December 2012

"Business Monthly"

The recent opening of Tanger Outlets, combined with the City of Glendale’s November 27 approval of the Phoenix Coyotes arena lease and management agreement with Arizona Hockey Arena Partners, LLC and Arizona Hockey Partners, LLC is expected to bring a huge business boost for Glendale’s Entertainment District and Westgate City Center.  Additionally, a number of prospective tenants for Westgate have been waiting in the wings for the agreements to be finalized before they were to move with their lease agreements.  Many are expected to be announced after the first of the year.

However, the NHL strike has complicated matters, with games cancelled through December.  A number of existing Westgate business report the lockout is costing them as much at $18-25,000 in lost business per game.  The large crowds of shoppers at adjacent Tanger Outlets is helping to ease that somewhat, but business owners and managers are hoping that the lockout is soon settled.  The City of Glendale also sees an estimated loss of $60,000 per game in tax revenue and is anxious to see things resolved as well.


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Holiday Blender Hosted by Banner Thunderbird Medical Center

Join us December 13 at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale at 5555 W. Thunderbird Road for our Annual Holiday Membership Blender and Silent Auction.  The event will run from 5-7pm and feature plenty of “holiday cheer”, other beverages, great food, raffles, door prizes and our Holiday Silent Auction.  If you would like to promote your business by donating an item from your business, please contact Monika or Charlott at 623-937-4754 or info@glendaleaz.org  Please RSVP for this event as well.

First Friday Member Networking Breakfast
Our First Friday Member Networking Breakfast will be held Friday, December 7 at Bitzee Mama’s in downtown Glendale.  We will be unveiling an new format for the monthly breakfasts, featuring more small business programs in 2013, and a greater focus on ways to grow your business!  Leanna Griffin of Leonard Baker and Associates will present the new program.  Come learn what the Chamber has in store for your business in 2013!!!  It’s only $5 for breakfast, you will have a chance to promote your business products and services, and its great networking!  No RSVP necessary!

UPCOMING BUSINESS BLENDERS......5pm

12/13 Holiday Business Blender at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, 5555 W. Thunderbird
           + Silent Auction and drawings

1/17/2013 Gaslight Inn, 5749 W. Glendale
2/21 Thunderbird Executive Inn, 15249 N. 59th Ave
3/21 Pullano’s Pizza & Wings, 13848 N. 51st Ave
4/18 Legend at Arrowhead Golf Course, 21027 N. 67th Ave at Legend Blvd
5/16 Peoria Pines Golf Club, 8411 N. 107th Ave

You can stand on your soap box and wave your flag by hosting a business blender during the second half of the year.  Just call Harry Shapiro at the chamber, 623-937-4754 to schedule an event.  And please attend the other blenders already scheduled and bring plenty of business cards.  If you can’t make it personally, send an employee to promote your business.

 Ribbon cutting at the new location of Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services, 6610 N. 47th Ave. 

Pictured are Juan Librado, Care First; Ray Torres, Maricopa Health Plan; Amy Murphy, TOPS; Wayne and Myrna Barress, State Farm; Lisa Aragon, TOPS; Sara Roeser, TOPS: Angela Mussi, First Things First; Ashley Butler, TOPS; Don Rinehart, Glendale Chamber; Dawn Johnson, Arizona State Credit Union; Alice Roach, White Eyes Fresh Fry Bread

 Ribbon cutting at the newly remodeled Walgreen's at 4965 W. Bell Rd.

Pictured with friends and staff are Mark Cologna, store manager; Barry Zins, marketing VP; Jim Kawashima, district manager; John Mangum, contract lobbyist; Kimberly Yee, Az. State Representative; Don RInehart, Glendale Chamber.

The economy may be slow but it is not out if you look at local auto dealers who are members of the Glendale Chamber.  They are expanding and modernizing their product through remodels while helping the economy grow.  The Larry Miller Dealer Group is spending $2.5million to upgrade three dealerships on W. Bell Rd.  Currently, Sands Chevrolet is doing an $8 million remodeling project.  Recently, Liberty Buick and GMC completed a major remodeling project.  And, yes, they are selling cars!

To quote Lynette Carrington of the Greater Phoenix Attorney at Law Magazine, “If there is one all-encompassing thing that could be said about Bellah & Associates Law Firm it is that they have created a culture of compassion and a family like atmosphere that starts at the top, permeates throughout the staff and presents itself to the client.  Founder, Richard Bellah prides himself and his entire firm in the desire to truly help others in the time of need.”  Bellah & Associates has been chosen as the Attorney of the Month by the publication.  The firm is a proud member of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber's Board of Directors

Sandy Petraitis, Salt River Project, CHAIR
Steve Adams, Alphagraphics, TREASURER
Jim Vogt, BMO HARRIS BANK, PAST CHAIR
Dawn Johnson, Arizona State Credit Union, Chair Elect


Jeff Blake, DeVry University
Dr. Arthur Dobbelaere, Midwestern University
Steve Harnden, Ameriprise Financial
Jean Higginbotham, Humana
Steve Hopkins, Wells Fargo Bank
Randy Johnson, Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market
Elizabeth Langland, Arizona State University
Dave Mitchell, Ideal Insurance
Dr. Ron Natale, Glendale Community College
Mary Pritchard, Pritchard Group
Bill Toops, Pueblo Publishers

A national study by The Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based market research firm, reveals a number of important findings about how consumers and business owners perceive the local chamber of commerce and the businesses that are their members.  For example:
Ø When consumers know that a business is a member of the local chamber, they are 44% more likely to think favorably about it.
Ø Consumers who are told that a business is a chamber member are 51% more likely to be highly aware of it and 57% more likely to think positively of its local reputation.
Ø Consumers are 63% more likely to buy goods and services in the future from a company that they believe is a member of the local chamber of commerce.

The study also has good news for businesses that sell to other businesses.
Ø When business decision-makers believe that a business is a chamber member, they are 37% more likely to think favorably of the business, 51% more likely to be highly aware of it, 58% more likely to think positively of its local reputation, and 59% more likely to buy goods and services from it.

Supporting the previous findings, the study also reveals a positive perception for the local chamber itself:
Ø Regarding the chamber’s impact on the local economy, 82% of respondents believe that the local chamber of commerce helps create jobs and promotes local economic development.

The results of the Schapiro study are clear:  Positive perception increases among consumers and business owners when a business is identified as a member of the local chamber of commerce.

CHAMBER NETWORKING CAN BE SUCCESSFUL WHEN YOU USE IT!!!

By attending Glendale Chamber events, you are networking with other businesses and potential leads for yourself.  There are many events throughout the year to meet potential clients and make new friends.  Monthly Business Blenders, weekly networking groups, golf tournaments, luncheons, trade shows and ribbon cuttings are great opportunities for you to grow your businesses.  The person you meet may not be your future customer but they may know someone who could use you service or product.  If you cannot attend an event, send one of your employees to represent your company.  Your odds will increase by meeting with people at chamber events.  Plan on it.  The schedule is always in our monthly newsletter and on our website.

Your business can be visible to 1000 newcomers to the area, including Luke Air Force Base, for only $100.  Restaurants, retail stores, services and just about any business can hit a new audience by putting a special offer or coupon in the welcome bag.  And you can change your advertising piece at any time.  For more information, call Harry at 623-937-4754.

November First Friday Networking  Breakfast was attended by (standing) Alan Hanser, Expect Style DJ and Photography; Chris Riggs, Priority One Home Repair; Leanna Griffin, Leonard F. Baker, CPA; Genaro Delgadillo, Hope for Hunger. (sitting) Alice Roach, White Eyes Fresh Fry Bread; Shari Blumenthal, Priority One Home Repair; Jean June, Goldenson; Joel Poes, Moto Photo.

An informational visit to Tots Unlimited, which is enrolled in a First Things First  funded program, was attended by Don Rinehart, Glendale Chamber; Sara Smith, Glendale Elementary School District Governing Board; Angelica Aguirre, First Things First; Angela Wilkie, Glendale Neighborhood Services; Christina Lyons, First Things First; Stacy Cassidy, Andrea Torres and Mark Werber, Tots Unlimited; Willette Watts, Early Childhood Educational Quality Mentor; Angela Mussi, First Things First

Ribbon cutting for the new driving range and putting green at the Legend at Arrowhead Golf Course, 21027 N. 67th Ave. at Legend Blvd.  With Lisa McCauley, general manager and Wade Richards, events coordinator, staff and friends are Jim Vogt, BMO Harris Bank; Kathy Allen, Arizona Exterminating; Joel Poes, Moto Photo; Don RInehart, Glendale Chamber; Yvonne Knaack, State Farm and GLendale City Council; Manny Martinez, Glendale City Council; Nichole Carroll, Liberty Mutual.

  Some of the Discount Cab/Total Transit staff and Glendale Chamber members at the November blender.

Celebrate the season while supporting the Challenger Space Center’s charitable mission, which provides STEM educational programs to over 30,000 students annually.  If you are tired of the same old office party, you can “shoot for the stars” and experience a unique setting for your event.  The center will provide party and program facility rentals to fit any budget.  Plus, there is no tax on facility rentals.  For information and event assistance, call Tim Harris, 623-322-2006

ARIZONA BROADWAY THEATRE, 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria, 623-776-8400
Thru 12/30 Annie
12/6-23 A Broadway Christmas Carol
12/7 ABT Cabaret
12/13 Ladies Who Lunch, Bringing in the Holiday
12/13-22 Christmas My Way
12/21 ABT Cabaret
12/31 New Year’s Eve Gala, The Grandest Affair in Town
1/11-2/17 Hello Dolly
1/14 Dream Lover, A Salute to Bobby Darin with Robert Shaw
1/18 ABT Cabaret
1/28 Hot August Night, The Ultimate Neil Diamond Tribute

ARIZONA CARDINALS NFL FOOTBALL, University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, 602-379-0101
12/16 vs Detroit Lions, 2:05pm
12/23 vs Chicago Bears, 2:25pm

JOBING.COM ARENA, Westgate City Center, Glendale, 623-772-3200
12/6 Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, 7:30pm

TALKING STICK RESORT & CASINO, 101 & Indian Bend, Scottsdale, 480-850-7743
12/7 Garland Jeffreys
12/18 The Music Box perform “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
12/28-29 Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers
12/30 Chaka Kahn
12/31 New Years Eve Boogie Nights with Evelyn “Champagne” King
1/8 Gregg Allman

WILD HORSE PASS RESORT & CASINO, 5050 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, 1-800-946-4452
12/8 ZZ Top
12/10 Legends of Country Music
12/14 Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez and Vikki Carr
12/15 Randy Travis
12/20 Clay Aiken
12/28 War
12/29 Billy Joel Tribute with Terry Davis
12/30 Elton John Tribute with Terry Davis
12/31 New Year’s Eve with Powerdrive
1/18 Lea Salonga
1/19 USA Belly Dance Queen Show & Competition
1/26 Don Rickles

Thank You To Our Chairman's Circle

PLATINUM PLUS
SALT RIVER PROJECT
CITY OF GLENDALE
HUMANA OF ARIZONA
WAL-MART CORPORATION
WELLS FARGO BANK
WILD HORSE PASS DEVEL. AUTHORITY

GOLD
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ARIZONA
MIDWESTERN UNIVERSITY
THE GLENDALE STAR
ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE

SILVER
TRI WEST HEALTHCARE
ARIZONA STATE CREDIT UNION
BANNER THUNDERBIRD MEDICAL CENTER

BRONZE
BNC NATIONAL BANK
CASINO ARIZONA
CENTURY LINK
SANDERSON FORD
LARRY MILLER TOYOTA
BMO HARRIS BANK
SOUTHWEST AMBULANCE
STATE COMPENSATION FUND

The "Pulse" is sponsored by

Ribbon cutting at the new location of the Phoenix Financial Group, 8801 W. Union Hills.  Pictured are Robert Campbell, Phoenix Financial Group; Cathy Sandberg, Maids of Honor; Mark Dillon, Realty Capital Securities; Laurel and Gary Deardorff, Kyle O'Brien, Phoenix Financial Group; Don Rinehart, Glendale Chamber; Wayne Witherspoon, PC911; Alice Roach, White Eyes Fresh Fry Bread; Linda Pacheco and Gail Hansel,
G-Tek; Jonathan Reynolds, Sims Business Systems.