August 2011 | Volume 50 • No. 8

Inside the Chamber

Rosemont Copper's economic impact to positively benefit entire region
A message from Wendell Long, Chairman of the Board
Later this month the U.S. Forest Service will release its draft environmental impact statement for the Rosemont copper mine southeast of Tucson. This report will likely lay the groundwork for the new mine to begin construction. You will likely hear from opponents about the mine’s use of groundwater, the hole that will be leftover once the mine ceases operations (in more than 20 years), and the visual impact the entire facility will have along a stretch of Highway 83. What you won’t hear from them is the tremendous economic impact this mine will have on our community, county and state. Read more here.


Chamber Moving Full Steam Ahead in Representing Your Business
A Message from CEO Mike Varney
For the last 60 days I have been on a “listening tour” around the community, from small business owners to elected officials and community leaders, I have heard a few common themes. People want the Chamber to be the go-to organization in promoting a strong local economy and creating change in our local government. 
Read more here.

 

On your mark, get set, GROW!
A message from Co-Chairs Brad Richards, Mr. Electric and Rob Elias, Pima Federal Credit Union
Yes-GROW! The Small Business Growth Committee (SBGC) is ready to develop some new and exciting programs and opportunities for small businesses to make money, gain access to new connections, and learn new skills to run a more profitable business. Based on the results of a recent survey of small business members, this committee will plan specific programs to address small business concerns and issues identified in the survey. Read more here.

The Posses are Load'n Up!
The Tucson Chamber is ready to kick–off its 2011 Total Resource Campaign (TRC) on September 15 and we want YOU to be a part of it! This year’s campaign, “FISTFUL OF DOLLARS”, is a western- themed mission to raise funds that will help support future Chamber programs and events.  Sheriff Colleen Edwards from TWS Premium Appliance Center is our campaign leader and ready to send out the posses! The posses are the campaign’s teams (volunteers) that go out and actually raise the money in a friendly competition amongst themselves. Each posse will have 3-5 team members and a specific goal to meet by the end of the campaign. Throughout the five week campaign, posses will have “shoot-outs” to find out where they stand and which posses are in the lead. The campaign will conclude with a huge victory party on October 21. Read more here.

Business Interest

If You Can’t Beat ’Em, Silence ’Em?
By Thomas J. Donohue
President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce 
 
There’s a saying, “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.” Some business opponents have turned that phrase on its head—if they can’t win the war of ideas with business in the political arena, then they seek to exclude business’ voice from the national debate altogether. Examples abound. Read more here. 

Motorists BEWARE!
Dust storms are common in Arizona but lately they seem to be more frequent and more intense. The area between Tucson and Phoenix is noted for being the only place in the United States to experience the “haboob” which is a raging dust strom that travels across the desert at 50 to 60 miles per hour. Click here for safety tips when driving during a dust strom. 


Eliminate distractions to reduce workplace injuries
By SCF Arizona
Your members’ employees face many distractions at their jobs every day, which require they stay focused on their tasks to help prevent safety accidents. Work interruptions are a leading cause of workplace injuries.

A recent survey found that nearly 60 percent of workplace disruptions involve attending to social media tools such as email, Facebook and text messaging. To read more click here.

Safety Pays
The Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce offers an association plan for members who have SCF Arizona as their workers compensation insurance. We invite you to join the other association businesses and become eligible to receive bonus dividends, based on your safety records. Call Cindy Brown at the Chamber, 792-2250, Ext. 154, for more information.

Congratulations to the following members who have achieved zero-percent losses on their workers compensation safety records.

Abbott Taylor Jewelers
Automated Presort Services
Comfort Suites at Sabino Canyon
First Credit Union
Hodges Construction
Inglis Florist
La Baguette Parisienne
Marshall Home for Men
Presidio Distribution
The Gaslight Theatre

Member News

New Members
Thank you for joining! We look forward to serving you!

Anniversaries
Congratulations! We appreciate your support over the years!

Los Compadres
This group of dynamic volunteers are here to help members maximize their membership, assist the Chamber at events, and have FUN doing it! Look for them at the next function - they are all wearing a blue ribbon!

Ribbon Cuttings
Three members - Comcast, Mattress Firm and Rise Services - recognized special milestones in their business. Congratulations and best of luck in the future! Click here to learn more about these businesses.


     

Member Discount Coupons 
The Discount Club is a program designed to offer fellow Chamber members special discounts and save money. It's a free benefit to all members!


Rewards for Referral Program
Do you want an extra $50? You'll get a check when you refer a business and they become a member of the Chamber!

Events

Check out our FULL calendar of events. We look forward to seeing you at our events and committee meetings!

August 17  |  Business After Hours  |  RSVP here by August 10th
Time for some great networking at Four Points by Sheraton Tucson Airport. Be ready to build your network and form alliances with key businesses to increase your company's success.   

August 18  |  UA Wildcat Football Luncheon  |  RSVP here by August 11th
BEAR DOWN ARIZONA! The Tucson Chamber is proud to host UA Head Coach Mike Stoops, the UA Football team and former NFL & UA players at the Annual UA Football Lunch. Join us for an exciting event as we show support for our UA WILDCATS with the UA band, cheerleaders and Wilbur!

Michael Bates, LaMonte Hunley, John Kaiser, John Fina, Max Zendejas, Randy Robbins, and Byron Evans will be at the lunch. They are all former NFL and UA players. Also attending will be Aaron Gersh, former Kansas City Chief and president of the Arizona Professional Athletes Association. 

It's time to get energized for an exciting football season. The University of Arizona is one of Tucson’s treasures and something definitely to be proud of... SO ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

September 9  |  Special Edition Good Morning Tucson  |  RSVP here by September 2nd
Please join us at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa for an incredible event that will inspire businesses and individuals who believe customer service is the key to success. The Tucson Chamber presents Doug Lipp. Formerly the Head of Training at Disney’s Corporate Headquarters, Doug provided the famous Disney University "Traditions" program and developed leadership courses for Disney executives.

Join Doug as he presents “Pixie Dust”,
Creating a Customer Service Attitude with Disney Basics.

His combination of high energy entertainment and thought-provoking lessons is contagious, motivating audiences around the world to maximize both personal and professional success.

July Events Wrap-up 

Good Morning Tucson (GMT) 
The Historic Manning House hosted July's GMT breakfast. Tucson Chamber CEO Mike Varney and COO Bill Holmes talked about the direction of the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. There was some great interaction with plenty of questions for the new leadership. In addition, Lori Banzhaf was introduced as the new Director of Member Services. For more pictures, click here.

   

Power Network Lunch (PNL)
Thank you to the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa for hosting the Power Networking Lunch for July. A great big thank you to Iron Mike Zakis for being the emcee at the lunch. For more pictures, click here.