1. art and entertainment
2. shows and events
3. classical concert

Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber Vista is a publication of the Sierra Vista Area Chamber
21 E. Wilcox Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 (520) 458-6940, Fax: (520) 452-0878
www.sierravistachamber.org
Mission Statement
The Sierra Vista Area Chamber promotes business and provides leadership for the improvement of the community.
2014-15 Board of Directors
Chamber Vista
Chamber Staff
Executive Officers:
Chair - Rick Shelley, Horizon Moving Systems
Past Chair - Mike Benson, TDY Housing
Chair Elect - Jack Blair, SSVEC
Treasurer - Glen Cobb, Sierra Suites
Member at Large, Paul Mello, Williams & Mello Law
Board Members:
Nancy Nash - Stuff ‘N Baskets
Ken Cecil - Mall at Sierra Vista
Elsie MacMillan - Sierra Toyota
Kevin Peterson - Sierra Vista Food Co-Op
Virginia Cleven, ERA Four Feathers Realty
Mark Schmitt, SBDC Cochise College
Brian Barkdull - American Southwest Credit Union
Cheryl Cervantes - CerendipiTees
Mary Tieman
Executive Director
mtieman@sierravistachamber.org
Amanda Browne
Membership Director
abrowne@sierravistachamber.org
A monthly publication of the Sierra Vista Area Chamber
March 2015
Kaylene Nicholas
Communications & Events Coordinator
coordinator@sierravistachamber.org
Inside Volume 2 Issue 2
Alicia Wilson
Office and Accounting Manager
officem@sierravistachamber.org
Executive Director’s
Comments
Mary Tieman
2
Olivia Aguilera
Administrative Assistant
reception@sierravistachamber.org
Annual Awards Gala
2
Sierra Vista Area Chamber
21 E. Wilcox Dr.
Sierra Vista, AZ. 85635
PRESORTED
STANDARD
3
Advertising with the
Chamber
3
Business Spotlight:
Sierra Suites
4
US POSTAGE PAID
SIERRA VISTA, AZ
PERMIT NO. 59
CURRENT RESIDENT OR
Avoiding trips and falls
in the workplace
Highlights from Recent
Events
5
Schedule of Upcoming
Events
6
Membership Page
7
Board of Directors
& Chamber Staff
8
Great change is headed your way
The Chamber’s 2015 Annual Membership Meeting was well attended with
over 120 members in attendance. The
Chamber staff added new flair to the annual meeting, showing our valued members that the Chamber is ready to take
events, networking and businesses to
new heights.
Executive Director, Mary Tieman, announced that the Chamber will have a
new website that will be launched in the
coming months, created by iLab Media,
as well as having our Chamber Vista
Newsletter becoming completely electronic starting in June 2015. Of course,
the Chamber will be happy to provide a
paper copy to anyone who requests it.
With all of the great changes coming in
2015, we look forward to the year ahead.
As Mary Tieman mentioned at the annual meeting, the Chamber is stronger
than ever! The Chamber is adapting and
listening to what our members value and
want out of their Chamber membership.
Coming in April we will hold our Annual Awards Gala where we will introduce our new Board of Directors and
honor a large, small and home based
business with the Business of the Year
award. If you have a business that you
believe should receive this honor, contact the Chamber today for more information. The Annual Awards Gala will
be held on April 16th at the Thunder
Mountain Activity Center on Fort Huachuca.
This year the Chamber, more than ever,
is focused on putting our business members first and concentrating on the economic security of Sierra Vista. Our focus will be shared during our 2015 Annual Awards Gala. Be sure to look for
your invitation in the mail!
We look forward to sharing this great
event with our valued members and
hope to see you all there!
Sierra Vista Chamber information:
www.sierravistachamber.org
Phone: (520) 458-6940
Fax: (520) 452-0878
Lets Put Sierra Vista on the Map!
March Chamber Vista
Page 2
Executive Director’s Comments
I would like to start by thanking
everyone who attended our Annual
Membership Meeting on February
19th, at the Thunder Mountain
Activity Center. We had a fabulous
turnout, and I hope everyone enjoyed learning about the accomplishments of the Chamber on behalf of
our members over the past year. As
we head into 2015, the Chamber is
committed to supporting the new
economic development efforts of the city, county, and
college district, and our business community.
March Chamber Vista
Page 7
Welcome New Chamber Members
March 9th. The top three businesses in each category will be
recognized and presented with an award at our Annual Gala
scheduled for April 16th.
In February the Chamber formed a Small Business Committee which focuses on the challenges our small businesses
face. The group will develop and schedule educational
workshops, networking events such as the mini expo and
promote our shop local program. The first meeting will be
announced in mid-March through our weekly e-blast. Please
do not hesitate to contact me for more information on how
you can join the small business committee.
Recently, I was asked why the Shop Local Program is so important and who does it benefit? Simply, the answer is
Last week our members received the 2015-2016 Chamber
everyone!!! The Chamber encourages the community as well
Board Member election ballot. Each one of these candidates
as visitors to spend locally for goods and services which is
is excited and eager to serve our great community on the
vital to sustaining and growing our economy long term.
Chamber board. Once you’ve cast your vote for your board
Spending locally means that your sales taxes will be rerepresentation, don’t put down that voting pen just yet, because we need your help to select the 2015 large, small, and invested in our community. Starting in March, the Sierra
home based Business of the Year. Nominations will be ac- Vista Chamber will kick off a “Shop Local Campaign” by
featuring a local Chamber business each week in our e-blasts.
cepted until March 5th and on line voting will begin on
Assault Prevention Workshops LLC
520-732-1717 Southern Arizona Midwives, LLC
520-439-2139
Military Brothers Moving LLC
520-255-6441 Vietnam Veterans of America
520-249-8898
Thank You for Renewing Your Commitment to the Community
Allstate Insurance Company-Pat Meldrum
Las Brisas Apartments
Sierra Vista Builders Supply
LegalShield-Carolyn Weaver
Sierra Vista Chiropractic
Amanda Baillie-Freelance Writer
Naco Dental
Sierra Vista Insurance Agency
Casa de las Montanas
Oasis Water Harvesting
The Russell’s Law Firm
Desert Eagle Security
Perrill Construction
Turquoise Valley Golf Course & RV
Galeria de Coronado Signature Rental
Homes
Quality Inn
Weatherguard Metal Construction, Inc.
Salvation Army, The
Walston Homes, LLC
KE&G Construction
Executive Club Members
KKYZ Radio
Sierra Vista Herald & Bisbee Daily Review
Landmark Cafe
Sierra Vista Napa
Lawley Automotive Center
Sierra Vista Regional Health
Lawley's Team Ford
Solid Solutions Portable Buildings
Life Care Center
Southeastern Arizona Contractors Assoc.
Long Realty Co.
Southwest Gas Corporation
Longhorn Restaurant
Southwestern Eye Center
Mall at Sierra Vista
Stachel & Associates, P.C.
ManTech Telecommunications & Info
Systems
Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Coop.
CGI
Cherry Creek Radio
Mr. Fix It of Sierra Vista, LLC
April16, 2015
City of Sierra Vista
Naco Dental
5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Complete Nutrition
National Bank of Arizona
Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors, David
Burnett
Cox Communications
New Frontier Animal Medical Center
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Cox Media
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Wayland Baptist University
Dental Village
Patio Pools & Spas
Windemere Hotel & Conference Center
Executive Realty Management & Sales
LLC
Pioneer Title Agency
Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala
Allstate Insurance Company - Pat
Meldrum
American Southwest Credit Union
Arizona Water Company
Baroumes Law Group, PLC
Save the Date!
Annual Awards Gala
Thunder Mountain Activity Center
Members $50.00
Future Members $65.00
RSVP by April 3, 2015
Cable Alternatives
CACI, Inc.
Castle & Cooke Arizona, Inc.
Castle & Cooke Mortgage, LLC
We encourage you to register on line at www.sierravistachamber.org
Garden Terrace Assisted Living Home
or call 520-458-6940
General Dynamics Information Tech.
Horizon Moving Systems of Sierra Vista,
Inc.
Pueblo del Sol Country Club
Rommel Equipment Services
Rosemont Copper Company
Sierra Vista Ace Hardware
Systems Integration
Via Elegante Assisted Living, Sierra Vista
A special thank you to our
Executive Club Members!
March Chamber Vista
Page 6
Schedule of Events
March Chamber Vista
Page 3
CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company
March 07— Health, Wealth and Lifestyle Fair, 10:00am-4:00pm, The Mall at Sierra Vista
Combating flu season impact on business
Top health officials in Arizona are calling on state citizens to get vaccinated
for the flu, according to a report from
The Associated Press.
March 11— Leadership Day, 7:45am, Chamber Office
March 12— Business at Twilight (BAT), 5:00pm, Girl Scouts
March 19—Hereford Walk In Clinic Ribbon Cutting, 4:00pm
March 20—Chamber 201, Chamber Office, 11:30am *RSVP
March 27—Chamber 101, Chamber Office, 11:30am *RSVP
March 27—American Southwest Credit Union Ribbon Cutting
April 01—Military Affairs Luncheon (MAC), 11:30am, Thunder Mountain Activity Center (TMAC) *RSVP
For more information on upcoming events and networking opportunities, please contact your Sierra Vista Area Chamber of
Commerce at (520)458-6940 or coordinator@sierravistachamber.org
In addition to sapping worker productivity, the flu and other illnesses can
cost businesses dearly in sick days. In
fact, according to the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
Arizona Health Services Director Will (CDC), the flu costs the economy
Humble told the news source that offi- nearly $10.4 billion alone in direct
cials are testing flu specimens to deter- costs for hospitalizations and outpamine which strains are circulating, as
tient visits for adults. For businesses
well as which ones may be resistant to
that must contend with the approxidrug treatment.
mately 111 million workdays lost due
to the flu each year, the cost comes to
With the state’s Department of Health
nearly $7 billion.
Services reporting that 12,000 people
in Arizona were hospitalized or sickened by the flu during 2013, businesses
may want to take flu season seriously.
Health, Wealth & Lifestyle Fair
Business at Twilight
Monthly Luncheon

Reach over 600 businesses in Sierra
Vista and surrounding communities
Hosted by :

Hereford Walk In Clinic
Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona
Take advantage of this valuable
member-only benefit!

We insert and mail for you!
4524 E Hereford Rd Suite A, Hereford, AZ 85615
2367 E. Fry Blvd.

Super low advertising rates!
Members pay only $99. Executive
Club Members pay just $49.
Come join the fun and don't
forget your business cards and cash!
Limited booth space available on a
first come, first served basis
March 7th, 2015
10:00 a.m.. - 4:00 p.m.
The Mall at Sierra Vista
Call the Chamber at
458-6940
Contact CopperPoint today for a free quote!
602.631.2600 or online at www.scfaz.com
Military Affairs
March 19th
Don’t Miss This Excellent Networking Opportunity
They are based in Phoenix and have a statewide presence, including an office in Tucson.
Advertise to 600 local businesses
for less than 20 cents a copy!
March 12th
Time: 4:00pm
CopperPoint covers more than 19,000 Arizona businesses and their employees.
Member Value
Ribbon Cutting
5:00pm – 6:30pm
Did you know that Sierra Vista Area
Chamber members receive a discount on
their insurance by choosing CopperPoint
Mutual Insurance Company?
SPECIFICATIONS: Inserts must be on
8.5x11, flat, non-glossy, standard weight
(20lb.– black & white, 24/28lb. - color
paper.)
MARCH NEWSLETTER DEADLINE:
Wednesday, February19, 2015
NOTE: Insert space is limited and is
offered on a first come, first serve basis.
For information, call the Chamber at
458-6940 or email:
coordinator@sierravistachamber.org
April 1, 2015
11:30 a.m. Thunder Mountain
Activity Center • Ft. Huachuca
Lunch: $15
RSVP before March 27 by calling the Chamber at
(520) 458-6940
Come and network with business, military and city leaders!
March Chamber Vista
Page 4
Business Spotlight: Sierra Suites
contribute to being a part of the
company?
How long have they been established
within the community?
My knowledge of the area is very helpful
when welcoming our guests to our
hotel. I am an outgoing person and
truly enjoy talking with people about
my home community.
How do you benefit from the role?
Sierra Suites has been open since 1985 and
is one of the few independent hotels in It is very rewarding, both professionally
and personally, to extend the spirit of
Sierra Vista.
hospitality to our visitors. To be able
How long have you been with the comto make our guests feel “at home” is
pany and what motivated you to
extremely gratifying.
become a part of their team?
In what ways does the company and/or
I have been with Sierra Suites for 15 years
you contribute back to the commuand have served as General Manager
nity?
since October 2010. I discovered this
Sierra Suites is a real “community” hotel
industry by “accident” when looking
and fosters team effort. We work
for a part-time job. I found I truly
closely with the Chamber, the City of
enjoy the field of Hospitality and disSierra Vista, Fort Huachuca and
covered I have a gift for it. It is my
MWR, as well as other civic organizaniche!
tions, to build a strong economy and
What qualities and characteristics most
promote Sierra Vista and all we have
March Chamber Vista
Page 5
Highlights from a few of our Recent Events
to offer. I serve on several Boards and
Commissions and have 110% support
from our owners and Management
Company.
Is there anything else you would like to
add?
I consider myself very blessed to work for
Sierra Suites and to live in Sierra
Vista. I grew up in Southern California and came to Sierra Vista in 1976. I
was passing through town, not intending on relocating. But I fell in love
with the area (not to mention Woody,
my husband of almost 38 years) and
decided to make Sierra Vista my
home! I appreciate the honor of Sierra
Suites being selected as the Sierra
Vista Chamber’s Vista Business Spotlight for February. Thank you very
much!
Annual Membership Meeting
Leadership , Law Enforcement Day
Sierra Suites Information
Phone: (520)459-4221
Website: Sierravistasuites.com
Business Tips—Five Tips for Social Media Marketing
There is no doubt that social media platforms
lead to immense business success. Since the
platform is evolving each day, online marketers
need to learn and embrace new ideals that will
help improve their conventional marketing skills,
with the innovative social media blueprints. Here
are some ideals that will help skilled business
owners move their returns upward through social
media marketing tactics.
1. Be Responsive
In the modern business landscape, change is
more than inevitable. Online ventures are always
faced with changing trends, demographics, and
regulation. For a business owner to succeed
online there is an imperative need to be agile.
Given that some changes are sudden, it is critical
that you are able to adapt with the changes
quickly. The evolving social media platforms
will require fast responses, innovative maintenance, and quick adaption if the online business
is expected to keep up with the changes. An
online venture that can enjoy the dynamics of
social media change will bring in more returns.
2. Link Up With the Right Associates
If you are flexible with your online business, it is
easy to establish resourceful connections. Social
media platforms linked up with the appropriate
partners will help an online marketer identify
new and promising business fronts. A digital
marketer, keen on diversifying market reach will
be in a good position by extending their techniques to social media platforms to increase conversion. Other aspects such as word-of-mouth
marketing can bring in additional benefits, if
integrated here. In fact, blending conventional
marketing and the innovative social media channels will bring in a positive brand image and
more clients.
4. Target Significant Numbers
For any online venture, it should be a top priority
to identify what are crucial goals for different
departments in your business. When you opt for
social media strategies, numbers are always important. Social media can be channeled in such a
way that all departments are able to achieve a
uniform goal, especially when it comes to drawing in traffic and captivating prospective clients.
5. Generate Significant Content with Synchronized Data
3. Foster Direct Relationships
Social media marketing will help a business turn
Your online business is bound to attract more if
around its performance, through a number of
pitched as a brand. If you are able to build trust
techniques. Notably, the use of keywords here is
with your users or potential clients, the converimportant. Always have relevant keywords,
sions increase. It is advisable to retain great qual- which cut across the product niche. If you are
ity associations with clients, who can become
able to examine and master new trends, it will be
brand advocates. Remember to include the aspect easy to keep your target audience informed and
of fresh reliable content. This will help cement
glued to your site. Constant repackaging or introthe bond for different target audiences or marduction of relevant product content will help as
kets. Don’t ignore online events such as webinars well, if the brand messaging is right.
or product chats to consolidate harmony within
the family of product users flocking to your site. Applying these tips to your social media strategy
The best way to polish it off is by nurturing the
will help your business to be successfully repreability to interact with your customers, and mak- sented in this competitive forum.
ing your brand the only one that can achieve such
a connection.
Thank you to Boys & Girls Club of Sierra Vista for
hosting our February Business at Twilight
Ribbon Cutting at Destiny’s Playground
Jarrett Croft , Executive Director of the
Boys & Girls Club of Sierra Vista
Ribbon Cutting at Wells Fargo Advisors