“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
July 2010
District 22 candidates met with members of the Gilbert Chamber on July 8th to share their views on State issues. Discussions on the State’s budget deficit, health care reform, and strategies to improve the State’s economic climate for business growth dominated the forum. Check out the candidate’s written questionnaires in addition to the videos.
June 2010
Small Businesses Win Big with Council’s Approval of Temporary Signs
Town Council members voted to approve sign code changes to relieve restrictions for temporary signage which is most beneficial for small businesses suffering from visibility issues. The Chamber surveyed its membership last fall and has been working with the Town since to encourage these changes.
Businesses will now be able to place up to a maximum of two (2) A-Frame signs and/or flying banners combined, one on each street frontage. They may display a total of three (3) of these signs which include a combination of street frontage signs and within their parking areas. In addition, they may display special sales event signage up to 8 days per month. Businesses 10,000 sq. ft. or less are eligible in commercial areas and businesses up to 30,000 sq. ft in business parks.
The temporary sign code amendment will be brought back before the Council in 21months to revisit the effectiveness of these changes. The Chamber has also met with Town Staff and Council urging them to invest in the technology needed to allow businesses to apply for permits online with fillable forms and credit card payments.
“Chamber members worked tirelessly to promote these changes and we are pleased with the Council’s vote,” said Kathy Tilque, president and CEO. The Chamber will be updating a temporary signage brochure and website link in the near future to assist businesses. Here’s how the Council voted, a yes vote indicates support for the Chamber’s position.
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:
District 22 candidates met with members of the Gilbert Chamber on July 8th to share their views on State issues. Discussions on the State’s budget deficit, health care reform, and strategies to improve the State’s economic climate for business growth dominated the forum. Check out the candidate’s written questionnaires in addition to the videos.
June 2010
Small Businesses Win Big with Council’s Approval of Temporary Signs
Town Council members voted to approve sign code changes to relieve restrictions for temporary signage which is most beneficial for small businesses suffering from visibility issues. The Chamber surveyed its membership last fall and has been working with the Town since to encourage these changes.
Businesses will now be able to place up to a maximum of two (2) A-Frame signs and/or flying banners combined, one on each street frontage. They may display a total of three (3) of these signs which include a combination of street frontage signs and within their parking areas. In addition, they may display special sales event signage up to 8 days per month. Businesses 10,000 sq. ft. or less are eligible in commercial areas and businesses up to 30,000 sq. ft in business parks.
The temporary sign code amendment will be brought back before the Council in 21months to revisit the effectiveness of these changes. The Chamber has also met with Town Staff and Council urging them to invest in the technology needed to allow businesses to apply for permits online with fillable forms and credit card payments.
“Chamber members worked tirelessly to promote these changes and we are pleased with the Council’s vote,” said Kathy Tilque, president and CEO. The Chamber will be updating a temporary signage brochure and website link in the near future to assist businesses. Here’s how the Council voted, a yes vote indicates support for the Chamber’s position.
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:
- 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."
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."
Continue to Business Plan and/or How They Voted
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© 2003-2010 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