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Tuesday, May 18, 2021
 
26th Annual Leadership Conference Recap
26th Annual Leadership Conference Recap
Thank you to everyone who tuned into the 2021 Women in Business Leadership Conference: Leading by Example, presented by Tempe St. Lukes Hospital. It was great to hear so many influential voices speak about the importance of leadership in this unchartered time.

Congratulations to Dr. Aneesah Nadir for being named our 2021 Business Woman of the Year. She has been a phenomenal advocate of the Tempe Chamber and a mentor to many. We are honored to recognize her accomplishments and leadership.

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Chamber News
Capitol Session Statistics as of 5/14/2021

Days: 124
Number of Bills Posted: 1708
Bills Passed: 378
Bills Signed: 362

With more and more Arizona businesses finding it difficult to fill open positions, Governor Doug Ducey took additional steps last week to get individuals off unemployment insurance through an “Arizona Back to Work” program. Beginning July 10, 2021, individuals on unemployment insurance (UI) will no longer receive the $300 per week federal bonus benefits.
 
In addition, Governor Ducey announced a Return-to-Work Bonus program. Arizona will offer eligible individuals a one-time bonus of $2,000 to return to the workforce and get a full-time job by Labor Day, September 6, 2021. Part-time workers will receive $1,000. The bonus will be awarded when a worker leaves the UI system and completes at least 10 weeks of work with an employer. 
 
The Governor’s plan also includes education and child care assistance. The plan includes $7.5 million for community college continuing education scholarships and $6 million for GED testing. Lastly, the State will provide three months of child care assistance for individuals with children who return to work after collecting unemployment benefits.
 
Budget negotiations continued last week and started again on Monday. Some lawmakers believe a budget will be introduced late this week. However, some significant policy issues remain outstanding.


 
The Tempe Chamber and Rio Salado College is Seeking Your Input

The Tempe Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Rio Salado College is requesting your input regarding micro-credentials and fulfilling workforce needs. Rio Salado College offers micro-credentials as a timely solution to education that allows an individual to acquire proficiency with an employable skill quickly. The micro-credential allows employers and employees to reskill within six months to one year. When the workplace experiences changes in the working environment, employers and their employees may need to adapt to changes and earn specific skills to sustain a competitive approach in their industry. Help us by providing your feedback.

 
Career Ready Tempe Business Application Now Open
Career Ready Tempe Business Application Now Open
Career Ready Tempe aims to help prepare and develop Tempe youth to participate in the future workforce by connecting them to college and career readiness support and partnering with Tempe businesses to provide youth with paid internship opportunities in fields that are in demand. The City of Tempe and Tempe Chamber Foundation is currently seeking applications from local businesses that are interested in being a part of this workforce program.

 
Tempe Excelerate Business Savings With Office Depot

Office Depot is focused on supporting small business growth and engagement at the local level. The business savings program is part of that commitment and provides businesses with access to better pricing, tools, and solutions to help them grow. It also supports local chambers and organizations, investing a portion of all member purchases back into their neighborhood events and initiatives. Save up to 10% off on virtually all products at Office Depot and more! Learn more.
 
Member News
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City of Tempe Mask Mandate to end Friday

Effective Friday, May 21, the City of Tempe will no longer require face coverings in public spaces, though masks are urged for those who are unvaccinated. Masks also are strongly recommended to be worn for the sake of those who are more vulnerable, such as unvaccinated children and the immune-comprised. Read the proclamation.
 
Get Ready to say, Aloha with Southwest!

Last week Southwest Airlines announced new nonstop flights from Phoenix to Hawaii. Beginning June 27th and September 7th, Southwest will bring lower faresno change fees*, and no bag fees** to Hawaii. This service has been highly anticipated for a long time and they are excited to give the Valley more options when their travels take them to the Hawaiian Islands. Introductory one-way flight rates start as low as $159. Book today!
 
Color Your Community (Last Day!)

Stop by your favorite Tempe neighborhood restaurant every Tuesday through May 18 to get yummy take-out and a free coloring page featuring a City of Tempe landmark. Collect all six in honor of Tempe’s 150th anniversary. Flip the page over to color some COVID-19 prevention tips.

Can't get take-out right now? That's okay. We've got you covered. You can download each page and print them to your home printer. Come back every Tuesday for the next page and to watch the next coloring tip video by artist Paige Reesor. Learn more.
 
Alliance Bank of Arizona’s 2021 Virtual Economic Forum for Business Professionals

Curious about how the post-pandemic economy will affect the professional services industry in Arizona? Alliance Bank of Arizona is hosting a virtual, complimentary 2021 Economic Forum on May 26 at 11 am that specifically addresses economic trends and developments affecting professionals who are shaping the state’s future. Prominent keynote speaker Dr. Christopher Thornberg, founding partner of Beacon Economics, a leading independent economic research and consulting firm, will provide an in-depth analysis of how the past year has affected the economy, as well as provide an outlook on what Arizona’s professional community can expect over the short- and long-term.Register today!
 
Kate Smith Named Rio Salado College’s 5th President

After a comprehensive nationwide search, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) named Kate Smith to serve as Rio Salado College’s next president beginning May 15. Smith, who has been serving as Rio Salado’s interim president since August 2018, joined the college in 2016 as the vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer. The official announcement about her new role was released May 7 by MCCCD and Interim Chancellor, Steven R. Gonzales. Learn more.
 
Loanable Technology Pilot Program: Connect Tempe

The Tempe Public Library in partnership with the City of Tempe's Human Services department offer a new pilot program, Connect Tempe, that will help bridge the digital divide. The goal is for students and seniors to be connected and engaged with learning and for families to be able to digitally learn anywhere, anytime. The library will offer a limited number of loanable Chromebooks and internet Wi-Fi hotspots to those who qualify. Learn more and apply!
 
Help Tempe Plan for a More Sustainable Transportation Network

With its central location, proximity to ASU, and lively community, Tempe attracts visitors, businesses, and events. This can naturally result in challenges, like traffic congestion. Understanding that we cannot completely build our way out of existing and future traffic volumes, Tempe is developing sustainable solutions for the city’s transportation network and we need your help!

Businesses, employees and residents are invited to attend public meetings to hear about plans for Mobility Hubs and a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and Transportation Management Association (TMA) program on Saturday, May 22 from 9:30-10:30 am or Wednesday, May 26 from 12-1 pmLearn more.
 
Crexendo VIP: Business Communications with 100% Uptime Guarantee

Tempe-based Crexendo recently announced the planned acquisition of NetSapiens, who, according to Frost & Sullivan, is the 4th largest and fastest-growing business communications platform on the market with over 1.7 million users on their platform. VIP lets you communicate with Video, Interactions, and Phones. Video, voicemail, messaging, SMS, fax, integrations, Team Chat, and mobile, browser & desk phones give you the power to communicate in the most effective ways for your business. Click for more information.
 
City of Tempe COVID-19 Testing & Vaccine Updates

Tempe has two 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.

Individuals can get more information on all Tempe’s COVID-19 efforts at tempe.gov/coronavirus.
 
Job Board
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Tempe Chamber Opening


The Tempe Chamber is seeking a highly motivated and sales-driven individual to work under the direction of our VP of Business Relations. If you are passionate about the Tempe business community and thrive in a fast pace working environment we encourage you to apply! Learn more.
 
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Northern Trust is Hiring

Northern Trust, a preeminent global financial institution is looking to hire for the following openings:


Visit their website to learn more.
 
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Crexendo

Crexendo Inc., a full-service cloud communications provider is looking to hire a Cloud Communications Consultant and Channel Account Manager. Learn more and apply HERE.
 
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The Donor Network

The Donor Network is hiring a bilingual Donation and Family Advocate. Learn more and apply here.
 
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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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Carvana

Carvana has multiple job openings at various locations across Arizona. For more information click here. 
 
Financial News & Resources
 
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)

 
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.
 
 
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. 
 
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.  
 
Helpful Business Resources
 
Tempe Chamber of Commerce
1438 W. Broadway Rd. Ste. 213, Tempe AZ 85283
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