| AGENDA ITEM #: 2. DATE: 04/12/2021 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | SOUTHWEST VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Julie Arendall, City Manager |
SUMMARY:
Presentation and discussion regarding the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends: (1) continued membership in the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, and (2) a one-year renewal of their contract to serve as agent for the city to operate an Information and Business Resource Center. (Julie Arendall, City Manager)
FISCAL IMPACT:
The city of Goodyear pays a membership fee to the Chamber in the amount of $725, and an annual fee of $16,000 to operate the Information and Business Resource Center.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS:
The city of Goodyear has been a long-time partner of the Southwest Valley Chamber (“Chamber”). The Chamber is an independent entity whose bylaws designate service areas to include businesses located within the cities of Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park and Tolleson.
The city of Goodyear has a three-pronged relationship with the Chamber:
Recently, the Chamber has experienced significant upheaval to include the announced departure of the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Safin, and the decision by the city of Avondale to cease membership in the Chamber.
This work session is an opportunity for Council to receive an update on the city’s relationship with the Chamber and discuss steps forward.
The city of Goodyear has a three-pronged relationship with the Chamber:
- Membership: The city is a member of the Chamber with a designated seat on the board as an ex-officio member. Councilmember Campbell serves as Goodyear’s representative.
- Land lease: Goodyear has a 99-year land lease with the Chamber that expires on March 31, 2099. The Chamber owns the building and this lease is not tied to our membership with the Chamber.
- Partnership: The city of Goodyear pays the Chamber annually to serve as the agent for the city to operate an Information and Business Resource Center. Under the agreement, the Chamber is to maintain a visitor information center; respond to inquiries from residents, visitors/tourists and businesses; provide direct support to local businesses; and promote the city on the Chamber website and link to our Economic Development webpage. The annual contract is up for renewal in May 2021.
Recently, the Chamber has experienced significant upheaval to include the announced departure of the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Safin, and the decision by the city of Avondale to cease membership in the Chamber.
This work session is an opportunity for Council to receive an update on the city’s relationship with the Chamber and discuss steps forward.
STAFF ANALYSIS
A new CEO has been retained by the Chamber and the Chair-Elect has asked the member cities for an opportunity to reset and develop a plan to become a strong chamber. The Chamber has identified several goals to rebuild the Chamber:
It is the staff recommendation to retain membership in the Chamber and to renew the partnership for a period of one year, allowing time for the Chamber to reset.
- Keep lines of communication open, communicating regularly about the status of the Chamber, progress on various initiatives;
- Partner with the city on future projects to ensure the business community can thrive;
- Rebuild the Chamber well beyond that of any other Chamber in the region, providing value to each and every member that steps through their door; and
- Develop a strong presence in attracting and retaining businesses in the region and being the go-to resource for business development in the region.
It is the staff recommendation to retain membership in the Chamber and to renew the partnership for a period of one year, allowing time for the Chamber to reset.