november vista '13
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Volume 2013, Issue 11
The Chamber Vista A monthly publication of the Sierra Vista Area Chamber November 2013
Volume 2013, Issue #11
“We Mean Business”
Update from
Executive Director Amanda Baillie
2
Support Local Business and Start Your Holi-day Festivities
2
New Executive Benefits
3
Market to thousands at the annual Festival of Trees
4
November Schedule of Events
4
October Events at a Glance
5
Member Spot-light—Bedmart
6
Member Page 7
Board of Directors / Chamber Staff
8
55th Christmas Light Parade helps showcase local businesses By Amanda Baillie
Executive Director
From ranching, rodeos,
saddles and spurs to
chaps, campfires, boots
and bandanas, cele-
brate cowboy culture
this Christmas!
Put your own festive twist on the Wild
West and be a part of the 55th Annual
Christmas Light Parade.
While it has been a tough economic year
for many local
businesses, the
Chamber’s annual
Christmas Parade
plays a part in both
lifting festive spir-
its and promoting
business.
This long time tra-
dition offers a
unique opportunity
for businesses and
organizations to
market themselves to the thousands of
spectators who will line the parade route.
It also demonstrates to those same peo-
ple that Sierra Vista is home to busi-
nesses willing and able to give back to
their community by participating in this
hugely popular event.
In recent years we have seen the night
time parade grow, with the number of
lighted floats nearly doubling in 2012 to
more than 40 of the total 77 entries.
And this year’s theme, A Cowboy Christ-
mas, appears to be a particularly popular
choice, judging by the positive reaction
we have had so far.
Sponsored by Lawley Automotive and Cox,
the Christmas Light Parade will take place
on Saturday, December 7, at 5:30 p.m.
It will again step off at the corner of Sev-
enth Street and Fry Blvd., making its way
east along Fry and ending at Avenida
Esquela, next to the Ace Hardware park-
ing lot.
We are encouraging as many businesses
as possible to participate by entering a
float, vehicle or
even a walking
group that will fill
the night air with
music and lights.
Don’t forget to in-
clude a banner or
sign letting the pa-
rade viewers know
who you are and
how they can con-
tact you.
Chamber members
receive a discount on the entry fee, which
has remained at the same low rate for the
past several years.
And if the parade is passing your busi-
ness, why not stay open late and hand
out hot drinks, candy and snacks to those
watching the festivities?
In keeping with the theme, the grand mar-
shal this year will be Cowboy Poet veteran
Steve Conroy.
There is much to see and enjoy so don’t
miss your opportunity to participate. Just
visit www.sierravistachamber.org to
download an entry form. Deadline for en-
tries is November 22.
They say change is constant,
and that is certainly the case
at the Chamber.
If we want to grow as an or-
ganization and better serve
local businesses, then the
Chamber must always be
looking for new ways to carry
out its mission.
That is why we took a look at
the Executive Club benefits
and decided to remove a
few we felt were not working
and added new ones we be-
lieve will add value and in-
crease member exposure.
You can see the list of bene-
fits for yourself on page 3,
as well as information on
how you can upgrade your
membership and receive
more than $1,500 worth of
marketing.
Also new this year is the Cham-
ber’s involvement with the Fes-
tival of Trees.
When we realized the hospital
foundation was no longer able
to continue this event, we felt it
was a great fit for us.
The Festival offers another ave-
nue of exposure for local busi-
nesses and a revenue stream
for the Chamber, while also
benefiting area charities and
low income families.
We think that’s a winning com-
bination.
We hope many of our members
will take advantage of this
event to enter a tree and pro-
mote their business.
Another new addition is the
Shred-a-Thon, which will take
place on November 2 at the Mall.
This is a good opportunity for
businesses and individuals to get
rid of unwanted documents in an
affordable, professional and se-
cure way.
We are also holding this event on
the same day as the Mini Expo to
attract increased traffic for our
home based and non-profit ven-
dors.
The cost will be $5 per copier box
(additional charges apply to lar-
ger boxes) and the proceeds will
go straight back into helping fund
our programs and benefits to bet-
ter serve the membership.
Chamber Update by Executive Director Amanda Baillie
“If we want to grow
as an
organization...the
Chamber must
always be looking
for new ways to
carry out its
mission.”
Page 2 The Chamber Vista
Support local businesses and start your holiday festivities
Before taking their seats of
honor at the rear of the pa-
rade, Santa and Mrs. Claus
drop by the Sierra Vista ACE
Hardware parking lot to visit
with hundreds of children.
Once again, the couple will
land via helicopter, courtesy
of Air Evac.
They are due to arrive on
Saturday, December 7, at 9
a.m. and will spend at least
two hours hearing the Christ-
mas gift wishes of local kids,
and kids at heart.
There will also be photo opportunities, seasonal entertainment and food from
Schlotzsky’s/Cinnabon will be available.
Sponsored by ACE Hardware, Aegis, Air Evac and Schlotzsky’s/Cinnabon, the
Santa Fly-In is a great way to start the holiday season.
Bring the whole family out to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, have lunch in town
then start some Christmas shopping at local stores before enjoying the 55th
Annual Christmas Light Parade at 5:30 p.m.
If you still have the energy, end the day with dinner at one of our great area
restaurants.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Southeastern Arizona Workforce
Connection (SAWC) requests public
comment.
A copy of the proposed plan is available
for public inspection on the Southeast-
ern Arizona Workforce Connection web-
site at the link below:
https://www.seazworkforce.org
The Southeastern Arizona Workforce
Connection will accept written com-
ments on the plan sent to any of the
following addresses:
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (520) 458-9308
Mail: Southeastern Arizona Workforce
Connection
ATTN: Vickie Simmons
1843 Paseo San Luis
Sierra Vista, Arizona 85635
Written comments should be sent so
that the Arizona Workforce Connection
will received them before 5:00 PM
NOVEMBER 13, 2013, and should in-
clude contact information for the per-
son providing comments, as well as the
name of any organization that person
represents. Questions may be directed
to Vickie Simmons at (520) 458-9309.
Page 3 Volume 2013, Issue 11
By Amanda Baillie
Executive Director
The Sierra Vista Area Chamber al-
ways strives to improve the services
it offers its members.
We recently reviewed the benefits we
offer our Executive Club members,
resulting in an improved program for
those businesses to enjoy.
Our continuing goal is to provide
value and relevancy and we believe
our newly added benefits, along with
the existing ones, will help us to
achieve that aim while helping our
local businesses to grow.
Not an Executive Club member? You
can become one any time—just call
Membership & Marketing Director
John Hargraves to find out how.
Here is a list of the benefits that Ex-
ecutive Club members, listed on
page 7 of this newsletter, can take
advantage of:
Business logo on Chamber web-
site home page with link to your busi-
ness site—NEW BENEFIT
Featured listing on the Cham-
ber’s smart phone APP (coming
soon) - NEW BENEFIT
Additional listing on Chamber
website via Executive Club page
Highlighted listing in the Annual
Community Profile & Membership
Directory (10,000 copies distributed)
Additional listing in the Annual
Community Profile & Membership
Directory (three listings total)
Listing in the Annual Report, dis-
tributed at the Annual Membership
Meeting and available year round on
Chamber website
Listing on Executive Club signs
displayed in Chamber lobby and at
selected events
Listing in monthly newsletter dis-
tributed to all Chamber members
and additional subscribers
Two FREE inserts per calendar
year in Vista newsletter (regularly
$99. Some conditions apply) - NEW
BENEFIT
Half price on Vista inserts ($49
per mailing) when you have used free
mailers
Free membership database for
your business marketing mailings
(regularly $50)
5 free Sierra Vista maps
Two additional annual board
election votes, as per the Chamber
bylaws
Special recognition at the Annual
Membership Meeting
A unique wood crafted member-
ship plaque to distinguish your busi-
ness as an Executive Club member
The estimated total value of this
package is more than $1,500.
The cost to you? Just $300 annually.
It’s easy to upgrade your member-
ship to Executive Club level.
Just one call and you can start enjoy-
ing these extra benefits immediately.
BUSINESS AT TWILIGHT Hosted by:
Thursday, November 14
5:00 pm
4641 S. Highway 92
Food! Fun! Raffle! Prizes!
New Executive Club benefits offer greater exposure 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!
Advertise to 651 local businesses
for about 20 cents each!
Schedule of Events
Nov. 2—Mini Expo 2013, 10 am to 4 pm,
The Mall at Sierra Vista.
Nov. 2—Shred-A-Thon, 11 am to 2 pm,
The Mall at Sierra Vista (parking area).
Nov. 6—Bring a Vet to Lunch, 11:30 am,
Thunder Mountain Activity Center, Ft. Hua-
chuca.
Nov. 14—Business at Twilight, 5 pm, Puro-
clean, 4641 S. Highway 92.
Nov. 15—Ribbon Cutting, Sierra Vista
Flowers & Gifts, 4 pm, 1400 E. Fry Blvd.
Nov. 20—Leadership Sierra Vista, Health
Day, 8 am to 5 pm.
Nov. 20—Military Affairs Committee Meet-
ing, 8 am at the Chamber office.
Nov. 22—Chamber 101, 11:30 am at the
Chamber.
Dec. 7—Santa Fly-In, 9 am, Ace Parking
Area
Dec. 7—55th Annual Christmas Parade, Fry
Blvd., 7th St. to Avenida Escuela, 5:30 pm
Page 4 Newsletter Title
Reach over 650 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
pay just $49.
SPECIFICATIONS: Inserts must be on
8.5x11, flat, non-glossy, standard weight
(20lb.– black & white, 24/28lb.— color)
paper.
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE:
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
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:
Page 4 The Chamber Vista
There is still time make sure your
business is promoted during the
14th Annual Festival of Trees.
Deadline for entry forms is Friday,
November 8, so don’t delay in letting
us know you want to participate.
The festival is being jointly hosted
and organized by the Chamber, Si-
erra Vista Herald and the Mall at Si-
erra Vista.
The collaboration of these three ma-
jor entities means exposure of this
event and its participants will signifi-
cantly increase.
That’s good news for businesses
looking for some creative, low cost
ways to get their name out to thou-
sands of potential customers.
We are encouraging Chamber mem-
bers to get involved by entering a
tree for display at the Mall during
the 12 day festival.
The cost to you is the tree and its
decorations—there is no entry fee.
Your tree will be viewed by the thou-
sands of people who visit the festival
from November 24 until December
5.
All of the trees, along with the ginger-
bread houses, Christmas wreaths
and centerpieces, are sold to the
public, who can Buy It Now at full
price or at the auction on December
5.
One of the goals of this event is to
raise enough funds to pay for a new
library at the Boys & Girls Club of
Sierra Vista clubhouse.
Currently, the club is using its dining
facility as a makeshift library, which
does not allow the children to have a
quiet area for reading and home-
work.
Also benefiting from this event will
be a soldier’s family, chosen by the
Fort’s Chaplain’s office.
This family will be the recipient of
the Charity Tree.
In addition, a number of local non-
profits have families that cannot af-
ford their own tree. Members of the
public are able to purchase trees
and donate them to Good Neighbor
Alliance, Forgach House, the Salva-
tion Army, Habitat for Humanity and
St. Vincent de Paul.
The presenting sponsor of the Festi-
val of Trees is Sierra Vista Health
Regional Center and our major me-
dia sponsor is Cherry Creek Radio,
featuring K101, KWCD and KTAN.
Other sponsors include Jo-Ann Fabric
& Crafts, Arizona Lottery, Northrop
Grumman, RV City, Horizon Moving
Systems, Subway, Pioneer Title,
Cochise Flooring, Bob and Jane
Strain and Dickerson Fundraising
Solutions.
Businesses that participate in the
festival, either as a sponsor or tree
donor, may be eligible for a market-
ing dollars tax deduction (see your
tax professional for details), while
those who purchase a tree, ginger-
bread house, centerpiece or wreath
will receive a tax deduction receipt
from the Boys & Girls Club.
All Chamber members should have
received a letter, entry form and
sponsorship form in their September
newsletter.
This information is also available on
our website
www.sierravistachamber.org.
For more details, call event manager
Market to thousands at the annual Festival of Trees
Page 5 Volume 2013, Issue 11
For upcoming events please visit us at www.sierravistachamber.org/events
Top Row: Business at Twilight hosted by Prestige Assisted Living who chose a lively
“Medieval Theme.”
Rows 2 : Staff and Ambassadors celebrate Ribbon Cuttings at Echoing Hope
Ranch, Jo-Ann Fabric & Gifts and Valley Imaging Solutions.
Row 3: Honorees and presenters at the Military Affairs Luncheon
Row 3 & 4: Leadership Sierra Vista 2014 class participates in Government Day.
Page 6 The Chamber Vista
Member Spotlight: Bedmart
For more than 40 years Bob Avant has
been helping people to get a
good night’s sleep.
As the manager of the only
store in Sierra Vista focused
solely on beds, Bob is the go
to person when it comes to
picking the right spot to lay
your head.
Bedmart has been serving
the community’s sleeping
needs since 1991 and aver-
ages a choice of 50 models
on the shop floor most days.
The store, located at 325 W.
Fry Blvd., carries three ma-
jor companies – Simmons,
Serta and Tempur-Pedic.
“We sell sleep and we sell
value,” explains sleep con-
sultant Wayne Durham. “We offer the
best pricing.”
Bedmart offers its customers everything
from a complete bed to pillows and Bob
says they will beat other prices for the
same products by five percent.
“We are your home town based dealer,”
said Bob, who has been selling beds
since 1972.
Buying a new mattress involves a lot
more than simply lying on one for a few
minutes.
Bob and Wayne will first take the time to
find out if the customer has any health
issues, such as back problems
or arthritis, before guiding that
person to the mattress they be-
lieve will best meet their needs.
“We recommend that customers
lie on a mattress in the store for
at least 10 to 20 minutes and
even take nap,” said Wayne.
“We also ask them about the
firmness and comfort level they
like and we match them with a
mattress that will keep their
body in its proper alignment.”
For those looking for more than
just a place a sleep, the store
currently has a bed that plays
music via Bluetooth, has an ad-
justable mattress, a built in light
and even massages its occu-
pants – all with the touch of a button on
a smart phone.
To find out more, visit Bedmart at its
Sierra Vista location, call 452-0355 or
visit www.azbedmart.com
Email Marketing This Holiday Season
Although it’s often considered over-
used, email remains inexpensive and
easy to implement when it comes to
maintaining contact with existing cus-
tomers. That’s a key to remember – to
be effective, email marketing should be
used with folks
you have al-
ready done
business with
or who have
expressed an
interest in your
business and
have requested
email from you
(otherwise known as permission marketing).
Keep these tips in mind if you plan to
use email to support your holiday mar-
keting efforts:
Keep the e-mail short and
sweet. Link directly to the content
of interest so you make the proc-
ess as easy as possible for your
customers.
Clearly state the email’s intent in
the subject line. For example, "A
Special Offer Just for You. Thanks
for Your Business in 2013.”
Be festive in your design. Appeal
to the sights of the season with a
special design
for the holidays.
Follow
online market-
ing rules. Don't
forget that online
marketing is
regulated, so
whatever tactics
you employ be sure to fol-
low government guidelines that
apply to list management, SPAM
and other guidelines.
Excerpted from “5 Ways to Market Your Business for the Holiday Season” To read the full article , visit: http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/5
-ways-market-your-business-holiday-
season
www.facebook.com/SierraVistaChamber
www.twitter.com/SVChamber101
Ribbon Cutting
Sierra Vista Flowers & Gifts
November 15th
4 pm
1400 E. Fry Blvd.
Page 7 Volume 2013, Issue 11
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
Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc.
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
KKYZ Radio
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 of Sierra Vista, LLC
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
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
Ameriplan (520) 397-4068
Jamberry Nails (760) 552-1198
Raxx Direct Marketing, LLC (520) 426-2074
Stronghold Signs (520) 439-4442
The BBs Dance Troupe (520) 224-8279
Tractor Supply (520) 458-5098
Vista Pediatrics, PLLC (520) 459-0203
Air Force Association Cochise Chapter 107
Allstate Insurance
Bonanza Cleaners & Laundry
CGI *Large Business of the Year 2012*
Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc.
Echoing Hope Ranch
Economic Development Foundation
EKS Group, LLC
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
ICE (Intelligence Communications & Engine
Nature's Healthier Alternatives
New Frontier Animal Medical Center
Office Smart
R. L. Workman Homes
Specialists in Dermatology
The Social Register
Truly Nolen Sierra Vista Branch Office
Walgreens
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
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
Sierra Vista Area Chamber PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
HEREFORD, AZ
PERMIT NO. 29
CURRENT RESIDENT OR
Chamber Staff
Executive Director - Amanda Baillie, [email protected] Membership & Marketing Director - John Hargraves III, [email protected] Communications Director - Margaret Dillard, [email protected] Office Manager - Toni Rogers, [email protected] Events Coordinator - Diane Erwin, [email protected]