At our recent Annual Luncheon, we celebrated our accomplishments over the past year and shared our vision for the upcoming year. New board members and committee chairs were introduced, and we honored those moving on from their terms of service.
Attendees enjoyed presentations by our leadership, an awards ceremony for our members and a keynote speech by Susan Brooks, founder of Cookies From Home. Her story was inspirational, entertaining and motivating — a perfect combination of sentiments as we begin our new year.
Below are some of the major accomplishments of the Tempe Chamber and its committees over the last year.
The Ambassadors Committee participated in 44 ribbon cuttings and grand opening events and hosted 24 Chamber mixers. They also created the Ambassador Incentive Program to increase visibility within the Chamber community by enhancing ongoing participation and providing volunteer incentives.
The Business Development Council continued the success of the monthly Hot Topics lecture series by offering educational presentations from leaders and industry experts, including Mayor Mark Mitchell, Tempe Police Chief Tom Ryff and Herb Schultz of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, just to name a few. The group also continued the growth and success of Coffee Connections, a leads program.
The Business Owners Forum provided a confidential environment where business owners offered free advice and suggestions to fellow owners to help build and improve their business, as well as kept business owners up to date on current topics affecting the economy and business community.
The Government Relations and Transportation Committee continued the Chamber’s presence at the Arizona Legislature and U.S. Congress through coalitions and direct lobbying; developed policy agendas for the federal, state and local levels; supported the passage of Tempe’s General Plan 2040; participated in a national Washington, D.C., fly-in to urge the passage of comprehensive immigration reform; and much more.
The Military Affairs Committee continued its longstanding role as liaison between the business community and the various military units within the Valley by hosting 10 luncheons to recognize the accomplishments and commitment of outstanding men and women serving in military units throughout the area. The committee also presented scholarships to outstanding cadets from the Army, Air Force and Navy ROTC programs at ASU and arranged a trip for members and guests to Prescott and Nellis Air Force Base.
The Tempe Links Classic Committee planned and executed a dynamic golf tournament at ASU Karsten, which continues to serve as one of the Chamber’s most exciting networking fundraisers.
The Women in Business Council ensured the continued viability of the Women in Business Conference and its mission of focusing on reaching, achieving and celebrating success; identified and honored the Business Woman of the Year; completed another successful six-month Mentoring Program to assist women in attaining their personal and professional goals; and hosted a four-part leadership speaker series featuring guest speakers and seminars designed to guide participants on becoming leaders through positive transformation at work and at home.
