View
220
Download
1
Category
Tags:
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
Â
Citation preview
Volume 2014, Issue 1
The Chamber Vista A monthly publication of the Sierra Vista Area Chamber January 2014
Volume 2014, Issue #1
“We Mean Business”
Update from
Executive
Director Deanna La Velle
2
MAC Committee
provides market-ing opportunities
2
First aid facts
you should know 3
Minimum wage increase this month.
4
January Schedule of Events
4
December Events at a Glance
5
Email Market-ing in 2014
6
Member Page 7
Board of Directors / Chamber Staff
8
Get a jump on promoting your business in 2014! By Margaret Dillard
Communications Director
Last year we took a new approach to
our annual health fair and introduced
the Health, Wealth and Lifestyle Fair.
We wanted to showcase a wide variety
of businesses that can help with well-
being, personal finances and enjoy-
ment of the attractions and benefits of
living in Southern Arizona. It was an
overwhelming success. Vendor partici-
pation rose from 50 to
more than 80! Again this
year the Health, Wealth &
Lifestyle Fair will focus on
energizing your business
and your customers, on
helping clients capitalize
their assets and exploring
all there is to offer in
Cochise County.
Once again, The Mall at Sierra Vista
serves as the perfect venue offering
high traffic and plenty of room for ven-
dors and their customers. This one-
day event will be open to Chamber
members and non-members, although
vendors who are members receive a
discounted rate.
With the Sierra Vista Herald again acting
as a major sponsor, all vendors will re-
ceive free recognition through extensive
advertising in the lead up to Saturday,
March 1—so the sooner you sign up, the
more publicity your business will receive.
Additionally, the Chamber is offering
event sponsor opportunities from as little
as $250. This is a fantastic chance to at-
tach your business to a high profile com-
munity event and receive ongoing market-
ing via the media, the Chamber’s website
(more than 5,000 page views monthly),
Vista newsletter, weekly email blast, and
more.
The Health, Wealth & Lifestyle Fair takes
place on March 1 from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. Booth space
ranges from 8’x5’ to a limited
number of 10’x10’ spaces.
Chamber members will be
given priority if there is a
waiting list for booths.
Sign up online at sierravis-
tachamber.org. For further
details on vendor space and
sponsorship, call us at 458-6940.
This was a very good experience. I was able to meet with potential new patients, offer medical services on site, and network with other healthcare profession-als. I hope to participate next year. Pamela Enright Mountain View Family Care, PLLC The event was great! We had the opportunity to visit with many folks, shared information about our pro-grams, networked with local organizations, and as-sisted the public with questions about the college, our community and volunteer opportunities in the area. It was a great event! Ana Smith
Thank you to the sponsors who have signed up so far...
As we enter 2014, I am
reminded of the ever-
changing makeup of our
community as some move
on to new opportunities.
In recent weeks, this has
proven to be the case. I
began my new position as
Executive Director of the
Sierra Vista Area Cham-
ber, on the last night of
the Festival of Trees. This
was a perfect time to
jump in with both feet.
The next morning I was off
to help our Ambassadors
decorate the Chamber
float for our 55th Annual
Christmas Light Parade.
On Saturday morning, we
held our Annual Santa Fly-
In at Ace Hardware. What
a great time of year to see
our community in action!
Sierra Vista is a commu-
nity like no other, and I am
proud to be representing our
Chamber. I’m looking for-
ward to working with all of
our members; therefore if I
haven’t had the pleasure to
meet with you, please give
me a call.
May this year bring joy and
prosperity to you and your
business. One way to work
towards prosperity for your
business is to take advan-
tage of all the benefits
Chamber membership has to
offer. If your business has
recently opened, had a re-
modeling project, moved to a
new location, or changed
ownership, you are invited to
take advantage of the Cham-
ber’s Ribbon Cutting Cere-
mony. With each Ribbon Cut-
ting, your business will be
exposed to the Sierra Vista
community. Event photos and
information of your Ribbon
Cutting will be published in the
Chamber’s weekly e-blast, on
Facebook, and displayed in
our monthly newsletter. A Rib-
bon Cutting Ceremony is a
great way to invite people to
your location and showcase
your business. Not only does
this opportunity get people to
your place of business, but it
offers a unique networking en-
vironment in addition to great
marketing. Contact our Mar-
keting and Membership Direc-
tor John Hargraves at (520)
458-6940 to schedule your
Ribbon Cutting today!
Chamber Update by Executive Director Deanna La Velle
“I am looking
forward to working
with all of our
members; therefore
if I haven’t had the
pleasure to meet
with you, please
give me a call.”
Page 2 The Chamber Vista
Military Affairs Committee offers opportunity to promote to Fort Huachuca
The Chamber’s
Military Affairs
Committee
(MAC) is offer-
ing members
the opportunity
to not only pro-
mote their busi-
nesses to the
military commu-
nity, but to say
thank you to
those who help
protect our
freedom.
On February 21, Fort Huachuca will stage its
Annual Awards Banquet and local companies
are being asked to help fund some of the
awards, as well as offer gifts to the worthy
winners.
The honorees will each receive a sculptured
American eagle and your business name
could be on one of them as a sponsor for just
$100, which includes the cost of purchasing
and engraving each award.
MAC is also seeking help with gifts, such as
cards or merchandise for the award winners,
who will include Civilian of the Year, Sailor of
the Year, Reserve Recruiter of the Year, Ac-
tive Duty Recruiter of the Year, Marine of the
Year, Instructor of the Year, NCO of the Year
and Soldier of the Year.
Sponsors will receive recognition at this pres-
tigious event.
The schedule has also been completed for
the regular monthly MAC luncheons, held the
first Wednesday of the month at the Thunder
Mountain Activity Centre on post.
There will be eight luncheons during 2013,
beginning February 5 at 11:30 a.m.
Further opportunities exist for Chamber
members to promote their businesses at
each of these events by donating gifts of
each event’s award dinners, as well as buy-
ing them lunch.
During the luncheon honorees receive their
gifts from community businesses, which can
include gift certificates, gas cards, plaques
and assorted small items to be placed in a
bag.
There are up to four award winners at each
luncheon and businesses can donate gifts
monthly, or contribute for the entire year.
Sponsoring award winners’ lunches costs
$150 for the calendar year and must be paid
in full.
Both gift and lunch sponsors will receive
recognition in the monthly program. The
luncheons are regularly attended by senior
Fort Huachuca, City of Sierra Vista and busi-
ness leaders.
For more information, call Margaret Dillard at
the Chamber at 458-6940.
Page 3 Volume 2014, Issue 1
What you need to know about first-aid in the workplace
If an employee of one of your members
is injured at work and treated by the
company’s first-aid kit, then the injury is
not severe enough to warrant a workers
compensation claim.
Cuts, scrapes, small wounds or even a
single headache are insufficient reason
to file a claim.
If, on the other hand, a worker is ex-
posed to a chemical that causes routine
headaches, this could be considered an
“occupational disease” that could
prompt a workers compensation claim.
Your members also should be reminded
not to pay the claims costs for their in-
jured workers.
The reasons?
They may be paying for non-
compensable claims.
They may end up paying more than
what SCF would have paid based on the
contracted fees from its Preferred Con-
nection Network or the Industrial Com-
mission’s Medical Fee Schedule.
What might start as a minor injury
could become worse, and the costs for
treatment could increase.
The Chamber partners with SCF to offer
a special program for members.
For more information, contact:
www.scfaz.com
(602) 403-0792
Don’t forget to download the free
Chamber APP for all your local
shopping and services’ needs.
Featuring only Chamber members,
events, hot deals and more!
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
LUNCHEON
January 30
11:30 a.m.—1:00 pm
Windemere Hotel
& Conference Center
Reserve your seat today!
Call (520) 458-6940
Or visit
www.sierravistachamber.org
Some tools for adapting to recent changes in Facebook
By Gary Dillard
Ask for comments, for example. Subtly, of
course. “What do you think?” is always a
good starting point. Or you can post just to
get input. If you run a restaurant, for ex-
ample, you might ask: “What is your fam-
ily's secret ingredient for barbecue
sauce?” If you have a computer store, you
might ask: “What is your horror story
about viruses?”
Using Facebook Insights to determine
when your fans are most active, then post
during those times. Use the scheduling
feature to ensure that posts go out at
these time. That also allows you to do
your marketing work at a time that is best
for your schedule.
Facebook posts have shorter lifespans
than ever. Recent studies show that most
engagement takes place within five hours
of the original posting, and most “reach”
takes place in less than two hours. So
don't hesitate to post twice a day, or even
three times.
Consider setting up alerts on your smart
phone so that when someone does com-
ment on a post, you can join the conversa-
tion right away. You might be answering a
question, responding to a comment or
simply contributing to the flow of dialog.
But your customers will know you are
there. And then, of course, you will want
to consider advertising. Facebook ads are
still the best deals going, whether you're
spending a few bucks to make sure im-
portant posts are going to all of your fan
base or whether you're spreading the
word to a new demographic. Advertising is
really the only way to be assured of get-
ting the reach you want.
Facebook can be expected to continue its
evolution during 2014, but it remains, for
the time, the biggest marketing tool in
existence. Learn to use it, and use it well.
Dillard is an owner of Prism Communications,
a local online marketing and development
company. He will be conducting classes on
Facebook for Business and Facebook Advertis-
ing through the Small Business Development
Center at Cochise College Jan. 29. Contact the
SBDC at (520) 515-5478 for details. This arti-
cle is extracted from Dillard's “How To Market
Your (Very) Small Business Online in 2014,” a
book slated for publication under the Market-
ing4Micros imprint in January.
Schedule of Events
Page 4 Newsletter Title
Fri, Jan. 3 - 2:00 p.m. Ribbon Cutting for
Sierra Vista CPA, LLC at 400 W. Fry Blvd.,
Suite 4.
Thurs., Jan. 9 - 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Business @
Twilight hosted by The Girl Scouts of Southern
Arizona to be held at 2367 E. Fry Blvd. (Long
Realty Building behind Denny’s).
Wed. Jan. 15 - All Day, Leadership Sierra Vista
2013-14, Education Day. Bus leaves from the
Chamber.
Fri. Jan. 17 - 7:30 a.m., Board Meeting at the
Chamber’s COX Resource Room.
Tues., Jan. 21 - 8:00 a.m. Military Affairs
Committee Meeting at the Chamber.
Thurs. Jan. 30 - 11:30 a.m. Annual Member-
ship Luncheon at the Windemere Hotel &
Conference Center.
Page 4 The Chamber Vista
SAVE THE DATE!
Sierra Vista Area Chamber
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
January 30th, 2014
www.facebook.com/SierraVistaChamber www.twitter.com/SVChamber101
Arizona's minimum wage rate is in-
creased annually based upon a cost of
living formula as defined by Arizona
Proposition 202. Arizona's minimum
wage was last raised by 15 cents on
January 1 2013. In previous years, Ari-
zona raised its minimum wage by 30
cents from $7.35 on $7.65 on January
1 2012, 10 cents in 2011.
Arizona's minimum wage will be raised
again in January 2014 by 10 cents per
hour making the state's legal minimum
wage $7.90.
Starting January 1, 2014 the Minimum Wage
in Arizona is increasing to $7.90/hour and
employers are required to update their post-
ers. You can find the posters free of charge
on the Industrial Commission’s Website:
http://www.ica.state.az.us/HomePage/
HOME_Poster_Rules.aspx
Arizona’s minimum wage to
increase January 1.
Are you ready to become an Ambassador?
By Margaret Dillard,
Communications Director
Your chamber’s Events Coordinator,
Diane Erwin professionally crafts oppor-
tunities that offer members viable ave-
nues to promote their businesses and
your Marketing and Membership Direc-
tor, John Hargraves’ expertise in market-
ing and micro business development
serves as invaluable assets, but your
participation in the one of our five com-
mittees: Leadership Committee, Military
Affairs Committee, Safety Committee,
Business Advocacy Committee and Am-
bassadors Committee, guarantees that
your voice will be heard. We invite you to
consider becoming a committee mem-
ber.
As we look ahead to 2014, the Ambassa-
dors are looking to add a few new mem-
bers who are prepared to act as the
Chamber’s “right hand” during events
and activities.
The mission of the Ambassadors Com-
mittee is to aid the Membership depart-
ment in welcoming new members, retain-
ing existing members, and to support the
mission of the Sierra Vista Area Cham-
ber. This committee represents the ulti-
mate in networking opportunities. The
group is comprised of business owners
and managers who meet once a month
and act as the hosts for the Chamber
Ribbon Cuttings and special events.
As you read the mission, you probably
noticed that members of this committee
are involved in many activities and
events. The truth is that this committee
takes more time and personal involve-
ment than the others, but with the com-
mitment comes value that gets your
name and that of your business to many
people in our community.
Here are a few benefits regarding be-
coming a member of the Ambassadors
Committee:
Attending Ribbon Cuttings as an Am-
bassador features you as a community
leader to businesses who are new or
expanding.
Ambassadors are a group who are
set apart as business mentors and ex-
perts in their fields.
Involvement in Chamber activities
promotes the message that you are will-
ing to serve for the betterment of the
business environment and tells others
that you are approachable.
“I’ve personally enjoyed the experience,”
says committee co-chair, Mary Tieman.
“Through this networking opportunity, I
have developed lasting relationships and
Arizona Workforce has been able to as-
sist numerous businesses with their hir-
ing needs.”
Mary is the Executive Assistant to the
Director of Arizona Workforce Connec-
tions. The organization promotes and
supports a workforce system that offers
employers, workers and communities
across Cochise, Graham and Greenlee
Counties. You can read more about Ari-
zona Workforce Connections on their
website at: www.seazworkforce.org .
Page 5 Volume 2014, Issue 1
For upcoming events please visit us at www.sierravistachamber.org/events
Top Row: Ribbon Cutting at Hoppin Grapes,
Business @ Twilight at Sun Canyon Inn, Rib-
bon Cutting at Heavenly Fudge.
2nd Row: Leadership Class at Sierra Vista
Flowers, Presentation of check to the Boys &
Girls Club of Sierra Vista from Festival of
Trees.
3rd Row: Parade award winner, New Frontier
Animal Medical Center’s float.
Bottom Row: Parade and Santa Fly In
Page 6 The Chamber Vista
While national business average
revenues seem to be rebounding
slightly, these trends will take longer
to reach small businesses in rural
America. A creative, proactive,
budget-conscious approach is key to
setting your business on the road to
success this year. Consider the
benefits of email marketing when
creating your 2014 business plan.
Be where your customers are — the
inbox.
Your customers check email several
times a day, and with Email Market-
ing, you're there. That means more
people through your door, more calls,
and more revenue.
Easy on your budget.
Email Marketing is a great value!
Prices start at around $15 a month,
and chamber members get a special
discount with Constant Contact.
Create personalized messages.
Get more customers through your
door with emails that have the right
message. Email lets you send per-
sonalized, targeted messages to your
contacts.
Email is mobile.
Research shows that 43% of your
emails are likely read on a mobile
device*.
Plays well with social media.
Email builds your social word-of-
mouth. With an email marketing ser-
vice, you can easily share your con-
tent on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twit-
ter, and so can your fans, friends,
and followers.
It's connected.
Services work seamlessly with your
existing business tools.
It gets results.
Email Marketing produces higher ROI
than digital marketing or print cata-
logs** and you can track your suc-
cess with real-time reports that show
your opens, bounces, and clicks.
Sierra Vista Chamber Member who
use currently use or create new ac-
counts with Constant Contac receive
up to a 25% discount by contacting
the company.
New Constant Contact Users:
www.constantcontact.com/promo/
chamber/signup.jsp
Already using Constant Contact?
Email:
chamberprogram@constantcontact.com
You will need our User Name:
SVChamber 101
Email Marketing may be one tool that propels your business forward in 2014
Health, Wealth & Lifestyle Fair
Sponsorship opportunities open to
Chamber members.
Limited booth space available on a first
come, first served basis
March 1st, 2014
10 a.m.—4 p.m.
The Mall at Sierra Vista
Call the Chamber at
458-6940
Reach over 600 businesses in Sierra
Vista and surrounding communities
Take advantage of this member-only
benefit!
We insert and mail for you!
Super low advertising rates! Members
pay only $99. Executive Club Members
get 2 free inserts per year!
SPECIFICATIONS: Inserts must be on
8.5x11, flat, non-glossy, standard weight
(20lb.– black & white, 24/28lb.— color)
paper.
February NEWSLETTER DEADLINE:
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
NOTE: Insert space is limited and is pro-
vided on a first come, first serve basis.
For information, call the Chamber at
458-6940 or email:
mdillard@sierravistachamber.org
Advertise to 640+local businesses
for about 20 cents each! Business at Twilight
sponsored by the
Girl Scouts of Southern
Arizona
at 2367 E. Fry Blvd.
(Long Realty Building behind Denny's)
Sierra Vista, AZ
Thursday, January 9th,
5:00 pm
These monthly mixers are a great way to learn more about the Cham-ber, other local businesses and to
promote your own! Don't forget your business cards and bring another
business owner with you!
No RSVP required.
Page 7 Volume 2014, Issue 1
Thanks to these members for renewing their commitment to the business community
A Special Welcome to Our New Members!
Executive Club Members Allstate Insurance Company - Pat Meldrum
American Southwest Credit Union
Arizona Water Company
Beacon Group
Bishop & Brown, LLC
BrightStar HomeCare
CACI, Inc.
Castle & Cooke Arizona, Inc.
Castle & Cooke Mortgage, LLC
CerendipiTees *Home Based Business of 2012*
CGI *Large Business of the Year 2012*
Cherry Creek Radio
City of Sierra Vista
Cox
Dental Village
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
Garden Terrace Assisted Living Home
General Dynamics Information Tech.
Hobby Lobby
Horizon Moving Systems of Sierra Vista, Inc.
JR's Food and Spirits
Landmark Cafe, The
Las Palomas Apartments
Lawley Automotive Center
Lawley's Team Ford
Life Care Center
Long Realty Co.
Longhorn Restaurant
Mall at Sierra Vista - Management Office
ManTech Telecommunications & Info Sys-
tems
Mr. Fix It
Naco Dental
National Bank of Arizona
Netmedix IT Solutions
New Frontier Animal Medical Center
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Patio Pools & Spas
Pioneer Title Agency
Pueblo del Sol Country Club
Real Estate Press of Sierra Vista
Rommel Equipment Services
Rosemont Copper Company
Sierra Vista Ace Hardware
Sierra Vista Herald & Bisbee Daily Review
Sierra Vista Regional Health
Southeastern Arizona Contractors Assoc.
Southwest Gas Corporation
Southwestern Eye Center
Specialists in Dermatology
Stachel & Associates, P.C.
Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Coop.
Sun Canyon Inn
Systems Integration
Tailored Living
The Boeing Company
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
University of Phoenix-Sierra Vista Campus
Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors, David
Burnett
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wayland Baptist University
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc.
Windemere Hotel & Conference Center
For a Better Life (520) 678-7032
Mona's Maternity (619) 8862165
Three Canyons Roasters (520) 249-2176
Intermountain Center
for Human Development (520) 721-1887
Linda Grale Realty (602) 430-7071
Primo Vapors (520) 227-0987
Nextiva (800) 983-4289
Outback Steakhouse (520) 458-1313
Baroumes Law Group (520) 335-1858
Website Banner Advertising
Opportunities
available on the Chamber’s website.
Call Margaret at (520) 458-6940 or visit
http://bit.ly/19DFJ4F
Arizona Auto & Radiator Repair
Sierra Vista Self-Storage & Carwash
Screaming Banshee Pizza
Bob Strain
Service First Realty
Aegis Communications Group
An elegant Touch
Lundvedt, Gayle Y., D.M.D., P.C.
Sterling Pointe Apartments
Sierra vista Rotary Club
Daystar Palyroll. LLC
Clear Channel Outdoor
Spur Western Wear
Western Motel
Petit's Auto Care
Galeria de Coronado Rental Home
University of Arizona-Sierra Vista
United Way of Cochise County
The Morris Team, ERA Four Feathers Realty
Jones-Wilson Insurance & Investments, Inc.
Villa Vista Assisted Living
Dental Village
Century Link Communications
Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival
Nature Conservancy's Ramsey Canyon Preserve
Shell Super Stop
Tierra Antigua Realty
Huachuca Mountain Insurance Agency
21 E. Wilcox Dr.
Sierra Vista, AZ. 85635
The Chamber Vista is a publication of the Sierra Vista Area Chamber
21 E. Wilcox Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 (520) 458-6940, Fax: (520) 452-0878 www.sierravistachamber.org
Mission Statement
The Sierra Vista Area Chamber promotes business and provides leadership for the improvement of the community.
2012-13 Board of Directors
Executive Officers
Chairman - Michael Benson - TDY Housing Past Chairwoman - Dee Dee Hoeft, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Chair Elect - Rick Shelley - Horizon Moving Systems Treasurer - Anita Farrow, National Bank of Arizona Secretary - Jack Blair, SSVEC
Board Members
Frank Gonzalez, - Lawley Automotive Elsie MacMillan - Sierra Toyota Ken Cecil - Mall at Sierra Vista Phil Vega - Sierra Vista Herald / Bisbee Daily Review Nancy Nash - Stuff ‘N Baskets Nathan Williams - Nathan Williams, Law Office Glen Cobb - Sierra Suites Kevin Peterson - CGI Mary Tieman - Southeast Arizona Workforce Connection
Jon Galchik—TASC
Sierra Vista Area Chamber PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
HEREFORD, AZ
PERMIT NO. 29
CURRENT RESIDENT OR
Chamber Staff
Executive Director - Deanna La Velle, dlavelle@sierravistachamber.org Membership & Marketing Director - John Hargraves III, jhargraves@sierravistachamber.org Communications Director - Margaret Dillard, mdillard@sierravistachamber.org Office Manager - Toni Rogers, officem@sierravistachamber.org Events Coordinator - Diane Erwin, derwin@sierravistachamber.org
Recommended