Chamber Grand Affair Set for Sept. 11 September 11, 2009 Live jazz, fabulous gourmet food, an exciting live auction and the chance to mingle in the beautiful surroundings of the Pine Canyon Country Club - it’s no wonder that the Chamber’s Grand Affair sells out each year.
Market your business product and services to hundreds at this elegant event open to 200 Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce members. Cost is $40 per person and advance purchase is required. Register today at 928.774.4505 or here online.
Thanks to Event Sponsor Pine Canyon, Title Sponsor Benefit Logic and Supporting Sponsors Herron Interior Design, Little America Hotel and Eagle Mountain Construction.
Chamber Celebrates 20th Anniversary of ATHENA Awards August 29, 2008 Applications Available
The Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce is looking for outstanding women whose careers, dedication to others and mentoring abilities have made a difference in the community for the 20th Annual ATHENA Awards.
The program consists of two honors - the traditional ATHENA Award is presented to a local businesswoman who has achieved excellence in her field, served the community and mentored other women. The Young Professionals honor celebrates an emerging leader in business who clearly serves as a role model for young women both personally and professionally.
Nominations for both awards are now being accepted. Finalists will be chosen in October and profiled both in Business Matters and a special section of the Arizona Daily Sun before the awards dinner in November.
For the traditional Athena Award nomination form, please click here. For the Young Professional Award, please click here.
Chambers Launch 2009 Advocacy Efforts August 8, 2008
Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce President Julie Pastrick and Vice President of Government Affairs Joe Galli joined chamber executives from across Arizona last month to review the legislative work of 2008 and plan for the coming year.
State lobbying efforts for business are handled through the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Local Chambers Committee. The Flagstaff Chamber participated in that committee’s weekly conference calls to stay informed on proposals that could affect member business profitability. Our Chamber also lobbied on many pieces of legislation and met with state and federal lawmakers through the annual Chamber Day at the Legislature and the 2nd Annual D.C. Fly-In.
More than 40 chambers on the Local Chamber Committee signed a letter supporting the repeal of the state equalization rate. A bill making the suspension permanent passed the Senate, but was vetoed by the Governor. The tax returns in 2009 and will remain a target for repeal by the business community. It’s estimated the tax will generate $250 million in revenue when re-established.
The inclusion of the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit in this year’s budget was a major victory for business. It increases the credit from 20% to 24% for qualified R&D expenses up to $2.5 million, and from $500,000 plus 11% to $750,000 plus 15% for qualified expenses over $2.5 million. These increases will start in 2010, will be phased in over two years, and will bring Arizona equal to recent California R&D R&D tax credit benefit changes, making our state more competitive regionally.
The re-creation of the Administrative Rules Oversight Committee, an effort the Chamber has supported for several years, was vetoed by the Governor. Its intent would have been to ensure that agency rules and policies are consistent with statute and legislative intent. Legislative leadership can still appoint this committee.
Looking ahead to 2009, Senator Bob Burns (R-Peoria) told chamber executives about the severity of the budget crisis on the horizon. It is estimated the budget will have a $1.3 billion deficit in January, when the new session begins.
“Since all the state’s cash reserves are used up, lawmakers will have very few choices to close our debt other than to reduce spending,” he said. “We all need to be concerned.”
On average, the state spending plan automatically increases up to $600 million annually to meet statutory spending formulas, while revenues grow at $700 million. A slow economic recovery is predicted, however, meaning Arizona will face serious budget decisions next year.
The Flagstaff Chamber will continue lobbying to benefit its businesses and our state’s economy.
Let’s Make Flagstaff Graffiti Free September 13, 2008
The Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce is partnering with The Flagstaff Police Department and City of Flagstaff on several projects to fight graffiti crime. The Chamber urges businesses to become involved in three easy steps to help make Flagstaff graffiti-free:
#1 - Call the new “Graffiti Hotline” at 556-2311.The first step to getting rid of graffiti is making the call. Report graffiti damage wherever and whenever you see it. This will allow the Flagstaff Police Department to quickly “follow-up and cover-up” all reports of graffiti.
#2 - Volunteer to Clean-Up.The Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce urges its members to volunteer to paint over “tagged” property. Your business can show its civic pride by contributing a couple of hours a month. Call the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce at 774-4505, or go to DontTagFlag.com to volunteer. All Chamber business members who volunteer will be recognized in a future edition of “Business Matters,” the Chamber newsletter.
#3 - Report Information Leading to Arrest of Graffiti Vandals.The Chamber has established a special fund that will pay a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the individual arrest for graffiti vandalism. Calls can remain anonymous. If you have information, please call Silent Witness Hotline at 928.774.6111 or 877.29.CRIME.
For more information, contact the Chamber at 774-4505.
Live jazz, fabulous gourmet food, an exciting live auction and the chance to mingle in the beautiful surroundings of the Pine Canyon Country Club - it’s no wonder that the Chamber’s Grand Affair sells out each year.
