| Tuesday, February 23, 2021 |
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| 2021 Business Excellence Award Nominations Now Open! |
| The 2021 Business Excellence Award nominations are now open. The purpose of the awards is to identify and recognize companies whose practices in business and employee development, community involvement, and customer service exemplify excellence.
Three finalists will be selected in two categories: one for Small Businesses with 25 employees or less and Large Businesses with 25 employees or more. The awards will be presented at the State of the Chamber Event on June 25, 2021, which will be a live, studio broadcast.
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Employee Retention Tax Credit
The Employee Retention Credit (ERTC) under the CARES Act encourages businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act, enacted December 27, 2020, amended and extended the employee retention credit (and the availability of certain advance payments of the tax credits). The ERTC is designed to make it easier for businesses that, despite challenges posed by COVID-19, choose to keep their employees on the payroll. Businesses may receive a maximum of $14,000 per employee through June 30, 2021. Must have less than 500 employees and 20% decline in revenue to qualify. Learn more about this tax credit. |
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Merle Fister Scholarship Application Extended
The Tempe Chamber Military Affairs Committee has opened the 2021 Merle Fister Scholarship application to eligible Tempe veterans and the deadline to apply has been extended until March 1, 2021.
The annual $1,000 Merle Fister Scholarship is awarded to a Tempe veteran who is seeking to complete their academic career and is given based on character, leadership, academic pursuits, and financial need. The scholarship recipient will take part in the Red, White, and Blue Awards Ceremony held on April 14th to receive their recognition. |
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Chamber Supports 'Build by the 4th' Congressional Package
We have joined over 200 diverse organizations to call on Congress to pass a bipartisan infrastructure package that stimulates the economy & invests in our nation’s transportation, energy, water, and communications technologies. Join us in calling on Congress to pass a comprehensive infrastructure deal by the Fourth of July. Learn more. |
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Chamber Supports Global Energy Institute's 'Natural Gas. Natural Advantage.' Initiative
In Arizona, we are fortunate to have utility companies that are focused on building our economy and working toward energy solutions. Natural gas plays a significant role in Arizona’s economy, which is why we signed on to the U.S. Chamber Global Energy Institute’s “Natural Gas. Natural Advantage.” initiative. Read more about the program. |
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Tempe Chamber Seeks Nominations for Board of Directors
The Call for Nominations is now open and the Tempe Chamber of Commerce is seeking candidates for its board of directors.
Help lead your Chamber and profession into the future by nominating a colleague or yourself. The Call for Nominations closes on March 15. Nominations can be sent via email to Anne Gill. |
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Tempe Leadership Hosts Senator Kyrsten Sinema and Mayor Corey Woods
Since 2008, Tempe Leadership has been offering an opportunity for alumni and the general public to learn more about personal paths to leadership, including the challenges and rewards of leadership. Conversations in Leadership gives us the opportunity to discuss leadership with proven leaders.
This year's program will be held on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, from 11:00, am – 12:30 pm features Senator Kyrsten Sinema and Tempe Mayor Corey Woods who will discuss leadership, challenges, and opportunities for the future. |
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10 Ways to Build More Workplace Diversity
Local leaders share their ideas for making the workplace more inclusive. Look to your own team, get involved in diverse communities and use professional recruiting services are just some of the ways to help make your workforce more inclusive. Learn more. |
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Business Woman of the Year Nominations are Open
The Tempe Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 26th annual Business Woman of the Year Award. The award recognizes an individual's excellence in their chosen field and demonstrated leadership within the community. The award honors those who serve as a positive role model to others and are active in community and Tempe Chamber programs. The recipient of the 2021 Business Woman of the Year award will be announced at the Tempe Chamber's Leadership Conference which will be a live broadcast on May 14, 2021. Nominations close on March 12, 2021. Nominate someone today! |
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| Tempe Leadership Class 36 News |
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Fundraising Efforts
Downtown Tempe is getting more colorful. A building near the corner of Mill Ave. and 5th St will soon be the site of a 60-foot mural focused on diversity and inclusion. After a two-month selection process local artist, Isaac Caruso, was chosen to design and paint a 60-foot mural.
To raise funding for the mural Class 36 is hosting several online fundraisers:
For more information and to donate to the project CLICK HERE. |
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Tempe expands boundaries for the first time since 2006
The City of Tempe is expanding its boundaries for the first time since 2006 to annex in a portion of the north Tempe county island. The annexation will allow Tempe to make road and infrastructure improvements. A new residential development, Banyan North Tempe, is also planned. Learn more about the project. |
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Tempe Turns 150
The City of Tempe is celebrating its sesquicentennial (150th!) all year long. Stay up to date on ways you can join the celebration, learn about the history of Tempe, and how the city has changed over the years. Learn more. |
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Landings Credit Union SBA PPP Loan Processing
Landings Credit Union is still processing SBA PPP loan requests! The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.
First Draw PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits, and may also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations. You can apply for a First Draw PPP Loan until March 31, 2021.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) now allows certain eligible borrowers that previously received a PPP loan to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan with the same general loan terms as their First Draw PPP Loan.
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Phoenix Sky Harbor News Updates
If you are looking for the latest updates from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, they have a monthly newsletter called "PHX Check-In" to keep you informed.
This month's edition includes news on Federal mask mandates, construction of the newest concourse, the Phoenix Airport History Museum's Black History Month display, new routes coming in March, and much more.
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City of Tempe COVID-19 Testing & Vaccine Updates
Tempe has two new COVID-19 testing locations at Kiwanis Park and Big Surf. The Kiwanis Park location, operated by Embry Health, offers free saliva diagnostic testing. The Big Surf location, operated by Nutrynt, offers free diagnostic testing plus rapid and antibody tests for a fee. Bring your ID and insurance card if you have one. Learn more. |
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Walker Bookstore Hiring Warehouse Assistant
Walker Bookstore, LLC is looking for people who will grow into a long-term leadership position with the company in a variety of areas. Strong veteran preference in hiring.Apply now. |
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SRP Hiring Residential Customer Care Representatives
At a time when so many need work, Salt River Project is hiring for its award-winning customer care team. The pay is $19.51 per hour and full benefits are available after a three-month training and transition process. Learn more and apply today. |
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The Porch is Hiring for Line Cooks and Dishwashers
Click here to learn how you can apply to work in one of Tempe's newest restaurants. |
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The Centers for Habilitation (TCH)
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Carvana
Carvana has multiple job openings at various locations across Arizona. For more information click here. |
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| Financial News & Resources |
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Tax Filing - IRS Business Updates
- Self-employed individuals can now claim their sick & family leave tax credits due to COVID-19 on the new IRS Form 7202.
- New IRS form available for self-employed individuals to claim COVID-19 sick and family leave tax credits under FFCRA (English & Spanish)
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CO - U.S. Chamber of Commerce Resources for Small Business
U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer, Neil Bradley, and Mike Morello, U.S. Chamber Chief Digital Officer, discuss the new coronavirus relief deal.
COVID-19 has changed what business leadership looks like, now and for the foreseeable future. Smart leaders are adapting their strategies to this new work environment.
Paycheck Protection Program loans have helped many companies make it through COVID-19-related disruptions. Here is what businesses need to do to get their PPP loans forgiven.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans have been a top option for businesses struggling due to COVID-19, but the tax obligations associated with them have been challenging to track and understand. |
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U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Resources
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U.S. Small Business Administration Weekly Loan Clinics
During the first Wednesday of each month, learn about SBA’s lending role and how to prepare a request for capital. This free monthly clinic will help attendees understand credit requirements, interest rates, collateral terms, and amounts available. Click here for more information. |
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RESPOND - PLAN - RETURN STRONGER Webinar Series The Arizona Commerce Authority and Local First Arizona — supported by a dynamic group of community partners — have launched a statewide initiative to help Arizona’s small businesses respond to the immediate impacts of COVID-19, plan for the future and return stronger than before. Over the course of a few months, local business leaders and subject matter experts will provide real-time support and available resources across Arizona in live, virtual sessions to help small businesses return stronger than they entered. |
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| Helpful Business Resources |
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Tempe Chamber of Commerce 1438 W. Broadway Rd. Ste. 213, Tempe AZ 85283 |
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