Economic Development

The final Economic Development Advisory Council (EDAC) meeting of the fiscal year took place on June 11th at DMB Associates. Members of the EDAC or future members of the Council should be aware that the group goes “dark” in July and August, with the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 10th, 7:30 am at DMB. Please contact Terry Finch for additional information. Before going dark, members of the EDAC committee met with the new Scottsdale Economic Development Director and a national expert on light rail and transit-oriented development and travel.

Public Policy

The Legislative Session

While we did not get everything we wanted, this was a strong year for the business community at the State Capitol. At times it appeared as though the session (traditionally 100 days, but this year closer to 160 days plus special sessions) would never end. There were entrenched battles regarding Medicaid. The budget debate prompted everything from television ads with the Governor to vetoes of key legislation to threats of ballot initiatives to overturn the Governor’s preferred legislative outcomes. And all of this came from within her own party! We are grateful to be represented at the State Capitol by the Dorn policy Group, who have worked for many years with the East Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT sales tax)

A Governor’s task force on TPT reform made several recommendations for improving and simplifying Arizona’s arcane sales tax laws, most of which were not controversial and add greatly to the goal of simplification. Other aspects were very controversial and caused substantial consternation among many of the cities and towns – among them Scottsdale.

2013 June 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 opportunities, please contact Kelly Rich.

Congratulations and welcome to our new Scottsdale businesses!

Chop and Wok
June 6, 2013

Potbelly Sandwich Shop
June 25, 2013

2013 May 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 June businesses!

OEI Design

May 2, 2013

Apricot Lane Boutique
May 18, 2013

Message from CEO June 2013

Business Volunteer and Annual Meeting

On May 21st, the Chamber held its first annual meeting of the membership in conjunction with the presentation of the yearly Business Volunteer Awards. More than 150 members enjoyed breakfast at The Venue Scottsdale to hear about the current fiscal year and the new Chamber year, which begins on July 1, 2013.

Business Volunteer Awards (BVA)

Eric Larson, Chairman of the Board of Directors, presented the Business Volunteer Awards to four deserving individuals and surprised the audience (and the recipients!) with two special presentations -- The Chairman’s Award and the renaming of the Rising Star Award, in honor of Mark Eberle from Henry & Horne who served for nearly two decades on the Chamber's Board of Directors. In the process, he honored and thanked the more than 200 individuals who volunteer with the Chamber each year, serving on committees and dedicating themselves to the collective success of the business community.

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.