Volume 2013, Issue 9

The Chamber Vista A monthly publication of the Sierra Vista Area Chamber September 2013

Volume 2013, Issue #9

“We Mean Business”

Update from

Executive Director Amanda Baillie

2

Member Spot-light-

2

New Chamber Smart Phone App

3

Spetember Schedule of Events

4

August Events at a Glance

5

Promotional Opportunities

6

Member Page 7

Board of Directors / Chamber Staff

8

Advocacy continues to be a focus for the Chamber By Amanda Baillie

Executive Director

Advocacy plays a large part in what the

Chamber does on a day to day basis on

behalf of its members.

The last week in August, in particular, was

a busy one in terms of continuing to nur-

ture our relationships with those who rep-

resent our interests in government.

It started with the launch of Congressman

Ron Barber’s new Women’s Leadership

Council, comprised of about 20 female

leaders from throughout his district, who

will act as his advisors on women’s issues

and economic development.

I am honored to be among that group,

representing our Chamber and local busi-

ness women.

Currently, Cong. Barber is a cosponsor of

the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would

strengthen the Equal Pay Act of 1963 by

taking further steps to improve equal pay

remedies at the federal government level.

He is also a cosponsor of the Women’s

Procurement Equalization Act, which

would set aside certain contracts to be

awarded to women owned businesses.

This council will meet on a quarterly basis

and our Chamber will strive to play its part

in conveying the concerns of women busi-

ness owners to the Congressman.

Later that week we met with the Con-

gressman again during his visit to Fort

Huachuca with the Under Secretary of the

Army Joseph Westphal.

Both men were here to learn more about

the Fort and its missions, as well as to

hear the Huachuca 50 board of direc-

tors—the Chamber is an ex officio mem-

ber of the board.

One of our most important goals is to sup-

port the future viability of this vital eco-

nomic engine and we take every opportu-

nity...Continued on page 4

Mini Expo open now to home based businesses & non-profits

The Chamber will be

staging its annual Mini

Expo on Saturday, No-

vember 2.

This increasingly popu-

lar event is open to

home based busi-

nesses and non-profits

(charities and churches)

only.

Held at the Mall at Sierra Vista, the Mini

Expo offers a low cost avenue for our

community’s smallest businesses and

non-profits to market themselves at a

high traffic venue. It also provides a won-

derful opportunity to

start some holiday

shopping. Vendor space

is limited – we have

already started taking

registrations – so we

encourage interested

businesses and organi-

zations to sign up now

by calling the Chamber

at 458-6940 or visiting

www.sierravistachamber.org

The cost is $99 for members and $149

for non-members, which includes a table,

tablecloth and two chairs.

You may have read in the

newspaper about the pro-

posal by the U.S. Fish &

Wildlife Service to designate

parts of southern Arizona as

critical habitat for the jag-

uar.

Area residents and organiza-

tions were asked to submit

comments on this issue,

which the Chamber did.

Our board voted emphati-

cally to oppose this designa-

tion because of its potential

to negatively impact the

economy and future jobs.

Here is the letter we submit-

ted:

“The Sierra Vista Area Cham-

ber of Commerce wishes to

express its strong opposition

to the proposed designation

of critical habitat for the jag-

uar in southern Arizona un-

der the Endangered Species

Act.

The Chamber is the largest

business organization in

Cochise County, representing

624 members and approxi-

mately 12,000 employees. We

believe designating critical

habitat for the jaguar has the

potential to seriously impact

the ability of Fort Huachuca to

effectively carry out its mis-

sions, which serve this coun-

try’s local, national and interna-

tional defense needs. As a fed-

eral entity, Fort Huachuca

would be further encumbered

by requirements imposed un-

der the Endangered Species

Act. The Fort contributes an

estimated $2.4 billion annually

to the local and state economy.

Cochise County’s economy has

already been heavily impacted

by the recession, defense cuts

and sequestration and the pro-

posed designation will do noth-

ing to aid much needed recov-

ery.

Further, the nearby Rosemont

Copper Mine project may be

negatively impacted by such a

designation. The mine will

bring thousands of direct and

indirect jobs to the local econ-

omy, in addition to an estimated

$19 billion over the next two dec-

ades.

While the Chamber understands

the need for conservation efforts,

we are concerned that such a

designation would be introduced

for an animal that has been

rarely sighted in southern Ari-

zona. According to studies cited

by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser-

vice, “there are no known breed-

ing pairs of jaguars within the

borders of the U.S. at this time,

and no female jaguars have been

detected in the U.S since 1963.”

The Chamber does not believe

the potential loss of vital defense

missions, jobs and needed

growth in this region is justifica-

tion for critical habitat designa-

tion that studies have shown

“may” benefit the species.

The Sierra Vista Area Chamber

respectfully requests that the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service not

proceed with this critical habitat

designation.”

Chamber Update by Executive Director Amanda Baillie

“The Chamber does not believe the potential loss of vital defense missions, jobs and needed growth...is justification for critical habitat designation…”

Page 2 The Chamber Vista

Member Spotlight— The Place at Savanna Springs offers luxury living

Anyone looking for a touch of lux-

ury should head over to The Place

at Savanna Springs.

Since 2004 this apartment com-

plex has been welcoming both

permanent and temporary resi-

dents to Sierra Vista.

Apartment Manager Tinyo Santos

said the units offer luxury living

thanks to some up market finish-

ing touches.

“This is modern luxury living,” she

said. “We have 9 feet ceilings in the

apartments, upgraded appliances

and lighting fixtures, plus much

more.”

One the main advantages of living at

Savanna Springs is its central loca-

tion at 289 South Highway 92.

Within a short walking distance are

grocery stores, restaurants and other

conveniences.

“We are also just a few miles from

Fort Huachuca,” added Tinyo.

Residents run the gamut, from mili-

tary personnel and government

contractors to teachers and sen-

iors.

The complex also offers a number

of corporate units, which are fully

furnished and ready to take busi-

ness occupants.

In addition, Savanna Springs is fully

gated, offers covered parking, a 24

hour fitness center, pool and club-

house.

Units range from one bedroom to

three bedrooms and two baths.

To find our more call Tinyo Santos at

458 2200.

Page 3 Volume 2013, Issue 9

If potential customers cannot access

your business from their phones or

tablets, then you could be impacting

your bottom line – and not in a posi-

tive way.

The Sierra Vista Area Chamber offers

its members an easy way to stay

ahead of the game with its new

smart phone App.

MyChamberApp allows users to

quickly find local businesses at the

touch of a button.

Available on Apple, Android and

Blackberry phones, MyChamberApp

offers a variety of features, including:

A directory of all Chamber

members

Links to member websites

and social media

Calendar of Chamber and

member events

Driving directions

One touch calling

Hot deals

Our new FREE app is linked to our

website and membership database

so that it always contains the latest

information.

It also links to our members’ Cham-

ber web pages, provided free as part

of your membership. It is important

that our members take full advan-

tage of this benefit to ensure they

receive the maximum exposure, both

via the Chamber’s website and the

new app.

All members should have a login and

password that allows them access to

the members only area of the Cham-

ber website. From here, they can up-

date their web page.

Need help?

Just call the Chamber and a staff

member will help you through the

process.

We will even come to your business

to set your web page up for you, or

you can come by the Chamber.

The Chamber officially launched My-

ChamberApp at the Home & Busi-

ness Expo where we distributed infor-

mation to attendees.

We have also produced information

cards to help the public download

the app so they can start accessing

our directory with the touch of a but-

ton.

On one side of these cards is our

new Buy Local, Shop Local, Save Lo-

cal logo (pictured above) and we are

asking our members to place these

in their window to encourage their

customers to support Cochise County

businesses.

We will begin delivering display cards

to our members soon, but you can

drop by the Chamber now to pick

some up.

An added bonus is that this App can

be used across the country.

When you are visiting another town

or city, check to see if the local

Chamber of Commerce is listed and

tap into their business directory to

find the resources you need.

Downloading MyChamberApp is easy.

Step 1: Download the free app for

your device by visiting your app store

or www.mychamberapp.com/

download-2

Step 2: Choose Sierra Vista Area

Chamber as your chamber

Step 3: Explore and let other busi-

nesses know how you found them!

As with all new technology, there is

always room for improvement.

If you find a mistake in your business

listing or the directions are incorrect,

let us know about it so we can put it

right.

And remember, your free Chamber

web page will greatly improve your

listing so make sure you have as

much information on it as possible.

New Chamber smart phone app will highlight member businesses

Your Chamber membership

comes with many benefits to help

promote your business.

Need a refresher?

Join us for lunch at Chamber 101

on the last Friday of the month at

11:30 a.m.

Call 458-6940 to RSVP.

Advertise to 634 local businesses

for about 20 cents each!

Schedule of Events

Sept. 9—Ribbon Cutting at Hobby

Lobby, 9:00 am. 657 N. Hwy 90.

Sept. 11—Ambassadors Committee

Meeting, 5:30 pm. Peacock Restaurant.

Sept. 12—Ribbon cutting at Edward

Jones, - Gina Lane, Noon. 49 N. Coro-

nado Dr.

Sept 18—Military Affairs Committee

Meeting, 8:00 am at the Chamber.

Sept. 20—Leadership Sierra Vista

2013-14 Orientation, 8:30 am to 5:00

pm at the Chamber.

Sept. 20—Board of Directors Meeting,

7:00am at Sierra Suites.

Sept. 20—Ribbon Cutting at Valor

Hospice Care, 4:00 pm. 1048 E. Fry

Blvd., Ste. E, Sierra Vista.

Sept. 27—Cross Border Trade Expo,

9:00 am to 4:00 pm at The Mall

Sept. 27—Chamber 101, 11:30 am at

the Chamber. Lunch is provided.

Page 4 Newsletter Title

Reach over 634 businesses in Sierra

Vista and surrounding communities

Take advantage of this member-only

benefit!

We insert and mail for you!

Super low advertising rates! Members

pay only $99. Executive Club Members

pay just $49.

SPECIFICATIONS: Inserts must be on

8.5x11, flat, non-glossy, standard weight

(20lb.– black & white, 24/28lb.— color)

paper.

June NEWSLETTER DEADLINE:

Wednesday, September 23, 2013

NOTE: Insert space is limited and is pro-

vided on a first come, first serve basis.

For information, call the Chamber at

458-6940 or email:

mdillard@sierravistachamber.org

Page 4 The Chamber Vista

SHRED-A-THON

Saturday, November 2

The Mall at Sierra Vista

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring your documents to be

professionally and securely destroyed

by Shred It. Cost is $5 per copier box.

Sponsored

by

Continued from page 1

...we can to talk to the right people

about this.

During this important meeting the

Chamber emphasized the vital im-

pact the Fort has on our local econ-

omy and the effect any downsizing

would have on businesses and jobs

outside of the Main Gate.

Additionally we told both the Con-

gressman and Undersecretary of the

Army that Sierra Vista is ready to

support more missions through a

highly skilled workforce, affordable

housing, excellent education facili-

ties and a newly planned hospital.

We were encouraged by the positive

reaction we received from Barber

and Westphal.

That same week also saw a visit

from Senator Jeff Flake, who was

here to listen to issues and concerns

from community leaders.

The Chamber was among an invited

group of community organizations

and individuals who heard the sena-

tor give updates on the proposed

immigration bill, which the Chamber

supports, as well as other subjects.

Sen. Flake voiced his frustrations

regarding the current budget woes,

in particular the inability of the gov-

ernment to effectively function with-

out a budget.

Finally, the Business Advocacy Com-

mittee, which replaced the former

Legislative Affairs Committee, held

its first meeting to discuss its future

scope.

The goal of this new committee is to

act as a voice for business and work

with organizations like the City of

Sierra Vista to ensure the needs of

our members are being met.

This group will meet on an as

needed basis and plans to approach

each issue in the best way deemed

appropriate, whether that be a fo-

rum, survey, education, luncheons or

lobbying.

However, we need our members to

let us know when they have an issue

so that we can help them. So please

contact us if you need some help

with anything from the City’s permit

process to finding qualified candi-

dates for an open position.

Advocacy continues to be focus of the Chamber

Page 5 Volume 2013, Issue 9

For upcoming events please visit us at www.sierravistachamber.org/events

Left and center: Wound Cares LLC celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting, as did The Teen Hut

Center: Port Royale Apartments hosted the August Business at Twilight

Page 6 The Chamber Vista

Festive opportunities to promote your business

SIERRA VISTA JOB FAIR

September 12, 2013 • 10:00 am to 2:00 pm VFW Post 9972

549 Veterans Dr., Sierra Vista

Companies Hiring Now!

BUSINESS AT TWILIGHT Hosted by:

Thursday, September 12, 2013

5:00 pm

2585 E. Wilcox Drive

Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Food! Fun! Raffle! Prizes!

Start planning now to have your busi-

ness become a part of the 14th An-

nual Festival of Trees.

This is a fun way to promote your

business to the thousands of people

who visit this event at the Mall at Si-

erra Vista. This year’s festival will run

from November 24 until December 5.

We are encouraging businesses to

decorate and enter a tree, become a

sponsor or donate a raffle prize.

Part of the proceeds will help build a

new and much needed library at the

Boys & Girls Club of Sierra Vista.

Businesses can also seek a market-

ing dollars tax deduction if they par-

ticipate (check with your tax profes-

sional).

This event is staged by the Chamber,

Sierra Vista Herald and the Mall. Pre-

senting sponsor is RegionalCare.

More details coming soon!

Registrations are now open for the

55th Annual Christmas Light Parade,

taking place on Saturday, December

7.

The theme this year is A Cowboy

Christmas.

From ranching, rodeos, saddles and

spurs to chaps, campfires, boots and

bandanas, celebrate cowboy culture

this Christmas.

Put your own festive twist on the Wild

West!

As always, Chamber members will

receive discounted entry fees. Just

go to www.sierravistachamber.org to

download a form or drop by the

Chamber.

The parade will start at 5:30 p.m. at

the corner of Seventh Street and Fry

Blvd. and will make its way east

along Fry.

It would not be Christmas without a

visit from the big man himself, so the

Chamber has once again arranged

for Santa to spend some time in Si-

erra Vista.

Before the parade starts at 5:30

p.m., Santa and Mrs Claus will be

flying in via helicopter to the Sierra

Vista ACE Hardware parking lot at 9

a.m. on December 7.

The couple will be on hand for at

least two hours to meet and greet

children and families. It’s a great op-

portunity to take a photo and start

the festive season.

Entertainment will be provided by the

Desert Swing Band.

And don’t miss Santa and Mrs Claus

in the Christmas Light Parade that

evening. They will be in the Chamber

float at the end of the parade.

Page 7 Volume 2013, Issue 9

Thanks to these members for renewing their commitment to the business community

A Special Welcome to Our New Members!

Executive Club Members

Allstate Insurance Company -

Pat Meldrum

American Family Insurance

American Southwest Credit Union

American Systems

Arizona Water Company

Atomic Fight Club

Beacon Group

BrightStar HomeCare

CACI, Inc.

Castle & Cooke Arizona, Inc.

Castle & Cooke Mortgage, LLC

CerendipiTees

CGI

Cherry Creek Radio

City of Sierra Vista

Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc.

Cox

Data Systems & Technology, Inc.

Dental Village

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott

Garden Terrace Assisted Living Home

General Dynamics Information Tech.

Hobby Lobby

Horizon Moving Systems

JR's Food and Spirits

KKYZ Radio

Landmark Cafe

Las Palomas Apartments

Lawley Automotive Center

Lawley's Team Ford

Life Care Center

Long Realty Co.

Longhorn Restaurant

Mall at Sierra Vista - Management Office

ManTech

Mr. Fix It of Sierra Vista, LLC

Naco Dental

National Bank of Arizona

Netmedix IT Solutions

New Frontier Animal Medical Center

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Patio Pools & Spas

Pioneer Title Agency

Pueblo del Sol Country Club

Rommel Equipment Services

Rosemont Copper Company

Sierra Vista Ace Hardware

Sierra Vista Herald / Bisbee Daily Review

Sierra Vista Regional Health

Southeastern Arizona Contractors Assoc.

Southwest Gas Corporation

Southwestern Eye Center

Specialists in Dermatology

Stachel & Associates, P.C.

Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Coop.

Sun Canyon Inn

Systems Integration

Tailored Living

The Boeing Company

TownePlace Suites by Marriott

University of Phoenix

Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors,

David Burnett

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Wayland Baptist University

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc.

Windemere Hotel & Conference Center

It Works Global (727) 692-9825

The Teen Hut (520) 459-8371

Arizona Family Law Center (520) 459-4000

Hobby Lobby (520) 417-2424

Hoppin' Grapes (520) 338-9463

Edward Jones Investments, Gina Lane (520) 459-1488

USA Pawn and Jewelry (520) 458-5269

Pot of Gold Online, LLC (520) 678-5076

Budget Tire Shop (520) 270-8679

Vapor Geeks (520) 227-4001

Distinctive Soirees (706) 478-7361

High Desert Tea Parties (520) 452-7933

Lavender Lane Boutique (517) 610-6116

ABCO Solar (520) 777-0511

Bishop & Brown, LLC (520) 572-4270

Faithful Forever (520) 458-1561

Alejandras (520) 980-2688

Bowen Associates

Buena Vista Plumbing, LLC

Cannon's Creative Surfaces, Inc.

Center for Academic success

Cherry Creek Radio

Cochise County Sheriff

Cochise County Supervisor

Cochise Motorsports

Cochise Oncology

Columbian Association—Knights of Columbus

Copper Sky Images LLC

Dollar Rent A Car

Edward Jones Investments, Landon Spilsbury

Family Vision Care

Finders Keepers Antiques & Collectibles

Garden Plaza Apartments

Goin' To Grandma's

Habitat for Humanity Sierra Vista Area

Home Depot

HP-AZ.net

IEEE Fort Huachuca Chapter

Mountain Steppes Apartments

Nova Home Loans

RegionalCare

Rosemont Copper Company

Saguaro Podiatry Associates, PLLC

Sierra Cycles

Sierra Healthmart Pharmacy

Small Business Development Center

Southwest Assoc. of Buffalo Soldiers, Inc

TDY123

Thunder Mountain Community Church

Thunder Mountain Pools, Inc.

Tumbleweed Auction, LLC

Williams Melo PLC

Your Business Services Experts

21 E. Wilcox Dr.

Sierra Vista, AZ. 85635

The Chamber Vista is a publication of the Sierra Vista Area Chamber 21 E. Wilcox Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 (520) 458-6940, Fax: (520) 452-0878

www.sierravistachamber.org Mission Statement The Sierra Vista Area Chamber promotes business and provides leadership for the improvement of the community. 2012-13 Board of Directors Executive Officers Chairman - Michael Benson - TDY Housing Past Chairwoman - Dee Dee Hoeft, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Chair Elect - Rick Shelley - Horizon Moving Systems Treasurer - Anita Farrow, National Bank of Arizona Secretary - Jack Blair, SSVEC Board Members Frank Gonzalez, - Lawley Automotive Elsie MacMillan - Sierra Toyota Ken Cecil - Mall at Sierra Vista Phil Vega - Sierra Vista Herald / Bisbee Daily Review Nancy Nash - Stuff ‘N Baskets Nathan Williams - Nathan Williams, Law Office Glen Cobb - Sierra Suites Kevin Peterson - CGI Mary Tieman - Southeast Arizona Workforce Connection

Sierra Vista Area Chamber PRESORTED

STANDARD

US POSTAGE PAID

HEREFORD, AZ

PERMIT NO. 29

CURRENT RESIDENT OR

Chamber Staff Executive Director - Amanda Baillie, abaillie@sierravistachamber.org Membership & Marketing Director - John Hargraves III, jhargraves@sierravistachamber.org Communications Director - Margaret Dillard, mdillard@sierravistachamber.org Office Manager - Toni Rogers, officem@sierravistachamber.org Events Coordinator - Diane Erwin, derwin@sierravistachamber.org