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.