Lupe Diaz - President
September 2012
Help With Promoting Your Business
The City of Benson is now in the planning phases of placing bill board signs on I-10. One of the signs will go up near Mars Station Road and other is 10 miles East of Benson on I-10. The one near Mars Station is available now and awaiting the city's approval. The other will not be ready until the elections are over. A committee was formed to discuss the design of the bill boards. Lupe Diaz was appointed by approval of the City manager to sit on this committee. The others who are part of this project are Bob Nielson, Heather Floyd, museum director Cheryl Mammano and Michelle Johnson. Once the design is approved then it will go to City Council to be approved and installed. Councilman Ron Brooks has been instrumental in moving this project along. This is something that Jim Grey had previously started along with Larry Scott who put together some sketches a few years back.
Discussion of Forth Street FYI
Several of the businesses owners were interested in why we could not slow traffic down, install a cross walks and various other things that could be done to help our community. In pursuit of and answer to these questions, the chamber engaged in several discussions, with other business owners, city officials, council members and one another. The discussions proved to be very informative. The cost of taking over 4th Street is prohibitive; is the answer we got. There are problems with collapsed drainage underneath the road and the cost of maintenance is a huge concern. The idea of a larger tax base as a solution was brought up. Building a larger tax base is possible in the future with Rosemont, the UAV project and Guaymas Mexico upgrading their barge capacity and our ability to provide a transfer export station here in Benson. If these industries come to the area that may merit the 4th St project. Councilman Chris Moncada reminded us that the city worked closely with ADOT several years ago and planted trees, shrubs and placed some sidewalks thus improving the looks of 4th Street. The Benson Merchants Association provided $42,000 for this project. It is good to revisit some of these concerns and get the answers to the questions our members have for us. This is one way we serve our membership.
The Chamber President on Circuit
President Lupe Diaz is doing all he can to visit the members who's anniversaries are due for that month. He is just stopping by to see what it is that concerns you as a member and also to discuss the three building blocks of the chamber. Our commitment to serve you as a chamber member is something this board is taking serious. The one to one exchange has proven to be very helpful in knowing where to go with the chamber goals and how we should proceed with our goals. Thank you for being so candid with your thoughts and your opinions.
The Future Business Leaders of America to Provide Services
Benson High School FBLA is in the process of putting together a service tech team that will help the chamber members with constructing and designing their website. This website comes to you FREE with part of your membership with the chamber. Both of the services will be of no cost to you. It is a program that gives the students the opportunity to serve the business community and learn the workings of business marketing. This service is still in the planning stages. Once this is ready to go we will let you know.
Arizona G&T Co-operative Donates Banners
At the previous chamber breakfast the subject of providing Grand Opening signs for our newest members was brought up. We then decided to ask for donations from our members to see this project get started. Geoff Oldfather with AZ G&T Coop said the coop would be more than happy to provide those for the chamber. He and our Grand opening coordinator Amanda Maulbouf met and discussed the design and other details. The banners will be displayed at our September monthly breakfast. If any of you know someone who would like help organizing their grand opening let them know that this is a service that the chamber is offering new businesses to the area.
Referrals Made
The chamber office has received several calls asking about specific services. We are referring these back to you our members. Please let us know how and if they are helpful. The feed back to such activity will help us improve what we as a chamber does in serving those who call on us. We want to help our members with more people coming through your door.
Long And Short Range Goals
Help keep visitors in Benson longer
By providing a list of things to do in the area to our members
Encourage training for our members
Promote Benson as the Place of 101 Day Trips
Frequent and specific events during the year that will benefit specific industries within our membership
Christmas on Main
Job fair with SAEDG
Encourage the members to offer members discounts for b2b walk-ins.
Committees Formed To Serve The Community
Events Committee (We are currently looking at Christmas on Main)
Member Services Committee
Fund raising Committee
Run for City Council
We are still looking for business people that would like to run for a city council seat. If you or you know someone that would like to run for city council get a hold of us and we can help with your campaign. There are requirements to be met but the help is available.
