SURVEY: We Need Your Help!
Our Business Alliance Committee is dedicated to helping our Business Community succeed. We want to bring you training sessions and content that will help propel your organization forward in every aspect, whether it be networking, Lead generation, marketing, finances, ect.
Please take the following survey to help us determine how we can best serve our business community needs. The survey should take you 5 minutes to complete.
If you chose to submit your email you will be entered to win a $25 dollar gift card to Cantina Guerros!
Survey Link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BSQBBKJ
2021 Events Update
2021 EVENTS UPDATE
This year Covid has allowed us to explore the digital opportunities that Zoom has to offer as we have transitioned several of our event series to virtual. We will continue to use Zoom as we start out 2021 for our weekly events: Coffee for Closers and Marketing Monday.
As we move forward into March, we will be bringing back several of our live events. Live events will be limited to 50 in attendance, temperatures will be taken prior to entrance, and will require you to wear a mask. We want to provide you with an opportunity to network your business and continue to meet each other as our chamber has grown immensely even through these hard times.
COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19 RESOURCE CORNER
Banners for Businesses
Banners, Tabletop Signs, a Safety Webpage and Social Media Graphics have been created for Peoria businesses. If a business owner would like to learn more or request any of these free marketing materials, they can sign up at:
www.peoriaaz.gov/business/small-business-task-force.
Paycheck Protection Program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on PPP Loan Forgiveness
The Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, is providing this guidance to address borrower and lender questions concerning forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, as provided for under section 1106 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), as amended by the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (Flexibility Act).
Borrowers and lenders may rely on the guidance provided in this document as SBA’s interpretation, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, of the CARES Act, the Flexibility Act, and the Paycheck Protection Program Interim Final Rules (“PPP Interim Final Rules”) (link).
Click here for Document on (FAQ's) on PPP Loan Forgiveness
Testing Sites
from Arizona Department of Health Services
Click image to go to ADHS List of COVID Testing sites
AZTV Channel 7
We're teaming up with Member AZTV Channel 7 to help local businesses!
We know getting back to business is exciting as we all work to grow Arizona’s economy. And as the last locally owned and operated broadcasting TV station in a top 20 market, we have the ability to pass along great savings to our local Arizona partners and help local businesses re-emerge successfully.
AZTV Channel 7 is offering the Peoria Chamber of Commerce a discount. The value for broadcast and production can reach up to $3,000, but members can get it for just $150. All you have to do is mention that you are a Peoria Chamber member!
AZ Daily Mix is a live show that airs from 8-9am Monday through Friday, and 7-8am Saturday. Your segment will be aired and re-aired the following day.
Wouldn’t it be exciting to see your company televised? Book your interview now!
Contact: Ryan Ferris, Account Executive, (602) 708-9553 or rferris@aztv.com.
For additional questions please reach out to memberservices@peoriachamber.com.
Open For Business Program
The Peoria Chamber of Commerce has Launched a new Open for Business Advertising Program to help promote your business locally!
This new advertising membership program is available to CURRENT full revenue members as a benefit of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce. Not a member of the chamber? No worries, you can still participate for as little as $200 a year for this amazing non-chamber member advertising offer.
Professional writers and designers will build you a phenomenal product and services catalog and landing page so that the search engines can find you! They will design a mobile app for your business and an electronic business card. Lastly, you can sell your products online with your own online store—and there is a dedicated assistant helping you all along the way!
For more information, visit
B For Life
To assist organ transplant recipients, donor families, and living donors with the costs associated with participation at the transplant games.
To encourage recipients to actively become involved with their own healthcare, through educational information, support groups, websites that improve the effectiveness of the B For Life process.
To promote organ and tissue donation by demonstrating the success of donation and B For Life.
To provide support of donor families and their experiences.
Cox Student Scholarship
Cox is stepping up to help diverse students in Arizona pay for college
$35,000 available to local high school seniors
As area high school seniors are receiving their college acceptances and grappling with how to pay for their higher education, Cox is stepping up with (10) $3,500 Cox Diversity Scholarship opportunities. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2021. Cox has a hundred-year track record of supporting youth and education programs in the communities that Cox serves and hopes these scholarships will help form future Arizona leaders with rich cultural backgrounds.
“Helping students achieve their educational goals helps make our communities stronger.
Cox knows that paying for college can be stressful for students and their family. We’re proud to connect families to opportunities like this one, and many others,” said Susan Anable, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, Cox Southwest Region.
Cox will present $35,000 in scholarships to students in the Valley and Southern Arizona in partnership with YWCA Maricopa County, ACEL, Be a Leader Foundation, NAACP Maricopa Branch, One n Ten, Black Chamber of Arizona, Chicanos Por La Causa, Southern Arizona Aids Foundation, Women’s Foundation of Arizona and YWCA Southern Arizona.
The competitive scholarships require applicants to be on track for graduation with a minimum 2.5 grade point average, provide demonstrated leadership and community service as well as submit an essay focused on a significant leader from their respective diverse community.
Safest Outside Restaurant Assistance Program
Safest Outside Restaurant Assistance Program
The State of Arizona created the Safest Outside Restaurant Assistance Program, which is designed to assist bars and restaurants with funding for the infrastructure needed to expand their premises. With $1 million total in the fund, businesses may apply for up to $10,000 to cover expenditures for items restaurants need to extend their premises to approved outdoor spaces such as outdoor furniture, barriers, patio heaters, or parklets.
Eligibility
- Licensed restaurants and bars
- Fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees
- Must comply with all COVID-19 related executive orders
- Must demonstrate a new extension of premises that has been approved by the local governing body and the Arizona Department of Liquor Licensing and Control (if applicable)
- Must submit a complete application, including a budget (incomplete applications will not be considered)
ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION HERE
Chamber Social Media
Stay in the loop with our Chamber social media channels!
Legislative Update for Chamber
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Arizona State lawmakers are 79 days into the 55th Legislature. So far, 179 bills have made it to Governor Ducey’s desk—152 of which have been signed into law. In a standard year, there are between 350 and 400 bills that are signed into law. However, due to COVID-19 and the premature adjournment of last year’s legislative session, it’s possible this year’s count will exceed 400 new laws. Many of the 1,708 introduced bills are repeats from last year’s session; because these bills had already partially made it through the legislative process, it’s likely a higher percentage of them will make it to the Governor. The last week for the Senate and the House to hear the bills in committees was last week, with the exception of bills assigned to Appropriations, which is hearing bills this week. Any bills that did not pass out of the committees to which they were assigned are no longer viable.
There was great news this week as Senate Bill 1377 (Civil Liability; Public Health Pandemic) passed out of the House on March 29th with a vote of 31 to 29 along party lines. It now returns to the Senate for a final vote on a House amendment before it is transmitted to the Governor for signing. SB1377 has been a top priority of the West Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance! This is great news for the Arizona business community as the bill will protect businesses and numerous other entities, such as schools, religious organization, healthcare providers and others from unjust COVID-19 related civil litigation. Passage of this bill allows for much needed protections during Arizona’s reopening process.
State budget negotiations are taking place, but at a somewhat glacial pace. The most pertinent block to the discussion is confusion regarding how the $7.481 billion of federal money granted to Arizona for COVID-19 relief under the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) can be allocated. Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich filed a suit asking for clarification of how the state may utilize the funds as the Act prohibits states from using the funds to supplant their budget expenditures or to reduce taxes. Until this issue is resolved, budget discussions will continue to move at their current pace, especially given the Governor and Legislature’s desire to reduce taxes.
In terms of proposals to cut taxes, the Governor’s approach is aimed at reducing personal and business income taxes by $1.2 billion over a three year period. The $7.481 billion granted to the State of Arizona pursuant to ARPA adds to the standing cash surplus of $1.174 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund. The Legislature is discussing a flat income tax with a slight increase in sales taxes along with other efforts to reduce personal income tax rates and commercial property taxes. The state is hoping for direction from the federal government in the next few weeks and can then resume work on the budget.
Finally, President Fann’s SB 1411 to increase the unemployment insurance benefit rate continues to progress through the legislative process. As described in the March Legislative Update, it passed the Appropriations Committee and is waiting for a hearing in the Rules Committee. As you will recall, it raises the unemployment benefit cap from $240 a week to $320 a week. However, the cap would only extend for 20 weeks instead of the current 26 weeks during periods when the unemployment insurance fund is running at a very low level due to a high volume of claims. Over the adjusted 20 week period, President Fann’s proposal would total $6,400. SB1411 passed Senate rules on 2/24. It also increase the cost for employers from $7,000 to $8,000 in the first and second year. President Fann’s bill also includes increased security requirements to decrease the potential for fraud. One of those measures is real time reporting of the amounts that are disbursed daily. Representative Cook also has a bill on the same topic, HB 2805, unemployment insurance; benefits; tax base, that was assigned in the Senate to Appropriations and is set for hearing on March 30th at 9:00 am. We will update you on the status of these two bills as they continue to progress.
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NEW HOURS!
The Peoria Chamber of Commerce will move to a four-day work week and associated hours effective this Monday April 5, 2021. Our switch board will monitor Friday and associated messaging will be created for members and inquiries.
Our new hours empower a productive and high-performance team.
New Chamber Members
Fish Window Cleaning has grown to be the world's largest window cleaning company with more than 275 franchise territories in 45 states, yet we still maintain the traditional values we were founded on. We will always treat every customer as though they are our only customer.
Mike Merrick founded Fish Window Cleaning in January 1978. Based on growing demand and his success, Mike realized there was a need for this service in other markets. He used his 20 years of experience to create the Fish Window Cleaning franchise system. In 1998, the first FISH franchise opened in Tampa, FL.
We offer an approachable, natural pathway, validated by thousands of years of practice, to better health and well-being for all in a convenient, peaceful and modern location.
For Modern Acupuncture Village at Arrowhead in Glendale, it's in the delivery. Our nationwide locations offer the natural health benefits of acupuncture in highly accessible locations. You are likely to find us next to your favorite neighborhood grocer. From the moment you walk through our door, all five senses encounter an environment of relaxation and healing. Natural, earthy colors wash over you. The soft lighting allows your eyes to relax.
In thirty minutes or less, experience healing, escape, relaxation, and a balancing of your body. In your hectic world, Modern Acupuncture Village at Arrowhead located in Glendale, is a necessary retreat into proven wellness.
Stephanie Stuart is the Principal Interior Designer at Stuart Design Co. For over 15 years, she’s enjoyed an eclectic career working on various projects. Ranging from product manufacturing in the decorative resin industry, project management, operations management, and new construction. After practicing in California and Utah, she now lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and two school-aged children, Madison and Cody. You’ll find no shortage of charming contradictions in her repertoire. Most days you can find her exercising outdoors during shelter in place (and eagerly anticipating returning to CrossFit) in the morning and knitting in her luxurious button-tufted, teal velvet chair in the evening.
Upcoming Chamber Events
Community Finance Organizations: Your Accessible Funding Sources and Local Advisors
April 7th
05:30 - 07:00 PM
Online Zoom Meeting
Funding for a venture is notoriously difficult to obtain--especially when it comes to big banks. However, most people don't realize that their own community is rich with funding sources that are designed to work with startups and small businesses! These community finance organizations provide micro and small-business loans as well as expert advice from years of working with local entrepreneurs. Attendees will be introduced to a group community finance organization and have the opportunity to participate in an interactive discussion. The event will consist of individual interviews with each organization as well as a panel discussion addressing common questions and hurdles as well as their outlook on local entrepreneurship.
REGISTER HERE
Marketing Monday
April 12th
12:00 - 01:00 PM
Online Zoom Meeting
The 5 Types of Digital Marketing that’s Working in 2021!
Presenter
Leah Remillet
REGISTER HERE
Business Alliance Committee
April 12th
04:00 - 05:00 PM
Online Zoom Meeting
REGISTER HERE
Pitch Prep
April 14th
03:00 - 04:00 PM
Online Zoom Meeting
Join HEALab and the Health Entrepreneurship + Innovation Club for this hands-on workshop on how to prepare a pitch for a new startup presented by Kristin Slice, Senior Program Manager of Peoria Forward. Learn how to translate your big ideas into a pitch--a clear, concise and persuasive presentation that communicates your idea succinctly. Come prepared to this interactive workshop with at least one solid idea for a product, service, business or non-profit organization and be ready to craft it into a winning pitch!
As a professional speaker, Kristin Slice has spoken to a variety of audiences around the world about entrepreneurship and inclusion. Currently she bring her passion for communication to the Edson E+I team as the Sr. Program Manager for Peoria Forward. Kristin loves helping founders hone their visions into effective fundraising pitches for investors and competitions.
This event is open to the public and free to attend. Community ventures welcome!
REGISTER HERE
Coffee is For Closers
Designing Sales Compensation 101 That Generates Sales
April 15th
08:00 - 09:00 AM
REGISTER HERE
Women 4 Women
April 16th
08:30 - 10:00 AM
Arrowhead Valley Retirement Resort
20025 N 81st Ave
Peoria, AZ 85382
Dr. Stephanie Mundt
Volante PT & Performance
Dr. Stephanie Mundt is a physical therapist, running coach & strength coach in Scottsdale, AZ. Her business Volante PT & Performance specializes in helping recovering females return to movement & exercise with confidence. Steph was a distance runner in high school & college, struggling with body image, eating disorder & exercise dependence that contributed to multiple injuries. She hopes to transform the management of pain, injury & exercise programs in females to foster a greater sense of resiliency & empowerment.
REGISTER HERE
New to the Peoria Chamber of Commerce?
You're Invited!
Join us for a complimentary breakfast and learn how to leverage your new Peoria Chamber membership, meet the President/CEO, and create new business connections!
REGISTER HERE
No-Code Website Workshop: Build a Free Basic Website in 1 Hour So Customers Can Find You
April 20th
05:30 - 07:00 PM
Online Zoom Meeting
The Peoria Forward program, an innovative partnership with the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at ASU and the city of Peoria, is offering a free workshop on building a website without using code through the. Attendees will learn how to build and launch a website in about an hour using the free website builder, Wix. The workshop will consist of several step-by-step Wix demos as well as collaborative group sessions after each to apply the lessons learned. Attendees will also be able to connect and establish a community of support as each applies these lessons to their own entrepreneurial journey.
REGISTER HERE
Inaugural Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament-Honor Officer Joseph Montgomery
April 22nd
06:30 - 09:30 PM
Torch Cigar Bar
5450 E High Street #115
Phoenix, AZ 85054
REGISTER HERE
Community News & Events
GET YOUR COUPON HERE
The Coyotes Affiliate Program includes exclusive benefits for you and your organization. These benefits include: Exclusive discounts on tickets and merch, Reserve early and save perks on suites, Exclusive luncheon for your organization and Free Coyotes Swag.
https://www.nhl.com/coyotes/tickets/affiliate-program
PROMO CODE: PEORIACC
Allow us to help, and get 10% OFF our Junk Removal Services!
It's spring and the weather is great for digging in and completing those "Spring cleaning" projects you've been thinking about - or dreading - all winter. You probably have piles of excess stuff, junk and things you just don’t want or need.
We would be happy to help you with...
- Cleaning out the garage
- Removing old furniture or appliances
- Left overs from a construction project
- Boxes of clothes or junk that haven't been touched in years
Simply use this 10% coupon on your next junk removal or labor service. Just show this email to your HUNKS on the job. If you prefer to Call, tell us Spring10 to get your 10% off. 623-866-2131
Coupon valid only at College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving of West Valley/West Phoenix.
 
SHOUT! The Mod Musical
March 26 - April 18
Arizona Broadway Theatre
7701 W Paradise Ln.
Peoria, AZ 85382
With its irresistible blend of hip-swiveling hits, eye-popping fashions, and outrageous dance moves, SHOUT! The Mod Musical takes audiences back to the music, style, and freedom of the 1960s. Created by Phillip George and David Lowenstein, SHOUT! features terrific new arrangements of such classic tunes as To Sir with Love, Downtown, Son of a Preacher Man, and Goldfinger.
BUY TICKETS
Spring Comedy Show (virtual) benefiting One Step Beyond
Saturday
April 10th
7:00PM - 8:00PM
Tickets are $15
https://osbi.org/event/spring-comedy-show/
First Annual Shoot Out Autism - Competition
Saturday
April 23rd
Ben Avery
4044 W Black Canyon Blvd
Phoenix, AZ 85086
SIGN UP HERE
ONLINE SILENT AUCTION
Hike in Memory of Your Loved One with Billy's Place
Saturday
April 27th, 2021
Copper Hills Church
LEARN MORE
Spring Specials at Peoria Nissan!
What's Happening in Peoria
Apply for the Veterans Memorial Board
Positions are open for the Peoria Veterans Memorial Board. The Veterans Memorial Board is responsible for the development and promotion of activities related to the recognition of veterans of the armed forces and their contributions to the community. They also make recommendations for the creation and preservation of the city’s numerous war and service memorials. The board typically meets monthly on the first Thursday of the month at 5 p.m. Interested Peoria residents can apply today at www.peoriaaz.gov/boards or contact the City Clerk’s Office for an application.
Rent a Laptop at One of Peoria’s Libraries
Chromebooks are available for checkout at the Peoria Main and Sunrise Mountain Libraries. Each laptop kit includes a Google Chromebook, a WiFi hotspot and chargers/adapters for the devices and is ideal for students or professionals who need Internet access and a computer to stay connected. Peoria residents can only check out the kits and the lending period is 21 days. The Peoria Public Library Chromebook Kit collection is supported by CARES Act funding and the city of Peoria. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/Peoria-laptop-lending.
Join the Plant a Tree Challenge
Throughout the months of March and April, the city of Peoria will be hosting a number of activities to celebrate both Earth and Arbor Days. To kick off the celebration, Peoria residents can participate in the Plant a Tree Challenge to help add forest and shade coverage to the community by encouraging desert tree planting from March 1 until Arbor Day on April 30. If you plant a tree during the challenge time period, upload the before and after photos of you planting the tree to Dropbox at http://ow.ly/HXT050DT04O. Each set of photos will be entered into the contest and winners will be randomly selected after April 30. For more information or to learn about other environmentally friendly activities, visit www.peoriaaz.gov/government/departments/neighborhood-and-human-services/festivals-and-special-events/party-for-the-planet.
City Looking for Donors to the Historical Society
The city of Peoria is attempting to locate the rightful owners of artifacts donated to the museum of the former Peoria Arizona Historical Society (PAHS). The PAHS has been dissolved and, as outlined by the bylaws of the society, the dissolution results in all assets being turned over to the city of Peoria. The city is seeking to return donated or loaned artifacts to the original owners or legal heirs, based on documentation found in PAHS records or proof of original ownership provided by claimants. Copies of donation or loan documents will help expedite the process. The deadline for parties to come forward with a claim for their items is May 20, 2021 at 5 p.m. For more information, contact Sharon Roberson, Peoria assistant to the city manager, at 623-773-7572 or sharon.roberson@peoriaaz.gov.
Check Out the Sustainable U Workshops
Sustainable University continues to host workshops through March and April. Tune into the next two workshops on March 27 and April 10. The Best Small Desert Trees is on Saturday, March 27 at 9 a.m. A tree that is too big for its location will eventually lead to the damage of surrounding sidewalks, neighbor disputes, and eventually the huge cost of removal. In this class, a certified arborist will go over small to moderate tree options that work with the desert climate, including photos, pros, cons, and tips on special care. On Saturday, April 10 at 9 a.m. is the Wildlife Friendly Landscapes workshop. Now more than ever the native wildlife needs help to continue to thrive in urban areas. You can help by turning your yard into a mini wildlife sanctuary. It is easy to create an inviting environment for birds, butterflies and other creatures using a wonderful array of native and desert adapted plants. For more information about Sustainable U, visit www.peoriaaz.gov/sustainability.
Free Wildflower Classes Start in April
Did you know Peoria has its own pollinator garden? Recently, the city of Peoria planted a new garden at Heritage Court in Pioneer Community Park. Learn how to grow your own wildflower and pollinator gardens in the desert starting in April. The city is hosting several free classes at Pioneer Community Park, located at 8755 N. 83rd Ave., on April 8, 10, 15 and 17 from 9-10 a.m. The class is suitable for both adults and children five and older. Class sizes are limited to 10 people. To sign up, contact Peoria Park Ranger Della Killeen at Della.Killeen@peoriaaz.gov.
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