“It was important to fill this position with someone who is invested in our community – especially our business community,” said Kathy Tilque, President/CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. “Annette fits the bill and has quickly gained the respect of our members and staff.”

Before joining the Chamber, Sellers served as Event Manager at Villa Siena, a special event venue in Gilbert, where she generated sales and revenues exceeding $1 million the first year in business.

“I am very excited to join the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and anxious to share the benefits and the investment the Chamber offers with local businesses,” Sellers said. “I look forward to strengthening the relationships between current members and building on these relationships with new members.”

Sellers began her sales career in 1987 as an Event Manager for America West Airlines. “Having lived in Gilbert the last six years and living on the Gilbert/Chandler border ten years prior to that, I have watched the town grow tremendously and many businesses prosper over the years,” Sellers said. “I’m proud of the sense of pride that resonates throughout the town.”

Annette Sellers can be reached by phone at (480) 926-6020 or by e-mail at annette@gilbertchamber.com.

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit, membership-based organization with more than 600 members ranging from home-based businesses to large corporations. The Chamber proactively serves as a business advocate to strengthen the business climate in Gilbert. To learn more about or join the Chamber, please contact (480) 892-0056 or visit www.gilbertaz.com.

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce has created a quick reference flyer to help businesses understand what they can do for more visibility during a road construction project near their business.

“Many businesses don’t realize they can place banners in front of their shopping center during road construction and there is no permit cost to do so,” said Kathy Tilque, President/CEO. “The Chamber worked closely with the Town several years ago to ensure businesses struggling during a construction project had business access signs and additional visibility during these tough times.”

The Chamber will distribute the flyer with helpful hints, along with other information, door-to-door to businesses in the Cooper and Warner areas as well as along McQueen Road.

The Shop Gilbert Profile will be available as well. “What better time than now to take advantage of this free advertising – a $700 value in the Gilbert Republic,” said Tilque. “We’ve identified several options for businesses to consider to spread the word about their businesses quickly.”

The Chamber has taken one step further with helping those businesses at Cooper and Warner. “We will be moving our lunchtime Leads Club to SkyBox Grill beginning in January which will bring 30 businesses into their restaurant every week.”, said Tilque. “We had a caterer cancel due to a family emergency for our last luncheon and immediately picked up the phone to ask Super Suppers to cater. We understand these members are hurting during the construction and we want to help out anyway we can.”

According to Tilque, the Chamber encourages all residents to Shop Gilbert.

“Every dollar spent here keeps those taxes dollars at home, which in turn keeps our businesses healthy, our community healthy, and keeps our taxes lower. It is truly a win-win for us all,” Tilque said. “Please don’t shy away from your favorite stores just because it will take a little bit longer to get there – they still need you.”

New Member Welcome Reception
Sponsored by members of the Insurance Benefits Committee
Thursday, October 8th
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 101, Gilbert
Free to new members of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
New members of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce are invited to learn more about the programs, services, promotional, and networking opportunities provided as part of their membership.

Business Connections…Network NOW!
Thursday, October 8th
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 101, Gilbert
One time guest admission – $10
Chamber member price – $5
Grab your business cards and attend this networking event to meet other chamber members. This fun opportunity includes door prizes and a light breakfast.

An informational meeting will be held on Thursday, September 17th from Noon to 1p.m. at the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, 119 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 101, in Gilbert. Travel is open to the community and no commitment to travel is required to attend the informational meeting.

“My family traveled with the Chamber last year on their organized trip to China and we were thrilled with the experience,” said Alonzo Russell, of A.L. Russell and Associates. “I am looking forward to joining the group again in March.”

The package, coordinated by Collette Vacations, is available at a rate of $2,999 per person and includes round-trip airfare from Phoenix, hotel accommodations, 13 meals, site tours and more. Travel deposits received by September 18th will receive a discount of $100 per person.

“This is a great opportunity for our Chamber to provide a wonderful experience for our members and community,” said Kathy Langdon, President/CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. “I took a similar trip at my own expense a few years ago and the cost far exceeded the rate we are able to offer with this tour.”

For more information regarding the Chamber’s 2010 Discover Tuscany group travel excursion including a complete itinerary, call (480) 892-0056, ext. 104 or visit www.gilbertaz.com.

Senator John McCain will be the guest of honor and featured speaker at the chamber’s dinner event on Friday, September 18th at Trilogy at Power Ranch as part of the Constitution Week celebration.

Sponsored by Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, the event will be emceed by Mayor John Lewis and catered by Charleston’s with dessert provided by Radisson Fort McDowell Resort.

Reservations must be made in advance. Individual tickets are $75 for non-members and $60 for members of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. Event registration begins at 4:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 5:00 p.m., and Senator McCain is expected to take the stage at 5:40 p.m. The Senator will field questions immediately following his speech.

To make a reservation or for additional information, please contact Marty Tomljenovic at (480) 926-6003, email marty@gilbertchamber.com, or visit www.gilbertaz.com.

Designed by Robert Lansdell, the centerpieces at each table will feature the elements of Arizona, including red slate from Sedona; stones from the San Carlos Apache Reservation and Silver Bell Mine; mohair goat, black sheep and white sheep wools from Churro Navajo and South Fork Ranch; and green, brown and white cottons from Tucson and the Pima Reservation. Each centerpiece will be sold at the event and can be pre-purchased by contacting the Chamber.

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit, membership-based organization with more than 625 members ranging from home-based businesses to large corporations. The Chamber proactively serves as a business advocate to strengthen the business climate in Gilbert. To learn more about or join the Chamber, please contact (480) 892-0056 or visit www.gilbertaz.com.

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce will host a workshop August 26th for local businesses to learn more about Gilbert’s sign code requirements, including obtaining a sign permit and regulations for use of A-frame signs, window signs, and banners.

Sponsored by SRP and A.L. Russell & Associates, this workshop will feature Town of Gilbert Development Services representatives Michael Milillo, Sr. Planner, and Monica Moreno, Permit Technician. The format will allow attendees an opportunity to ask questions and address concerns regarding their business signage.

“Gilbert has a number of regulations and ordinances regarding business signage, especially the use of A-frame signs and sign walkers,” said Kathy Langdon, President/CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. “Our members want to learn more about these restrictions and how they can obey the law but still promote their business and increase their visibility.”

The workshop will be held on Wednesday, August 26th from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, 119 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 101, in Gilbert. General admission is $15 and chamber member admission is $10. Seating is limited to 25 attendees.

For more information or registration, contact Grace Hodges at (480) 926-6027 or visit www.gilbertaz.com.

Denise Maxwell of M.A.X. Services will demonstrate how to set up a business in QuickBooks, make entries and print checks, reconcile accounts, and save financial reports.

“Many times, small businesses rely on their accountants to reorganize their accounting system that may not have been set up correctly, costing them several billed hours by their tax professional,” said Grace Hodges, VP Programs/Services at the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. “This workshop will give the tools to take these tasks on themselves and potentially save hundreds of dollars.”

The workshop, sponsored by A.L. Russell & Associates will be held on Thursday, August 13th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, 119 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 101, in Gilbert. General admission is $15; admission for members of the chamber is $10. The workshop includes lunch.

For registration or additional information, contact Grace Hodges at (480) 329-0223 or email grace@gilbertchamber.com. Registration can also be completed on the chamber’s website, www.gilbertaz.com.

Business Wrap-up…Network NOW!
Sponsored by Gilbert Skybox Sports Grill
Thursday, August 27th
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Gilbert Skybox Sports Grill
825 S. Cooper Rd., Gilbert
General Admission – $10
Chamber Member Price – $5
Description: Enjoy great food, door prizes, and the opportunity to meet Chamber members and develop business relationships.