketing and sales departments with large budgets. These businesses and organizations choose to partner with the Carefree-Cave Creek Chamber as an additional means of business planning, marketing and networking. The Chamber provides a full-time staff and invaluable resources to assist them in growing their business. The question asked most often is, “What is the Chamber up to?” The best response I can think of is, “The Chamber is doing what it’s always done, enhancing the economic vitality of the communities it serves.” The strength of small business is vitally important to the health of our overall economy. We thank you for supporting the local businesses that you find in the pages of our business directory.

Profile Founded: 1965 Head of the Organization: Noah Kendrick President of the Board of Directors Membership Contact: Marry Livingston Number of Members: 270 Number of Staff: 3 Largest Annual Event: Carefree Christmas Festival, Dec. 9 – 11, 2011 Awards Program: Annual Awards Night Area of specialty: Business networking and referrals

Chamber Staff Noah Kendrick President of the Board of Directors Marry Livingston Director of Membership Services Bobbi Keene Administrative Assistant

Of Note

Contact Info

Fun, Festivals & More Carefree and Cave Creek are known for their unique and fun festivals. Our festivals include everything from Wild West Days to Fiesta Days, from Wicked to SCarefree, from Thunderbird Art Festival to the Taste of Cave Creek. We have something for everyone throughout the year. We recently completed our third annual Carefree Christmas Festival. Carefree has a population of about 2,800. On Saturday during the festival, the population swelled to about 20,000 people. Attendees enjoyed fabulous food from local restaurants, unbelievable art from galleries, and great shopping from retail shops and our outdoor Christmas Market.

• E vents, Advertising & Marketing Children enjoyed inflatable toys to bounce in, visits from Santa and a 50-foot Opportunities snow slide made from real snow. All of the visitors enjoyed entertainment from • B usiness Referrals roving carolers, ballroom dancers, choirs and the Electric Light Parade, which • S upport and Information through S.C.O.R.E, was sponsored by Carefree Resort and Conference Center and produced by the Small Business Administration, etc.

Carefree-Cave Creek Chamber. Plan to attend the festival Dec. 9 – 11, 2011.

748 Easy Street, Carefree, AZ 85377 (480) 488-3381 www.carefreecavecreek.org

Member Benefits

• F ree listings on the Chamber website and in our printed Chamber Guide • M onthly Networking Breakfast and Business Breakfast

To Join: Any business is encouraged to join by calling the Chamber at (480) 488-3381 or by visiting www.carefreecavecreek.org inbusinessmag.com

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Chandler Chamber of Commerce

Dave Warkentin, President & CEO

Profile Founded: 1912 Head of Organization: Dave Warkentin, President and CEO Membership Contact: Mary Ann Przybylski, Director of Membership Development Number of Members: 899 Number of Staff: 9 Largest Annual Event: Chandler Ostrich Festival March 11 – 13, 2011 Awards Program: Annual Awards Dinner and the Chandler 100 Reception Area of Specialty: Business Advocacy, Public Policy, Business Networking

Chamber Staff

Policy Group, ensures we have a consistent and active voice at the Arizona State Legislature.

In addition to our advocacy work, we provide you unparalleled opportunities to engage with other businesspeople and promote your business through our myriad of networking and education events. Our top-notch staff orchestrates more than 100 such events per year through pure networking events, leads groups, education seminars with guest speakers and various receptions.

Our newly designed Web site is yet another avenue whereby you can promote your business through our business directory or through targeted advertising on the Web site. Visitors to our Web site include our membership, people doing business or looking to do business in the Chandler area, and people looking to visit or relocate to Chandler.

If you are looking to have a voice with policy­ makers or are simply looking for new ways to promote your business, look no further than the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, connecting you to the voice of business.

Of Note

Dave Warkentin President and CEO Karen Hall Vice President, Programs & Events Brad Ness Director of Member Services Mary Ann Przybylski Director of Membership Development Rota Venners Director of Public Policy & Business Development

Contact Info

As the voice of business, we work hard to bring to the attention of policy­ makers the trials and tribulations of doing business in the city, state and nation. We lobby actively at all levels of government and enjoy strong and constructive relationships with our policymakers.

As a chamber, we are moderate and understand the delicate balance between economy, social equity and environment. Our emphasis on this sustainability model helps our voice to be heard as we focus on the economic leg of this three-legged stool. We provide many opportunities for our membership to engage in policy work, including biweekly public policy committee meetings, legislative receptions and our new advocacy blog (www. chandlerchamber.com/advocacy).

Our voice of business is further strengthened through our East Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA), where we join together with six other chambers to bring our issues forward as a unified voice. Our paid lobbyist, the Dorn

25 S. Arizona Place, Suite 201 Chandler, AZ 85225 (480) 963-4571 www.chandlerchamber.com

Employers Council

Member Benefits

Human resource management is a challenge for any size of organization and can be particularly challenging for smaller employers who don’t have dedicated HR professionals on staff.

Responding to this ongoing challenge for small employers, the Chamber has started an Employers Council. This Council will impart information and guidance to our membership and the community at large and help employers stay up to date with the always-changing area of HR policy and employment law.

Our Employers Council Steering Committee involves a selection of our members most interested in HR policy. The Steering Committee will design a speaker series and roundtable discussions that are relevant and timely. They will also design a member-only tool kit that will be available to members on our Web site.

• W e are an advocate for our member businesses.

• We provide access to city and state legislators by connecting members to important community issues.

• We offer a wide variety of business programs, events and education opportunities that help grow business.

• W e leverage the talents and resources of our members to improve economic opportunities.

• W e provide many opportunities for business-to-business networking.

To Join: Contact Mary Ann Przybylski at (480) 963-4571, or join.chandlerchamber.com 50

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Gilbert Chamber of Commerce

J.W. Rayhons, Chairman of the Board By becoming a member of a chamber of commerce, you are making an important and definitive statement about your business as you take an active role in the support of your local business community. When you join the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, you demonstrate your desire to engage your community, connect with others and advance your business.

At the Gilbert Chamber, we challenge our members to engage with the community through opportunities that include helping one another through a business-to-business mentoring program, honoring others at the Gilbert Community Excellence Awards and raising funds for local students at this year’s Scholars Golf Tournament. Perhaps the path to community service has been blazed by the Chamber’s Gilbert Leadership program, an incredible journey of building leadership skills and lasting relationships while identifying needs and serving the community. This year, the program will celebrate its 19th year with more than 350 alumni.

We challenge our members to connect with others to build successful business relationships.

We make good use of our members’ time by presenting fewer events each month but ones

that bring incredible value, including our quarterly Referral Institute, Early Edition (morning) Networking Events, a luncheon series that includes an economic forecast and mayor’s annual address, our “What Women Want…” luncheons and even speed networking opportunities. Evening networking events include larger-scaled, fun-filled events to meet our members’ socializing and business connection needs.

Finally, we challenge our members to advance their businesses by improving their bottom line and solving issues that impact them.

Members have access to discounts on workers’ compensation and healthcare benefits. The Partners for Progress program brings together large businesses with the Town of Gilbert and the Chamber to identify issues and solutions impacting their business, and members are asked to support the process of candidate endorsements for local and state elections.

Whether or not you join the Gilbert Chamber, it is important for you to get involved — the possibilities to your Chamber experience are endless. Will you take the opportunity to engage, connect and advance your business?

Profile Founded: 1979 Head of Organization: J.W. Rayhons, Chairman of the Board Membership Contact: Annette Sellers, Director of Sales Number of Members: 550 Number of Staff: 7 Largest Annual Event: Scholars Golf Tournament, April 7, 2011 Awards Program: Annual Awards Luncheon, June 28, 2011

Chamber Staff Kathy Tilque President and CEO Sarah Watts Executive Assistant Annette Sellers Director of Sales Marty Tomljenovic VP Special Events Grace Hodges VP Programs and Services

Of Note

Committee Laying Groundwork

Kristin Saiz Communication Coordinator Adrianne Lynch IT Director

Gilbert residents and tourists have a new tool at their fingertips with the launch of the community’s first kiosk system and other tourism-related materials to promote the town’s amenities.

Five touch-screen, paperless kiosks have been installed in locations throughout Gilbert and feature categories such as Where to Stay, Where to Eat, What to Do and Community Resources.

In addition to the installation of kiosks, the Chamber has published and • L eads Clubs Referral Institute distributed its first tourism map highlighting different areas of interest and • M ember Mentoring recently launched visitgilbertaz.com, Gilbert’s first tourism website. The • W hat Women Want…In Business Chamber also partnered with the Mesa Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and • B usiness Advocacy the Town of Queen Creek to launch visitgateway.com, a landing site that is marketed to different regions throughout the country.

Contact Info P.O. Box 527 Gilbert, AZ 85299 (480) 892-0056 www.gilbertaz.com

Member Benefits

To Join: Contact Annette Sellers at (480) 926-6020 or visit us at www.gilbertaz.com inbusinessmag.com

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Glendale Chamber of Commerce

Don Rinehart, President & CEO

Profile Founded: 1951 Head of Organization: Don Rinehart, President and CEO Membership Contact: Harry Shapiro Number of Members: 702 Number of Staff: 5 Largest Annual Event: Glendale Chamber of Commerce Trade Fair — Annual Chamber-sponsored event providing members exhibit space to give exposure to other members and business owners.

Awards Program: Annual Awards Luncheon and Mayor’s State of the City Address Area of Specialty: Networking, Public Policy, Business Enrichment

Chamber Staff Don Rinehart President and CEO Harry B. Shapiro V.P. Chamber Operations Ray W. Goulding V.P. Marketing & Events Monika Nylund Director of Admin. Services Jaclyn Herzog Administrative and Communications Assistant

Contact Info 7105 N. 59th Avenue Glendale, AZ 85311 (623) 937-4754 info@glendaleazchamber.org www.glendaleazchamber.org

The Glendale Chamber of Commerce is a business association consisting of voluntary membership and a professional staff.

In the greater Glendale area, the Chamber represents more than 900 area businesses, from local retail, trade and professional services to manufacturing and exporting. Chamber member businesses provide goods and services, jobs and tax revenue to benefit the area’s economy.

The Chamber serves the business community as the voice of commerce, provides programs and services to improve the economic environment for its members and supplies leadership for improving the quality of life. For area residents and newcomers, the Chamber is a reliable source of community information and a dependable resource for business referrals.

In addition to committees and networking, the Chamber focuses on enriching Glendale, Ariz.

Economic Development, Government Relations, Community Development, Military Affairs and Member Benefits are among our attributes that member businesses benefit from.

The Chamber of Commerce works in cooperation with the City of Glendale Economic

Development Department, the Service Corp. of Retired Executives (SCORE) and the Maricopa Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to provide assistance to new and existing businesses.

The Chamber’s website provides information to members and individuals about the Glendale business community. The site includes a member directory and buyers guide, which provides referrals to member businesses. Members are provided a free webpage and a link to their own website and may purchase additional banner advertising at a nominal fee.

The community map and relocation guide is an actual street map with an index for users to find specific destinations and also includes valuable relocation and tourism information.

Advertising space is available to members wishing to heighten their visibility to tourists, relocation inquiries and new residents.

Our Chamber newsletter is mailed monthly to member businesses. The Pulse offers our members the opportunity to increase their visibility through advertising and is inserted into the Glendale Star, which has a circulation of 12,000, and keeps the membership informed of member issues, events and other important business news.

Of Note

Glendale Chamber Foundation RAAD Grant Program (Raising Awareness About Diversity) grants are made possible by gifts from supporters and fundraising activities of the Glendale Chamber Foundation. We offer grants up to $750 to K-12 classroom teachers for implementing diversity and youth activism projects in their schools and communities. Proposals from other educators such as community organizations and churches will be considered on the basis of direct student impact. Projects funded by the Glendale Chamber • M arketing Foundation tend to be small-scale, resourceful and student-focused, • N etworking promoting acceptance of diversity, peacemaking, community service • S avings Plans or any other aspect of tolerance education. Projects should be clearly • I nternet & Publications defined, well integrated and tailored to the specified needs and interests of • I nsurance Programs particular learners and their communities. They need to be economically • E ntertainment & Recreation responsible, involving staff participation, community volunteers and in• M ember Services kind contributions wherever possible.

Member Benefits

To Join: Visit us online at www.glendaleazchamber.org 52

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Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce

Jeff Cleveland, President & CEO As the new year begins, the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce sets out on a new path under new leadership and a renewed focus aimed at growing a new generation of business leaders. The GPBCC serves as the cornerstone for educational training, resource programs, resource and economic growth opportunities.

To meet the growing challenges of an increasingly competitive business environment, GPBCC provides a strong support system and network to ensure success to African American entrepreneurs and business owners. The GPBCC continues its tradition of advocacy, education and meaningful relationships for our members and Arizona businesses overall.

Expanding member relationship networks and educational opportunities to improve entrepreneurial business skills tops the list of 2011 efforts. Learning how to be successful is the first step to becoming successful, so the Chamber will launch a new partnership with the University of Phoenix and the United States Black Chamber to provide valuable workshops

on business management and other crucial topics for business success.

Workshops will include instruction on small business basics, financing strategies for growth and strategic investing for expansion.

Complimenting the new educational curriculum, the Chamber will also create real-time learning and growth opportunities by pairing members in a mentor/mentee relationship to enhance their membership experience. Finally, as we look to the future, we will work to develop our youngest entrepreneurs by creating an entrepreneurship outreach program aimed at youth. I started my own lawn business at age 13, so I know how important it is to begin early and sow the seeds of success early.

The Chamber is poised for growth, new opportunity and growing our new generation of business leaders and business owners, and I invite you to join us as we work toward a more prosperous Arizona.

Of Note

Annual Dinner Honors Corporate and Small Business Partners of the Year

Profile Founded: 1999 Head of Organization: Jeffrey C. Cleveland, President and CEO Membership Contact: Heather Holmes, Director Number of Members: 108 Number of Staff: 3 Largest Annual Event: 12th Annual Awards Banquet: “A New Generation of Business,” Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 Awards Program: Annual Awards Banquet Area of Specialty: Business Networking, and Training & Education

Chamber Staff Joanna de’Shay Chair Jeffrey C. Cleveland President and CEO HeatherMarie Holmes Director

Contact Info

This year marks a pivotal milestone for the Chamber as we embark on celebrating “A New Generation of 201 E. Washington Street, Suite 350 Phoenix, AZ 85004 Business” with new leadership supporting African American businesses willing to give back to the community (602) 307-5200 and become role models for future entrepreneurs and business leaders. Our 12th Annual Awards Banquet www.phoenixblackchamber.com takes place Friday, Feb. 18, 2011, at the Phoenix Wyndham Hotel. For more information, visit our Web site at www.phoenixblackchamber.com.

The event is our largest fundraising event of the year, attracting more than 400 entrepreneurs and corporate and elected officials. Become a sponsor of the event and increase your brand • Networking, professional development, • Visibility through the GPBCC Web site, loyalty — sponsorship opportunities range from $15,000 for a mentoring and training with access to fellow newsletter and other publications Platinum Sponsorship to $2,500 for a table of 10. We invite you members and corporate network • Discounts on goods and services to partner with the Chamber and help us continue the dream • Cultivation of supplier/vendor loyalty from a • Access to valuable information, public policy of providing “A New Generation of Business” of support to group of dependable professionals issues and their effect on your organization the community.

Member Benefits

To Join: Contact Channel Powe, Membership Director, at (602) 307-5200 inbusinessmag.com

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Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

Todd Sanders, President & CEO

Profile

Founded: 1888 Head of Organization: Todd Sanders, President and CEO Membership Contact: Debbie Drotar, Business Development Director Number of Members: 2,900 Number of Staff: 26 Largest Annual Event: Mayor’s State of the City Address and Luncheon — March/April Awards Program: ATHENA and Impact Awards Area of Specialty: Business Networking, Branding and Marketing and Public Policy Advocacy

Chamber Staff

Todd Sanders President and CEO Ron McElhaney VP Finance and Operations Michelle Bolton VP Public Affairs and Economic Development Jennifer Mellor VP Program Development Jody Ryan Marketing Communications Director Debbie Drotar Business Development Director Katie Campana Community Relations Director Norma Macias Member Services Director

Contact Info

201 N. Central Avenue, 27th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 495-2195 www.phoenixchamber.com

I’m often asked, “What is the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce?

What do you do?”

The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is an organization made up of 2,900 companies throughout the Valley and state that come together to grow their business, save money and influence government.

As we have since we were founded in 1888, we support the growth and development of business in the Valley, which strengthens the quality of life in our community.

Our members enjoy opportunities to network with other business professionals, market their goods and services and support each other personally and professionally. They can attend events throughout the year that inform, entertain and stimulate — everything from low-key evening networking events to our Phoenix Forum speakers’ series to awards programs recognizing the outstanding business professionals in the Valley.

Especially now, every business is looking for ways to save money and grow revenue. We offer programs that help our members save

on insurance, SCF workers’ compensation premiums and advertising. Our exclusive procurement program, BidSource, connected members to nearly $350 million in government bids last year.

We’re very active in the public affairs arena.

We work very closely with elected officials at the local, state and county levels to make sure they understand the issues that are very important to the business community. Our Political Action Committee (PAC) supports pro-business candidates for local and state offices. We encourage all our members to get involved in this important facet of the Chamber experience.

Our staff works very hard every day to make sure our members — big and small and in-between — are informed, connected and prosperous.

We’re committed to keeping the Valley a great place to live, work and to do business.

I hope you’ll join us in those efforts. Visit www.phoenixchamber.com/join today and find out about all the reasons your company should be a member of the largest and bestestablished business organization in Arizona.

Of Note

Chamber Institute

Real People. Real Business. Real Success.

Providing resources for our members of all sizes to grow their business is a top priority for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (GPCC). It’s our main focus and the reason we exist. Next month, we’re launching our six-month-long “Chamber Institute” to help our members climb out of the recession and into economic recovery.

The Chamber Institute will consist of monthly sessions featuring local experts presenting customized coursework focusing on sales, marketing and leadership. In addition to the live presentations, much of the Chamber Institute content will be available online to accommodate busy schedules.

• A ccess to Government Contracts Business professionals who complete the course of study will receive a • B randing and Marketing certificate and a wealth of knowledge in key subjects that can help them be • B usiness Networking more effective and profitable. This program will be offered exclusively to • P rofessional Development GPCC members; if you’re not already a member, be sure to join today at • P ublic Policy Advocacy www.phoenixchamber.com/join.

Member Benefits

To Join: Please contact Debbie Drotar at (602) 495-6483 or ddrotar@phoenixchamber.com or visit www.phoenixchamber.com/join 54

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Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Tony Felice, Chairman 2011 marks the 31st year of the Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and we stand on the shoulders of bold and courageous former leaders. The Chamber was formed in a time when the social climate was vastly different from the one we find ourselves in today. We cannot take that for granted for even a moment.

To be “great,” one has to abandon the status quo and “good enough,” and instead embrace the desire to achieve the impossible. We can only imagine how impossible it may have seemed in 1980 to stand and be recognized by the larger community as not only a “gay chamber,” but a legitimate one as well. It was a world far from accepting, and we can imagine that our fore-leaders could only dream of a day when the general business community would only accept us but actively seek to do business with us, form alliances with our organization and even celebrate our partnerships with them.

Our mission, from the beginning, has never changed. We set out to provide a forum where

Member Benefits • O pportunity to connect with other gay-owned businesses and straight allies through networking lunches, net mixes and special events like A Festival of Trees, Evening of Pride and the popular Biz Bowl • Educational opportunities to learn how to grow your business • O pportunity to grow your business by advertising on the Chamber website, newsletter and by sponsoring events • O pportunity to participate for free in our social media platforms Facebook and Twitter • A ccess to medical benefits through ASBA and hiring through Jobing.com

gay people and their allies could network, learn and do business with each other. In addition, we strive to celebrate the fact that gays and lesbians have long been linked to economic development, urban revitalization and significant contribution to the growth of a region.

As suggested by Dr. Richard Florida in The Rise of the Creative Class, fostering a diverse community with a vibrant LGBT presence is good for economic development, a region’s competitiveness and its ability to attract and retain high-impact employers with knowledge workers who seek diverse and exciting cities in which to live. We intend to communicate that message every day.

We are only as good as the sum of our parts.

Likewise, we are only as good as our best members. In that spirit, I invite you to participate, make friends and be successful.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

Of Note

An Alliance Anyone can join the GPGLCC; in fact, our straight “allied” members represent about 30 percent of our base. The Gay Chamber has a reciprocal relationship with the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and is allied with the Arizona Small Business Association and Jobing.com. This year, the Gay Chamber launched a historic annual survey measuring an oftenoverlooked dimension of workplace diversity among employers for its LGBT employees. The Business Equality Index (BEI) is modeled after the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Corporate Equality Index, a wellrespected survey that is completed annually by some of the national largest private-sector employers. It will be published in spring 2011.

The LGBT community has an aggregate buying power of about $800 billion. For the first time, in 2010, the U.S. Census will count the number of domestic partners in the United State ­— we look forward to demonstrating further how strong our numbers are and the economic impact we represent.

Profile Founded: 1980 Head of Organization: Tony Felice, Chairman Membership Contact: Mary Berry, Chamber Administrator Number of Members: 495 Number of Staff: 3 Largest Annual Event: Festival of Trees, each year in December Awards Program: Business Equality Awards Area of Specialty: Business Networking & Education

Chamber Staff Tony Felice Chairman Mary Berry Chamber Administrator Minta Thompson Communications Coordinator Development Director Open

Contact Info P.O. Box 2097 Phoenix, AZ 85001-2097 (602) 266-5055 www.phoenixgaychamber.com

To Join: Please visit our website at www.phoenixgaychamber.com or call the office at (602) 266-5055 inbusinessmag.com

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Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Peter Sterling, President & CEO Profile Founded: 1912 Head of Organization: Peter Sterling, President and CEO Membership Contact: Any staff member is a membership contact.

Number of Members: 1,000 Number of Staff: 5 Largest Annual Event: Senior Lifestyle Expo held every year in February Awards Program: Annual Volunteer and Business Excellence Awards Area of specialty: Business Networking, Public Policy, and Economic Development

Chamber Staff Peter Sterling President and CEO Barbara Caravella Executive Vice President Pamela Stapley Communications Director Sally Harrison Programs Director

Contact Info 120 North Center Mesa, AZ 85201 p. (480) 969-1307 f. (480) 827-0727

This month marks a significant change in the history of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce.

Charlie Deaton, the Chamber’s leader for the past 18 years, has decided to retire and spend more time exploring his other talents.

Charlie is owed a debt of gratitude for the service he provided to this organization. He led the Chamber and positioned it as the strong and independent voice of the Mesa business community and a force in both the East Valley and Arizona. I am fortunate to be able to follow him.

Upon my arrival in Mesa two years ago, one of the first pieces of advice given to me was to join the Mesa Chamber and get involved. It was valuable advice and I’ve had incredible opportunities since becoming a Chamber member.

Now I will begin my tenure as the Chamber’s president and chief executive officer. I am responsible for making sure that our members receive top-notch service and good return on their membership investment.

As I see it, this is a perfect time to begin the next chapter — the Mesa Chamber is at a

crossroads as it prepares to celebrate 100 years of service. The Arizona economy is starting to rebound and, as it does, many changes will assure there is no such thing as status quo. For every contributing member of this economy, it’s time to adapt or risk becoming irrelevant.

It is my personal philosophy that innovation and entrepreneurship drive the economy. This needs to be encouraged and allowed to flourish.

The role of the Chamber is to act as a catalyst and top cheerleader for business economic growth, and members need to know how valuable that is.

The volunteers and staff at the Mesa Chamber are developing the plan that will provide a strong foundation for moving forward. We have researched best practices of leading-edge chambers of commerce and will combine these findings with our collective experience and knowledge.

If you are a Mesa business owner and not yet a Chamber member, we invite you to join this forward momentum. If you are a resident, remember that a strong chamber of commerce translates into a strong and healthy community.

Did You Know?

What is a Chamber of Commerce?

The Mesa Chamber of Commerce is an organization of the business community. It is a private, nonprofit corporation that unites more than 1,000 business and professional firms. The Mesa Chamber of Commerce is the community’s leading advocate and champion for business. Its primary objective is to create a climate of growth and success in our community. The Mesa Chamber provides leadership and opportunities, volunteer programs and business-building initiatives that focus on the critical business • A lobbyist representing your business at the issues of our community.

Arizona State Capital • Automatic representation with the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance — • Opportunity to expand your networking The Chamber provides business services, networking and an organization representing 7,800 contacts at more than 30 Chamber events referrals, advocacy for public policy and political action — we businesses lobbying the state legislature on annually present your business interests at the local and state level. Our business issues programs are geared to give you, the member, networking • Listing on the Chamber’s website, with as opportunities, leads and contacts, educational seminars, as well as many as 400,000 hits per month, with an • O pportunity to increase your State Insurance trade shows to help you market your products. opportunity to link to your own website Fund dividend by as much as 22 percent

Member Benefits

To Join: To become a member today, go to www.mesachamber.org/chamber/join.aspx or call us at (480) 969-1307 56

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North Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

Edward Gomillion, Executive Director The mission of the Chamber is to unite the people of commerce, industry, education and the professions to work together for the development of the greater North Phoenix area. The Chamber believes that by fostering business growth and prosperity, the quality of life of the entire area is improved. The North Phoenix Chamber is celebrating 47 years of service to businesses throughout the North Phoenix Valley.

Our service area reaches from Northern Avenue north to Anthem, and 51st Avenue east

to Scottsdale Road. There are more than 18,000 businesses in our service area and the numbers keep growing.

Our members range from individual business men and women who want to become involved within their business community and small business owners and entrepreneurs with fewer than 10 employees all the way to companies with more than 100 employees

Profile Founded: 1963 Head of Organization: Edward Gomillion, Executive Director Membership Contact: Edward Gomillion Largest Annual Event: NPCC Golf Tournament Area of specialty: Connecting Members

Did You Know?

Npcc Membership — What We Want Over the past several years, NPCC has transformed itself into an organization that truly recognizes what members want and need from a chamber of commerce.

We understand the importance of keeping up with advances in technology and business strategies and the kinds of training and support that businesses need to keep a sharp, competitive edge.

We do this by: • Providing members with a technical edge — their own website within a website hosted by NPCC • Weekly networking, marketing and lead generating events

Chamber Staff

• Monthly Seminar Luncheon Series • Monthly mixers hosted by our members • Promoting your open houses and grand openings • Health benefits • Free inclusion in our online directory • Discounted advertising on our website and in our newsletter • Discounts on other member services, including identity theft, advertising, marketing, insurance and storage • And we keep adding more …

Edward Gomillion Executive Director Randy Knoble Chairman Robert K. Minniti Treasurer Norma Huibregtse Secretary

Contact Info 14001 N. 7th Street Building C, Suite 106 Phoenix, AZ 85022 (602) 482-3344 www.northphoenixchamber.com

Member Benefits • A ll NPCC members receive free inclusion in our online directory, including up to five category listings and a complimentary Google map to their location.

• Chamber Choice (R) offers all NPCC members, their employees and their families discounted healthcare plans. Chamber Choice (R) can be reached at (602) 996-6010 for more information.

• N o healthcare insurance? Save up to 50 percent off most services at NextCare Urgent Care when you purchase a ValueCare medical discount card. ValueCare is available to Chamber members, their families, their employees and their employees’ families. Great member benefit by Bedmart.

• P roviding substantial benefits on healthcare insurance, identity theft protection, advertising, marketing, website

design and even dinner out once in a while ... isn’t THAT what YOUR chamber SHOULD be doing?

• L ow-cost advertising rates in our newsletters and on our Chamber website, all creating direct links to the member advertiser’s website, are available to our NPCC members.

To Join: Call Edward Gomillion at (602) 482-3344 for information on North Phoenix Chamber of Commerce inbusinessmag.com

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North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce

Tom Lockhart, CEO

Profile Founded: 2007 Head of Organization: Tom Lockhart, CEO Membership Contact: Tom Lockhart Number of Members: 650+ Number of Staff: 4 Largest Annual Event: Charity Golf Tournament Area of specialty: Business Networking, Philanthropic Community Efforts

Chamber Staff Tom Lockhart CEO Lori Sloan Office Manager

Contact Info 14201 N. 87th Street, Suite 131 Scottsdale, AZ 85260-3683 p. (480) 889-8987 f. (480) 998-3959 www.northscottsdalechamber.org

The vision of the North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce is to help local businesses realize their full potential. By helping local businesses develop and grow, we help create a better, stronger, thriving community in which to work, live and prosper.

We are Arizona’s fastest growing chamber, and are proud and excited to bring the community a new kind of chamber that seeks participation not only by our member businesses but also from our local community. We are dedicated to providing the resources our members need to build and sustain their successful businesses, but also to supporting the community that sustains us. The value of becoming a North Scottsdale Chamber member extends far beyond just making connections and networking. Your membership will help you: • Build your business. Chamber members do business with other Chamber members first.

• Take advantage of various kinds of advertising opportunities and gain exposure for your

business.

• N etwork. The NSCC has the strongest, most effective networking opportunities, provided by our hundreds of Chamber events each year.

• Participate in numerous philanthropic activities to give back to our community.

Our real strength is our members. It is the commitment and involvement from so many people that makes the NSCC and all of its events and fundraising efforts so very successful. There are few other business organizations that can rival the level of participation and volunteerism by our members. The North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce sets the standard for excellence in member service, community collaboration, business growth and achieving a high quality of life in the North Scottsdale area. As our phenomenal growth continues, we see nothing but good things in the future of the NSCC and for our community.

Of Note

Philanthropic Efforts Each year, the North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce focuses its philanthropic efforts on as many as a dozen local charities. There are many events where members can get involved and help, including food and toy drives; dining at local restaurants where

Member Benefits • I mprove Your Bottom Line: Chamber members do business with other Chamber members first.

• Receive Member Discounts: As a member, you will have access to great discounts from fellow members for your personal and business needs.

• Give Back: The NSCC is extremely active in the community and participates in numerous

philanthropic activities to give back to our community.

• Gain Exposure: Advertising opportunities that boost exposure are available and affordable through the Chamber’s outlets — directory listings, banner ads on the website, eBlasts, magazine ads, social media, sponsorship opportunities and more.

a portion of proceeds goes to charity; volunteering at the charities themselves; and attending charity fundraisers, including our largest fundraising event, the Charity Golf Tournament. Last year, our Tournament and the Golf Ball Drop (5,000 golf balls dropped from a helicopter) raised money to help support St. Mary’s Food Bank and Gabriel’s Angels.

In 2011, our focus will be on helping children in our community. The "2011 NSCC Campaign for Kids" will assist local children in need with everything from food and shelter to education and emotional support, and much more. Members of the NSCC will participate in numerous ways: donating money and needed items, volunteering at local events and attending charity fundraisers.

To Join: You may join online at www.northscottsdalechamber.org, or contact the Chamber Office for more information 58

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Peoria Chamber of Commerce

Diana Bedient, President & CEO At the Peoria Chamber of Commerce, we know it’s our responsibility to work for you and to assist you in your business success. We strive to create a strong local economy for our businesses and residents by providing opportunities to build relationships and deliver programs that support you in your business growth.

The Peoria Chamber offers business connections through networking activities and marketing opportunities. Every month, the Chamber offers four specific networking meetings, a luncheon, breakfast, educational workshop, mixer or two, committee activities, Toastmasters, S.C.O.R.E. counselors and ribbon cuttings. We provide monthly educational seminars, community involvement, special events and more!

Valuable marketing opportunities are available through our monthly newspaper, annual community profile and business directory, map and exceptional website, which experiences more than 300,000 inquiries a month. While on our website, www.peoriachamber.com, you can read the Chamber newspaper; check out our calendar,

membership directory and press releases; RSVP for activities; and more! As a member, your business will have its own profile on the website, plus you can be listed in five categories.

In addition, we produce a monthly newsletter delivered to all our business members, city officials and throughout the community. As a new member of the Chamber, you will get a complimentary business description in our newspaper that is delivered to all our members, plus 12,000 homes in Peoria. You can also insert 800 flyers in our newspaper at no cost. You can advertise your business to the new servicemen at Luke Air Force Base by being a member. You will also get valuable listings on our website and membership directory, plus you can display your business literature and business cards in our Chamber lobby. The Chamber has various opportunities through sponsorships of activities and programs to fit your business needs and budget.

The Peoria Chamber of Commerce is here to help grow your business and create a strong economy as your partner and voice for business.

Of Note

New Business Tools Available to Members

Profile Founded: 1919 Head of Organization: Diana Bedient, President and CEO Membership Contact: Ashley Dryer and Kathy Porter, Membership Services Number of Members: 526 Number of Staff: 3 Largest Annual Event: Taste of Peoria and Casino Nite Awards Program: Annual Awards Banquet and Referral Recognition Area of Specialty: Business Connections

Chamber Staff Diana Bedient President and CEO Ashley Dryer Webmaster/Membership Services Kathy Porter Membership Services/ Visitor Service Manager

Contact Info

8631 W. Union Hills Drive, Suite 203, Peoria, AZ 85382 (623) 979-3601 www.peoriachamber.com

Every Chamber member can now receive a “Tool Kit” with business handouts at the monthly breakfast. The complimentary notebook will grow each month with the educational handouts provided on topics of importance for business owners and employees. Topics include New Tax Laws, Effective Networking, Social Media, Marketing Ideas, Customer Service and more. In addition, the Peoria Chamber recently launched “Tools for Business Success.” Chamber members, existing businesses and persons wanting to start a business now have a one-stop online resource center that includes a business start-up kit, business plans, small business certification information, tax • B usiness Connections: A variety of monthly business-to-business networking activities and business forms, employer forms, business articles and • Marketing: Website, monthly newspaper, annual business directory, special events, weekly eBlast more to assist you with your business. All of this will also be • E ducation: Educational workshops, webinars, business tool kits and resource library available in Spanish with one click of a button. To receive the • C ommunity: Partners with nonprofits, government and business valuable business tools, visit www.peoriachamber.com and • P romotions: Ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, sponsorships, advertising, news through our look for the link on the front page. website and newspaper

Member Benefits

To Join: See www.peoriachamber.com or call (623) 979-3601 for a personal consultation inbusinessmag.com

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Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce

Rick Kidder, President & CEO

Profile Founded: 1947 Head of Organization: Rick Kidder, President and CEO Membership Contact: Tina Miller, Director of Sales & Member Services Number of Members: 971 Number of Staff: 10 Largest Annual Event: SBS Fall Trade Show Awards Program: Sterling Awards Area of Specialty: Business Networking, Education, Economic Development, Public Policy & Business Advocacy

Chamber Staff Rick Kidder President and CEO Cindi Eberhardt Executive Vice President Tina Miller Director of Sales & Member Services Mike Binder Marketing & Communications Manager Cari Woods Events Manager

Contact Info 4725 N. Scottsdale Rd. #210 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 355-2700 www.scottsdalechamber.com

The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1947, four years before the incorporation of the City of Scottsdale. For nearly 65 years, the Chamber has lived up to its mission: “Building a vibrant and prosperous community through business leadership.”

Scottsdale has grown and prospered greatly, moving from a sleepy bedroom community into a diversified business center with an unsurpassed brand that signifies quality, lifestyle, innovation and entrepreneurship. Tourism, once the only economic driver for Scottsdale, remains essential to the city’s financial health, but through the work of the Chamber and the City of Scottsdale the economy has diversified into a business services center, a retail powerhouse and a high-tech/bio-tech center that compliments our superb medical complexes, Scottsdale Healthcare and Mayo Clinic.

The Chamber maintains an active role in civic affairs, helping to represent the interests of the business community before local, state and national elected officials to help ensure a business climate that allows all businesses to

thrive. Whether the issues are taxation, regulatory overreach or controversial enough to spark public debate, the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce assists the business community through advocacy, information and events designed to cast light on significant issues that impact the business community, like national healthcare reform.

The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce offers a vast array of programs and services for businesses of any size or stage of development.

From networking to education programs to discounts that assist companies to save money in good or challenging times, the Chamber is dedicated to helping businesses grow and prosper. Through the synergy of more than 1,000 business members, Chamber members also learn to do business with each other, often offering substantial discounts to other Chamber members as a way of enhancing a strong business base.

While the vast majority of the Chamber’s members have a physical presence in Scottsdale, many members are located in other municipalities but seek to do business in this great city. It is the Chamber’s goal to be a strong regional partner, to serve our members well and to meet their needs now and in the future.

Did You Know?

What Members Say About Us I wanted to congratulate you all on making today’s Champions Breakfast a “slam dunk.” Well done. Great attendance, great venue, fabulous food, positive attitudes … one of the best events I’ve had the pleasure of attending!

—George Gillas, The Janus Center for Personal Growth You guys really have your act together. I wish I joined years ago.

—Matt Kersten, Kersten Cards/Stonehouse Collection

My association with members and the amazing Chamber team has helped drive business to our facility at a time when perceived luxuries like a spa treatment are being dropped from people’s budgets.

—Kirk Gregor, Spa at Gainey Village Since the inception of our business, the Scottsdale Chamber has been an integral part of our marketing plan because it works!

• C onnect with customers and colleagues Their staff is responsive to our • Learn new skills requests and they offer a variety • Influence decisions and of networking venues to match decisionmakers individual comfort zones.

• Grow your bottom line • Gain invaluable exposure for —Deb & Heidi Jones, your business Business of Baskets

Member Benefits

To Join: www.scottsdalechamber.com/join or (480) 355-2700 60

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Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce

Sharolyn Hohman, President & CEO A dynamic and progressive area, the cities represented by the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce — Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park and Tolleson — are home to a diversified population whose needs are met by an equally diversified business community.

The Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce is cognizent of the growing and changing face of the Southwest Valley and strives to provide a climate conducive to incubating new businesses and providing established businesses with the support they need to expand and flourish. One of the Chamber’s attributes is the ability to connect people with similar goals to achieve a common purpose, whether in business or in the nonprofit sector.

The Chamber is and has always been a leader in helping to resolve business issues affecting the local community. Several years ago, the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Glendale, Wickenburg and Buckeye Chambers to form the West Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance, an organization dedicated to advocating for their business communities with a united voice.

Providing networking opportunities for members is one of our major functions. Each

month, business and community leaders gather for breakfast or lunch and at Business After Hours and Mixers to exchange ideas in a relaxed social atmosphere. Each June, outstanding members are recognized for their service throughout the year at the annual Chamber Dinner.

Member businesses are automatically listed on the Chamber’s business website, www. southwestvalleychamber.org, where they are readily available to potential customers 24/7.

Their listings are also published in the annual Chamber Directory, along with interesting facts about the community.

Volunteers are a vital source of manpower for the Chamber, and members are urged to take leadership roles by serving on committees such as government affairs, business support, education, membership, leadership training and marketing.

Designated as an official Arizona Office of Tourism Center in 2001, the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce is frequently the first contact visitors have when coming to the area because of its location just off Interstate 10.

Of Note

Member Benefits • N etworking: Eleven opportunities a month to network • W eb Presence: Full, interactive page on Chamber website included with membership • B usiness Advocacy: At the local, county, state and federal levels • S hop Locally: Yearly directory, referrals, shopsouthwestvalley.com • A dvertising Opportunities: Directory, map, Chamber lobby displays

Travel to Europe Each year since 2009, the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce has offered an exciting travel experience to an exotic destination. Past tours have included China, where participants visited the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, and a tour of the Italian countryside and Rome with side trips to Tuscany and the walled city of San Gimignano.

The 2011 trip, which leaves March 24, visits historic London and Paris, the fabled City of Lights. Highlights include visits to Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle in London, and, moving on to Paris, the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.

The trips are not limited to Chamber members, so anyone with a little wanderlust in their soul is welcome to come along. For information, contact the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce at (623) 932-2260.

Profile Founded: 1958 Head of Organization: Sharolyn Hohman, President and CEO Membership Contact: Danielle Brown, Office Manager Number of Members: 700 Number of Staff: 5 Largest Annual Event: Eco Avenues – Going Green Southwest Valley Style, March 26, 2011 Awards Program: Annual Awards Dinner, June 25, 2011 Area of Specialty: Multiple Areas

Chamber Staff Sharolyn Hohman President and CEO Danielle Brown Office Manager Marla Chandler Administrative Assistant Susan Evans Tourism Specialist Beatrice Day Office Assistant

Contact Info 289 N. Litchfield Road Goodyear, AZ 85338 (623) 932-2260 www.southwestvalleychamber.org

To Join: Click “Join the Chamber” at www.southwestvalleychamber.org or call Danielle Brown at (623) 932-2260 inbusinessmag.com

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Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce

David Moss, President & CEO

Profile Founded: 1963 Head of Organization: David Moss, President & CEO Membership Contact: Mary Orta, Director, Member Services Number of Members: 559 Number of Staff: 3 Awards Program: Copper Sun Awards Area of Specialty: Business Networking & Education; Public Policy; Economic Development

Chamber Staff David Moss President & CEO Mary Orta Director, Member Services Katherine Peck Member Services Robin Potter Communications & Technical Services Jim Jevens Economic Development Betty Boon Business Development

Contact Info 16126 Civic Center Plaza Surprise, AZ 85374 623-583-0692 www.surpriseregionalchamber.com

2010 was a year of “new” for the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber relocated to a new building next to the new city hall in Surprise; launched a new website to better serve members; introduced a new staff; created several new committees, events and an array of member services; and added more than 200 new members.

The Chamber represents the diverse populations of El Mirage, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise and Youngtown. Each community brings a particular energy to the area and produces an atmosphere and personality unique to Arizona.

In 2009, the Chamber rolled out a new tag line: Serving Members, Growing Businesses, Shaping Communities. While all three are essential to a well-functioning chamber, the tag line also represents a progression that we are trying to follow. As we move in to 2011, we continue to work hard to make sure we are serving our members and being responsive to their needs.

We will also continue to provide tools, programs, events and services that help their organizations grow. But we will be particularly focused on

shaping communities in the coming year.

The Surprise Regional Chamber will be working closely with our constituent communities to foster economic development both through business retention efforts as well as helping our cities further develop an inviting business atmosphere.

We will be working closely with elected representatives in our region to ensure that businesses are recognized for the community builders they are and not considered a nuisance simply to be tolerated. We will work hand-inhand with those who seek to create a truly probusiness climate and make it easier to relocate, manage and grow businesses.

We will be working with our educational partners to continue to offer business seminars and workshops, but will also be rolling out programs and partnerships that reach beyond traditional business education and impact the community as a whole. We will be reaching into the high schools and leveraging the energy and creativity of tomorrow’s business leaders. And we will be reaching into the “retirement communities” and leveraging their deep and diverse experience.

With so many diverse strengths, the Northwest Valley is poised to have a fantastic 2011.

Of Note

Business Education Series A focus on business education has brought more value to our members’ investment in the Chamber. One of the newer educational events at the Chamber is the monthly Business Education Seminar Series held at the Ultrastar Cinemas in Surprise. Each month, Chamber members are invited to attend the free event that combines food, networking and education. The event takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m. and lasts until 10 a.m. The topics are usually focused on sales, marketing and human resources. A continental breakfast is provided as members sit back in the big, comfortable theater chairs and learn from an expert how to grow their business (watching a PowerPoint presentation on a movie screen is a new experience for many). And when was the last time you started an educational seminar by watching trailers of upcoming movies?

Member Benefits • N etworking Events • M arketing/Business Promotion Opportunities • O pportunities to get involved: Nine standing committees and four signature committees • F ree meeting space for up to 50 people • E ducational Benefits/Events • P olitical Advocacy

To Join: Enrollment online at www.surpriseregionalchamber.com or contact Mary Orta at (623) 583-0692 62

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Tempe Chamber of Commerce

Mary Ann Miller, President & CEO I was giving a tour to a colleague from California a while ago. We drove down Rio Salado Parkway and Apache Boulevard, went past Tempe Marketplace, ASU and the Biodesign Institute, stopped at Tempe Town Lake and strolled down Mill Avenue. I told him about projects underway and described those planned. At the end of an hour, he turned to me and said, “Wow! You really like your community!”

Not only do I like it, I’m proud of the impact the Tempe Chamber has had on the community.

It’s our job to create a strong local economy, represent the needs of businesses before government, promote the community and provide networking opportunities. We’ve been at the forefront of many issues and have worked hand-in-hand with our partners at the City, the Tempe Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Tempe Community to position Tempe as a leader in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country.

Our many accomplishments, just to name a few, include the institution of the Tempe Leadership program in 1984. More than 400 graduates have gone on to lead businesses,

serve on nonprofit boards and city commissions and be elected to public office.

The Tempe Chamber was also the impetus behind the 1996 Tempe transit tax approval, lobbied extensively for light rail and worked closely with other stakeholders on the regional transportation plan. In addition, the Tempe Chamber was also one of the founding members of the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance, creating a model for the chamber industry to work on common legislative issues.

And then there are the numerous businesses that have grown and prospered because of exposure they’ve received at our events, connections they’ve made at our committees and lessons they’ve learned at our seminars.

We at the Tempe Chamber realize that you can’t have a strong business community without healthy and effective schools, government and cultural organizations. We pledge to continue to work to ensure that Tempe remains a leader in the nation while providing the day-to-day tools to grow your business.

Of Note

Profile Founded: 1908 Head of the Organization: Mary Ann Miller, President and CEO Membership Contact: Renee Lopata, Senior Vice President 480-736-4284 Number of Members: 900 Number of Staff: 7 Largest Annual Event: Sun Devil Football Kickoff Luncheon Awards Program: Breakfast for Chamber Champions Area of Specialty: Networking, Advocacy, Professional Development, Influence

Chamber Staff Mary Ann Miller President and CEO Sean Donovan • Vice President, Media and Program Development Brian Krupski Membership Development

Business Toolkit

Member Benefits • I ncreased visibility through multiple marketing opportunities • M ember advocacy at local, state and federal levels • R egular monthly networking events • E ducational workshops and seminars • P rofessional development through committees, educational programs and Tempe Leadership

The Tempe Chamber of Commerce is pleased to provide our membership with an exciting new free resource — the Business Toolkit.

This website, specially tailored for the Tempe Chamber of Commerce and underwritten by APS, provides a wide variety of tools from local, state, federal and best-of-the-Web resources to start and grow businesses.

Tools for Business contains a business start-up kit with all the forms to comply with government requirements, resources on dealing with the tough economic times, links to funding resources, information on green business practices and business tax incentives, employer resources, online classes and much more. It is also viewable in Spanish.

Please visit the Chamber website at www.tempechamber.org to learn more.

Renee Lopata, CAE Senior Vice President Sachiyo Ragsdale Communications Director Heidi Santos • Bookkeeper Magdalena Warecka Director of Operations

Contact Info

909 E. Apache Blvd.

Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 967-7891 info@tempechamber.org www.tempechamber.org

To Join: For information on joining the Tempe Chamber, please call (480) 967-7891 inbusinessmag.com

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For all your work comp needs, call SCF Arizona. It’s the smartest business move you’ll ever make.

and its subsidiary companies

602.631.2600 | Get a Quote 1.888.706.4070 | En español 602.631.2302 | www.scfaz.com