So far, this year has been full of great community building, creating alliances and forming new partnerships. I am thrilled to be a part of this growing organization and witnessing, first hand, the impact it has on our membership. Let me share with you a few exciting announcements! First, get your calendar out and reserve this time in your schedule because you won’t want to … [More]
How Paying Employees More Can Increase Your Profits
Many small-business owners are concerned about the changes to the overtime rules that come into effect this December. Currently, employees who make an annual salary of less than $23,600 are eligible to be paid overtime if they work more than 40 hours a week. Beginning in December, the annual salary threshold increases to $47,476 — impacting the earnings of upward of … [More]
Options for Owning a Part of the Valley of the Sun
Arizona is a beautiful place to live and work, but it’s also a great place to visit. Arizona is a top winter destination for many who live in cooler climates, like our northern friends. Arizona is also a great summer destination thanks to lower prices for hotels, golf courses and other tourist attractions. Several new attractions have opened recently. The OdySea Aquarium, … [More]
Your Business Deserves a Good Deal: Commercial Leases 101
When considering a commercial lease, don’t just sign on the dotted line! For many businesses, leases are a large part of overhead. Tenants have bargaining power to garner for themselves the best deal for their bottom line. Here are some items you should consider when negotiating a commercial lease. Your Goals Identify your goals. Here are some important variables: Size of … [More]
Why You Should Issue 1099-MISC in Your Business
These days, businesses rely on additional services from contractors and freelancers for tasks that don’t require employee headcount. This means that it’s essential for them to understand IRS rules and varied prerequisites for issuing 1099-MISC forms in their business. Unfortunately, a lot of business owners “wing it” when it comes to following the rules and requirements because … [More]
Do You Support Sustainable Business Practices?
The Pledge was developed to help businesses learn how to reduce waste, energy and water usage and to develop sustainable purchasing programs. With the launch of this program, the goal of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce is to help make businesses and the communities in which they operate more resilient and sustainable. This comprehensive online resource and planning tool helps … [More]
Anne Gill Named Tempe Chamber of Commerce President & CEO
Anne Gill is the new president and CEO of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce. She took office on Oct. 31. She previously served as the president and CEO of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce since 2011. Gill is a skilled nonprofit leader with more than 25 years of business administration experience who excels in corporate development, community outreach, fundraising and … [More]
Local Committees Offer Chance to Grow Networks and Skills
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce offers the chance to collaborate with other people in the community through one of its many committees. Varied in purpose and scope, each offers unique and valuable opportunities to become involved and grow your network and skill set. They include Business Development, Military Affairs, Government Relations, Transportation, Ambassadors, Women in … [More]
2 Ways to Keep Your Project on Track
A great many projects are hatched by business owners everywhere, but they don’t all become a reality. Just like not all businesses survive the first five years, not every project is executed in a way it can be successful. I recently gave a presentation to a group of small-business owners about how Web apps are like houses. If you’re scratching your head, then keep reading and … [More]
Steven G. Zylstra Fall 2016 Message
In my time, I’ve seen a variety technologies evolve from infancy to leaving lasting impacts that have profoundly changed our lives. Color televisions, transistor radios, DVRs, cell phones, computers, software — all moved at some point from “gee whiz” to “how did I even live without it?” And all have played roles in shaping what we have become as a society. In my role, I … [More]
