What Are Action Alerts
An Action Alert is a message that the Surprise Regional Chamber sends to businesses, members and community stakeholders, and American free enterprise advocates calling on them to take action to influence public policy. Typically, Action Alerts are in reference to a timely issue, where prompt action is needed in order to affect upcoming decisions. Our Chamber's existence reflects our fervently-held belief that the health of the business community and the health of larger community in which it lives are inseparable. And our work – of safeguarding free enterprise and providing the tools that business need to succeed – is central to the success of the community as a whole.
An Action Alert is a message that the Surprise Regional Chamber sends to businesses, members and community stakeholders, and American free enterprise advocates calling on them to take action to influence public policy. Typically, Action Alerts are in reference to a timely issue, where prompt action is needed in order to affect upcoming decisions. Our Chamber's existence reflects our fervently-held belief that the health of the business community and the health of larger community in which it lives are inseparable. And our work – of safeguarding free enterprise and providing the tools that business need to succeed – is central to the success of the community as a whole.
ACTION ALERT:
RE: The PRO Act Contains Dozens of Extreme Labor Proposals. Take Action Now!
Sectors Impacted: All Businesses
Deadline to Respond: May 15, 2021
Summary
The PRO Act is a pro-union bill that has passed in U.S. House of Representatives is now in the U.S. Senate. The bill would threaten worker privacy, force employees, to pay union dues or lose their jobs and trample free speech rights. Senators Sinema and Kelly are two of just three Senate Democrats that have yet to cosponsor the PRO Act bill. It is critical that the business community continue to contact these senators to urge them to stay off the bill and vote NO.
Action: Sign Our One-Click Letter
Details
The PRO Act would threaten worker privacy, force employees, to pay union dues or lose their jobs and trample free speech rights. The business community must weigh-in and fight to ensure this wish list of union-sponsored priorities fails in the Senate and never becomes law. You can help by signing our One-Click Letter
The PRO Act contains dozens of extreme labor proposals. This wish list of union-sponsored priorities would:
Why it Matters
The PRO Act, which passed the U.S. House last month, is PRO union, not PRO worker. It will harm employees, threaten job creation, and undermine our economic recovery.
The PRO Act History
The PRO Act as introduced in the 117th Congress and passed by the House includes a number of new provisions that were not in the original bill. Members of Congress who co-sponsored the PRO Act in the 116th Congress should not feel bound to co-sponsor a different bill. The proposal, called Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (S. 420/H.R. 842), is a litany of almost every failed idea from the past 30 years of labor policy.
The Upcoming Vote
The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate, where it is currently subject to a 60-vote threshold. 47 Democratic Senators have already pledged to support the PRO Act (S. 420). Only three moderate Democrats in the Senate have not yet signed on to support the bill: Mark Kelly (Ariz.), Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.), and Mark Warner (Va.). It is critical that members continue to contact their senators to urge their opposition to the bill.
Bad for Small Business
The Protecting the Right to Organize Act, known as the PRO Act, passed the US House of Representatives and would amend some of the country’s decades-old labor laws to give workers more power during disputes at work, add penalties for companies that retaliate against workers who organize and grant some hundreds of thousands of workers collective-bargaining rights they don’t currently have. It would also weaken “right-to-work” laws in 27 states (including Arizona), that allow employees to forgo participating in and paying dues to unions.
RE: The PRO Act Contains Dozens of Extreme Labor Proposals. Take Action Now!
Sectors Impacted: All Businesses
Deadline to Respond: May 15, 2021
Summary
The PRO Act is a pro-union bill that has passed in U.S. House of Representatives is now in the U.S. Senate. The bill would threaten worker privacy, force employees, to pay union dues or lose their jobs and trample free speech rights. Senators Sinema and Kelly are two of just three Senate Democrats that have yet to cosponsor the PRO Act bill. It is critical that the business community continue to contact these senators to urge them to stay off the bill and vote NO.
Action: Sign Our One-Click Letter
Details
The PRO Act would threaten worker privacy, force employees, to pay union dues or lose their jobs and trample free speech rights. The business community must weigh-in and fight to ensure this wish list of union-sponsored priorities fails in the Senate and never becomes law. You can help by signing our One-Click Letter
- The PRO Act is a pro-union bill that would threaten worker privacy, force employees, to pay union dues or lose their jobs and trample free speech rights.
- Labor unions are ratcheting up the pressure on both our US senators! It’s critically important for the business community to weigh in and let Senators Sinema and Kelly know that we appreciate their staying off this bad bill and voting NO.
- As the pandemic continues to create hardships for businesses and workers, now is not the time to pursue this radical and far-reaching legislation.
- It Is Time to Stand Up and Take Action! Forward this ACTION ALERT to every member of the business community you know , and sign our one-click letter NOW!
The PRO Act contains dozens of extreme labor proposals. This wish list of union-sponsored priorities would:
- Effectively overturn right-to-work laws in Arizona and 26 other states
- Allow the firing of workers who opt of out paying unwanted union dues
- Strip independent contractors of flexible work arrangements and kill earning opportunities
- Abolish secret ballots and threaten worker privacy in favor of “card check” voting, where union organizers demand that individual workers publicly sign a card in favor of the union.
Why it Matters
The PRO Act, which passed the U.S. House last month, is PRO union, not PRO worker. It will harm employees, threaten job creation, and undermine our economic recovery.
The PRO Act History
The PRO Act as introduced in the 117th Congress and passed by the House includes a number of new provisions that were not in the original bill. Members of Congress who co-sponsored the PRO Act in the 116th Congress should not feel bound to co-sponsor a different bill. The proposal, called Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (S. 420/H.R. 842), is a litany of almost every failed idea from the past 30 years of labor policy.
The Upcoming Vote
The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate, where it is currently subject to a 60-vote threshold. 47 Democratic Senators have already pledged to support the PRO Act (S. 420). Only three moderate Democrats in the Senate have not yet signed on to support the bill: Mark Kelly (Ariz.), Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.), and Mark Warner (Va.). It is critical that members continue to contact their senators to urge their opposition to the bill.
Bad for Small Business
The Protecting the Right to Organize Act, known as the PRO Act, passed the US House of Representatives and would amend some of the country’s decades-old labor laws to give workers more power during disputes at work, add penalties for companies that retaliate against workers who organize and grant some hundreds of thousands of workers collective-bargaining rights they don’t currently have. It would also weaken “right-to-work” laws in 27 states (including Arizona), that allow employees to forgo participating in and paying dues to unions.
ACTION ALERT:
RE: Please Support Arizona Senate Bill 1377- COVID Liability Protections
Sectors Impacted: All Businesses
Deadline to Respond: 03/29/2021 (5 pm)
SUMMARY
Throughout the pandemic, the healthcare community, businesses across all industries, educational institutions and nonprofits have faced new challenges daily and have continued working tirelessly to safely serve their patients, customers, and Arizona communities.
Businesses across all industries have also stepped up in direct pandemic response from our front line first responders
and medical personnel to manufacturers and distributors changing their supply chains to respond to shortages of personal hygiene and protective equipment.
By providing targeted and limited safe harbors for responsible actors during this pandemic, all businesses and healthcare
industry workers can continue to safely provide the services and products that are vital to Arizona’s recovery without fear of abusive litigation.
Business and healthcare organizations across the state have been united in the need for timely and targeted liability protections, which continue to be one of the top priorities of this legislative session. We must remain focused on the health of our residents and our economic recovery. Unwarranted lawsuits against businesses and healthcare providers will jeopardize our economic recovery.
ACTION:
Please sign our One-Click letter.
Background:
Throughout the pandemic, the healthcare community, businesses across all industries, educational institutions and
nonprofits have faced new challenges daily and have continued working tirelessly to safely serve their patients,
customers, and Arizona communities. Businesses across all industries have also stepped up in direct pandemic response from our front line first responders and medical personnel to manufacturers and distributors changing their supply chains to respond to shortages of personal hygiene and protective equipment. By providing targeted and limited safe harbors for responsible actors during this pandemic, all businesses and healthcare industry workers can continue to safely provide the services and products that are vital to Arizona’s recovery without fear of abusive litigation.
What does Senate Bill 1377 do?
Why is it needed?
By providing targeted and limited safe harbors and protections for responsible actors, businesses and healthcare
providers can continue to safely provide services and products that are vital to Arizona’s recovery without fear of
meritless and abusive litigation. While temporary protections for healthcare workers have already been given
through the Governor’s “Good Samaritan” Executive Order, state legislation is necessary to ensure we continue to
protect the frontline healthcare workers battling the pandemic.
Who is protected?
The bill does not protect everyone. It protects responsible actors who have acted reasonably and in good faith. The legislation generally follows the standards of numerous other Arizona statutes providing liability relief. This bill provides these protections for responsible actors in the healthcare industry; all businesses providing goods, services, or entertainment; educational institutions; nonprofits; religious institutions; property owners and managers; service providers for people with disabilities; and local and state government entities.
How long are they protected?
The relief provided temporary as claims are tied to the public health pandemic.
How does this bill compare to other protections in Arizona statute?
The protections provided by SB1377 generally follow the other instances (at least 25), where the legislature has extended liability relief using a gross negligence or clear and convincing standard of proof. Providers acting reasonably and in good faith should be encouraged to provide care and services.
RE: Please Support Arizona Senate Bill 1377- COVID Liability Protections
Sectors Impacted: All Businesses
Deadline to Respond: 03/29/2021 (5 pm)
SUMMARY
Throughout the pandemic, the healthcare community, businesses across all industries, educational institutions and nonprofits have faced new challenges daily and have continued working tirelessly to safely serve their patients, customers, and Arizona communities.
Businesses across all industries have also stepped up in direct pandemic response from our front line first responders
and medical personnel to manufacturers and distributors changing their supply chains to respond to shortages of personal hygiene and protective equipment.
By providing targeted and limited safe harbors for responsible actors during this pandemic, all businesses and healthcare
industry workers can continue to safely provide the services and products that are vital to Arizona’s recovery without fear of abusive litigation.
Business and healthcare organizations across the state have been united in the need for timely and targeted liability protections, which continue to be one of the top priorities of this legislative session. We must remain focused on the health of our residents and our economic recovery. Unwarranted lawsuits against businesses and healthcare providers will jeopardize our economic recovery.
ACTION:
Please sign our One-Click letter.
Background:
Throughout the pandemic, the healthcare community, businesses across all industries, educational institutions and
nonprofits have faced new challenges daily and have continued working tirelessly to safely serve their patients,
customers, and Arizona communities. Businesses across all industries have also stepped up in direct pandemic response from our front line first responders and medical personnel to manufacturers and distributors changing their supply chains to respond to shortages of personal hygiene and protective equipment. By providing targeted and limited safe harbors for responsible actors during this pandemic, all businesses and healthcare industry workers can continue to safely provide the services and products that are vital to Arizona’s recovery without fear of abusive litigation.
What does Senate Bill 1377 do?
- Provides targeted and reasonable liability protections for businesses, educational providers, and healthcare industry working diligently to protect their employees, customers, and patients.
- Provides protection for Arizona’s front-line medical community – doctors, nurses, hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living homes, who have put themselves at risk by treating COVID-19 patients.
Why is it needed?
By providing targeted and limited safe harbors and protections for responsible actors, businesses and healthcare
providers can continue to safely provide services and products that are vital to Arizona’s recovery without fear of
meritless and abusive litigation. While temporary protections for healthcare workers have already been given
through the Governor’s “Good Samaritan” Executive Order, state legislation is necessary to ensure we continue to
protect the frontline healthcare workers battling the pandemic.
Who is protected?
The bill does not protect everyone. It protects responsible actors who have acted reasonably and in good faith. The legislation generally follows the standards of numerous other Arizona statutes providing liability relief. This bill provides these protections for responsible actors in the healthcare industry; all businesses providing goods, services, or entertainment; educational institutions; nonprofits; religious institutions; property owners and managers; service providers for people with disabilities; and local and state government entities.
How long are they protected?
The relief provided temporary as claims are tied to the public health pandemic.
How does this bill compare to other protections in Arizona statute?
The protections provided by SB1377 generally follow the other instances (at least 25), where the legislature has extended liability relief using a gross negligence or clear and convincing standard of proof. Providers acting reasonably and in good faith should be encouraged to provide care and services.
ACTION ALERT:
RE: COVID-Hit Small Businesses and Families are Still Hurting. More Local Funding is Needed!
Sectors Impacted: Businesses and Residents
Deadline to Respond: 04/22/2021
Action: Sign Our One-Click Letter Now!
SUMMARY
The American Rescue Plan that was recently passed will make available more taxpayer money to local and county governments. Businesses are still bleeding cash and grappling with the COVID 19 shockwave. We are asking our local and county governments for additional COVID Relief funds to be directed to assist small businesses, nonprofits, and businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Now is the time to double down in support of our small businesses. Please sign our one-click letter.
ACTION:
Please sign our One-Click letter.
DETAILS:
On March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ("ARPA"), which contains $1.9 trillion in overall national spending to support relief and economic recovery efforts. ARPA provides a total of $350 billion to governmental entities. The act states that funds may be used to address the economic effects of COVID, including aid to households, small businesses, nonprofits, and impacted industries such as tourism and hospitality. Local governments will receive funds starting this May. This Alert reminds our local elected officials that small businesses are still grappling with the economic shockwaves of COVID-19, and many small businesses, particularly in the hospitality, food, and entertainment industries, are still in distress and bleeding cash.
Immediacy
People and businesses are hurting. Many businesses are still bleeding cash and grappling with COVID-19 and the economic shockwave that is still rippling throughout the NW Valley. Businesses need capital to reopen doors, and people need outreach and skills development to match them to available jobs. While it is important to consider an investment’s impact beyond the immediate term, providing such immediate help is a necessary baseline for longer-term recovery. Experts are bracing for a massive wave of bankruptcies on the horizon as the relief aid vanishes, and this could potentially dampen hopes of a full post-pandemic recovery. Now is the time to double down in support of the small business.
RE: COVID-Hit Small Businesses and Families are Still Hurting. More Local Funding is Needed!
Sectors Impacted: Businesses and Residents
Deadline to Respond: 04/22/2021
Action: Sign Our One-Click Letter Now!
SUMMARY
The American Rescue Plan that was recently passed will make available more taxpayer money to local and county governments. Businesses are still bleeding cash and grappling with the COVID 19 shockwave. We are asking our local and county governments for additional COVID Relief funds to be directed to assist small businesses, nonprofits, and businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Now is the time to double down in support of our small businesses. Please sign our one-click letter.
ACTION:
Please sign our One-Click letter.
DETAILS:
On March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ("ARPA"), which contains $1.9 trillion in overall national spending to support relief and economic recovery efforts. ARPA provides a total of $350 billion to governmental entities. The act states that funds may be used to address the economic effects of COVID, including aid to households, small businesses, nonprofits, and impacted industries such as tourism and hospitality. Local governments will receive funds starting this May. This Alert reminds our local elected officials that small businesses are still grappling with the economic shockwaves of COVID-19, and many small businesses, particularly in the hospitality, food, and entertainment industries, are still in distress and bleeding cash.
Immediacy
People and businesses are hurting. Many businesses are still bleeding cash and grappling with COVID-19 and the economic shockwave that is still rippling throughout the NW Valley. Businesses need capital to reopen doors, and people need outreach and skills development to match them to available jobs. While it is important to consider an investment’s impact beyond the immediate term, providing such immediate help is a necessary baseline for longer-term recovery. Experts are bracing for a massive wave of bankruptcies on the horizon as the relief aid vanishes, and this could potentially dampen hopes of a full post-pandemic recovery. Now is the time to double down in support of the small business.
ACTION ALERT:
RE: Small businesses could see an increase in unemployment insurance premiums as a second proposal advances at the State legislature. The Chamber is reminding elected officials that any changes to unemployment benefits must consider COVID-Hit small businesses, so please proceed with caution!
Business Sectors Impacted: All
Issue Date: 03/09/2021
Deadline to Respond: Monday, March 16, 2021
Action: Sign Our One-Click Letter Now!
BACKGROUND:
While legislators in both parties have raised concerns about the measure's details, a spike in unemployment amid the COVID-19 pandemic has added urgency to the issue after lawmakers left current payment levels untouched for years. The timing, however, is not ideal. We understand that unemployment insurance has emerged as the critical stopgap to help keep food on the table for many residents and provides a crucial stimulus to the economy. Arizona also has notoriously low benefits. The timing, however, is not ideal, and we urge caution.
Our Intentions
This alert intends to remind our elected officials that the small businesses are still grappling with the economic shockwaves of COVID-19, and many small businesses, particularly in the hospitality, food, and entertainment industries, are still in distress and bleeding cash. The guiding business principles outlined in the letter will help set the tone for acceptable public policy and ensure the small business sector is not forgotten in the legislative hearings and discussions occurring in the next few days.
Please sign our One-Click letter.
RE: Small businesses could see an increase in unemployment insurance premiums as a second proposal advances at the State legislature. The Chamber is reminding elected officials that any changes to unemployment benefits must consider COVID-Hit small businesses, so please proceed with caution!
Business Sectors Impacted: All
Issue Date: 03/09/2021
Deadline to Respond: Monday, March 16, 2021
Action: Sign Our One-Click Letter Now!
BACKGROUND:
While legislators in both parties have raised concerns about the measure's details, a spike in unemployment amid the COVID-19 pandemic has added urgency to the issue after lawmakers left current payment levels untouched for years. The timing, however, is not ideal. We understand that unemployment insurance has emerged as the critical stopgap to help keep food on the table for many residents and provides a crucial stimulus to the economy. Arizona also has notoriously low benefits. The timing, however, is not ideal, and we urge caution.
Our Intentions
This alert intends to remind our elected officials that the small businesses are still grappling with the economic shockwaves of COVID-19, and many small businesses, particularly in the hospitality, food, and entertainment industries, are still in distress and bleeding cash. The guiding business principles outlined in the letter will help set the tone for acceptable public policy and ensure the small business sector is not forgotten in the legislative hearings and discussions occurring in the next few days.
Please sign our One-Click letter.
ACTION ALERT:
Tell your U.S. senators that the misleadingly-named Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act is bad for business.
Business Sectors Impacted: All
Issue Date: 02/22/2021
Deadline to Respond: Monday, March 1, 2021 (2:00 PM)
Action: Sign Our One-Click Letter Now!
Sign Our One Click Letter Now!
BACKGROUND:
The Protecting the Right to Organize Act, known as the PRO Act, passed the US House of Representatives and would amend some of the country’s decades-old labor laws to give workers more power during disputes at work, add penalties for companies that retaliate against workers who organize and grant some hundreds of thousands of workers collective-bargaining rights they don’t currently have. It would also weaken “right-to-work” laws in 27 states (including Arizona), a that allow employees to forgo participating in and paying dues to unions.
TAKE ACTION NOW:
Congress needs to hear your voice this week! Theses policies will systematically alter labor law in favor of unions and restrict the rights of employees and employers. The PRO Act contains dozens of extreme labor proposals that would destroy businesses and diminish employees’ rights to privacy.
As the pandemic continues to create hardships and instability for businesses and workers, now is not the time to pursue this radical and far-reaching legislation.
We need your help! Please sign our letter and tell our US senators to stop the PRO Act!
ACTION STEPS:
A Broader Chamber Perspective
The Unions and Companies often work in opposition due to their conflicting goals. Unions exist to protect worker rights, and Companies want the flexibility to manage their workforce. Chambers of commerce are formed and led by business owners (not employees) and therefore mirror the values and concerns of the business community/owners. While union enrollment is at an all-time low in America (7%), they have played a significant role in the worker-employer dialogue for centuries. In the last few decades, many aspects of the business environment have changed and has contributed significantly to the decline of Unions in the private sector. Today government has thousands of rules in over 180 Acts and regulations that companies must follow that dictate working conditions, benefits, wages, etc. These laws include the Fair Labor Act, Affordable care Act, Workplace safety laws (OSHA), Family Medical Leave Act, Social Security Act, Age Discrimination Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Whistleblower Acts name a few. Beyond the federal level, small businesses have to deal with a maze of red tape from state and local governments. This regulatory complexity is death by a thousand cuts to America's small businesses. For that reason, the Chamber fights against obstacles that stand in the way of entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Raoul Sada, President and CEO
More Details
Labor’s Litany of Dangerous Ideas: The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act
Unions and their allies are promoting a bill that would destabilize America’s workplaces and impose a long list of dangerous changes to labor law. The proposal, called the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (H.R. 842), is a litany of almost every failed idea from the past 30 years of labor policy. The PRO Act would undermine worker rights, ensnare employers in unrelated labor disputes,
disrupt the economy, and force individual Americans to pay union dues regardless of their wishes.
The PRO Act would:
• Undermine secret ballot elections—forcing workers to make their choice about unionizing in public and exposing them to threats and coercion from union agents.
• Impose on the full country California’s stringent definition of “independent contractor” — denying individuals the ability to work independently, threatening the emerging “gig” economy, and taking away the flexibility that has allowed American businesses of all sizes to grow.
• Authorize “secondary boycotts” — allowing unions to launch disruptive protests and pickets against any employer, even those that have nothing to do with a labor dispute.
• Codify an expansive “joint employer” standard—meaning that businesses could suddenly face liability for workplaces they don’t control and workers they don’t employ.
• Eliminate all state Right-to-Work laws, which protect workers in more than half the country against being fi red if they decline to pay union dues.
• Impose mandatory union contracts if a union and employer do not reach an agreement. This would undermine the collective bargaining process, saddle employers with potentially unaffordable contracts, and deprive workers of the right to vote on the terms and conditions of their own employment.
• Increase needless class action lawsuits by banning employment arbitration agreements.
• Deny employers any role in the union election process, which will ensure that workers can’t get balanced information about a critical workplace decision.
• Interfere with attorney-client confidentiality and make it harder for businesses, particularly small businesses, to secure legal advice on complex labor law matters.
• Impose personal liability on managers for alleged NLRA violations along with penalties as high as $100,000.
• Take away the ability of employers to keep their workplaces open during strikes.
Members of Congress need to stand up for the rights of America’s workers and employers and oppose the PRO Act. No co-sponsorship, no statements of support, and a “no” vote every time.
Tell your U.S. senators that the misleadingly-named Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act is bad for business.
Business Sectors Impacted: All
Issue Date: 02/22/2021
Deadline to Respond: Monday, March 1, 2021 (2:00 PM)
Action: Sign Our One-Click Letter Now!
Sign Our One Click Letter Now!
BACKGROUND:
The Protecting the Right to Organize Act, known as the PRO Act, passed the US House of Representatives and would amend some of the country’s decades-old labor laws to give workers more power during disputes at work, add penalties for companies that retaliate against workers who organize and grant some hundreds of thousands of workers collective-bargaining rights they don’t currently have. It would also weaken “right-to-work” laws in 27 states (including Arizona), a that allow employees to forgo participating in and paying dues to unions.
TAKE ACTION NOW:
Congress needs to hear your voice this week! Theses policies will systematically alter labor law in favor of unions and restrict the rights of employees and employers. The PRO Act contains dozens of extreme labor proposals that would destroy businesses and diminish employees’ rights to privacy.
As the pandemic continues to create hardships and instability for businesses and workers, now is not the time to pursue this radical and far-reaching legislation.
We need your help! Please sign our letter and tell our US senators to stop the PRO Act!
ACTION STEPS:
- SIGN OUR ONE CLICK LETTER:
- Forward this Action Alert to other businesses and free-enterprise advocates
A Broader Chamber Perspective
The Unions and Companies often work in opposition due to their conflicting goals. Unions exist to protect worker rights, and Companies want the flexibility to manage their workforce. Chambers of commerce are formed and led by business owners (not employees) and therefore mirror the values and concerns of the business community/owners. While union enrollment is at an all-time low in America (7%), they have played a significant role in the worker-employer dialogue for centuries. In the last few decades, many aspects of the business environment have changed and has contributed significantly to the decline of Unions in the private sector. Today government has thousands of rules in over 180 Acts and regulations that companies must follow that dictate working conditions, benefits, wages, etc. These laws include the Fair Labor Act, Affordable care Act, Workplace safety laws (OSHA), Family Medical Leave Act, Social Security Act, Age Discrimination Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Whistleblower Acts name a few. Beyond the federal level, small businesses have to deal with a maze of red tape from state and local governments. This regulatory complexity is death by a thousand cuts to America's small businesses. For that reason, the Chamber fights against obstacles that stand in the way of entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Raoul Sada, President and CEO
More Details
Labor’s Litany of Dangerous Ideas: The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act
Unions and their allies are promoting a bill that would destabilize America’s workplaces and impose a long list of dangerous changes to labor law. The proposal, called the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (H.R. 842), is a litany of almost every failed idea from the past 30 years of labor policy. The PRO Act would undermine worker rights, ensnare employers in unrelated labor disputes,
disrupt the economy, and force individual Americans to pay union dues regardless of their wishes.
The PRO Act would:
• Undermine secret ballot elections—forcing workers to make their choice about unionizing in public and exposing them to threats and coercion from union agents.
• Impose on the full country California’s stringent definition of “independent contractor” — denying individuals the ability to work independently, threatening the emerging “gig” economy, and taking away the flexibility that has allowed American businesses of all sizes to grow.
• Authorize “secondary boycotts” — allowing unions to launch disruptive protests and pickets against any employer, even those that have nothing to do with a labor dispute.
• Codify an expansive “joint employer” standard—meaning that businesses could suddenly face liability for workplaces they don’t control and workers they don’t employ.
• Eliminate all state Right-to-Work laws, which protect workers in more than half the country against being fi red if they decline to pay union dues.
• Impose mandatory union contracts if a union and employer do not reach an agreement. This would undermine the collective bargaining process, saddle employers with potentially unaffordable contracts, and deprive workers of the right to vote on the terms and conditions of their own employment.
• Increase needless class action lawsuits by banning employment arbitration agreements.
• Deny employers any role in the union election process, which will ensure that workers can’t get balanced information about a critical workplace decision.
• Interfere with attorney-client confidentiality and make it harder for businesses, particularly small businesses, to secure legal advice on complex labor law matters.
• Impose personal liability on managers for alleged NLRA violations along with penalties as high as $100,000.
• Take away the ability of employers to keep their workplaces open during strikes.
Members of Congress need to stand up for the rights of America’s workers and employers and oppose the PRO Act. No co-sponsorship, no statements of support, and a “no” vote every time.
ACTION ALERT:
Tell Congress to Pass Pandemic Relief Before the End of the Year
12/04/2020
Sign Our One Click Letter Now! We need 1,000 signers!
BACKGROUND:
This week, a bipartisan group of House and Senate members released an outline that could break the partisan gridlock that has prevented long-overdue pandemic relief. Between this effort and the recent revisions to the Senate Republican proposal—which maintains critical elements especially with respect to liability protection–we believe there is an opportunity for Republicans and Democrats to negotiate a bill that can become law.
TAKE ACTION NOW:
While it is critical that lawmakers get the details right, time is of the essence. American families cannot wait until next year. If Washington delivers pandemic relief, we can get through this challenge and build a stronger, healthier economy and country.
Our communities are facing substantial challenges now and well into the foreseeable future. COVID numbers are up, and our snowbirds and tourists are not returning! This will have a significant negative impact on lodging, restaurants and bars, retail, amusement sectors, and thousands of other small businesses. Businesses, families and children, all need help! .
SIGN OUR ONE CLICK LETTER:
You can send a note to your Representatives in Congress urging them to support a bipartisan pandemic relief bill by using the Chamber’s “one-click” advocacy platform.
More Information and Requests
- Please forward this email to your associates, friends, peers and other businesses owners.
- Have a Legislative Issue or Comment? Tell Us Your Thoughts! Click Here
- Donate and Support Free Enterprise
An Action Alert is a message that the Surprise Regional Chamber and the Community Chamber of Commerce. We send messages to businesses, members and community stakeholders, calling on them to take action to influence public policy. Typically, Action Alerts are in reference to a timely issue, where prompt action is needed in order to affect upcoming decisions. Our Chamber's existence reflects our fervently-held belief that the health of the business community and the health of larger community in which it lives are inseparable. And our work – of safeguarding free enterprise and providing the tools that business need to succeed – is central to the success of the community as a whole.
ACTION ALERT:
Vote Yes on the Dysart Unified School Override Bond
Protect our Quality of Life, Train our Future Workforce, and Attract High-Paying Jobs
Issue Date: 10/08/2020
Impact Area: Residents and Businesses of Surprise and El Mirage
Action Requested:
Vote Yes on the Dysart Unified School Override Bond. There is no tax increase associated with approving this Override.
Why The Chamber Supports Education
The Chamber is an ardent proponent of strong educational systems. Education is, in every sense, one of the fundamental factors of development. No country or community can achieve sustainable long-term economic development without substantial investment in human capital.
Education enriches people’s understanding of themselves, the world, and provides an opportunity for advancement. It leads to broad social benefits to individuals and society while raising people’s productivity and creativity. Education also promotes entrepreneurship and technological advances.
Education plays a very important role in securing social and economic wellbeing for all. It is because of the link between education, economic growth and healthy communities that the Chamber is a strong advocates of healthy, effective, and well-funded educational systems.
Why Vote YES
A yes vote to continue Dysart's override will help keep class sizes manageable, provide all-day kindergarten, improve math and reading scores, and retain talented teachers. A Yes vote will help protect our quality of life, train our future workforce, and attract high-paying jobs.
For the Surprise Regional Chamber, this is an easy choice. An investment in Dysart Unified School District is an investment in our economic future.
Background:
The Dysart Unified School District Governing Board called for a November 3, 2020 override election at the June 10 board meeting. This action adds a question on the November 3, 2020 election ballot to ask for continued support of the current 15% maintenance and operation override that has been in place since 2000. The 15% M&O override would maintain funding to retain highly qualified teachers and staff and provide academic support programs for Math and Reading. Additionally, it would allow Dysart to maintain manageable class sizes, and continue funding for programs currently serving students such as Arts, Physical Education and Athletics, and all-day Kindergarten for the community. A continuation of this override would not result in a tax increase.
Vote Yes on the Dysart Unified School Override Bond
Protect our Quality of Life, Train our Future Workforce, and Attract High-Paying Jobs
- There is no tax increase associated with approving this Override.
Issue Date: 10/08/2020
Impact Area: Residents and Businesses of Surprise and El Mirage
Action Requested:
Vote Yes on the Dysart Unified School Override Bond. There is no tax increase associated with approving this Override.
Why The Chamber Supports Education
The Chamber is an ardent proponent of strong educational systems. Education is, in every sense, one of the fundamental factors of development. No country or community can achieve sustainable long-term economic development without substantial investment in human capital.
Education enriches people’s understanding of themselves, the world, and provides an opportunity for advancement. It leads to broad social benefits to individuals and society while raising people’s productivity and creativity. Education also promotes entrepreneurship and technological advances.
Education plays a very important role in securing social and economic wellbeing for all. It is because of the link between education, economic growth and healthy communities that the Chamber is a strong advocates of healthy, effective, and well-funded educational systems.
Why Vote YES
A yes vote to continue Dysart's override will help keep class sizes manageable, provide all-day kindergarten, improve math and reading scores, and retain talented teachers. A Yes vote will help protect our quality of life, train our future workforce, and attract high-paying jobs.
For the Surprise Regional Chamber, this is an easy choice. An investment in Dysart Unified School District is an investment in our economic future.
Background:
The Dysart Unified School District Governing Board called for a November 3, 2020 override election at the June 10 board meeting. This action adds a question on the November 3, 2020 election ballot to ask for continued support of the current 15% maintenance and operation override that has been in place since 2000. The 15% M&O override would maintain funding to retain highly qualified teachers and staff and provide academic support programs for Math and Reading. Additionally, it would allow Dysart to maintain manageable class sizes, and continue funding for programs currently serving students such as Arts, Physical Education and Athletics, and all-day Kindergarten for the community. A continuation of this override would not result in a tax increase.
An Action Alert is a message that the Chamber sends to businesses, members and community stakeholders calling on them to take action to influence public policy. Typically, Action Alerts are in reference to a timely issue, where prompt action is needed in order to affect upcoming decisions.
- To Receive Business News and Action Alerts by email: Click Here
- How else is the Chamber Fighting for Your Business: Click Here
- NEW! Receive Action Alerts on your phone: Click Here
ACTION ALERT:
Pass Legislation to Protect Businesses Against Frivolous COVID-19 Lawsuits
Issue Date: July 31, 2020
Business Sectors Impacted: All
Cities: All
URGENT UPDATE
Sorry for the Friday evening email, but we wanted to provide an important update on the issue of liability protection. (Please see summary below). We had over 100 responses to our last Action Alert on this subject, and now need to your support again.
Sign on to our letter going to Senator McSally
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
As we monitor progress on the negotiations between the White House and the Hill, we have a growing concern about the liability piece. As reported today in the Washington Post, the White House, in their rush to get a deal done on unemployment, is showing signs that they are willing to cave on liability. The impression we’re getting from the WH is that they think liability is only a priority for Senators McConnell and Cornyn and not the rest of the GOP.
With this in mind, we are seeking your help in urging Senator McSally to co-sponsor the McConnell-Cornyn bill (S. 4317), make statements and/or tweet her support so that the White House can hear from other Republican Senators. The more the White House can see there is broader Senate support for liability, the better our chances are.
Summary:
Businesses are worried about getting sued as they reopen. Many companies are seriously concerned about what happens when an employee gets COVID-19 on the job and says the employer should have done more to stop it. In countless interviews with business owners, the Chamber has heard over and over, that businesses are concerned about being sued over meritless litigation. The Chamber is calling on elected officials to support targeted and limited liability protections to ensure companies are not unnecessarily stifled by meritless lawsuits surrounding COVID-19.
Action Required:
Enroll Now to Receive Action Alert Messages to Your Phone
Pass Legislation to Protect Businesses Against Frivolous COVID-19 Lawsuits
Issue Date: July 31, 2020
Business Sectors Impacted: All
Cities: All
URGENT UPDATE
Sorry for the Friday evening email, but we wanted to provide an important update on the issue of liability protection. (Please see summary below). We had over 100 responses to our last Action Alert on this subject, and now need to your support again.
Sign on to our letter going to Senator McSally
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
As we monitor progress on the negotiations between the White House and the Hill, we have a growing concern about the liability piece. As reported today in the Washington Post, the White House, in their rush to get a deal done on unemployment, is showing signs that they are willing to cave on liability. The impression we’re getting from the WH is that they think liability is only a priority for Senators McConnell and Cornyn and not the rest of the GOP.
With this in mind, we are seeking your help in urging Senator McSally to co-sponsor the McConnell-Cornyn bill (S. 4317), make statements and/or tweet her support so that the White House can hear from other Republican Senators. The more the White House can see there is broader Senate support for liability, the better our chances are.
Summary:
Businesses are worried about getting sued as they reopen. Many companies are seriously concerned about what happens when an employee gets COVID-19 on the job and says the employer should have done more to stop it. In countless interviews with business owners, the Chamber has heard over and over, that businesses are concerned about being sued over meritless litigation. The Chamber is calling on elected officials to support targeted and limited liability protections to ensure companies are not unnecessarily stifled by meritless lawsuits surrounding COVID-19.
Action Required:
- Sign on to our letter going to Senator McSally
Enroll Now to Receive Action Alert Messages to Your Phone
The Chamber Promise
The Chamber Promise reflects our fervently-held belief that the health of the business community and the health of larger community in which it lives are inextricable. And our work – is central to the success of the community as a whole.
We provide candidate forums, Action Alerts, publish scorecards as a public service, and we are privileged and proud to play a role in the democratic process.
The Chamber Promise reflects our fervently-held belief that the health of the business community and the health of larger community in which it lives are inextricable. And our work – is central to the success of the community as a whole.
We provide candidate forums, Action Alerts, publish scorecards as a public service, and we are privileged and proud to play a role in the democratic process.
ACTION ALERT: Sign Our Letter
Subject: Pass Legislation to Protect Businesses Against Frivolous COVID-19 Lawsuits
Issue Date: May 22, 2020
Sectors Impacted: All
Cities: All
Summary:
Businesses are worried about getting sued as they reopen. Many companies are seriously concerned about what happens when an employee gets COVID-19 on the job, or a customer and says the company should have done more to stop it. In countless interviews with business owners, the Chamber has heard over and over, that businesses are concerned about being sued over meritless litigation. The Chamber is calling on elected officials to support targeted and limited liability protections to ensure companies are not unnecessarily stifled by meritless lawsuits surrounding COVID-19.
Action Required:
Subject: Pass Legislation to Protect Businesses Against Frivolous COVID-19 Lawsuits
Issue Date: May 22, 2020
Sectors Impacted: All
Cities: All
Summary:
Businesses are worried about getting sued as they reopen. Many companies are seriously concerned about what happens when an employee gets COVID-19 on the job, or a customer and says the company should have done more to stop it. In countless interviews with business owners, the Chamber has heard over and over, that businesses are concerned about being sued over meritless litigation. The Chamber is calling on elected officials to support targeted and limited liability protections to ensure companies are not unnecessarily stifled by meritless lawsuits surrounding COVID-19.
Action Required:
- Sign onto our Letter going to state and federal elected officials.
ACTION ALERT
Subject: Letter on Re-Opening the Economy
Issue Date: May 2, 2020
Impacted: Businesses and Residents
Cities: All
Action Alert # 200502-2
Letter on Re-Opening the Economy
Summary:
Just as citizens are getting all sorts of mixed messages regarding COVID-19 , so is the business community. Small businesses have to deal with a maze of red tape from federal, state, and local governments to start a business, apply for a business, hire employees, pay taxes, enforce contracts, and even close a business. There are even complex regulations for placing signs on the outside of a building. The regulatory complexity is death by a thousand cuts to our small businesses. Our businesses simply can’t grow and create jobs if they are constantly being burdened by increasingly complex and expensive regulations, especially during a health and economic crisis. That is why the Chamber is recommending Uniform Guidance on COVID-19, if we are to help get the economy back to health.
Action Requested:
Please sign the Chamber's letter being sent to the US Congress, state representatives, the governor, mayors and county officials Click Here
Background:
Some in Congress, and others, what to start our recovery by writing another regulatory rulebook to be enforced by bureaucrats. This is not what needs to be now, in the middle of the worst health, and economic crisis ever! NW Valley’s employers are responding to this crisis as they normally do by finding innovative ways to protect and serve their employees and customers. A one-size-fits-all regulatory approach will keep them from implementing solutions that best fit their unique workplace. And the last thing our small businesses need is a patchwork of differing guidance from federal, state, local officials, and other organizations.
Subject: Letter on Re-Opening the Economy
Issue Date: May 2, 2020
Impacted: Businesses and Residents
Cities: All
Action Alert # 200502-2
Letter on Re-Opening the Economy
Summary:
Just as citizens are getting all sorts of mixed messages regarding COVID-19 , so is the business community. Small businesses have to deal with a maze of red tape from federal, state, and local governments to start a business, apply for a business, hire employees, pay taxes, enforce contracts, and even close a business. There are even complex regulations for placing signs on the outside of a building. The regulatory complexity is death by a thousand cuts to our small businesses. Our businesses simply can’t grow and create jobs if they are constantly being burdened by increasingly complex and expensive regulations, especially during a health and economic crisis. That is why the Chamber is recommending Uniform Guidance on COVID-19, if we are to help get the economy back to health.
Action Requested:
Please sign the Chamber's letter being sent to the US Congress, state representatives, the governor, mayors and county officials Click Here
Background:
Some in Congress, and others, what to start our recovery by writing another regulatory rulebook to be enforced by bureaucrats. This is not what needs to be now, in the middle of the worst health, and economic crisis ever! NW Valley’s employers are responding to this crisis as they normally do by finding innovative ways to protect and serve their employees and customers. A one-size-fits-all regulatory approach will keep them from implementing solutions that best fit their unique workplace. And the last thing our small businesses need is a patchwork of differing guidance from federal, state, local officials, and other organizations.
Chamber Letter to Elected Officials
"The NW Valley business community appreciates that re-opening safely will require that we all undertake measures to reduce further transmission of COVID-19. We stand ready to do our part. Make no mistake; employers want to re-open in a way that is safe and sustainable."
The Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce
Serving the Communities of El Mirage, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Waddell, and Youngtown
"The NW Valley business community appreciates that re-opening safely will require that we all undertake measures to reduce further transmission of COVID-19. We stand ready to do our part. Make no mistake; employers want to re-open in a way that is safe and sustainable."
The Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce
Serving the Communities of El Mirage, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Waddell, and Youngtown
Official Letter from the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce
Dear US Members of Congress, Governor, State Legislators, Mayors, and County Supervisor:
On behalf of businesses of all sizes and across all industries in the NW Valley that we are privileged to represent as a Chamber, we are writing to thank you for your efforts to keep our communities safe and help in safely re-opening of the economy. The NW Valley business community appreciates that re-opening safely will require that we all undertake measures to reduce further transmission of COVID-19. We stand ready to do our part. Make no mistake; employers want to re-open in a way that is safe and sustainable.
We write to bring two concerns to your attention that have emerged in discussions with local business owners:
First, we urge federal, state, and local governments to refrain from converting public health and safety guidance into regulations that may add further challenges for businesses to re-open. Second, whenever possible, guidance should be consistent across federal, state, and local governments.
The business community is especially concerned by the push by some to impose new regulatory requirements rather than rely on guidance and best practices. There is no playbook for the re-opening of businesses while simultaneously fighting a pandemic. Yet those in favor of a regulatory approach envision government bureaucrats enforcing a rule book of regulations. For instance, they could issue fines when they find a sneeze guard out of place, an employee using the wrong mask, or two employees five feet ten inches apart, not the mandated six feet.
Such a rigid regulatory approach is simply impossible when talking about adapting safety measures for every workplace in the NW Valley. A heavy-handed regulatory approach will make it more difficult for safety measures to be quickly adjusted to reflect the changing reality of combatting the coronavirus, and may discourage some businesses from re-opening.
Further, a regulatory approach ignores what we have already learned from the thousands of essential businesses that have remained open during the shutdown orders. In each of our communities, businesses have improvised and innovated in critical ways to protect the health of their employees and customers. We want to encourage even more innovation as additional businesses re-open.
The second area of concern is the emerging patchwork of differing and, in some cases, contradictory guidance between federal, state, and local direction. While recognizing that guidance should meet local conditions, reducing unnecessary conflicts will make it easier for employers to implement responsible safety measures and instill confidence in the public by creating consistent expectations. We fully expect that re-opening will happen at a different pace throughout the country based on local conditions. It would be preferable if the guidance from state and local governments was more uniform across the entire state, which will speed the safe re-opening.
Thank you for the serious consideration and we look forward to continuing to work with your organizations to safely return our residents to work while showing the world that America is still the global leader in innovation and safety.
Respectfully,
Chris Herring
Government Relations Chair
Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce
Official Letter from the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce
Dear US Members of Congress, Governor, State Legislators, Mayors, and County Supervisor:
On behalf of businesses of all sizes and across all industries in the NW Valley that we are privileged to represent as a Chamber, we are writing to thank you for your efforts to keep our communities safe and help in safely re-opening of the economy. The NW Valley business community appreciates that re-opening safely will require that we all undertake measures to reduce further transmission of COVID-19. We stand ready to do our part. Make no mistake; employers want to re-open in a way that is safe and sustainable.
We write to bring two concerns to your attention that have emerged in discussions with local business owners:
First, we urge federal, state, and local governments to refrain from converting public health and safety guidance into regulations that may add further challenges for businesses to re-open. Second, whenever possible, guidance should be consistent across federal, state, and local governments.
The business community is especially concerned by the push by some to impose new regulatory requirements rather than rely on guidance and best practices. There is no playbook for the re-opening of businesses while simultaneously fighting a pandemic. Yet those in favor of a regulatory approach envision government bureaucrats enforcing a rule book of regulations. For instance, they could issue fines when they find a sneeze guard out of place, an employee using the wrong mask, or two employees five feet ten inches apart, not the mandated six feet.
Such a rigid regulatory approach is simply impossible when talking about adapting safety measures for every workplace in the NW Valley. A heavy-handed regulatory approach will make it more difficult for safety measures to be quickly adjusted to reflect the changing reality of combatting the coronavirus, and may discourage some businesses from re-opening.
Further, a regulatory approach ignores what we have already learned from the thousands of essential businesses that have remained open during the shutdown orders. In each of our communities, businesses have improvised and innovated in critical ways to protect the health of their employees and customers. We want to encourage even more innovation as additional businesses re-open.
The second area of concern is the emerging patchwork of differing and, in some cases, contradictory guidance between federal, state, and local direction. While recognizing that guidance should meet local conditions, reducing unnecessary conflicts will make it easier for employers to implement responsible safety measures and instill confidence in the public by creating consistent expectations. We fully expect that re-opening will happen at a different pace throughout the country based on local conditions. It would be preferable if the guidance from state and local governments was more uniform across the entire state, which will speed the safe re-opening.
Thank you for the serious consideration and we look forward to continuing to work with your organizations to safely return our residents to work while showing the world that America is still the global leader in innovation and safety.
Respectfully,
Chris Herring
Government Relations Chair
Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce
ACTION ALERT:
Protecting The Right to Organize (PRO): Act Will Harm The Business Community
Issue Date: 2/3/2020
Impact Area: All Businesses
Action Requested
- Immediately contact your elected official below and strongly discourage them from supporting Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (H.R. 2474 and S. 1306). This legislation would harm workers, employers, and the economy.
- Please forward this Action Alert to your fellow business associates around the state.
Summary
The U.S. House of Representatives will likely be voting on the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act as early as this week. This bill threatens to destabilize America’s workplaces and impose a long list of dangerous changes to labor law. We strongly opposes the PRO Act because it:
- Undermines secret ballot elections in union organizing campaigns
- Undermines employee privacy by forcing employers to turn over to unions their workers’ home addresses, phone numbers, cell phone numbers, e-mail addresses, shift schedules and work locations
- Imposes California’s new “ABC” test for determining independent contractor status to the other 49 states, making it very difficult to continue the legitimate use of independent contractors which takes away the flexibility that has allowed American businesses of all sizes to grow
Read The Bill
Sample Speaking Points or Email Message:
" As a business owner/operator in your district, I am writing to express my opposition to the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (H.R. 2474 and S. 1306), legislation that would harm workers, employers, and the economy. The PRO Act is a mash up of almost every failed idea from the past 30 years of labor policy. These so-called “reforms” would undermine worker rights, ensnare employers in unrelated labor disputes, disrupt the economy, and force individual Americans to pay union dues regardless of their wishes."
Contact NOW:
- Click on your representatives name below, and follow the links to contact them
- or use Find My District
More Details:
The PRO Act would:
- Undermine private ballot union representation elections—a fundamental right since 1935.
- Deny individuals the ability to work independently, threatening the emerging “gig” economy and taking away the flexibility that has allowed American businesses of all sizes to grow
- Allow unions to launch disruptive protests and pickets against any employer, even those that have nothing to do with a labor dispute.
- Impose liability on businesses for workplaces they don’t control and workers they don’t employ.
- Eliminate all state Right-to-Work laws, which protect workers in more than half the country against being fired if they decline to pay union dues.
- Impose mandatory union contracts if a union and employer do not reach an agreement and deprive workers of the right to vote on the terms and conditions of their own employment.
- Increase needless class action lawsuits by restricting alternate means of dispute resolution in the workplace.
- Members of Congress need to stand up for the rights of America’s workers and employers and oppose the PRO Act. I encourage you not to cosponsor or support the PRO Act in any way.
The Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce issues Action Alerts based on the recommendations from our local board directors, our chamber partners and our lobbyist. Items are prioritized based the Chamber mission and our board approved state and local legislative agendas. Business owner input is always welcome and some these opportunities include Businesses Leadership Roundtables, advocacy comment form and our business climate Survey.
Your voice is essential to protecting our free enterprise system! As a business advocate we need you to emphasize our core principles of the free enterprise, and remind elected officials that removing obstacles to job creation and economic growth is paramount.
Click Here For More Ways How the Chamber Fights for Your Business
One of the most valuable, and often overlooked functions of a chamber is being an advocate for the business community. The Chamber works to represent the collective voice of the business community. Whether it's setting legislative goals, working with our lobbyist, sending out Action Alerts or keeping voters informed through our forums, the goal is ensuring an environment where business can prosper.
Click Here For More Ways How the Chamber Fights for Your Business
One of the most valuable, and often overlooked functions of a chamber is being an advocate for the business community. The Chamber works to represent the collective voice of the business community. Whether it's setting legislative goals, working with our lobbyist, sending out Action Alerts or keeping voters informed through our forums, the goal is ensuring an environment where business can prosper.
Action Alert Details : Vote YES on the Dysart Bond & Override
Details
As the Dysart school bond and override vote approaches, the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce has now officially announced their support for the bond and the override proposals.
Chamber Board Endorses
The President and CEO of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce announced the Board of Directors is officially endorsing the upcoming school bond & override. The Chamber is now encouraging residents and the business community to support the effort. “A strong, skilled workforce is key to building a strong and local community. That's why the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce is working to ensure our future workforce is trained and qualified by supporting the bond and the override.” The estimated bond program would be $152 million to fund land for a new high school, construction of two elementary schools, safety and security upgrades, capital improvements at each site, student transportation, and technology. The board also noted the need for accountability and transparency on how past and future bonds are spent.
Mission Match
Many factors that contribute to the economic growth and development of life in the NW Valley, one of the main factors is the quality of our schools. The mission of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce is to champion economic prosperity, foster a pro-business climate, and to improve the quality of life in our region. Supporting the educational system is one way we accomplish our mission.
Need for Continuous Improvement
The Chamber has a long history of supporting educational improvements, including efforts that support the expansion of high-quality educational programs. We believe there is a need to continually improve K-12 education through rigorous academics, accountability for performance, to offer choices for parents and families, and ensure that every student graduates from high school is prepared for the next step—whether college or career.
Education and the Quality of Life
Most chambers are ardent proponents of strong educational systems. Education is in every sense, one of the fundamental factors of development. No country or community can achieve sustainable long-term economic development without substantial investment in human capital. Education enriches people’s understanding of themselves, the world and provides an opportunity for advancement. It leads to broad social benefits to individuals and society while raising people’s productivity and creativity. Education also promotes entrepreneurship and technological advances. Education plays a very important role in securing social and economic wellbeing for all. It is because of the link between education, economic growth and healthy communities that chambers are strong advocates of healthy, effective, and well-funded educational systems.
Approved and Vetted by the Board of Directors
Mr. Raoul Sada, President and CEO of the Chamber further noted, that while the Chamber typically endorses school bonds, the approval is not automatic. The board still reviews the merits of the request, considers opposing points of view and must vote on the matter. The decision to support the bond and override was unanimous; however, due to the Chamber’s conflict of interest policies and protocols, two board members were required to abstain from voting on the matter. With board approval, the Chamber will now issue a government relation’s “Action Alert,” which encourages the business community and residents to support the bond and the override.
Chamber Action Alert
The Chamber’s Action Alert is distributed to 3,000+ businesses and its social media/digital reach is estimated to reach 25,000 residents. The message is to Vote Yes on the Dysart Unified School District bond and override, which will help restore funding cuts during the recession while replacing aging buses and air conditioners, and improving security. A yes vote to continue Dysart's override will help keep class sizes manageable, provide all-day kindergarten, improve math and reading scores, and retain talented teachers. A Yes vote on Nov. 5 will help protect our quality of life, train our future workforce, and attract high-paying jobs. For the Surprise Regional Chamber, this is an easy choice. An investment in Dysart is an investment in our economic future.
The Chamber is all about building communities to which residents, visitors, and investors are attracted and striving to ensure future prosperity via a pro-business climate. The Chamber is led by private-sector employers, is self-funded, and not affiliated with any governmental entity.
As the Dysart school bond and override vote approaches, the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce has now officially announced their support for the bond and the override proposals.
Chamber Board Endorses
The President and CEO of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce announced the Board of Directors is officially endorsing the upcoming school bond & override. The Chamber is now encouraging residents and the business community to support the effort. “A strong, skilled workforce is key to building a strong and local community. That's why the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce is working to ensure our future workforce is trained and qualified by supporting the bond and the override.” The estimated bond program would be $152 million to fund land for a new high school, construction of two elementary schools, safety and security upgrades, capital improvements at each site, student transportation, and technology. The board also noted the need for accountability and transparency on how past and future bonds are spent.
Mission Match
Many factors that contribute to the economic growth and development of life in the NW Valley, one of the main factors is the quality of our schools. The mission of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce is to champion economic prosperity, foster a pro-business climate, and to improve the quality of life in our region. Supporting the educational system is one way we accomplish our mission.
Need for Continuous Improvement
The Chamber has a long history of supporting educational improvements, including efforts that support the expansion of high-quality educational programs. We believe there is a need to continually improve K-12 education through rigorous academics, accountability for performance, to offer choices for parents and families, and ensure that every student graduates from high school is prepared for the next step—whether college or career.
Education and the Quality of Life
Most chambers are ardent proponents of strong educational systems. Education is in every sense, one of the fundamental factors of development. No country or community can achieve sustainable long-term economic development without substantial investment in human capital. Education enriches people’s understanding of themselves, the world and provides an opportunity for advancement. It leads to broad social benefits to individuals and society while raising people’s productivity and creativity. Education also promotes entrepreneurship and technological advances. Education plays a very important role in securing social and economic wellbeing for all. It is because of the link between education, economic growth and healthy communities that chambers are strong advocates of healthy, effective, and well-funded educational systems.
Approved and Vetted by the Board of Directors
Mr. Raoul Sada, President and CEO of the Chamber further noted, that while the Chamber typically endorses school bonds, the approval is not automatic. The board still reviews the merits of the request, considers opposing points of view and must vote on the matter. The decision to support the bond and override was unanimous; however, due to the Chamber’s conflict of interest policies and protocols, two board members were required to abstain from voting on the matter. With board approval, the Chamber will now issue a government relation’s “Action Alert,” which encourages the business community and residents to support the bond and the override.
Chamber Action Alert
The Chamber’s Action Alert is distributed to 3,000+ businesses and its social media/digital reach is estimated to reach 25,000 residents. The message is to Vote Yes on the Dysart Unified School District bond and override, which will help restore funding cuts during the recession while replacing aging buses and air conditioners, and improving security. A yes vote to continue Dysart's override will help keep class sizes manageable, provide all-day kindergarten, improve math and reading scores, and retain talented teachers. A Yes vote on Nov. 5 will help protect our quality of life, train our future workforce, and attract high-paying jobs. For the Surprise Regional Chamber, this is an easy choice. An investment in Dysart is an investment in our economic future.
The Chamber is all about building communities to which residents, visitors, and investors are attracted and striving to ensure future prosperity via a pro-business climate. The Chamber is led by private-sector employers, is self-funded, and not affiliated with any governmental entity.
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