Scottsdale Area Chamber: May 2013

Friday, May 10, 2013

Chairman's Corner

Each year the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce honors a few of the hundreds of volunteers who work to make the business community stronger through our Business Volunteer Awards (BVA). The BVA were created to acknowledge the incredible debt of gratitude the Chamber feels for the many hours of work business leaders choose to give.

I have said many times that without our volunteers this organization would be unable to fulfill its mission to build a vibrant and prosperous community. Every volunteer who devotes time to the Chamber could choose to volunteer elsewhere and many do. They conduct their business but, like me, see a real value in involvement and a sense of accomplishment in helping the organization succeed.

A committee of members selects the Business Volunteer Awards recipients following a nomination process that includes all members and staff of the Chamber. This year’s honorees are indeed deserving of recognition, and they will receive their awards at the Chamber’s first annual meeting to be held on May 21st at 7:30 in the morning at The Venue of Scottsdale. I would like to encourage all members of the Chamber to attend this exciting event where Rick Kidder will also outline the year ahead for the Chamber.

Public Policy Advisory Council Update

City Hall
The Public Policy Advisory Council did not meet this month due to scheduling challenges, but there was a great deal going on at the State Capitol and at City Hall.

The great ice cream truck controversy was settled at long last as the Mayor’s proposal to lift Scottsdale’s ban on ice cream trucks in Scottsdale passed through the City Council after vigorous debate before a packed City Council chambers.

In the 1970’s ice cream trucks were banned in Scottsdale for reasons that never were made clear. There were stories of safety issues, worries about using ice cream trucks as a cover for selling illegal drugs to children and a clear lack of regulation. The Mayor was contacted by a young constituent and entrepreneur who was eager to sell ice cream from a truck which he had purchased with a loan from his father, only to discover that he could sell almost anywhere but his home town.

Economic Development Update

Change at the City’s Economic Development Office

Initial interviews, callbacks and final interviews have been held for the open position of Scottsdale’s Economic Development Director. Chair Eric Larson was recruited by city staff to serve as an interviewer in the first round and reports that he was pleased with the talent interested in the city’s highest economic development post.

Jim Mullin, who served the city in that capacity on a contract basis, was let go by the City Manager a couple of months ago. That departure has allowed the city to pursue an economic development senior staff position rather than a contract professional and the successful candidate will lead a seasoned staff of professionals who work hard to improve the economic base of our city. The appointment should be made and announced very soon, and the Chamber looks forward to working closely with the new director.

Focus Initiative Groups (FIGs)
Part of the ongoing work following Scottsdale Forward in March was the creation of four FIGs that will work from May through the summer in order to help focus Chamber initiatives on behalf of our membership and the city.

Partner Council Update

Welcome to our newest Partner Council members

AirSprint Private Aviation
Contact: Orin Anderson
14600 N. Airport Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260-2420www.airsprint.com AirSprint provides its clients fractional ownership programs which are structured to help them achieve the greatest possible return on their investment in private aviation. From its US corporate headquarters at Scottsdale Municipal Airport, AirSprint delivers a unique brand of boutique customer service that facilitates the accomplishments of a very exclusive group of individuals.

Scottsdale AirCenter
Contact: Troy Padilla
15290 N. 78th Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85260-2624
www.scottsdaleaircenter.com
Scottsdale AirCenter is a full service fixed base operator (FBO), based at Scottsdale Municipal Airport and serving the flying public of the Greater Phoenix Metro Area. Its world-class facility includes a modern, uniquely designed terminal with over 10,000 square feet and four hangars totaling over 175,000 square feet of space.

Upcoming Invitation-Only Partner Council Events
For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Terry Finch at tfinch@scottsdalechamber.com.

2013 April Ribbon Cuttings

As a service to our members at the Classic level and above, the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize new businesses with a ribbon cutting ceremony. In addition to helping promote your business, a team of Chamber Ambassadors will arrive to welcome you to the business community and help you officially cut the ribbon on your new enterprise. For more information about Scottsdale Area Chamber Ribbon Cutting program, please contact Kelly Rich.

Congratulations and welcome to our new April businesses!

Saladworks

April 10, 2013