Is Change in the Air in Tucson?
A message from Wendell Long, Chairman of the Board 

I sense something is starting to change in Tucson. 

We have a new mayor and we congratulate Jonathan Rothschild on his election victory.  The faces on the City Council are the same.  But I sense there is a new awakening that the next two years of city governance will be different.  We look forward to working with Mayor Jonathan Rothschild.  His 180-day plan included a number of economic development and pro-business items. 
Read more here

Things I Hear on My Listening Tour

A message from President and CEO Michael Varney

November marked the six-month point on my one-year listening tour as the new president and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber.  After numerous speaking appearances and group and individual discussions, some patterns are starting to develop.  Here are the top three topics members and non-members ask me about the most. Read more here

Tucson Metro Chamber Fills Two Key Positions to Grow Businesses and Build Communities

Jackie Chambers-Bond joins the Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce as the member relations manager. She has more than eleven years of experience as a chamber of commerce professional, including ten years as the advertising sales manager at the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.

In her new role, Chambers-Bond will ensure that members of the Tucson Metro Chamber maximize the benefits included in their membership, receive public recognition and take advantage of member-only products and services.

“Jackie brings a wealth of experience to the Tucson Metro Chamber.  We could not be more pleased to have her on the team,” says Mike Varney, TMCC president and CEO.  “I’ve seen how much members enjoy working with her.  She excels at putting the unique marketing strategies offered by chambers of commerce to work for companies of all sizes.  We anticipate the connections our members have to the Chamber will be strengthened and enriched.” 

Gina Babunovic joins the Chamber as the communications director, bringing more than 15 years of experience in public relations and integrated communications in corporate, public and nonprofit sectors.  Upon relocation to Tucson in 2004, she led communications and community outreach at the Microbusiness Advancement Center and at Youth On Their Own. 

 Chamber responsibilities include the day-to-day operations of the communications department, as well as the production of print collaterals, promotional materials and web development and content-management.  “Gina’s creativity and expertise in strategic communications ensures the Chamber’s mission, role and key initiatives – created to drive small and large business and community growth – will be delivered through clear, consistent messaging,” states Mike Varney.
 

Chamber Members get big dividend from SCF Arizona

SCF Arizona board member Judy Patrick and President of SCF Arizona, Don Smith presented a dividend check to Mike Varney, President of the Tucson Metro Chamber.

Dividend checks from the Chamber's workers compensation program have been presented to our members in the amount of $148,979. One of the great things about this program is that $109,414 of that amount were bonus dividends that our members would not have received if they were not part of our Association Safety Plan with SCF Arizona. If your business has SCF Arizona but has not signed on with the Association Safety Plan (which is free of charge) please contact Cindy Brown at 792-2250 ext. 154.

 

Obesity drives workers’ comp rates up
By SCF Arizona

Evidence is increasing that shows obesity is a major driver of higher medical care costs for workers’ compensation claims, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) reported.

Citing a 2007 Duke University study of workers’ compensation claims, the NCCI reports medical costs per 100 full-time equivalent employees are nearly seven times higher for the morbidly obese than they are for employees of recommended weight.  Click here for more

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

Graphic Impact, The Drawing Studio, JTED at Santa Rita and Sherwin Williams recognized special milestones in their businesses. Congratulations and best of luck in the future!
Click here to see pictures and learn more about these businesses.

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

January 10, 2012  | State of the State| 

Join the Tucson Metro Chamber for the State of the State address featuring Governor Jan Brewer. This year's event will take place on Tuesday, January 10 at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. Registration will begin at 11:30 and the luncheon and address will start at 12:00. For more information please visit www.tucsonchamber.org.
  

Event Wrap-up

Chamber XChange| October 27 

On October 27 the Tucson Metro Chamber connected the business community at Fleming's for the Chamber XChange. Over 100 guests were in attendance to network and share their knowledge on happenings in the business community. A good time was had by all and attendees left with a wealth of knowledge and contacts. Special thanks to Fleming's Prime Steakhouse for hosting the event; to KVOI for their media support; and to the following businesses who donated the fabulous door prizes: Best Buy for Business, CentruyLink, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, KVOI 1030 AM, and Tubac Golf Resort.