Thank You Chamber Advocates: District Maps Were Changed!
Every 10 years, each state redraws its political lines. These processes take months to unfold in state capitals all around the country — and their results mold the balance of power in Congress for a decade.
The Chamber issued an Action Alert late last year and the business community responded with lots of public comments! The original map draft had drawn Surprise and the Sun Cities into a rural district running from Colorado to Yuma. This was not a good fit for the Surprise and Sun Cities!
The Chamber issued a formal position statement and activated our Action Alert system. Your responses made a difference! Thank you!
Below is the breakdown of our legislative representation with the new maps that were finalized. LD29 is the largest part of our footprint. However, LD28 has the Sun Cities and LD25 has the western most parts of Surprise.
Congressionally we were successful in getting the Sun Cities moved into Lesko’s CD8. This was a big win! The rest of our footprint is in Gosar’s CD 9 and we will have a large portion of his constituency in our region. The Chamber will make introductions with him soon.
Below is a summary.
For detailed maps got to: https://redistricting-irc-az.hub.arcgis.com/pages/final-draft-maps#ldseries16
LD25 Yuma, Quartzite (W Surprise Cotton Lane)
- Sine Kerr
- Tim Dunn
- Joel John
LD27 Peoria/Glendale/W Phoenix
- Ben Toma
- Kevin Payne
- Paul Boyer
LD28 Sun Cities/N Peoria
- Beverly Pingerelli
- Frank Carrol
- David Livingston
LD29 Surprise/El Mirage/ Litchfield Park/ Wittmann
-Joanne Osborne
Every 10 years, each state redraws its political lines. These processes take months to unfold in state capitals all around the country — and their results mold the balance of power in Congress for a decade.
The Chamber issued an Action Alert late last year and the business community responded with lots of public comments! The original map draft had drawn Surprise and the Sun Cities into a rural district running from Colorado to Yuma. This was not a good fit for the Surprise and Sun Cities!
The Chamber issued a formal position statement and activated our Action Alert system. Your responses made a difference! Thank you!
Below is the breakdown of our legislative representation with the new maps that were finalized. LD29 is the largest part of our footprint. However, LD28 has the Sun Cities and LD25 has the western most parts of Surprise.
Congressionally we were successful in getting the Sun Cities moved into Lesko’s CD8. This was a big win! The rest of our footprint is in Gosar’s CD 9 and we will have a large portion of his constituency in our region. The Chamber will make introductions with him soon.
Below is a summary.
For detailed maps got to: https://redistricting-irc-az.hub.arcgis.com/pages/final-draft-maps#ldseries16
LD25 Yuma, Quartzite (W Surprise Cotton Lane)
- Sine Kerr
- Tim Dunn
- Joel John
LD27 Peoria/Glendale/W Phoenix
- Ben Toma
- Kevin Payne
- Paul Boyer
LD28 Sun Cities/N Peoria
- Beverly Pingerelli
- Frank Carrol
- David Livingston
LD29 Surprise/El Mirage/ Litchfield Park/ Wittmann
-Joanne Osborne
“The Chamber Is…” Campaign Launches
Residents and businesses will be be seeing ads from the local Chamber of Commerce. The year-long multi-media campaign is a straightforward approach to answering the question, “What does a chamber do?”
The crafted ads boldly proclaim “The Chamber Is…” with ten options of “C” words and accompanying copy to answer that question. The ten terms include commitment, change, credibility, connection, collaboration, community, current, culture, counsel, and courage. The ads will appear on social media, Google ads, monthly media ads in three local newspapers, etc.
Birth of the 3Cs
The advertising campaign results from the “Defining the Promise of the Chamber of Commerce in the 21st Century” study that was released by a national marketing and advertising firm called BrandBirth at an annual conference of chamber CEO’s.
According to the study, chambers exist to be the Catalyst for business growth, the Convener for leaders and influencers, and the Champion for stronger communities. This was the birth of the 3Cs, and is now a nationwide movement.
“Much like any organization that performs a study, the next question revolved around what to do with the information. After a lot of discussions, the chamber organization approved the proposal to move forward with the creation of an ad campaign that would help chambers live the 3C brand and communicate it to their members and local communities. More importantly, the campaign was designed to create a consistent brand for chambers industry-wide,” said Raoul Sada, president and CEO of the Chamber.
The Ten C's
The campaign took a straightforward approach to answer the question, “What does a chamber do?” BrandBirth crafted ads that boldly proclaim “The Chamber Is…” with ten options of “C” words and accompanying copy to answer that question.
The ten words include commitment, change, credibility, connection, collaboration, community, current, culture, counsel, and courage.
“This is one the most significant effort I’ve seen in our industry to unite all chambers in the country around a common set of core values,” said Raoul Sada, president and CEO of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce. “This is revolutionary for our industry.”
The Local Roll Out
“You do not want to put all your eggs in one basket,” said Mary Orta, VP of Marketing and Memberships for the Chamber.“ Investing all our time and money in only one marketing medium is risky. This balanced, yearlong, multifaceted approach will reach a variety of audiences by including a combination of monthly newspaper print ads, digital ads, and email marketing,” said Mary Orta. The timing is excellent as well, said Ms. Orta, since the media launch off coincides with a sharp rise in Chamber memberships, as businesses are gearing up for the post-COVID recovery.
The Chamber selected Independent News Media as the primary digital and print provider because they are local and have a far-reaching influence in three major cities in the Chamber’s service territory: Sun City, Sun City West, and Surprise. The Chamber has also designed unique ads to reach the Independent News Media’s online audience, said Mary Orta.
The mission of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce is to champion economic prosperity, foster a pro-business climate, and improve the quality of life in our region.
CE0 Promise: Your Membership Will Not Lapse!
04/05/2020
As the pace of economic change continues to accelerate at a breathtaking pace. We are still here for you.
Our Promise: The Chamber will work with every business so that they can remain a member.
Daily, the Surprise Regional Chamber is meeting with elected officials, the SBA, the US Chamber and others to make sure your business needs and are addressed and not forgotten. Everything from our shop local programs to our TCS system that helps businesses get found more often on local internet searches, are all designed to boost your business and drive economic development.
The Chamber is confident that there will be an extraordinary opportunity for growth and job creation once the crisis is over, and keeping all business engaged in our work is paramount. Though our events, programs, and services have been impacted; you can take comfort in knowing the Chamber is working diligently on behalf of your business.
Take pride in knowing that we are the VOICE of Business, and this function is more critical that ever! The Chamber works to represent companies of all sizes by influencing the public policies that will impact your business. This is the true value of your Chamber membership, and why you often hear me say that meeting attendance has never been required to receive benefits from this Chamber.
Sincerely,
Raoul
Raoul Sada, MPA
President and CEO
04/05/2020
As the pace of economic change continues to accelerate at a breathtaking pace. We are still here for you.
Our Promise: The Chamber will work with every business so that they can remain a member.
Daily, the Surprise Regional Chamber is meeting with elected officials, the SBA, the US Chamber and others to make sure your business needs and are addressed and not forgotten. Everything from our shop local programs to our TCS system that helps businesses get found more often on local internet searches, are all designed to boost your business and drive economic development.
The Chamber is confident that there will be an extraordinary opportunity for growth and job creation once the crisis is over, and keeping all business engaged in our work is paramount. Though our events, programs, and services have been impacted; you can take comfort in knowing the Chamber is working diligently on behalf of your business.
Take pride in knowing that we are the VOICE of Business, and this function is more critical that ever! The Chamber works to represent companies of all sizes by influencing the public policies that will impact your business. This is the true value of your Chamber membership, and why you often hear me say that meeting attendance has never been required to receive benefits from this Chamber.
Sincerely,
Raoul
Raoul Sada, MPA
President and CEO
Pandemic Be Damned:
Chamber Moves Forward with Annual Membership Drive
CHAMBER STRONG
Letter from the CEO
Hello Chamber Friends:
Right now we are facing an all-out attack on our free enterprise freedoms. Executive orders coming down from all levels of government, ballot initiatives threating to almost double the income taxes on small business owners in our state, and free enterprise being portrayed as evil by some very outspoken groups!
That's why I'm writing you today. We need to add your voice to our list of businesses that are supporting the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce and our public policy efforts.
When you join or contribute to the Chamber you add muscle that stops anti-free enterprisers in their tracks. With you on our side, we can send out a stronger message to elected officials that protecting the economy and supporting pro-business policy is critical, not only to our local community, but the country as a whole.
Yes, the Chamber can help you get more customers, help brand your organization and provide your business with other valuable tools and resources. However, the Chamber is the only N.W. Valley organization dedicated to being the voice of the business community and defending free enterprise.
We are only as powerful as your personal commitment to protecting freedom and free enterprise! We cannot defend your businesses without your help.
Here is how you can help:
1. Make a Membership Investment in the Chamber. You can schedule a 15 minute meeting with us to discuss your needs, thoughts and concerns. We will share with you some membership options, just use this link to easily schedule a meeting. Or you can see your options here to join.
2. You can donate to our Free Enterprise Fund. These contributions support all our advocacy activities and are 95% tax deductible as a business expense. Click Here
3. Help Us Fight Back. You Can Get Involved in our Work and help in the fight of protecting our free enterprise system by volunteering
Regardless of your decision you will continue to receive business news from us, and Action Alerts warning you when we need to take action to support our free-enterprise freedoms.
You and I must stand shoulder to shoulder in this fight to protect the principles our country is founded upon. I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for your steadfast loyalty in protecting American free enterprise!
Respectfully,
Raoul
Raoul E. Sada, MPA
President and CEO
Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce
Six Cities, One Chamber: Serving the Business Communities of El Mirage, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Waddell and Youngtown
Chamber Moves Forward with Annual Membership Drive
CHAMBER STRONG
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Schedule a Membership Appointment
- One-Minute Membership Assessment Survey
- Join Now ( see our new plans)
Letter from the CEO
Hello Chamber Friends:
Right now we are facing an all-out attack on our free enterprise freedoms. Executive orders coming down from all levels of government, ballot initiatives threating to almost double the income taxes on small business owners in our state, and free enterprise being portrayed as evil by some very outspoken groups!
That's why I'm writing you today. We need to add your voice to our list of businesses that are supporting the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce and our public policy efforts.
When you join or contribute to the Chamber you add muscle that stops anti-free enterprisers in their tracks. With you on our side, we can send out a stronger message to elected officials that protecting the economy and supporting pro-business policy is critical, not only to our local community, but the country as a whole.
Yes, the Chamber can help you get more customers, help brand your organization and provide your business with other valuable tools and resources. However, the Chamber is the only N.W. Valley organization dedicated to being the voice of the business community and defending free enterprise.
We are only as powerful as your personal commitment to protecting freedom and free enterprise! We cannot defend your businesses without your help.
Here is how you can help:
1. Make a Membership Investment in the Chamber. You can schedule a 15 minute meeting with us to discuss your needs, thoughts and concerns. We will share with you some membership options, just use this link to easily schedule a meeting. Or you can see your options here to join.
2. You can donate to our Free Enterprise Fund. These contributions support all our advocacy activities and are 95% tax deductible as a business expense. Click Here
3. Help Us Fight Back. You Can Get Involved in our Work and help in the fight of protecting our free enterprise system by volunteering
Regardless of your decision you will continue to receive business news from us, and Action Alerts warning you when we need to take action to support our free-enterprise freedoms.
You and I must stand shoulder to shoulder in this fight to protect the principles our country is founded upon. I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for your steadfast loyalty in protecting American free enterprise!
Respectfully,
Raoul
Raoul E. Sada, MPA
President and CEO
Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce
Six Cities, One Chamber: Serving the Business Communities of El Mirage, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Waddell and Youngtown
PPP Loans helped nearly 1,500 local businesses
A new Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce report showed almost 1,500 small businesses in the Northwest Valley have received $155 million in PPP loan assistance.
Based the Chamber’s latest data, the PPP loans helped to retain 6,879 workers in the region (El Mirage, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Waddell and Youngtown.) However, several small businesses in Surprise and surrounding areas are still suffering from the COVID-19 slowdown and waiting for Congress to act on additional bailout money.
“When the previous bailout programs were rolled out there was much confusion and turbulence, and small businesses did not initially fair well,” Chamber President and CEO Raoul Sada said. “The Chamber wants to do its part, making sure that does not happen again, and we are lobbying Capitol Hill for a packages that favor small businesses.”
Key Points:
•The SBA has just released a massive trove of data on PPP loans. This was a significant step forward in transparency by the government, prior to this the SBA resisted requests to share the recipients of the funds. This is why it is so important for the Chamber to hold government officials accountable, and for us to demand transparency at all levels of government (local, state and federal!)
•More than 81,000 Arizona businesses and nonprofits have received forgivable loans through the federal government's Paycheck Protection Program totaling $8.6 billion, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
•The Paycheck Protection Program, which was designed to avert mass layoffs during the Covid-19 pandemic.
•PPP loans are not made by SBA. PPP loans are made by lending institutions and then guaranteed by SBA.
•According to the data, 58 businesses in Arizona received between $5 and $10 million, the maximum amount allowed under the program. But the vast majority of loans, approximately 86%, are valued under $150,000.
•Close to 1500 small businesses received PPP loans in the six cities that make up the Chambers service territory. The amount of cash infused into our local economy was over $154 million dollars! Based on application data, the loans help to retain 6,879 workers in our region.
•Approximately 42 businesses were non-profits (2.8% of the recipients)
Based the Chamber’s latest data, the PPP loans helped to retain 6,879 workers in the region (El Mirage, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Waddell and Youngtown.) However, several small businesses in Surprise and surrounding areas are still suffering from the COVID-19 slowdown and waiting for Congress to act on additional bailout money.
“When the previous bailout programs were rolled out there was much confusion and turbulence, and small businesses did not initially fair well,” Chamber President and CEO Raoul Sada said. “The Chamber wants to do its part, making sure that does not happen again, and we are lobbying Capitol Hill for a packages that favor small businesses.”
Key Points:
•The SBA has just released a massive trove of data on PPP loans. This was a significant step forward in transparency by the government, prior to this the SBA resisted requests to share the recipients of the funds. This is why it is so important for the Chamber to hold government officials accountable, and for us to demand transparency at all levels of government (local, state and federal!)
•More than 81,000 Arizona businesses and nonprofits have received forgivable loans through the federal government's Paycheck Protection Program totaling $8.6 billion, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
•The Paycheck Protection Program, which was designed to avert mass layoffs during the Covid-19 pandemic.
•PPP loans are not made by SBA. PPP loans are made by lending institutions and then guaranteed by SBA.
•According to the data, 58 businesses in Arizona received between $5 and $10 million, the maximum amount allowed under the program. But the vast majority of loans, approximately 86%, are valued under $150,000.
•Close to 1500 small businesses received PPP loans in the six cities that make up the Chambers service territory. The amount of cash infused into our local economy was over $154 million dollars! Based on application data, the loans help to retain 6,879 workers in our region.
•Approximately 42 businesses were non-profits (2.8% of the recipients)
Surprise Independent News Coverage
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See What Businesses are Open and Their COVID-19 Safeguards Based on a self -reported survey, as on 05/11/2020. Information is subject to change without notice. The collection and dissemination of the data was a combined effort between the City of Surprise and the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce. ShopSurprise Receive Special Deals, Promotions and Community Messages from Local Merchants, and your Chamber of Commerce. All messages are sent Directly to Your Phone! Get advance notice of new restaurants, grand openings, community events and more. It's FREE! Enroll Now |
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Chamber’s NW Valley COVID-19 Consumer Survey Results Are In
Survey Results Make the Paper-Click Here to Read the Article Consumers, not the government, will ultimately decide when the economy will open—that is why it is important for citizens and businesses to know what people are thinking. Please share your comments on our Facebook page! Government leaders and public health officials will make decisions, and issue guidance on when we return to work, but truly regaining some semblance of normalcy will be determined by how people feel and what motivates them to act or not act. The Chambers recent survey sheds more light about what consumers are thinking in the NW Valley . Share your comments on our Facebook page Take Our 1-Minute Survey |
Business COVID-19 Survey Results
Survey Makes Front Page of Surprise Independent- Read the Story
CEOs across the globe are coming to terms with the reality that business will be anything but normal over the coming months as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate.
But while revenues are set to suffer a short-term hit, the majority of leaders remain confident that their companies will be back on solid footing within the year, according to a new study on the business impact of the outbreak of COVID-19.
The survey results found that 82% of business leaders expect declines in revenues over the next six months, but more than half (54%) anticipate revenues will be back to normal in a year’s time. And 61% of CEOs expect their total fixed investments to remain unchanged year on year.
How Business Owners are Responding
Among the industries seeing the greatest impact from the fallout are hospitality and travel (89%), education (87%) and media and entertainment (80%). Meanwhile, production firms in agriculture, factories, mines and utilities reported some uptick in revenues.
Nevertheless, business leaders across the board (95%) said they’re taking new measures curb the impact of the virus. That includes communicating more regularly with employees (68%), adopting new health and safety procedures (67%), cancelling major events (64%) and halting business travel (53%).
Meanwhile, other respondents, when asked for their advice for business leaders, recommended the following:
Citation: The Survey was conducted by YPO a global leadership community of more than 29,000 chief executives in 130 countries. Full Press Release
Survey Makes Front Page of Surprise Independent- Read the Story
CEOs across the globe are coming to terms with the reality that business will be anything but normal over the coming months as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate.
But while revenues are set to suffer a short-term hit, the majority of leaders remain confident that their companies will be back on solid footing within the year, according to a new study on the business impact of the outbreak of COVID-19.
The survey results found that 82% of business leaders expect declines in revenues over the next six months, but more than half (54%) anticipate revenues will be back to normal in a year’s time. And 61% of CEOs expect their total fixed investments to remain unchanged year on year.
How Business Owners are Responding
Among the industries seeing the greatest impact from the fallout are hospitality and travel (89%), education (87%) and media and entertainment (80%). Meanwhile, production firms in agriculture, factories, mines and utilities reported some uptick in revenues.
Nevertheless, business leaders across the board (95%) said they’re taking new measures curb the impact of the virus. That includes communicating more regularly with employees (68%), adopting new health and safety procedures (67%), cancelling major events (64%) and halting business travel (53%).
Meanwhile, other respondents, when asked for their advice for business leaders, recommended the following:
- Focus on the facts
- Communicate regularly with employees and stakeholders/customers
- Stabilize supply chains
- Make short-term and long-term plans
Citation: The Survey was conducted by YPO a global leadership community of more than 29,000 chief executives in 130 countries. Full Press Release
USMCA AGREEMENT IS A WIN FOR THE NORTH WEST VALLEY
By any measure, the push to get the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) passed — which preserves and strengthens our economic ties with our neighbors and top two export markets — was a three-year-long process. And it did not happen by accident.
The U.S. Chamber, the Surprise Regional Chamber as well thousands of chambers from around the country put the full weight of our alliances behind this historic effort. A special thank you to all local businesses in our region who contacted their elected officials and encouraged them to support the agreement. The new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is expected to usher tangible benefits for the NW Valley including agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and other business sectors, industry analysts say.
Here’s a brief overview of what’s in it:
- Country of origin rules: Automobiles must have 75 percent of their components manufactured in Mexico, the US, or Canada to qualify for zero tariffs (up from 62.5 percent under NAFTA).
- Labor provisions: 40 to 45 percent of automobile parts must be made by workers who earn at least $16 an hour by 2023. Mexico agreed to pass new labor laws to give greater protection to workers, including migrants and women. Most notably, these laws are supposed to make it easier for Mexican workers to unionize.
- US farmers get more access to the Canadian dairy market: The US got Canada to open up its dairy market to US farmers, a big issue for Trump.
- Intellectual property and digital trade: The deal extends the terms of copyright to 70 years beyond the life of the author (up from 50). It also includes new provisions to deal with the digital economy, such as prohibiting duties on things like music and ebooks, and protections for internet companies, so they’re not liable for content their users produce.
- Sunset clause: The agreement adds a 16-year sunset clause — meaning the terms of the agreement expire, or “sunset,” after 16 years. The deal is also subject to review every six years, at which point the US, Mexico, and Canada can decide to extend the USMCA.
First-Ever Scorecard Released
Who Made the List? Our first-ever scorecard evaluates the votes of each state senator and representative and represents the positions of the West Valley Chamber Alliance that were communicated to our state lawmakers throughout the 2019 Regular Session. The scorecard helps the business community know where their elected officials stand on issues that affect us all. Click Here for Full Report
The Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce (Districts 13, 21 and 22) would like to recognize Rick Gray, Frank Carroll, Tim Dunn and Joanne Osborne for having 100% scores in support of pro-business policies.
As a Chamber, we commend those elected leaders with scores above 80% and recognize them as Free Enterprise Champions for recognizing the vital role businesses play and supporting those businesses through common sense, pro-business, and growth-oriented public policy. All elected officials in Districts 13, 21 and 22 earned the Free Enterprise Champion designation which included Rick Gray, Ben Toma, Frank Carroll, Kevin Payne, Tony Rivera, David Livingston, Tim Dunn, Joanne Osborne and Sine Kerr.
Chamber1
TAKE THE SURVEY NOW
2020 Business Climate Census Survey
Many in our business community are experiencing both challenges and successes as our economy grows. As we work to secure the NW Valley's future, it is crucial that the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce understand what issues are most important to businesses. The purpose of the Business Climate Survey is to track trends and issues affecting businesses and to inform elected officials about the issues and concerns of the local business community.
Click Here Now, To Take Our Annual Business Climate Survey
2020 Business Climate Census Survey
Many in our business community are experiencing both challenges and successes as our economy grows. As we work to secure the NW Valley's future, it is crucial that the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce understand what issues are most important to businesses. The purpose of the Business Climate Survey is to track trends and issues affecting businesses and to inform elected officials about the issues and concerns of the local business community.
Click Here Now, To Take Our Annual Business Climate Survey
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