Business & Government

The greater Phoenix area's sunny climate, vibrant lifestyle and prospering business community attract thousands of visitors, new residents and entrepreneurs annually. The nation's sixth-largest city, Phoenix continues to grow and remains a desirable destination for travelers and dreamers alike.

If you're looking to relocate, establish a business here or just interested in finding out more about the Valley of the Sun, here is some helpful information:

THE VALLEY IN A NUTSHELL

More than four million people call the Valley of the Sun home, and enjoy its 300 annual days of sunshine, while another 13 million visit Phoenix each year for its outstanding weather, beautiful landscapes and southwestern hospitality. A hub of business activity, the Valley boasts global companies such as Avnet, Republic Services, Freeport McMoran, American Express, US Airways and many more. Residents enjoy relaxed living and numerous outlets for recreation and entertainment, including some 200 golf courses, pro and college sports teams, concert venues and museums.

BUSINESS

Arizona is not only a top 10 state for business, but the Valley is the best place in the country for recruitment and attraction of talented workers, according to Expansion Management magazine. The area has also been named one of the “Best U.S. Cities for Jobs” by Forbes, and with an average age of 34, it's the third-youngest region in the country, making young talent plentiful for any business. Airports like Phoenix Sky Harbor International connect Valley business people to partners the world over, and the area has become an attractor of innovative, high-tech industries such as solar power, biomedicine and aerospace.

HOUSING

The various corners of the Valley offer distinct vibes and perspectives for their residents. Each city offers something different, from the rising steel and glass of Phoenix to stylish Scottsdale and from active, rapidly-growing Glendale to the East Valley communities of Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek that offer a great work-life mix. From historic homes to new community developments, and from exciting urban living to active senior neighborhoods, the Greater Phoenix area truly has something for every lifestyle and taste.

SETTLING IN

There's so much to do when you move – finding a new bank, establishing utilities, getting a new driver's license. Greater Phoenix offers banks of all sizes, from big names like Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo to community banks that specialize in personal attention. Arizona Public Service (APS) and Salt River Project (SRP) provide electricity to most Arizona homes, while Southwest Gas is the primary natural gas provider. Qwest and Cox Communications offer phone, internet and television service, while water hookups are provided by each city.

EDUCATION

As Arizona's population continues to grow, the demand for more and better schools to prepare the next generation of citizens and workers grows as well. The Valley is home to many excellent primary and secondary schools (both public and private), including Arizona State University, one of the nation's largest educational institutions.

GETTING AROUND

Moving more than four million people around is no easy task, but Greater Phoenix continues to build and establish new ways to get you from here to there (and back). From expansion of highways to an innovative light rail system, there are more ways than ever to get where you're going. And getting to and from Phoenix is easy through one of the country's busiest airports, as Sky Harbor International services some 40 million passengers a year.

HEALTHCARE

The Valley has a healthy complement of some of the best medical facilities anywhere, with world-class health care services and nationally-recognized research programs covering nearly every medical specialty. Hospital networks like Banner Health, John C. Lincoln Hospital Network, Phoenix Children's Hospital and the Mayo Clinic offer everything from basic care to advanced procedures and specializations.

RETIREMENT

It's no secret that the Valley is seen as a perfect place to enjoy the rewards of a life well-lived. Retirees stay young and active not only through recreation and volunteering but by starting businesses or taking or teaching classes at local colleges or senior centers. And, of course, there's golf, which area seniors can enjoy nearly every day on one of the area's 200 courses.

Leading business owners in the Valley of the Sun organized the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce on November 13, 1888. Through nearly 120 years and a couple of name changes (it was known as the Phoenix Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce from 1973-1987 and became the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce in 1998), the Chamber has never wavered from its original mission: to help area businesses succeed and make the Valley a better place in which to live, work and do business.

The Phoenix Chamber originally spearheaded efforts towards attracting more settlers to the Valley, building a railroad to tap the rich forest country to the north, building better roads and supplying accommodations for those who traveled here for the winter sunshine.

The following year saw the state capitol move from Prescott to Phoenix and marked the beginning of the area's citrus and agriculture industry. The Chamber of Commerce began the processing of fruits and other products to offer a permanent display for visitors as proof of what the land could produce. If agriculture were to be a permanent success of the area, water storage to carry over during the summer months was crucial. A Chamber committee studied the possibilities of building dams on the Salt River to form reservoirs for water storage, and agreed unanimously upon the present site of the Roosevelt Dam. It was through the combined efforts of these businessmen and pioneer farmers that Congress was convinced to bring into effect the plan of Reclamation to capture and hold precious water from the Colorado River.

The hauling of crops to market, along with the rapidly growing change in transportation from horse-drawn vehicles to motor travel, created an insistent urge for a paved highway system. That development birthed an expansion of the urban area, building of fine country homes, subdivisions, more schools, more people and more wealth. In addition, Maricopa County became the leader, not only in Arizona but throughout the nation, in building paved highways. The ease and comfort of traveling over paved highways brought more fine hotels, guest ranches on the city's outskirts, and an awakened consciousness to the possibilities of selling the climate to people who lived in less favorable parts of the country. This, in turn, led to the development of the National Advertising Campaign, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and supported jointly by Maricopa County and the City of Phoenix.

Among the many undertakings of the early organization was the raising of $3,000 (equivalent to $58,824 today) for the purchase of a plot of ground that is now the historic Phoenix Indian School. This group of business and professional leaders was perhaps the greatest factor in determining the location of the Arizona Territorial Capital in Phoenix. It was logical that the Capital should be located in a town where there was promise and people had the vision and energy to behold this promise.

Arizona became the 48th state on Feb. 14, 1912. After World War II the area's growth spurt began and returning soldiers flocked to the area for its great weather and employment opportunities. Today the Valley is home to more than four million people and the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce boasts more than 3,000 member businesses. The Chamber - like the Valley of the Sun - has come a long way.

The Chamber offers many ways to make valuable business to business connections. Whether you're looking for a smaller peer to peer group setting to discuss business challenges or a casual atmosphere to mix and mingle, the Chamber has something for everyone. Please check out a few of our networking opportunities posted below.

After 5 Mixers:

The Chamber's After 5 Mixers provide an opportunity to wind down after a long day, while at the same time still making important business connections. The Chamber has partnered with the Downtown Phoenix Partnership and the Mayor's office to host many of these events in downtown Phoenix. Providing another opportunity to check out new business venues in a growing part of our community.

Click here to check out the upcoming After 5 Mixer.

Business for Breakfast:

Do you like to start your day off by making business connections? If so then be sure to check out one of our upcoming Business for Breakfasts held at various locations around the valley. Our B4B's are held from 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and provide you with an opportunity to network with other Chamber members in a variety of industries. If you have questions about the next B4B please contact Marissa Law at 602.495.6461 or by email.

Click here to find out more about an upcoming Business for Breakfast.

Leads Clubs:

If you're looking for a smaller group of business professionals to help grow your business, then the Chamber's leads clubs are a great place to be. Membership in the Chamber's Leads Clubs is open to one member in each industry type.

Click here to find out more information.

Roundtables:

The Chamber offers a series of professional programs designed to act as your “informal advisory board"- to brainstorm new ideas, discuss common business problems and keep up-to-date with business trends. If you're a woman-owned business be sure to check out the monthly Professional Women's Roundtable, if you're interested in sustainability business practices participate in the Green Roundtable and if you've like to mix and mingle with the up and coming business professional you must attend the Valley Young Professionals.

Click here to find out more about the Chamber's Roundtable.

Anthem Golf & Country Club 2708 W. Anthem Club Dr. Anthem, AZ 85086 Phone: 623-465-3020 Fax: 623-465-3111 Send Email We are an upscale private golf community located just North of I-17. Offering complete restaurant/banquet facilities for weddings and other events. Member Since: 2001 See Also Golf Courses and Country Clubs

Black Canyon Conference Center by Sodexo Conferencing 9440 N. 25th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85021 Phone: 602-944-0569 Fax: 602-997-5112 Send Email Black Canyon offers dedicated meeting space for groups of 20 to 400. Featuring two ballrooms, and 11 Workshops-- we can host corporate trainings, associations, and government meetings. Our Day Meeting Package makes ease of booking a breeze. Member Since: 1984 See Also Event and Meeting Planning, Promotion and Management

El Zaribah Shriners 552 N. 40th St. Phoenix, AZ 85008 Phone: 480-326-0873 Fax: 602-231-8737 Send Email We have the perfect location to hold meetings, trade shows, theme parties, banquets or any event looking for a premium atmosphere. Member Since: 2006

Focaccia Fiorentina 112 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004 Phone: 602-252-0007 Fax: 602-257-1001 Send Email Incredible selection of authentic Tuscan style pastas, focaccia sandwiches as well as specialty handstretched pizzas, calzones and salads. This casual bistro is famous for remarkable pastas. Member Since: 2003 See Also Caterers, Delicatessens or Fast Food , Restaurants - Catering

Le Soiree Banquet Hall 2915 W. Bell Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85053 Phone: 602-993-4155 Fax: 602-993-4158 Send Email Le Soiree banquet is a beautiful venue for weddings, private parties and conferences. It is convieniently located on Bell Road, west of I 17. We provide all ameneties including tables, chairs, linen, stage and dance floor, podium, projectors with screen. We allow outside caterers. Member Since: 2009

Morton's The Steakhouse 2501 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85016 Phone: 602-955-9577 Fax: 602-955-9670 Send Email Featuring USDA Prime Beef, Fresh Seafood and a selection of delicious appetizers, and award winning desserts, Morton's serves only the finest food. Famous for its unique tableside presentation, open-air kitchen and friendly staff, Morton's has delighted Arizona guests for over a decade. The restaurant's inviting atmosphere maintains a classic steakhouse feel with a cutting edge look. Morton's private Boardrooms/Patio are available for business and social functions, accommodating groups of 10-100 guests. Member Since: 1996 See Also Restaurants - Catering , Event and Meeting Planning, Promotion and Management

Orange Tree Golf Resort 10601 N. 56th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Phone: 480-948-6100 Fax: 480-483-6074 Send Email With 160 suites, a USGA rated course, professional meeting and banquet space, fine dining and entertainment, Orange Tree is the ideal location for a relaxing vacation or special event. Member Since: 1983 See Also Hotels, Motels and Resorts , Convention and Trade Show Organizers , Event and Meeting Planning, Promotion and Management

Phoenix Convention Center 100 N. 3rd St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 Phone: 602-262-6225 Fax: 602-495-3642 The 900,000 sq. ft. Phoenix Convention Center currently offers three ballrooms with the largest at 46,000 sf and three Exhibition Halls of 143,000 - 190,000 - and 312,500 sq. ft. Meeting Space of 180,000 sq. ft. and a new 21,000 sq. ft. Executive Conference Center - for meetings of 3 to 350 attendees. Member Since: 1997 See Also Convention and Trade Show Organizers , Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters

Radisson Phoenix Airport Hotel 3333 E. University Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85034 Phone: 602-437-8400 Fax: 602-470-0998 Send Email The Radisson Phoenix Airport Hotel is a newly renovated, full service hotel. We provide our guests with sleeping rooms, meeting space, and a restaurant. Member Since: 2003 See Also Hotels, Motels and Resorts , Event and Meeting Planning, Promotion and Management

Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center 7700 E. McCormick Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Phone: 480-991-9000 Fax: 480-596-7421 Send Email Nestled along two golf courses and offering 30 years of award-winning service to meetings, groups, special events and leisure travelers, Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center features classic hacienda-inspired décor, 50,000 square feet of meeting/event space, two sparkling pools, tennis, spa and distinctive four-diamond cuisine in the incomparable Palm Court. Member Since: 1976 See Also Hotels, Motels and Resorts , Event and Meeting Planning, Promotion and Management , Hotels, Motels and Resorts - Spas/Timeshares

Sheraton Crescent Hotel 2620 W. Dunlap Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85021 Phone: 602-943-8200 Fax: 602-371-2856 Send Email At The Sheraton Crescent guests can enjoy relaxing pool side, take a thrilling ride down the 166 foot Monsoon Mountain Waterslide, play tennis, sand volleyball or our state of the art Health Club. Member Since: 1986 See Also Hotels, Motels and Resorts , Event and Meeting Planning, Promotion and Management

The Wrigley Mansion Club 2501 E. Telawa Trail Phoenix, AZ 85016 Phone: 602-955-4079 Fax: 602-956-8439 Send Email Located in midst of Camelback district, exceptional venue for special events, receptions to elaborate banquests. Beautiful restaurant facility with exquisite cuisine. Member Since: 1998 See Also Restaurants - Catering

Wind Star Gardens 8625 W. Olive Ave. Peoria, AZ 85345 Phone: 623-412-3030 Fax: 623-412-3031 Send Email A perfect place to celebrate with family, friends and business associates. We welcome small intimate groups, large groups up to 300 or anywhere in between. Whether your event is business or personal, casual or elegant… WindStar Gardens is the perfect setting! Member Since: 2009

Windemere Hotel & Conference Center 5750 E. Main St. Mesa, AZ 85205 Phone: 480-985-3600 Fax: 480-832-1230 Send Email Our fully trained staff is poised to handle your needs, from check-in through check-out. In addition, we invite each guest to enjoy a delicious morning start at our free Breakfast Bar and a complimentary copy of USA Today. Stroll the grounds and take in the views. Our lush courtyard with tall palms, green grass and flowering shrubs surrounds our sparkling pool area. Patios and balconies grace the courtyard and add outdoor gathering spaces for each guest room. Convenience is a top priority, and with our on-site freshly baked cookies, and dry cleaning services our guests can simply relax and enjoy their stay. In addition, local calls and room upgrades, when available, are free. And for larger families, rollaway beds are easily arranged. Member Since: 2001 See Also Hotels, Motels and Resorts , Event and Meeting Planning, Promotion and Management