Chamber Update from our President

Lea Marquez Peterson

International - Southern Arizona businesses have a great opportunity just across the border and the THCC can help!  We are partnering with Mexican Chambers of Commerce and Sonoran Cities to "connect" our businesses. Our international relations staff can assist you in finding suppliers or customers for your product. In addition, we have partnered with the MTCVB to open a satellite office in Hermosillo, Mexico. We have been busy hosting events monthly to focus on the valuable connections that can be made in Sonora, Mexico. This is a great opportunity for businesses in Southern Arizona to find additional revenue streams. Be sure to call our office to identify what our international efforts can mean to your business or to find out how to join us on our next trip to Sonora. 

Selling to the Government and Corporations - There are many opportunities for small businesss to sell to the government and to large corporations in our region. We are focusing on communicating to our members the importance of federal certification for women owned and minority owned businesses. This is often an opportunity that most of our members have not taken advantage of - they simply lacked the time or expertise to pursue. We have partnered with the Small Business Administration who are holding  hours at our office and helping us promote the online certification programs. Look for workshops in the near future to assist your business!

More and Better Networking Events- We've also heard from you that many of your advertising budgets have been cut. Networking events are more important than ever! We doubled the number of Fiesta Mixers in July, August and September to allow you more opportunites to meet with one another face-to-face and to distribute flyers and business cards. We've also hosted several of our popular LEADS luncheons already this year. We've had very positive feedback from everyone who has attended.

I look forward to seeing you at a future THCC event!  Remember - in order to get the best return on your investment in our chamber - the first step is to attend an event or program!  If you can't attend - be sure that a representative of your company can join us.  Join me at a Member Orienation - whether you are a long term or a new member- to learn about all of the ways we can help you grow your business!

Sincerely,

Lea Marquez Peterson, President/CEO