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.

4 Companies Take Home the Prestigious Sterling Award!

The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the 26th Annual Sterling Awards before a record crowd of 450 on Tuesday, November 29^th at the Chaparral Suites Resort Scottsdale. The Sterling Awards were emceed by Phoenix Suns President Brad Casper.

Four winners were selected from among twelve finalists for the coveted Sterling Award: The winners are:

• Micro Business: Reliable Background Screening
• Small Business: GlobalMedia
• Big Business: DMB Associates, Inc.
• Non-Profit:  Gabriel’s Angels

Also recognized in the Micro Business category were Arizona Community Farmers Markets @ Old Town Scottsdale and Breslau Insurance & Benefits, Inc. 

Also honored for their achievements in the Small Business category were Homeowners Financial Group  and Hot Air Expeditions Inc.

Other Big Business finalists honored were Hotel Valley Ho and Magellan Health Services of Arizona  

Also honored for their outstanding contributions in the nonprofit category were National MS Society, Arizona Chapter and Scottsdale League for the Arts    

Celebrating 26 years of business excellence, the Sterling Award is one of the most coveted business awards in the Valley, with a rigorous application, judging and selection process. Four teams of judges each conduct an initial review of all applications and narrow the field to three finalists in each category.  Once the finalists are identified, the judging teams visit those companies to conduct a personal interview and get a behind-the-scenes look at the operations.  Once that step is complete, each judge independently casts a set of points for the finalists based on their embodiment of the award criteria.  The points are tallied and the results remain secret until the day of the event. One of the highlights of the Sterling Awards Celebration is the highly anticipated video presentation of each of the 12 finalists. Only members of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce are eligible to apply for the Sterling Award.

Help STARS by Attending The Art of Wine November 5th!

Join STARS friends and supporters for an evening of good wine and great company at Vino 100. Invite your friends, family and colleagues for a great evening.

Enjoy 4 wine tastings and appetizers for $20 per person in advance; $25 at the door. Ten percent of all wine purchases support STARS' programs and services! We will also have some art for raffle and door prizes!

Email kreeve@starsaz.org to reserve your spot!

You can help support the employment of individuals with disabilities by supporting STARS through the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Give it Forward Project.  Learn more at www.scottsdalechamber.com/GIF.

You can also support STARS by donating much needed items and services found on STARS Wish List! Donate today!

Give It Forward is the Scottsdale Area Chamber’s community outreach initiative, launched in 2009 by members of our Ambassadors Committee who generously offer support through their collective time, talent and resources. Currently our Chamber members are raising awareness and funds for the Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services (STARS) Annual Giving campaign.