Raoul Sada
By Raoul Sada | Northwest Valley Chamber of Commerce
As the Northwest Valley Chamber of Commerce celebrates 60 years of service, we are compelled to address inaccuracies from recent Surprise City Council discussions regarding potential alignment with an external chamber.
Our ongoing commitment to transparent communication, business advocacy and community support remains unwavering.
In the past three years, we have tripled gross revenues and expanded our membership to serve businesses across seven cities. This led to our rebranding from the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce to the Northwest Valley Chamber of Commerce. Despite this growth, Surprise remains central to our mission as we continue to champion local businesses and economic development.
Our Chamber has consistently delivered ribbon-cutting ceremonies, networking events and advocacy services. Our free “Chamber Academy & Networking” programs provide resources for businesses of all sizes. With targeted Business-to-Consumer (B2C) and Business-to-Business (B2B) events informed by regular member surveys, we align our initiatives with the real needs of local businesses.
Recent misstatements made during council discussions have misrepresented our activities and mission. These inaccuracies could harm our reputation and diminish the trust we’ve built within the business community. We urge responsible communication that accurately reflects the Chamber’s role and contributions, as these misstatements may negatively affect both the Chamber and the businesses we serve.
Our Chamber is self-funded through membership dues, event revenues, and sponsorships, ensuring independence from government influence. This allows us to focus solely on the business community’s needs and advocate for favorable conditions for local enterprises.
The Chamber philosophy is to work in partnership with others, not by duplicating services already in the community. That’s why we collaborate with organizations who have specific strengths and competencies. Our partnership with Surprise’s Economic Development Department has yielded critical programs like the ‘Shop Local’ initiative during the pandemic, and SMS campaigns supporting businesses during the Bell Grand road closures. We are committed to fostering economic growth, job creation, and investment across the region.
The Chamber’s advocacy extends to state and federal levels, where we engage on issues like infrastructure and economic policy that directly impact local businesses. This approach ensures the needs of Surprise’s businesses are represented in broader legislative discussions, safeguarding against burdensome regulations and promoting local growth.
We invite all community members, including the city, to join us in dialogue and witness firsthand the positive impact we continue to make for Surprise and the surrounding communities. Together, we can build a thriving business environment and a stronger local economy.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
