Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce Forms Political Committee in Support of Proposition 430 – The City’s General Plan

At it’s January 24 Board of Directors meeting, the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to create a political committee in support of Proposition 430, the update of Scottsdale’s General Plan.

            Required every ten years under the Growing Smarter statute, the General Plan process provides citizens with an opportunity to set a general course for the city in terms of land use, growth areas, transportation, community values and development. At each stage of the plan there are opportunities for citizens through public meetings and community outreach to provide perspective and substance to the plan, ultimately culminating in a public vote.

This year’s vote on the General Plan will take place on March 13 in a special election. Kurt Zitzer, Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, said, “The general Plan is not just an exercise required by law. It is also a roadmap for the future of our city into which all citizens have a say.”

Rick Kidder, President/CEO of the Chamber said, “The decision to form a political committee to support the General Plan is to express strong support for the exhaustive process undertaken by the city to bring the plan forward and based on the firm belief that Scottsdale’s unique character as a community remains intact in the updated plan. This plan is simpler, easier to read and digest than its predecessors, maintains exactly the same land use percentages as its predecessor, and will help Scottsdale prepare for a prosperous future.”

The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce is the city’s largest business organization. The Chamber’s primary focus is supporting its members through business advocacy, economic development and business education, programs and services.

Rick Kidder

President/CEO

Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce

4725 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 210

Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Direct Line: 480-949-2175

Main Number: 480-355-2700

Experts Share How to Battle Business Challenges at The 2012 Women Entrepreneurs Small Business Boot Camp

Local speaker, author and exhibit expert Susan Ratliff will host the eighth annual Women Entrepreneurs’ Small Business Boot Camp February 18, 2012 from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Chaparral Suites in Scottsdale.

Ratliff started The Women Entrepreneurs Small Business Boot Camp in 2005 and today it is one of Arizona’s premier women’s business conferences.  This year’s event is slated to host powerful speakers and workshops that will provide local businesswomen with an arsenal of ideas and practical ammunition to battle business challenges.  The event will also provide the opportunity to network with hundreds of successful local business owners, speak to prominent corporate sponsors, and mingle with dynamic industry experts and exhibitors.

“This year the conference industry is experiencing solid growth, more than 10 percent, especially when people do not have travel expenses to attend,” said Ratliff. “That is why The Women Entrepreneurs Small Business Boot Camp has been successful, even through the down economic times. Networking and honing business skills are key components for small business to thrive in tough economies, and they get both of them at this conference.”

Keynote speakers include Jodi Low and Renee Dee, Co-Founders of Girlfriend University, a personal and professional development center for female entrepreneurs and executives and Maureen Mulvaney, Amazon Best Selling Author of The Women’s Millionaire Club.

The camp will feature nine information packed workshops on collaboration, increasing success and wealth, social media, making professional connections, becoming an expert through authoring and more.

The day will close with It’s a Wrap from business strategist Patricia Drain, who will walk attendees through the day’s valuable lessons and how to implement them.

The boot camp will donate raffle proceeds to Girls Rule, an organization started by a 9-year-old girl and dedicated to helping girls develop the needed skills to create extraordinary futures for themselves, one step at a time.

To set up an interview with Ratliff or any of the speakers, please contact Jackie Copp at jackie@maryschnack.com or (480) 606-8180.   For more information or to register for the 2012 Women Entrepreneurs’ Small Business Boot Camp, visit www.womensbusinessbootcamp.com or call 602-828-1177

Explore the French Riviera on the next Chamber Tour!

Discover the luxurious and beautiful scenery that attracts the rich and famous to this exquisite coastline. Explore the impressive Rothschild Villa and Gardens, a seaside palazzo overlooking the Mediterranean. Walk through a local flower market in Nice and take in all the wonderful fragrances of the French Riviera. Explore the fairy-tale monarchy of Monaco and enjoy a visit to the fascinating Oceanographic Museum. Visit the village of Grasse, world center of perfume making. Visit the Roman ruins of Fréjus. Explore the towns of Antibes and St. Paul de Vence.

PREVIEW MEETING FEBRUARY 23RD!
Please join Scottsdale Chamber members and friends for a preview of the Chamber's upcoming tour of the French Riviera!

Contact Tour Coordinator Addie Edwards at (480) 473-1441 oraedwards@cruiseone.com for more information or to book your trip!

CLICK HERE to see the trip details and itinerary!

Scottsdale’s Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center celebrates 10 years

Center quickly rises as international destination for innovative cancer treatment, research

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.– The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare celebrated its first decade of providing innovative cancer treatment, research and support by hosting two popular community events, an open house and a “special edition” Scottsdale Mayor-Council Breakfast.

Made possible through the generous philanthropy of many community donors and the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, the $25 million center heralded a new era in the approach to cancer treatment: designed by cancer survivors for cancer survivors, with virtually all needed services in a single location on the campus of Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center.

“Planning for the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center involved casting a very broad net. We listened, we learned, especially from those touched by cancer. The feedback we heard inspired everyone involved to take personalized care to a higher level than ever before,” explains Tom Sadvary, president & CEO of Scottsdale Healthcare.

Services and programs were created that give back to those with cancer a sense of control and an outlet for their energy and emotion, in an environment that brings nature’s healing touch indoors. The center includes a four-story, 69,000-square-foot clinical building and a three-story, 35,000-square-foot research pavilion.

“The amazing passion and enthusiasm that helped create our center continues to this day. New discoveries allow treatments to target specific genes, giving hope that one day soon we will indeed bridge the gap between care and cure,” said Sadvary.

Opened in December 2001 as the first comprehensive cancer center in greater Phoenix, the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare offers comprehensive cancer care and research through Phase I clinical trials, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and support services in collaboration with leading researchers and community oncologists. 

“Our expert physicians, staff members and volunteers truly know what it takes to “care” for people. We collaborate with our community’s leading physicians and many of the world’s top scientists, so patients no longer need to travel outside the Valley for specialized cancer treatment. In fact, patients from across the U.S. and abroad are now referred to the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center,” added Lindsay Thomas, director of Oncology Services.

Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane applauded the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center for its role in making Scottsdale

an international destination for cancer treatment and research, noting “Incredible breakthroughs right here touch people all around the globe with the potential to improve and extend quality of life for millions of people with cancer.”

The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center’s significant achievements include:

·                     Cancer Care Coordinators, a free “nurse navigator” service now duplicated in hospitals across the country.

·         First in Phoenix to offer Phase I clinical trials of investigational cancer drugs, including more active Phase I clinical trials than any other cancer center in Arizona; often the first in the world to open new clinical trials.

·         First in Phoenix with a cancer genetic risk program, a cancer exercise program, a music and art therapy program, a cancer information library open to the public, and a retail boutique dedicated to meeting the needs of cancer patients.

·         First in Arizona to perform daVinci robot-assisted surgery for treatment of prostate cancer.

·         First in Arizona with the Novalis shaped-beam radiation therapy system for tumors generally untreatable by surgery.

·         Named primary clinical research site for the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and co-lead site for the Stand Up to Cancer pancreatic cancer research Dream Team, under the leadership of world-renowned oncologist and cancer researcher Daniel Von Hoff, MD, chief scientific officer for the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare.

“East Valley residents are fortunate to have world-class care right here in their own back yards,” said Sadvary. “From our community physicians to physician scientists, you don’t need to travel elsewhere for the latest in medicine. Along with providing world-class patient care, we are providing stable, well-paying jobs in Scottsdale.”

“We know there is much work yet to be done in the battle with cancer. Our job is to give each person who walks through our doors the tools to help them through their battle, to help keep life in the moments,” added Sadvary.

The Scottsdale Healthcare cancer program holds Accreditation with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. Scottsdale Healthcare is the community-based, nonprofit parent organization of the Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center, Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center and Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak Hospital, Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare, Scottsdale Healthcare Research Institute and Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation. A leader in medical innovation, talent and technology, Scottsdale Healthcare was founded in 1962 and is Scottsdale’s largest employer. For more information, visit www.shc.org.

To view Dr. Von Hoff’s keynote address during the Scottsdale Mayor-Council Breakfast, visit http://youtu.be/OwW6p_5asGk.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Keith Jones, 480-323-1383; kjones@shc.org

Scottsdale Charros Kick Off Spring Training In Their Cowboy Boots At 2012 First Pitch

Proceeds from Annual Event Benefit Local Nonprofits

Scottsdale, Ariz. (January 10, 2012) – The Scottsdale Charros are kicking off spring training in style during the First Pitch event on Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 6-11 p.m. at the Galleria Corporate Centre, 4343 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Old Town Scottsdale. The annual gala event features live music, local restaurants, a huge auction and more.

This year, the Scottsdale Galleria Corporate Centre will be transformed into the Valley’s biggest spring training kick-off party, where guests will enjoy delicious food from a variety of local restaurants including Carlsbad Tavern, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Salty Senorita, The Cider Mill and Iron Chef Jose Garces’ Distrito and Old Town Whiskey restaurants before kicking up their heels to local favorite, Daisy Train. Hundreds of fabulous items have been donated for auction including jewelry, golf and vacation packages, and rare baseball memorabilia. Proceeds benefit the Miracle League of Arizona and The Charro Foundation’s educational programming, including the Future Teacher Scholarships and Master’s in Education Fellowships.

Individual tickets to the First Pitch event are $150. VIP packages and sponsorships are still available, but limited. For more information or to RSVP, please call 480.990.2977 or visit www.springtraining.com/firstpitch.


About the Scottsdale Charros
Formed in 1961, the Scottsdale Charros are an all-volunteer group of business and civic leaders dedicated to providing support and funding for youth programs, educational scholarships and grants to local charities. With a history of innovative fundraising, the Charros have leveraged spring training baseball as a chief economic driver in Scottsdale. Funds raised through the sale of advertising and tickets to the Charro Lodge & Pavilion at Scottsdale Stadium are donated back to local charities making the Charros one of the community’s largest philanthropic contributors.

For more information about the Scottsdale Charros or spring training baseball, visit http://www.charros.com/ or http://www.springtraining.com/ or call 480.990.2977.

Celebration Of Fine Art Announces New Location, Same Great Experience In 2012

22ND Annual Event takes place January 14 through March 25, 2012!

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Oct. 14, 2011) – The perennial favorite event of art lovers from across the country will open the doors of its “big white tents” in a new location on the Southwest corner of Hayden Rd. and the Loop 101 Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012. The event will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, March 25, 2012.  The tent is the temporary home to 100 artists from around the country who will be showcasing their talents in their working studios each day of the 10 week-long event.
 
“Moving to a new site gives us an opportunity to make some changes and improvements to the overall set up.  One thing that won’t change is our commitment to excellence,” said Susan Morrow Potje, co-owner and show director. “We’ve built a reputation on delivering great quality art and a wonderful, welcoming experience to our visitors. From first-time visitors to long-time collectors, we hear from our guests that they can’t wait to come back to experience the Celebration again and again.” 

The experience at Celebration of Fine Art is unique; something that simply can’t be found anywhere else. The one-time purchase admission pass grants unlimited access to the 10 week-long. Because the 40,000-square-foot tent is set up as a working studio for artists, attendees will have the opportunity to see art transform with each visit and actually meet and speak with the artists. This is the place where art lovers and connect.

The new show location will once again feature an outdoor sculpture garden which will house almost 100 pieces of life-sized and monumental sculpture including works from Kyle Ashley, Mark Carroll, Victor Issa, Paul Rhymer, Michael Jones and more.   There will also be a working kiln on where visitors can watch daily firings.

Inside the tents visitors will discover the works of art from some of the finest artists from across the country, including new artist Paul Rhymer from Points of Rocks, MD.  Paul, a former mold maker for the Smithsonian Institute and member of the Society of Animal Artists is excited to be joining the Celebration of Fine Art.

“I continually hear high regards about the Celebration of Fine Art from artist friends who have worked and showed there,” said Rhymer. “After my wife and I visited I knew I wanted to be a part of this. Not only does it offer a great opportunity to work in front of visitors and collectors, but it gives them time to actually see a piece take shape from start to finish. What a great opportunity for a collector and artist to develop a relationship.”

"I’m proud to be part of the Celebration of Fine Art for the last 14 years,” said Penny Benjamin Peterson, abstract artist. “The personal relationships I’ve developed with my clients would not have happened in another venue. The unique environment has allowed me to grow as an artist with the support and encouragement of the other artist. My art career is where it is because of this wonderful show."

Admission to the event is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and military; children under 12 are free. It is important to note the admission price is a one-time purchase good for unlimited visits the entire season.  Parking is Free. 

Come and experience the 22nd Annual Celebration of Fine Art in our new location – we promise you won’t be disappointed!

Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce Sterling Award Winner 2010

Sponsorship Opportunities for the 2012 Parada Del Sol Rodeo and Parade

The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to support Parada del Sol, the oldest continuous community gathering event in Scottsdale. Originally the “Sunshine Festival”, Parada del Sol has grown into and event that winter visitors and locals alike, look forward to each year. Any and all levels of sponsorship and advertising can be tailored to meet your company’s needs and goals. Historically the parade and Trails End can attract as many as 100,000 spectators and participants along the 2 mile route on Scottsdale road.

This year the “Stampede”, the official publication of the Parada del Sol is offering an affordable and professional way to showcase your business or service. This year the “Stampede” will be a full color magazine style format commemorating Parada del Sol as an Arizona “Centennial” event. This program will be a collectors’ item for many years to come, and will reach the many winter visitors and locals that attend Parada every year.

The PRCA Rodeo is one of the best in the country. World’s champions, hall of famers, and even some rookie cowboys and cowgirls travel to compete for the Parada $70,000.00 prize money rodeo payout. The rodeo is held at Scottsdale’s West World Equidome that is a world class equestrian facility.

Help keep a little bit of the west alive in supporting the Parada del Sol.

For more information on advertising or sponsorship please contact Brian Chambers at 602/568-3390 or at bschunter1@gmail.com. There are many ways of supporting Parada del Sol please feel free to give me a call if you might have an idea of support or if you would like to make a donation. I have enclosed advertising and sponsorship information for your review.

Thank you for your consideration and your support of the Western life style and helping to keep the history of Scottsdale alive.
CLICK HERE to place an ad in the Official Program of the Parada Del Sol!PARADE

TITLE SPONSOR
$20,000.00

A commercial entry with 8 foot banner to open the parade

All TV, radio, and print media will say Parada del Sol Parade presented by “your company”

100 VIP tickets to rodeo

8 Head Honcho passes to all rodeo performances

Banner in rodeo arenaDIVISION SPONSOR
$1,000.00

A commercial entry with 8 foot banner in front of a parade division

20 VIP tickets to rodeo
_________________________________________________________TRAILS END

TITLE SPONSOR
$5,000.00

A commercial entry with 8 foot banner in front of Trails End division

8 foot banner at beverage sales area during Trails End

25 VIP tickets to rodeo
_________________________________________________________RODEO

TITLE SPONSOR
$20,000.00

Your company name displayed at all times during rodeo on Jumbotron

30 second commercial spot on Jumbotron

100 VIP tickets to rodeo

8 Head Honcho passes

4 banners in rodeo arena

Flag in Grand Entry of sponsor flags

Chute gate RODEO EVENT
$2,000.00
Bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie-down, team roping, saddle bronc, bareback bronc

15-30 second TV commercial on Jumbotron

Flag in Grand Entry of sponsors

2 arena banners

10 VIP tickets to rodeoRODEO BANNER
$500.00

1 arena banner

5 VIP tickets to rodeoVIP
$200.00

Banner in VIP area

5 VIP tickets to rodeo
_________________________________________________________HASHKNIFE PONY EXPRESS
$1,500.00

Flag carried in all Pony Express parades and mail delivery for one year

10 VIP tickets to rodeo

Young Professional Knowledge Council (GET Phoenix) Update

Ann Seiden – GET will be hosting its Holiday Extravaganza on the night of December 14 from 5:30-9:30 at UNCORKED Wine Bar in Scottsdale. GET has decided to benefit St. Joseph the Worker through a professional clothing drive. Attendees can save $10 on registration by contributing their old business shirts, slacks, skirts, shoes and belts, and donating them to someone less fortunate so that they can put their best foot forward and obtain full time employment. Staff from the organization will be on hand to collect the donated items, and distribute tax receipts.

Workforce Development Task Force Update

Ted Tyler – JAG (Jobs for Arizona Graduates) students accompanied by faculty representatives from Coronado and Arcadia High School were featured at the November 18 meeting. Faculty and students explained the value of the program and answered questions from those attending. Several businesses volunteered to host tours of their facilities for the students.

Sterling Awards Update

Mark Eberle and Dale Fingersh – The Sterling Committee congratulates all of the Sterling Finalists and Honorees. More than 440 people attended this year’s 26th annual event. Incoming chairs Steve Helm and Susan Potje are looking forward to planning the 27th Annual Sterling Awards next year.

Public Policy Advisory Council Update

Bill Heckman – Fred Duval, Chairman of the Arizona Board of Regents, discussed the current status of the state’s three major universities as well as the expansion plans for each. He answered questions from the committee members including concerns about budgets and appropriations for education at all levels in the state. The committee will not meet in December because of the Annual Legislative Breakfast staged by the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance.

Membership Value Advisory Council Update

Steve Helm – Last month, the committee reviewed the “Shop Members” program offering members to post special offers on the Chamber website. These offers would be available to members and non-members alike and create an opportunity for members to promote any special offers they may have. Sarah Biddlecome is coordinating this program. In addition 10 companies have enrolled in the Scottsdale Prompt Care program. As word spreads, many additional companies will sign up for this program.

EDAC Business Retention Subcommittee Update

Suzanne Klapp – 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.

EDAC Business Attraction Subcommittee Update

Pete Klute – At recent meetings the committee heard from a representative from Landmark Aviation at the Scottsdale Airport and Scottsdale’s Aviation Director Gary Mascaro. The discussions involved potential business attraction opportunities relating to the airport and the corporate jets which operate in and out of there as well as the potential for a new tourism-related charter operator at the airport.

Economic Development Advisory Council Update

Bryce Lloyd – At the most recent meeting Jon Schmieder of Phoenix Regional Sports Commission gave a presentation. This group works with youth sports organizations and leagues from throughout the country. They assist in the recruitment of various events that come to the Valley and create tourism dollars. EDAC also heard from David Gulino on a proposed Commercial Office District Text Amendment which would allow for greater floor area ratios for commercial office properties that would be more in-line with other municipalities around the valley. EDAC voted to recommend this text amendment to the Board for its review and approval. Rob Millar from the City spoke about the trolley for the upcoming January-March visitor and major event season which was a great success last year.

Board of Directors Update

Kurt Zitzer – Due to schedule conflicts among the officers of the Chamber Board, the Board of Directors meeting, scheduled for November 15, was rescheduled into an evening event on December 7. The Board of Directors and the Executive Committee are heavily engaged in committee work to enhance the offerings to members, create a sound fiscal footing for the organization and continue to build the membership. Members of the Board have been instrumental in helping the organization reverse recessionary membership trends and to begin the slow work of growth.

A.M. Connect Committee Update

Michele Greenberg – The monthly meeting was held at Red Robin. Over 31 attendees participated in the “30-second commercial” format. There were several new members and first time guests in attendance. “THANK YOU” to Deb and Heidi from Business of Baskets for their 4-minute commercial. The survey results from the event were positive and gave good feedback. The next AM Connect is on Thursday December 15, at Franciscan Renewal Center.

Ambassador Committee Update

Dale & Linda Fingersh – At the November monthly meeting Jeff Jamison reported on the events for the Give it Forward recipient STARS.  Their November 5 event, “The Art of Wine,” blended the Creative Programming where STARS and Vino combine to raise funds for the organization’s programs and services. It provided an opportunity to mingle with the participants of Stars and enjoy delicious wine. Art pieces were raffled.  Arrangements for the December 8 PM Connect held at Mabel’s on Main were discussed and Ambassadors’ shifts were assigned.

Airpark Advocacy Subcommittee Update

Jim Walker – The committee members received several presentations on Mixed Use-Residential zoning proposals and provided comments to the City Council encouraging residential in the Airpark which resulted in the approval of several projects. Current projects include: members serving in various economic development, business retention and business attraction activities with the Chamber and the city’s economic development staff; planning of the inaugural Airpark Sci-Tech Festival to be held in March 2012; and initiating plans and fundraising for a park at the One with the Eagle statute at the northeastern corner of Scottsdale and Thunderbird Roads. 

Airpark Committee Update

Andrew Bourne – The airpark committee held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Nov.16. Its next meeting is December 14. Richard Breyer replaces Tom Rohn as chair of the Volunteer sub-committee. The city provided updates on the recent business attraction successes and the Air Fair. Many committee members served as volunteers for the successful November 5 - 6 event. The “Meet Your Neighbors” event at Sapporo was a huge success. The next event will be at Tommy Bahamas. The first Airpark Forum was held and attracted approximately 70 participants. The committee is enthusiastic about the forum event going forward. Airpark Sci-Tech Festival to be held on March 1, 2012.