Elected officials and government agencies make decisions every day that affect local businesses. With our member's support, the Scottsdale Area Chamber is a strong and influential voice representing the business community on the issues affecting our quality of business and our quality of life. We believe strongly that our quality of life is directly tied to our economic success. To grow and prosper as a city, we must plan for the future and adapt to the changing needs and desires of the global marketplace.
For more information on our public policy efforts or to learn how our efforts are making a difference, email Rick Kidder or call 480.355.2709.
WHY BUSINESSES NEED ADVOCACY
Most businesses do not have the resources to advocate for themselves
Advocacy is not a core competency of most small businesses
Serving as a convener and mediator around specific issues
Educating our members though events and committee/council meetings
Leveraging the power of many for the good of the business community as a whole
Acting as a conduit for access to community leaders
RESULTS OF BUSINESS ADVOCACY
A stronger and more sustainable business community
A better community to attract business
A better community to retain business
A better community to expand business
A balanced community
About the Endorsement Process
The Scottsdale Area Chamber's recommendation process is designed and led by members of the organization and has been successfully refined over previous election cycles. Each ballot initiative is reviewed in depth by the Scottsdale Chamber’s Public Policy Advisory Council (PPAC.) A formal reccommendation sheet is released to the media and oposted on the Chamber's website prior to the election.
Regarding candidates, the Chamber does not openly endorse any candidate, but rather offers a series of public forums for the candidates to state their case before members of the Chamber and the public. in 2012, the Chamber hosted the city council candidates, the mayoral candidates, and the candidates for US Senate.
For more information regarding our endorsement process, please contact Rick Kidder, President and CEO of the Chamber.
Voter Resources
The business community is a strong and influential voting bloc. The Chamber strongly encourages our members to learn about the issues, contact their elected officials and city leaders and vote to keep Scottsdale vibrant and prosperous.
The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA) represents more than 7,500 member firms from the Ahwatukee Foothills, Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale and Tempe Chambers of Commerce. Its purpose is to provide coordination and to advance the common business interests in the East Valley.
