“I have been involved in Chamber of Commerce and public policy activities in the EastValley for the past twenty years. I am impressed at tremendous job that the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce has done to become an effective advocate for business and member interests at the local, county and state levels. It has been an honor and a pleasure to be part of those efforts. We can all be proud of our Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to all of the future accomplishments we have ahead of us.”
Jonathan Olson
Arizona Business Bank
Public Policy
February 2010
There has been a lot going on behind the scenes in the public policy arena at the Chamber as we have surveyed our members on the sign code, sent recommendations to our Council members and are anxiously awaiting a meeting.
Other items we have been working on are the Heritage District Guidelines, General Plan Update, Citizen’s Budget Committee and, of course, legislative issues.
Chamber sends letter to Town officials and staff requesting changes to current Sign Code regarding temporary signage restrictions/options
Based on feedback from our members, the chamber's Public Policy Committee has submitted a letter to Town of Gilbert officials and staff to recommend several changes to the current sign code ordinance in an effort to lift restrictions on all businesses across the community.
"Obviously, the more successful our businesses are, the more successful our community is in collecting sales tax and property tax dollars that pay for the services we all enjoy", said Susan Brechbill, chair of the chamber's Board of Directors. "We need to evaluate ways to lessen restrictions to help businesses, now more than ever. Do we really need permits for temporary signage? Can we lessen restrictions and allow more flexibility in types of temporary signage while maintaining quality and consistency? These are the issues we will be discussing as we meet with Town officials."
A flier can be found on the Chamber's web site outlining the recommendations we will take forward to the Town but a quick summary is as follows:
There has been a lot going on behind the scenes in the public policy arena at the Chamber as we have surveyed our members on the sign code, sent recommendations to our Council members and are anxiously awaiting a meeting.
Other items we have been working on are the Heritage District Guidelines, General Plan Update, Citizen’s Budget Committee and, of course, legislative issues.
Chamber sends letter to Town officials and staff requesting changes to current Sign Code regarding temporary signage restrictions/options
Based on feedback from our members, the chamber's Public Policy Committee has submitted a letter to Town of Gilbert officials and staff to recommend several changes to the current sign code ordinance in an effort to lift restrictions on all businesses across the community.
"Obviously, the more successful our businesses are, the more successful our community is in collecting sales tax and property tax dollars that pay for the services we all enjoy", said Susan Brechbill, chair of the chamber's Board of Directors. "We need to evaluate ways to lessen restrictions to help businesses, now more than ever. Do we really need permits for temporary signage? Can we lessen restrictions and allow more flexibility in types of temporary signage while maintaining quality and consistency? These are the issues we will be discussing as we meet with Town officials."
A flier can be found on the Chamber's web site outlining the recommendations we will take forward to the Town but a quick summary is as follows:
- Expand the types of A-frame signs allowed to include sizes; eliminate the restriction on the size of businesses and number of signs allowed.
Allow Flying Banner signs with reasonable height restrictions, a secured base, and placement. - Change the sign code regarding banners to require online notification instead of permitting.
- Allow special event temporary signage with time restrictions, online notification and expanded signage opportunities.
- Add a new section to allow Boulevard Signs on light poles for shopping centers.
- Develop an online permit application for permanent signs.
"Based on the feedback we have received, it appears that temporary signage is very important to a segment of our business community that is very focused on attracting foot traffic and those who are newer businesses trying to create a customer base as they grow their business," said Kathy Tilque, president/CEO of the chamber. "For those businesses who are more established and don't require new foot traffic, the temporary signage doesn't seem to be a priority on their marketing plan."
In addition to working with the town to make these changes, the Chamber will also publish a brochure that outlines the opportunities and restrictions of temporary signage that will be distributed to businesses throughout the community.
"We truly appreciate our members taking time to complete this survey. Respondents represent a good cross section of our entire business community," explained Tilque. "Respondents also represented the makeup of the Chamber's membership as 53 percent of those who responded have been in business six years or longer and 56 percent have six or more employees."
October 2009
EVCCA report card is now available. View Now
September 2009
Guns and your business – During the last legislative session, SB 1168 was passed which prevents property owners, tenants, employers and businesses from prohibiting the storage or transport of lawfully possessed firearms in locked and privately-owned vehicles parked in a parking lot, parking garage, or other designated parking areas. We’d like to thank the Arizona Chamber for producing a “How to Comply” legal analysis/manual that will help you comply with the new law that went into effect on September 30. Please click here
July 2009
Chambers Unite Against National Public Insurance Option
In addition to working with the town to make these changes, the Chamber will also publish a brochure that outlines the opportunities and restrictions of temporary signage that will be distributed to businesses throughout the community.
"We truly appreciate our members taking time to complete this survey. Respondents represent a good cross section of our entire business community," explained Tilque. "Respondents also represented the makeup of the Chamber's membership as 53 percent of those who responded have been in business six years or longer and 56 percent have six or more employees."
October 2009
EVCCA report card is now available. View Now
September 2009
Guns and your business – During the last legislative session, SB 1168 was passed which prevents property owners, tenants, employers and businesses from prohibiting the storage or transport of lawfully possessed firearms in locked and privately-owned vehicles parked in a parking lot, parking garage, or other designated parking areas. We’d like to thank the Arizona Chamber for producing a “How to Comply” legal analysis/manual that will help you comply with the new law that went into effect on September 30. Please click here
July 2009
Chambers Unite Against National Public Insurance Option
The Gilbert Chamber has joined across the state of Arizona to send a united message to our congressional representatives to support efforts at the federal level to reform our nation’s health care system in a way that continuously improves access to and quality of care, contains costs, and substantially reduces the number of Americans who lack health insurance. We believe that reforms should be built upon the free market delivery of and payment for health care services, should maintain consumer choice, and should allow employers to determine how to provide health care benefits to their employees.
We oppose the creation of a public insurance option. This would create a scenario in which a government program would directly compete with private insurers on an uneven playing field. According to an April 2009 analysis by national health care consulting firm, the Lewin Group, if Medicare reimbursement levels are used in a public plan that is open to all employers, the number of people with private insurance would drop by two-thirds, effectively dismantling the private insurance market. Because Medicare reimbursement levels are below the cost of providing care, hospital revenues would fall by $36 billion and physician net income by $33 billion in 2010. The result would be significant reductions in access to health care and/or substantial tax increases and cost shifting to the private sector. Additionally, the private sector drives innovation that improves care and reduces costs. A public insurance program will not be as responsive to ever-changing patient needs as the private market nor will it facilitate new types of collaboration and innovation between insurers and providers.
In terms of the fiscal impact, the United States is poised to run a deficit of over $1.8 trillion this fiscal year – four times greater than last year’s all-time record. The creation of a public insurance plan will significantly increase this already staggering number. Further, a report issued last week by the trustees of Medicare and Social Security found that the trust fund that pays for hospital care is now predicted to run out of money by 2017. The creation of a new government health program will further compound our nation’s financial challenges.
Therefore, as the U.S. Congress considers how best to reform our nation’s health care system, we encourage businesses be included in the stakeholder process. Moving towards a single-payer, government run system is not in the best interest of Arizona’s employers or employees. We’ve asked our delegation to oppose the creation of a public insurance option so that the debate can turn towards meaningful policy changes that will contain costs, reduce the number of uninsured, and improve access to and quality of care.
Chamber Working Tirelessly on Behalf of Members
The Chamber’s Public Policy committee has been extremely busy the past few months. Many issues have been in the works at the Town of Gilbert. The Chamber was well represented at the stakeholder meetings and at the official Town meetings. A brief overview of these issues follows:
Capital Improvement Projects/System Development Fees (SDF) – The Chamber continues to support the philosophy that new growth pays for infrastructure improvements related to that growth through SDF. Chamber representatives met with Town staff for six months to evaluate all new projects and the impact on the SDF for the upcoming year. After fully vetting the projects, the Chamber supported the approximate 6% increase in fees. The updated projects and fees passed at the Council.
Water/Wastewater/Reclaimed Rate Fees – These enterprise funds are self-sufficient and rates are evaluated each year to keep the funds whole. Increased costs of chemicals and usage were evaluated as representatives from the Chamber met with Town staff. The Chamber agreed and supported the flat 6% increase in fees which was a better option than a conservation method that would charge larger users a significantly higher rate. Council approved these fee increases.
Non-Traditional Businesses – The Chamber weighed in through stakeholder groups, meeting with Town staff, and at public meetings its concern with creating a new regulation that would create a separation ordinance eliminating clustering of like businesses or businesses identified as non-traditional. At this time non-traditional businesses are designated as tattoo studios, pawn shops, and cash checking businesses. The Chamber believes it is not good economic policy to regulate businesses in this manner and recommended a conditional use permit process to solicit public input into whether a particular type of business would be offensive to a neighborhood. At newsletter publishing time, the Council had not voted on this item.
General Plan Update – The Town is required to update its general plan by 2011; the Chamber is involved in this process regarding the vision and expectations for build-out in Gilbert. The Chamber’s focus will be on economic development to ensure sustainability for the community as we can no longer depend on new growth to fund the community’s quality of life.
Town and State Budget Deficits – The Chamber has been actively involved in providing input into both local and state budget discussions through meetings with the Town Council and through the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance.
If you’d like to participate in the Chamber’s Public Policy committee, contact Kathy Langdon at kathy@gilbertchamber.com.
APRIL 2009
While the Arizona Senate did not hear bills last month, priorities of the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance continued to move through the legislative process.
Initiative Reform
An initiative reform bill continues forming in the Senate. The Alliance is proposing a warning label on ballot propositions due to the unintended consequences of the Voter Protection Act.
Privatization
Privatization of appropriate state services continues to be a topic of discussion in budget deliberations. The Alliance believes the private sector can assist with many government services amid a down economy.
Western Climate Initiative
State Representative Andy Biggs’s bill to prohibit participation in the Western Climate Initiative moved forward in the House last month. The Alliance believes climate changes issues should not be addressed at the state level.
Equalization Property Tax Repeal
Arizona businesses remain at a competitive disadvantage to surrounding states due to high property taxes. If allowed to go back into effect, the State Equalization Property Tax would hit businesses harder than other property tax classifications. The Alliance believes a repeal of the tax currently under suspension would help attract jobs to Arizona while other states raise taxes in an effort to raise revenue.
Arizona Regulatory Oversight Commission
A bill allowing for the reinstatement of the Arizona Regulator Oversight Commission continued to move forward in the House process last month. The Alliance supports the commission’s reinstatement as a check against aggressive state agency regulation.
Tort Reform
State Senator Carolyn Allen’s bill that provides lawsuit relief for emergency room staff is poised for passage this year. The Alliance is hopeful the passage of the bill will help keep healthcare cost increases to a minimum.
Health Insurance
A bill that would allow insurance companies to provide a “bare bones” health insurance product to sole proprietors continued moving in the House last month. The Alliance supports the measure as a way to assist fledgling businesses with affordable health insurance.
Of course the budget continues to be the primary focus of the Arizona Legislature. Federal stimulus funds began to flow to the State which should provide some relief for Arizona’s budget woes.
Should you have any questions about the aforementioned issues or any other business issues before the Arizona Legislature, please feel free to contact East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance lobbyists, Tom Dorn, Eric Emmert and Heather Bernacki at (602) 606-4667.
MARCH 2009
Chamber Supports ASU Polytechnic Campus
Gilbert Chamber Leads Effort to Maintain Healthcare, Math, Science Programs at ASU Polytechnic Campus
Times are tough and tough decisions are being made everyday to counter the reduction in revenue, clients, and the economic climate in general. As the State Legislature struggles to correct a more than billion dollar deficit, many popular agencies are being hit hard with budget cuts.
The state’s universities are leading in the amount of dollars cut from their state funding. While the business community supports our education partners we also acknowledge that cuts are being made in every sector of our communities including our own businesses. Based on those parameters, the Gilbert Chamber felt it important to put together a coalition to support for our local university.
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce has lead the Town’s effort to create a Preferred Company Environment (PCE) component of our business attraction efforts which will focus on the synergy between our new hospitals and the education pipeline to provide qualified workers for health related industries. We have just begun to gain momentum in the PCE arena and our education partners are crucial to the success of these efforts.
We will be asking the Arizona Board of Regents to consider the importance of mathematics, chemistry, physics, microbiology, nursing, wellness, and family/women study programs as an important cornerstone of the ASU Polytechnic model. We’ve already begun to create a pipeline of students who will be exposed from the eighth-grade through graduation at the secondary level to unique mentoring programs, internships, shadowing, and real-life applications, as well as, classroom study.
FEBRUARY 2009
Chamber Members Asked to Provide Input on Unnecessary Regulations
The month of February is devoted to gathering information from our members regarding solutions to streamline and/or eliminate unnecessary regulations that are getting in the way of growing businesses.
Our state legislators have opened the door for us to offer recommendations to change policies and regulations. We need to strike while the fire is hot as we may not have this type of opportunity in the future. We can make a difference - and we need member’s input. A survey and focus group has been launched to gather that input. Results we be forthcoming.
Chamber Members Asked to Provide Input on Unnecessary Regulations
The month of February is devoted to gathering information from our members regarding solutions to streamline and/or eliminate unnecessary regulations that are getting in the way of growing businesses.
Our state legislators have opened the door for us to offer recommendations to change policies and regulations. We need to strike while the fire is hot as we may not have this type of opportunity in the future. We can make a difference - and we need member’s input. A survey and focus group has been launched to gather that input. Results we be forthcoming.
Mayoral and Council Candidate Endorsements
Click here for the Chamber’s endorsements and candidate responses to our questionnaire.
Click here for the Chamber’s endorsements and candidate responses to our questionnaire.
EVCCA Delivers Budget Letter to the Capitol
With looming budget deficits for fiscal years ’09 and ’10, the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance delivered its budget recommendations to the capital:
With looming budget deficits for fiscal years ’09 and ’10, the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance delivered its budget recommendations to the capital:
January 26, 2009
Arizona faces some of the most challenging economic times in its near 100-year history. As a member of the 49th Legislature, you have a daunting task ahead of you as you attempt to balance the state budget. We hope the following recommendations will help guide you as you tackle this enormous challenge.
The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA) is the largest chamber of commerce organization in Arizona with more than 7,500 members representing eight chambers in the East Valley. Our budget priorities, however, have no geographic boundaries as they would improve the business climate throughout the entire great state of Arizona. Therefore, we offer the following budget recommendations and options for your consideration:
Arizona’s “Voter Protection Act” Must be Addressed
Due to the severity of Arizona’s economic downturn, the Legislature must be allowed to adjust the budget despite what voters approved at the ballot. A suspension of the “Voter Protection Act of 1998” should be placed on the ballot as quickly as possible to ease budget constraints pertaining to our current shortfall. A mechanism to trigger future suspensions should also be established.
Formulaic Increases Must be Frozen
Arizona statutes include many formulaic increases or inflators. The Alliance encourages the Legislature to freeze these automatic increases as soon as possible.
Agency Cuts are Necessary
In an economic slowdown, businesses adjust by reducing spending in non-critical areas. Similarly, the Alliance encourages the Arizona Legislature to respond to its budget deficit with appropriate reductions in agency spending that do not eliminate the core functions of state government.
Permanently Eliminate the CountyEqualization Rate
Three years ago, the Legislature wisely placed a moratorium on Arizona’s State Equalization Property Tax Rate. If allowed to go back into effect, the rate would be the largest tax increase in Arizona history. Additionally, Arizona would be at a competitive disadvantage for the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses. The Alliance strongly urges the Legislature to permanently eliminate the state equalization property tax. As tax generators for the State, Arizona’s businesses need a tax structure that encourages growth.
Privatization
The private sector can play an instrumental role in reducing State expenditures. Privatization of appropriate state services should be considered if such transfer to the private sector would reduce costs to the State while providing comparable or improved service to the taxpaying public.
Reconfigure Education Funding
Since the students of today are the workforce of tomorrow, K-20 education funding is very important to the business community. Arizona has one of the most complex education funding systems in the nation. Inequities abound in both capital and operational funding formulas. As you consider the state budget, we encourage you to develop a balanced and equitable statewide formula to fund capital construction and building renewal, including a review of the current Students First method. We also urge you to fundamentally reconfigure the manner in which the State funds education maintenance and operations. Additionally, purposes and processes related to State Trust Lands should be modernized to maximize education revenues to the State.
With regard to other policy matters you may consider this session, please know that the EVCCA strongly opposes a Taxpayer Bill of Rights. We believe it would shackle government’s ability to adjust to changing economic conditions.
Thank you for consideration of our policy recommendations. Your service continues to be greatly appreciated by members of the East Valley business community. If you have questions about our recommendations or would like to discuss them in more detail, please contact our legislative advocates, Tom Dorn, Eric Emmert or Heather Bernacki, at 602-606-4667.
We wish you well in your budget negotiations. We support you as you continue to stand with the Arizona business community.
Protecting the Secret Ballot
The Gilbert Chamber joined forces with chambers across the state in their efforts to oppose attempts at the National level to pass a “employee free choice act”, known as Card Check. According to the US Chamber of Commerce, "this legislation is organized labor’s top priority in Congress next year, and with good reason. The bill would do away with private ballot elections when workers decide whether or not to join unions, eliminating a vital safeguard and exposing workers to intimidation. It would reduce union incentives to bargain in good faith and force employers to accept contracts imposed by government arbitrators. And it would expose employers but not unions to stiffer penalties for labor law violations. Right-to-work states (like Arizona) would not escape the job-destroying effects of EFCA. Even though workers in your state can’t be forced to pay union dues they could suddenly find themselves unionized, forcing them to give up the right to deal directly with their employers. Their employers could be saddled with costs and work rules that make their companies uncompetitive, forcing them to scale back operations, move overseas, or even close. It seems like a particularly bad time to change our labor laws in ways that could cripple our employers and our economy. For these reasons, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are writing to U.S. senators and representatives and also governors from right-to-work states, urging them to oppose EFCA."
The Gilbert Chamber joined forces with chambers across the state in their efforts to oppose attempts at the National level to pass a “employee free choice act”, known as Card Check. According to the US Chamber of Commerce, "this legislation is organized labor’s top priority in Congress next year, and with good reason. The bill would do away with private ballot elections when workers decide whether or not to join unions, eliminating a vital safeguard and exposing workers to intimidation. It would reduce union incentives to bargain in good faith and force employers to accept contracts imposed by government arbitrators. And it would expose employers but not unions to stiffer penalties for labor law violations. Right-to-work states (like Arizona) would not escape the job-destroying effects of EFCA. Even though workers in your state can’t be forced to pay union dues they could suddenly find themselves unionized, forcing them to give up the right to deal directly with their employers. Their employers could be saddled with costs and work rules that make their companies uncompetitive, forcing them to scale back operations, move overseas, or even close. It seems like a particularly bad time to change our labor laws in ways that could cripple our employers and our economy. For these reasons, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are writing to U.S. senators and representatives and also governors from right-to-work states, urging them to oppose EFCA."
Legislative Agenda Sent to the Capitol
The Gilbert Chamber along with partners of the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA) published their legislative agenda and presented it to the East Valley legislative delegation. Read Legislative Agenda
Continue to Business Plan and/or How They Voted
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© 2003-2005 Gilbert Chamber of Commerce | 119 North Gilbert Road, Ste 101, P.O. Box 527 | Gilbert, AZ 85299-0527
Phone: (480) 892-0056 | Fax: 480-892-1980 | Email: info@gilbertchamber.com | Powered by ROCKET MEDIA
Phone: (480) 892-0056 | Fax: 480-892-1980 | Email: info@gilbertchamber.com | Powered by ROCKET MEDIA