Andrew Bourne, Chair – The Committee meeting was held on August 17 at the Scottsdale Republic offices. The chairman announced that the Arizona Republic will change the way it covers news about Airpark issues and events and that plans are going forward for the SciTech Festival in early 2012. The next Meet-Your-Neighbors event will be held at the Business Institute and will promote connecting businesses in the Airpark. A new event, the Airpark Forum will replace the FAB but still with the goal of connecting businesses and providing information of immediate value. The Volunteer Committee will need at least 175 volunteers for the Air Fair in November. All members are encouraged to participate in one of the subcommittees. See the other subcommittee reports below on their current activities and issues.
Jim Walker, Chair – The Committee and members provided encouraging comments to the Scottsdale City Council which resulted in the approval of the WestWorld Equidome expansion proposal. Current projects and issues underway include: attendance at City Planning and Council meetings to provide input and endorse approval of the City General Plan and the Airpark Community Plan; promoting and providing input for the City Wayfinding Program to improve signage in the Airpark; involvement in the Scottsdale Chamber and the city’s economic development by members serving in economic development, business retention and business attraction programs and activities; support of and volunteer recruitment for the November 5-6, 2011, Scottsdale Airport Air Fair event; and planning of the inaugural Airpark SciTech Festival to be held in early 2012.
Wayne Rowan, Chair – The Committee heard an update on agencies interested in providing pro bono promotional assistance; met with Paul Katsenes with the City of Scottsdale; and set the second Friday of each month as the regular meeting day, with the meeting time being 8:15 a.m. at the airport terminal meeting room on the second floor. The committee is working with Scottsdale to develop an economic plan for the area and will be surveying employees in the Airpark.
Dale & Linda Fingersh, Chairs – The August meeting was held at the Chamber Offices. The increase in committee members resulted in standing room only. It was announced by “Give It Forward,” a subcommittee of the Ambassadors, that the next charitable project recipient is “STARS.” Eric Larson, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, presented an update on the membership drive. The ribbon cuttings for the new members – Canyon Club and the Sears Home Store – were well attended. TKs restaurant in the Scottsdale Quarter hosted a private party in honor of the success that the Ambassador Committee has realized.
Michele Greenberg, Chair – The Committee is just coming off of a very successful breakfast event. We would like to give a hearty thank you to McCormick and Schmick’s for hosting a wonderful event. We had over 67 attendees who participated in the “30-second commercial “ format. There were many great connections made by all who attended. The survey results from the event confirmed that those in attendance thought it was a success. We are now working on our next A.M. Connect which is on Thursday, September 15th, and was originally going to be at The Canyon (the former Fox Sports Grill). Unfortunately the Canyon's parent company closed the doors suddenly on the Scottsdale location yesterday, so our events team is scrambling to secure a new venue. We will update you as soon as we know more. Please go to the Chamber website to register and for more details.
Kurt Zitzer, Chair – The Board approved the budget and work plan for the Chamber at the June Board meeting. Three new Board members were elected: – David Bentler, Economic Development Manager for APS; David Peterson, Interim Superintendent of the Scottsdale Unified School District; and Mark Matsock, Patron of the Scottsdale Charros. The Chairs of Chamber Committees and Advisory Councils were convened to discuss the year ahead and the importance of communication from the Committees out to the membership as a whole as well as encouraging participation in Chamber events and programs.
Bryce Lloyd, Chair – The first EDAC meeting of the 2011-2012 session is on Tuesday, September 13, at 7:30 a.m. at the Chamber offices. This is the eve of Scottsdale Forward. We have yet to firm up the final agenda, but expect to have representatives from the City's Business Economic Vitality Office on hand to discuss their recent re-organization and current events. We should also have a presentation about a re-zoning for a commercial property in the Airpark (the old Barcelona location). We will also have updates from the Attraction and Retention Committees, a Chamber update, and a call out for a new Vice-Chair for EDAC. We would like this person to also consider heading up a program committee for EDAC.
Pete Klute, Chair – The committee voted to change its meeting day to the fourth Thursday of the month which makes the next meeting at 8 a.m. on September 22. Paul Katsenes, Scottsdale’s Executive Director of Community and Economic Development, gave a detailed overview of his recently restructured department. There was a followup discussion of how the Committee and the Chamber could support the City’s economic development efforts. Suggested action steps included collecting reports and surveys from Chamber member businesses that could be of interest to companies interested in Scottsdale; collecting sign-ups from members with specific avocations such as golf, hiking, etc. who would be interested in sharing with principals of businesses interested in Scottsdale; and producing a collateral piece regarding doing business in Scottsdale, including success stories, that could be used by the City, Chamber and other organizations in economic development activities. Paul Katsenes also suggested that Chamber members involved in meetings and conferences coming to Scottsdale could help make connections at the events for potential relocatees and refer Economic Vitality staff to them.
Suzanne Klapp, Chair – The Committee is focused on nurturing and growing Scottsdale’s existing businesses. A collaboration of public officials, business people and the education community has been formed to strategically help the business community survive and flourish. In the current economic climate, it’s even more important to recognize the needs of businesses and provide advice and connections to aid them to overcome obstacles and assist with their plans for growth.
Steve Helm, Chair –The Council has been working on compiling-- and determining ways to promote—special “member only” value offers from Chamber members. Currently many members offer discounts on products and services to fellow Chamber members and a better job needs to be done to inform our members of these benefits. Of special note is a new offer from Scottsdale Healthcare to allow Chamber Members to participate in their “Prompt Care” program. Employees of members who register will be able to go to Prompt Care sites for minor ailments for a co-pay of $35. Details have been sent to the Chamber membership.
Bill Heckman, Chair – PPAC did not meet in August but has a full agenda over the coming months. Biggest issue will be the 2012 elections and candidate interviews with resulting endorsements subject to Board approval. This is a Mayoral plus three Council seats election. Initiatives that impact the Scottsdale business community will be addressed as well. Other issues on the radar include the proposed 2012 Bond Package being developed by the appointed Task Force. Bill Heckman is one of nine citizens selected to serve on this panel. There are about 130 proposals that have been narrowed to about 28 for review. The Noise Ordinance is still under scrutiny as are the Downtown Infill Incentive District actions. The East Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance agenda and reports from the City Manager and his Economic Vitality team are regular monthly components of PPAC meetings. Also, use of Bed Tax funds for the proposed West World expansion including the Tony Nelssen Equine Center &/or the Events Center to host Barrett Jackson & other events will be of interest to EDAC & PPAC. Bell Road & McDowell Road corridors will each have major impact on the City’s future development.
Mark Eberle and Dale Fingersh, Chairs – The Committee continues to be very active preparing for the 26th Annual Sterling Awards luncheon on Tuesday, November 29. On August 17, the Committee provided its second workshop for interested applicants to discuss the benefits of applying and some of the helpful hints and tips to consider in the application process. The Committee has distributed the available site visit dates to the panel of judges of September 19, 20 or 21. Judges for each of the four categories will choose the site visit date that works best for their collective schedules.
Ted Tyler, Chair – The Task Force does not meet during June, July and August because so many people are vacationing. The next meeting on Friday, September 16, will be hosted by Scottsdale Community College. Agenda items include a discussion of Leadership Opportunities for Students and a review and tour of the Center for Native and Urban Wildlife. The SUSD STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) After-Hours and Summer Programs subcommittee met recently to learn more about the Scottsdale Math & Science Academy at Saguaro High School. An outcome of this meeting was a commitment to assist the Science Department Chairperson in finding internships for 10 students. The academic curriculum for Scottsdale Math & Science Academy students is tailored to entrance requirements of MIT and other elite universities. This subcommittee is also working with SUSD to develop and promote programs which will be offered during the 2012 Arizona Science & Technology Festival.
Ann Seiden, Chair – The Council moved successfully into the second quarter of its redesigned programming, which features three events each quarter. Those events are "GET to Meet,” "GET to Know,” and "GET to Learn.” Each of these provides a different venue for networking and professional development. The July "GET to Know" event featured professional business coach Otto Seigel and offered more than 40 young professionals the opportunity to network with one another. On August 24, GET, along with the Scottsdale Chamber Partner Council, hosted a breakfast panel at the beautiful Cox Communications facility in Phoenix next to the Deer Valley Airport. It featured two high-level HR executives, two entrepreneurs, and two young professionals. The panel focused on how to navigate your career and will foster dialogue between seasoned HR professionals and those who are just getting started in their careers.
Michele Greenberg, Chair – The Committee is just coming off of a very successful breakfast event. We would like to give a hearty thank you to McCormick and Schmick’s for hosting a wonderful event. We had over 67 attendees who participated in the “30-second commercial “ format. There were many great connections made by all who attended. The survey results from the event confirmed that those in attendance thought it was a success. We are now working on our next A.M. Connect which is on Thursday, September 15th, and was originally going to be at The Canyon (the former Fox Sports Grill). Unfortunately the Canyon's parent company closed the doors suddenly on the Scottsdale location yesterday, so our events team is scrambling to secure a new venue. We will update you as soon as we know more. Please go to the Chamber website to register and for more details. 
