BUSINESS
32
GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | JULY 1, 2018
Chamber rolls out endorsements for state, local candidates he Gilbert Chamber of Commerce’s endorsements for the upcoming Town Council and state legislative elections reflected a preference for Republican incumbents and other candidates with previous governmental experience. In the one federal race affecting Gilbert, the Chamber unsurprisingly endorsed incumbent Congressman Andy Biggs for the House out of Congressional District 5. “He has always been accessible to us by coming in, meeting with members, understanding their issues and taking that back to Washington,” Chamber President and CEO Kathy Tilque said. “He has been helpful and supportive of not only Gilbert businesses but East Valley businesses and others throughout Arizona.” The endorsements followed a similar track in statewide races. In Legislative District 12, the Chamber endorsed current Arizona House member Eddie Farnsworth for Senate. It also en-
dorsed the man Farnsworth would be replacing, Republican Warren Petersen, for the Arizona House along with incumbent Travis Grantham. Both Farnsworth and Petersen are termed out of their current positions. In District 17, the Gilbert Chamber endorsed another prominent member of the Arizona House who is now running for the Senate. Current Speaker J.D. Mesnard is termed out of the House and is seeking to replace termed out Senate President Steve Yarbrough. The Chamber also endorsed incumbent Jeff Weninger for the Arizona House in District 17. Tilque said the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce works with the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance to put together a legislative agenda and a report card on state legislators. “All incumbent (legislators) that we endorsed have been supportive,” Tilque said. “They are not always 100 percent on every issue, but there support is very high. Each
one has met with us and carried our water for us on important issues.” Tilque pointed to the Arizona’s ADA compliance law, passed in 2017, as an example. The law required individuals to give businesses notice of violations and wait 90 days before filing a lawsuit and was prompted by a string of lawsuits targeting Arizona businesses in the past several years, many of them in the East Valley. “That was a huge issue for our community,” she said. “It allows businesses to be in compliance without being held hostage.” Opponents of the law argued it may cause some businesses to avoid complying with ADA regulations until they receive a complaint. The Chamber is endorsing Mesnard’s mother, former Chandler City Councilwoman Nora Ellen, to replace him in the House. “(Ellen) has experience dealing with large budgets through a municipality and has shown a pro-business stance,” Tilque said. “She has record of that through Chandler and will bring that expertise to the legislature.”
For the four available seats on the Gilbert Town Council, the Chamber endorsed the three incumbent candidates – Vice Mayor Brigette Peterson and Councilmen Eddie Cook and Jordan Ray – along with James Candland. Tilque said the Chamber interacts with the current council and has them provide written position statements. “All incumbents have very high scores on our report card every year,” Tilque said. “One of components we look at every year is how well they represented the community for business growth.” Candland is not an incumbent but did previously serve for seven months on the council when he was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2016. “We worked with James when he was appointed to the Council,” Tilque said. “What we found with James is he does a 360-degree view of every issue. He may have his own philosophical beliefs, but he still evaluates the consequences of each measure and votes thoughtfully.”
While some of the pcoming events sponsored by the Gilbert Chamber of Com-
merce are for members only, others are open to anyone who is interested.
JULY 17- CHAMBER ACCELERATOR “Putting your membership on the fast track to success,” presented by Printwerx. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Gilbert Chamber of Commerce 119 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert. Comprehensive membership orientation provides insider’s view of the Gilbert Chamber’s programs and services, a chance to question staff and develop an action plan. free for current and prospective members.
ed by GALLUP. 7:45-9:10 a.m. The Falls Event Center 4635 E Baseline Road,Gilbert Learn about the latest workforce and business retention efforts on behalf of the Gilbert Chamber Foundation and hear from Mayor Jenn Daniels share an overview of the latest economic development announcements, workforce projections and industry needs.
GSN NEWS STAFF
T
Gilbert Chamber lists some of its summer events
Water Features
$
Experience the Difference
Barbecues, Fireplaces, Decking
500 OFF a Complete Pool Remodel Package Swimming Pool Remodeling
AUG 10- CHAMBER ACCELERATOR Presented by Woodard Construction 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Brass Tap 313 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert Sam format as the July 18 session. $10 per person; pay at door. Price includes admission, lunch and tax. Bring a door prize.
Call Today for a FREE Estimate Veteran Owned Company
(480) 830-9209
633 E. Ray Rd., Suite 131 • Gilbert, AZ 85296
JULY 18 - CONNECTIONS Presented by Woodard Construction 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Native Grill and Wings 4341 E. Baseline Rd., Gilbert. This informal gathering is a fun way to share conversation with other professionals while learning more about businesses and services within the community. $10 per person; pay at door.
ROC #KA-05 257866
AUG. 22 BUSINESS LEADERS BREAKFAST “State of the American Workplace” present-
WORKPLACE WORKSHOP 9:20 a.m.-Noon $149/person; limited to 50 attendees Entrepreneur and business members General session and workshop, $149; corporate and premier members, general session only (1 hour) is free or general session and workshop, $149; non-member, $199. PUBLIC POLICY SPEAKER SERIES 4-5 p.m. Gilbert Chamber of Commerce 119 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert Chamber-member only dialogue with key government officials. Dorn Policy Group, which has represented the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance since 1999 at the State Capitol, provides a recap from the last session along with some “inside baseball” information on the upcoming session. Registration required. Gilbert Chamber members only.