The Chamber Vista - The Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber Vista
A monthly publication of the Sierra Vista Area Chamber
October 2011
Volume 2011, Issue # 3
Mini-Expo offers exciting location, opportunity
The Chamber is excited to be partnering
Inside this month’s with The Mall at Sierra Vista to present
this year’s Mini-Expo. Unlike the annual
Vista…
Home and Business Expo, the Mini-Expo
Page 2
will only feature home-based businesses,
An update from
non-profit organizations and sole proprieExecutive Director torships (with only one emAmanda Baillie
ployee). The Mini-Expo is
open to Chamber members
Page 3
and non-chamber members
Sponsor an
alike.
international
The Mall at Sierra Vista will
military
provide an outstanding
student
venue for these businesses
to promote their goods and
Page 4
services to the general pubLatest news from
lic very close to the Thanksgiving and
our members
Christmas holidays. The icing on the
cake, however is the price to participate.
Page 4
Sign up for a FREE For Chamber members, it costs only $75
SMS texting seminar
Page 5
Reach thousands
of customers with
a new Co-op incentive card
Page 6
Spotlight on Sierra
Vista Flowers
Page 8
Chamber’s calendar of events for
October
to set up shop in the mall for five hours.
That’s just $15 an hour to promote your
product to the public during the busiest
shopping period of the year! Non-chamber
members can enjoy the same benefits that
the Mini Expo provides for just $100. This
investment also provides
participants with a table,
tablecloth and two chairs.
The Chamber is proud to
be able to offer marketing
and networking opportunities to smaller businesses during these difficult economic times.
Space is limited for this
event so please contact the Chamber at
458-6940 if you are interested in taking
advantage of this fantastic opportunity.
One hour: Network, learn, promote
Every other month the Chamber hosts Wake Up Sierra
Vista, a breakfast meeting that lasts just one hour. The
event begins at 7:30 a.m. and by 8:30 a.m. you will be
out the door ready to start your day after having spent
a very efficient hour networking, learning something
new about the community and promoting your business. That’s right… networking, learning and promoting all in just one hour!
Here’s how it works: Attendees mingle over a hot
breakfast at their table for 20 minutes. Next, a guest
speaker from a local business or advocacy group gives an informative presentation regarding a local topic. The last 20 minutes are dedicated to attendees promoting their
business to the rest of the room.
You can even increase your exposure at the event by sponsoring it for just $150! The
next installment of Wake Up Sierra Vista will be held on October 20th at Pueblo del
Sol Country Club. The guest speaker will be Randy Redmond, Chief of the Sierra
Vista Fire Department. Tickets are just $15 for Chamber Members and RSVPs are a
must!
This Wake Up Sierra Vista is sponsored by Cochise Oncology.
Page 2
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.
2011-12 Board of Directors
Executive Officers
Frank Gonzalez—Lawley Automotive (Chairman)
Tim Cervantes—Cox (Past Chairman)
Dee Dee Hoeft—Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (Chair
Elect)
Michael Benson—TDY Housing (Treasurer)
Jean Giuffrida—Long Realty (Secretary)
Board Members
Pamela Anderson—Landmark Café
Jack Blair—Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative
Anita Farrow—National Bank of Arizona
Wallace Ricks—ManTech Telecommunications &
Info Systems
Rick Shelley—Horizon Moving Systems
Bradley Snyder—Sierra Vista Realty
Joe Stroud—E. F. Edwards Financial, Inc.
Susan Tawney—Pioneer Title Agency
Nancy Nash-Stuff’N Baskets
Nathan Williams-Nathan Williams, Law Office
Chamber Staff
Amanda Baillie—Executive Director
abaillie@sierravistachamber.org
John Hargraves—Membership & Marketing Director
jhargraves@sierravistachamber.org
Diane Erwin—Events Coordinator
derwin@sierravistachamber.org
Jana Latessa—Communications Director
jlatessa@sierravistachamber.org
Leah Hastings—Office Manager
officem@sierravistachamber.org
Leah Barnes– Admin Assistant
info@sierravistachamber.org
October 2011
CHAMBER UPDATE
By Executive Director
Amanda Baillie
Where has the year gone?
It’s hard to believe we are
already in October and that
the Holiday season is fast
approaching.
Now that the Home & Business Expo has been successfully completed
for another year, we are turning our attention to the Annual Holiday Parade.
We are particularly excited about this
year’s event, which takes place on Saturday,
December 3, at 5:30 p.m.
Each year we choose a different theme to
help inspire the participants who decorate
their lighted entries for the festivities.
Our 2011 theme will be “A Community
Christmas”. It’s been a tough year for
Cochise County, following the big freeze in
February, the Monument Fire in June and
the ongoing economic challenges.
But there is still much to celebrate in this
community, and we view the parade as a
great way to do this as we head into what
we hope will be a much happier, safer and
prosperous 2012.
The events of this year have also helped us
easily reach a decision regarding the parade’s Grand Marshal, which we are proud
to announce will be the firefighters of
Cochise County.
They and their families will be marching in
the parade along Fry Blvd., allowing spectators to say thank you and show their appreciation for a job well done.
We hope as many businesses and organizations as possible will join in the celebrations
by placing an entry in the parade.
To find out how you can do this, just call
the Chamber at 458-6940.
Page 3
October 2011
Sponsor an international military student
communicate and want to learn more about the
United States when feeling "at home." Each of the
students is housed on Fort Huachuca, so sponsors
need not provide room and board for the students.
If you decide to become a sponsor, you may be
Each year more than 250 International Military Offiasked a few questions about country preference,
cers train at the U.S. Army Intelligence Center at Ft.
Huachuca. These officers come from around the world family background, and family interests. You will then
be assigned a student from the country of your
to train here. Their stay can be from two weeks to
choice whose background and interest most closely
six months depending on the course they take. For
match yours. Sponsors are not limited to one student
those students here for six weeks or more we have
or one country. Arrangements will be made to accomdeveloped a Sponsorship Program.
To be a good sponsor, you must have a sincere inter- modate your interests.
est in the purpose of the Department of Defense InFOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
ternational Military Student Office Sponsorship ProKika Grant
(520) 351-9076
gram.
IMSO
OFFICE
(520) 533-0678
If you become a sponsor, you should invite the stuBldg 80505, Room 245
dent to participate in some type of activity at least
Ft. Huachuca, AZ 85613
once a month. Entertainment need not be lavish; in
Email: Kika.grant@us.army.mil
fact, students prefer experiencing day-to-day
"American life." The student may feel more relaxed to
By Kika Grant, FSP Director—International Student
Military Office
New and existing members gather at Garden Place Suites
Business At Twilight
Thursday, October 13
5 p.m.
Hosted by
Habitat for Humanity
650 E. Wilcox Dr.
(enter via 7th and Myer Dr.)
The September edition of Business at Twilight was hosted
by Garden Place Suites, with great success. Both new
and existing Chamber members stopped by to enjoy a
complimentary glass of beer or wine. MIA’s Mexican
Grill provided a delicious spread of appetizers for attendees to snack on as they networked and mingled with the
70 people who were in attendance. General Manager
Erin Madden offered tours of the fitness center, pool and
guest rooms. Pictured are John Hargraves, Marketing
and Membership Director at the Chamber and Erin Madden, General Manager of Garden Place Suites.
Facility tours of the Re-store
Learn more about Habitat’s involvement in the community
Raffle prizes including:
Monument Fire Books, gift certificates to the Re-store, 19 inch
flat screen TV (donated by COX)
Drawing for the ongoing raffle of
a 2004 Lexington RV! (buy your ticket
for $20)
Don’t forget your business cards!
Page 4
October 2011
Big Bird’s Carpet Cleaning and More celebrates grand opening
The Chamber recently hosted the Grand
Opening ribbon cutting for Big Bird’s Carpet
Cleaning and More! Held on Friday, September 9th, the ribbon cutting was attended by
Chamber Ambassadors, Mayor Rick Mueller
and several of Owner Michael Cecil’s friends
and clients. Contact 520-236-1189 for more
information about this new, local business.
Pictured is Michael Cecil, Owner of Big Bird’s
Carpet Cleaning and More.
MEMBER UPDATES
Sierra Suites is hosting its first Girls’ Night Out
shopping event on October 21st from 5 p.m. until
9 p.m. Stop by and browse displays by various
independent consultants, craftsmen and small businesses such as Pampered Chef, Scentsy and more!
**********
3 Canyons Transit is now offering a MedEx
transport service, which includes expanded services like non-emergency medical transport to rural communities. They also offer transportation
and escort services to Naco and Sonora. Contact
520-803-6713 for more information.
**********
The Small Business Development Center at
Cochise College is promoting an event that the
Tucson SBDC is holding. The Veterans Small
Business Conference will be held October 5-6
from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Arizona Student Union Memorial Center at 1303 E.
University Blvd. This two day conference will
teach attendees how to build a business and bid on
federal contracts. Registration for both days is $99
for Veterans and family members or $79 for active
military. Continental breakfast and lunch will be
provided. To register, please call 520-620-1241 or
e-mail veterans.sbdc@mac-sa.org.
**********
The Boys and Girls Club of Sierra Vista is always looking
for donations from generous businesses and civilians who
want to support a good cause. Their wish list of items includes the following. Please contact 520-515-1511 or visit
1746 Paseo San Luis for more information.
Wish List:
Markers
Video camera
Crayons
Train Set
Pencils
Toy Cars
Basketballs
Dolls
Hula Hoops
Legos
Jump Ropes
Keyboard
Dodge Balls
Board Games
Pencil sharpeners
Easels
Dinosaur figurines
Headphones
Sand & water table
Color printer
Posters
Dress up costumes
Book Shelves
and much more
Five winning text message campaigns
to increase sales and loyalty
More and more people are enjoying the conveniences of
their cell phones to search for local businesses, for local
news and for local deals. In this one hour workshop,
participants will learn about mobile trends & actually design at least one permission-based text message campaign
that they will be able to use with their customers.
Gil Nelson of Mobile Marketing Blueprint will host
this seminar on Tuesday, October 25 at 12 p.m. in the
Chamber’s COX Resource Room. The class is free to
Chamber members. Non-Chamber members can attend
for a $10 fee. Please contact the Chamber at 458-6940
to RSVP for this informative class.
Page 5
October 2011
SCF program an added benefit of Chamber membership
Although there are many benefits that come
with your Chamber membership, one in particular can really pay off... in the form of dividends. As a Chamber member, you are eligible to enroll in SCF Arizona’s Association
Safety Program. It is a program designed exclusively for SCF Arizona policyholders that are
members of trade and
business associations,
which partner with SCF to
make workplaces safer.
All SCF insured companies (excluding assigned
risk) are eligible to earn
an individual dividend
based upon their loss ratio. In other words,
the safer your workplace, the more money you
earn back from your premium. Companies
may also become eligible for a bonus dividend.
The Chamber holds quarterly safety committee
meetings to discuss the Association Loss Re-
ports that detail the most common injuries reported among policyholders. The Chamber
also holds two safety seminars each year covering different safety topics applicable to common hazards found in the community.
This year’s seminars will be held on Friday,
October 7th from 12 p.m.—1:15 p.m. Dr.
Shaun McGuire of Sierra
Vista Chiropractic will be on
hand to discuss how to
avoid strains and injuries in
the workplace and how to
avoid transmitting the flu
between co-workers. The
seminar is free to Chamber
members and $10 for non-members. Please
contact the Chamber at 458-6940 if you are
interested in attending.
If you are interested in signing up for the SCF
program, please contact Melanie Crider at 520
-292-4116 or mcrider@scfaz.com.
Co-op connections card can help increase your business
than 300 cooperatives across the country participating, people from other parts of the United States
who are visiting our area might also be your cusIf you’re a retail merchant, there’s a new program
tomers as the Co-op Connection Card is valid nathat can increase the number of customers at your tionwide.
door. It has been approved by the Chamber Board Businesses that agree to participate by offering a
and it is called the Co-op Connections Card. The
benefit to the cardholders will be promoted by
card will be offered through Sulphur Springs Valley SSVEC and a complete listing will appear on the
Electric Cooperative as a Touchstone Energy Coop- cooperative’s website. In addition, the businesses
erative.
will also appear on the national website and indiBeginning in January, all SSVEC members
viduals within the cooperative’s area (or traveling
(approximately 38,500 households here in southeast to our area) can check out what the local businesses
Arizona) will receive a free Co-op Connections Card are offering. And, best of all, there is no charge to
in the mail. This card offers benefits in the form of participate in the program. So you as the business
discounts and special offers to members when they owner/manager simply decide on the benefit you’ll
present it to participating businesses throughout
offer, and SSVEC and the nationwide program of
SSVEC’s service area.
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives will help get the
That benefit might be a discount of 10 percent on
word out. Businesses can sign up through the
all purchases at a clothing store, an upgrade of an
month of November for the program’s kick-off.
extended warranty service for an appliance dealer, If you have questions or would like more informaor a free soft drink with the purchase of a main en- tion, check the website http://co-opconnections.com
trée on Wednesdays at a restaurant. It is up to the or call Laura Baeuerlen at (520) 686-1155 or email
local participating businesses to determine what
her at lbaeuerlen@ssw.coop or check out the insert
particular benefits they will offer.
in this month’s Chamber Vista.
And because this is a national program with more
By Heather Floyd, Cooperative Communications
and Marketing Administrator
Page 6
Spotlight on Sierra Vista Flowers
By Executive Director, Amanda Baillie
There are not many businesses in our community which
can boast the longevity of Sierra Vista Flowers & Gifts.
For more than
half a century
this city institution – known by
many as the Pink
Flower Shop –
has been serving
the residents of
Sierra Vista.
Founded in 1956,
the familiar face
of the business
for the last 22
years has been the appropriately named Poppy Harber
(pictured right with daughter Karon) , who bought the
shop 12 years ago with her daughter and son-in-law
Karon and Roger Hammond, after managing it for a decade.
When asked why she has stayed with the business for so
many years, British born Poppy is quick to reply, ―Because
I love it!‖
She added, ―It’s such a happy business. Even at a funeral
people are commenting on how beautiful the flowers are.‖
Originally located next to the Sierra Suites hotel, Sierra
Vista Flowers & Gifts moved to its current premises, 1400
E. Fry Blvd., 35 years ago.
Since then, the building has grown and the business,
which employs 10 staff, has diversified to keep up with
the needs of an ever demanding customer base.
While flowers are still the mainstay of the business, Sierra
Vista Flowers & Gifts also delivers gourmet baskets, such
as wine and cheese (the store has a liquor license), and
offers a variety of gift ideas and cards.
―We get a lot of unusual requests and we try to meet
them all,‖ said Poppy who, along with her Master Florist
daughter, tries to attend as many conferences and seminars as possible to stay on top of new trends – feathers
and gerbera daisies are all the rage. They also receive
four deliveries of fresh flowers every week.
Above all else, however, she believes the reason she has
stayed in business for so long is down to two simple
words – customer service.
―We pride ourselves on our customer service,‖ Poppy said.
―If anyone has a problem, we will take care of it. We also
believe being a member of organizations like the Chamber
and Rotary helps us to keep our name out there and see
people.‖
For more information about Sierra Vista Flowers & Gifts,
call 520 458-8430 or visit www.pinkflowershop.com
October 2011
The Chamber welcomes the following
new members…
Mia Bella’s Independent Consultant—Carolyn
McLain
863 Cardinal Ave., 520-249-0674
Sacred Stone Spa
999 E. Fry Blvd. Ste 213, 520-335-2331
Sparks Furniture
316 E. Fry Blvd., 520-459-8664
Vertek Wireless
833 E. Fry Blvd., 520-458-5104
Independence Advertising & Public Relations
247 S. 7th St. Ste 2, 520-458-5009
Karla Rothrock Social Media Services
1909 E. Fordney Lane, Huachuca City, 520-559-2268
LBL Consultants
1200 Choctaw Dr., 520-559-5106
Liberty Circle
2679 Sansalito Ct., 520-220-0153
Arizona Comfort Systems
131 Schrader Rd., 520-459-5681
Columbian Association
156 W. Kayetan Dr., 520-234-1634
Sierra Speed & Offroad
84 S. 2nd St. Suite E, 520-459-3828
STG, Inc.
250 W. Fry Blvd., 520-226-3355
Evalon Massage-Bodyworks
25 El Camino Real #4, 520-220-6481
Tombstone Harley Davidson
526 E. Allen St., 520-457-1482
Legal Shield Services
5485 Canteria Ct., 520-236-6141
Bowen Associates
1950 Cottonwood Dr., 520-439-0544
Page 7
Thanks to these members for renewing
their commitment to the business community…
Tastefully Simple
Goin’ to Grandma’s
Aegis Communications
J&L Auto Specialties
Maurices
Buffalo Wild Wings
Quality Inn
Shady Lady’s Closet
A-2-Z Roofing
Wild Birds Unlimited
Executive Club Members
BrightStar
Campstone Transfer
Stachel & Associates, P.C.
Castle & Cooke Mortgage
Cherry Creek Radio
City of Sierra Vista
Coca-Cola Refreshments USA
Cox
Data Systems & Technology, Inc.
Farmers Insurance-Ginny Francis
Horizon Moving Systems of Sierra
Vista
Kennedy Kleaning Supplies
Sierra Vista Regional Health Centre
Landmark Café
Lawley Automotive Center
Lawley’s Team Ford
Life Care Center
Long Realty Co.
ManTech Telecommunications &
Info Systems
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
National Bank of Arizona
New Frontier Animal Medical Center
October 2011
Hidalgo Carpet Cleaners
Southwestern Eye Center
Scott Anders Fitness
University Physicians Group
Haymore Real Estate
Sutherlands
Imagine Charter School
Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers
Cable Alternatives
Arizona Family Care Associates
EKS Group
New Horizons Computer Learning
Northrop Grumman Corporation
CGI (formerly Oberon Associates)
Patio Pools & Spas
Photography by Ty
Pioneer Title Agency
Pueblo del Sol Country Club
Sentrillion
Salient Federal Solutions
Allsource Global Management
Arizona Water Company
Best Buy
Garden Terrace Assisted Living
Home
General Dynamics Information Tech.
Booz Allen Hamilton
Sierra Vista ACE Hardware
Sierra Vista Herald & Bisbee Daily
Review
Southeastern Arizona Contractors
Association
Southwest Gas Corporation
Southwestern Eye Center
Stilwell’s Learning Center
Suburban Extended Stay Hotels
Your Ad Here!
Place your business card ad in
the Vista for $100 per issue
or your logo for $50.
Sign up for 12 issues and save
$200 on a business card ad
and $100 on a logo placement.
Center
Air Force Association Cochise Chapter
107
Sierra Vista Economic Development
Foundation
R.L. Workman Homes
Stan’s Fence Company
Arizona’s G&T Cooperatives
Southwest Systems Engineering Corp.
Family Vision Care
ICE (Intelligence Communications and
Engineering)
Sulphur Springs Valley Electric
Cooperative
Sun Canyon Inn
TDY Housing
Tombstone Territories RV Park
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
University of Phoenix-Sierra Vista
Campus
Wal-Mart Stores
Wayland Baptist University
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Windemere Hotel & Conference
Center
Longhorn Restaurant
Southern Arizona Media Productions
American Systems
CACI
The Mall at Sierra Vista/General
Growth Properties
SMPLFY IT
Rosemont Copper Company
Dental Village
STG, Inc.
Page 8
October 2011
Sierra Vista Area Chamber
21 E. Wilcox Dr.
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
HEREFORD, AZ
PERMIT NO 29
Current Resident or
Sierra Vista Area Chamber’s Calendar of Events: October 1– 31
Tuesday, October 4 @ 7:30 a.m.
Ambassadors Meeting
Chamber
Wednesday, October 5 @ 11:30 a.m.
Military Affairs Luncheon
Thunder Mountain Activity Center
Friday, October 7 @ 12 p.m.
Safety Seminar with Dr. Shawn McGuire
Chamber
Tuesday, October 11 @ 8 a.m.
Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting
Chamber
Thursday, October 13 @ 5 p.m.
Business at Twilight
Habitat for Humanity
650 E. Wilcox Dr.
Wednesday, October 19 @ 8 a.m.
Military Affairs Committee Meeting
Chamber
Thursday, October 20 @ 7:30 a.m.
Wake Up Sierra Vista
Pueblo del Sol Country Club
Friday, October 21 @ 11:30 a.m.
Chamber 101
Chamber
Tuesday, October 25
SMS Texting Seminar, 12 p.m. @ Chamber
Best Kept Secrets, 5 p.m. @ Brushfire BBQ
Monday, October 31 @ 5 p.m.
Festival in the Park
Veterans Memorial Park