Stay up to date on the Mesa Chamber programs and efforts intended to advocate for your business. | | Committee Meeting Reviews | | |
The Mesa Chamber of Commerce organizes several Committees to advocate on behalf of industry clusters within the Chamber. Many of those committees meet monthly, and here is a summary of the month's meetings.
You are welcome to check the Chamber Calendar for upcoming committee meetings you may be interested in attending.
| | Government Affairs Committee | | |
September Meeting Summary:
The Government Affairs Committee met on September 19 to welcome U.S Border Patrol Supervisor Robert Gumtow and Alejandro (Alex) Chaparro.
Supervisor Gumtow provided an update on current border activity, including the types of narcotics being trafficked, cartel scouting operations, and human smuggling methods. Alex Chaparro expanded on the discussion by covering field seizures, checkpoint operations, and the existing infrastructure at the border.
Committee members also heard from Vice Mayor Scott Somers, who shared updates on Mesa's recent accomplishments as well as key developments within the Mesa Public Schools District.
Join the Government Affairs Committee for their next meeting on Friday, October 17. Register here to attend.
| | Small Business Strategy & Development Committee | | |
September Meeting Summary:
The Small Business committee met in September and discussed a variety of topics, including working on future programming for AI, Building Municipal relationships, breaking out a budget for financial planning, and more. The committee decided to schedule the City of Mesa for the October meeting to discuss the Mesa Business Builder Plan in more detail and how local businesses can be a part of the program. Register here.
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September Meeting Summary:
The Mesa Chamber hosted its second annual East Valley Technology Expo in September, surpassing last year’s attendance and exhibitor participation. Attendees had the opportunity to visit a hall of virtual booths exhibiting businesses offering products and services to Improve, Promote, and Protect your businesses with technology.
Additionally, the event offered members a wide range of engaging content, from panel discussions to a list of practical workshop videos such as "Lead Collection with Technology" and "Dos and Don'ts of Social Media", which are available to watch on YouTube here.
Diane Meza, Director of the Maricopa IT Institute and the outgoing chair of the Mesa Chamber Technology Committee, led a panel discussion with AI experts Srinivas Sandiri, Jerem Morris of DataTek, and Kevin Frost of Standing 360. Bob Nelson led a captivating conversation with fintech experts Kahri Thompson of Edward Jones and Josh Flake of Gateway Bank.
| | AI in Business Panel Discussion | | Fintech in Business Panel Discussion | | |
September Meeting Summary:
This month, the Mesa Veterans Committee explored the importance of supporting veterans in the workforce. The discussion highlighted common challenges, including the need for employers to better understand military culture, translating military skills into civilian roles, and where to connect with service members seeking employment.
The conversation also emphasized why hiring veterans is such a valuable investment for any organization. Veterans bring a wealth of skills, including adaptability, discipline, leadership, a strong work ethic, problem-solving abilities, and a readiness to learn. These qualities set them apart and make them an asset to any workplace.
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September Meeting Summary:
The Healthcare Committee met on September 11 and welcomed Greg Bouslog from the Ross Farnsworth East Valley YMCA. Greg shared the Y’s mission to serve all community members, highlighted scholarship programs that remove financial barriers, and gave an overview of offerings such as early learning, after-school care, youth sports, teen initiatives, active older adult programs, mental health services, and veteran-focused support.
Committee updates included the upcoming relaunch of the Mental Health Subcommittee and ongoing efforts of the Dementia Friendly Task Force to train local businesses.
The meeting concluded with details on the Health & Wellness Expo, happening Wednesday, October 8, from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Superstition Springs Center. The free community event will feature dozens of vendors, free vaccines, and appearances by Mesa Police, Mesa Fire and Medical, and more. The Expo is presented by Humana with support from Encompass Health and HonorHealth. Attendees who pre-register will be entered to win two round-trip Southwest Airlines tickets.
| | Community Action Partnership | | |
September Meeting Summary:
Violence remains a harsh reality in our society, affecting schools and children. At the September 9 CAP meeting, Christina Garza, Senior Director with Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), shared how their programs partner with parents and schools to reduce student violence. The Arizona High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 60% of students reported involvement in fighting or bullying, while 70% had seriously considered suicide—statistics that underscore the urgency of this work.
To date, more than 35 million people have participated in SHP programs, leading to 327,000 anonymous tips, saving over 1,000 youth through crisis intervention, and preventing 18 planned school shootings.
For more information, contact Christina Garza at christina.garza@sandyhookpromise.org.
| | News from Dorn Policy Group | | |
The Mesa Chamber contracts with Dorn Policy Group as a lobbyist and advocate for matters of importance to Chamber Membership. Recent items identified in newsletters release by DPG include:
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8/29/2025: See Complete Newsletter
- AZ Sente GOP Staff Announced
- Solar For All Letter
9/5/2025: See Complete Newsletter
- Agency Budget Requests Due
- Senator Hoffman Files Complaint Against Senator Ortiz
9/12/2025: See Complete Newsletter
- Senator Mitzi Epstein Will Not Run
- Senator Vince Leach to Retire
- Tucson Regional Transportation Authority Approves Plan
9/19/2025: See Complete Newsletter
- Governor Hobbs Creates Energy Task Force
- FAA Seeks Air Mobility Partners
| | City of Mesa Council Schedule | | |
The City of Mesa provides a portal for information on dates and times for upcoming council meetings, agendas for those meetings as well as ways to provide comments both online and in-person.
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Want to see your business in our newsletter?
To see your business, press release, announcement, or offer in our newsletter contact the Chamber Communications Department at bnelson@mesachamber.org.
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