2nd Chamber of Commerce created
Sonu Munshi
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 1, 2006 12:00 AM
SCOTTSDALE - Business owners in north Scottsdale will soon have
another platform to network.
The North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce
officially launches in January. A kickoff event takes place Nov.
9 at Cantina Laredo, 7361 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.
"We want to put the word out and
create a buzz," said Don Rice, president of the new association.
Rice, an independent health benefits broker,
said he and other business owners felt there was a need for a
separate chamber for businesses north of Shea Boulevard to Tatum
Boulevard, McDowell Mountain Ranch and Carefree Highway.
"These boundaries are not written
in stone, though," Rice said.
The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce
has 2,400 members. Rice said it focuses more on businesses in
south Scottsdale.
"The general feeling is that there
is a lack of presence of a community chamber in the north," Rice
said. "We feel there's plenty of room for two."The idea is
not to compete with the existing chamber for members but to
increase offerings, such as networking opportunities and educational
seminars, he said.
"We're not trying to steal other
businesses," Rice said. "Scottsdale is huge, and we'd just
like to work as adjoining communities."
Rick Kidder, president and CEO of the Scottsdale
Area Chamber of Commerce, said he would meet with Rice Tuesday
to learn how the group will be structured before commenting on
the new venture.
Regina Knapp, an independent real estate
agent for Sterling Fine Homes, was a member of the existing organization
for two years. She said she found it difficult to network because
most activities were held downtown.
"I felt overwhelmed at the meetings. . .
. I'd get 30 seconds to talk," she said. "Now I can hope to build
lasting business relationships." |
