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This Month at a Glance

• Arizona lawmakers consider HB 2693 as rising health insurance costs push small employers to the breaking point. Chamber issues Action Alert

• Phoenix metro ranks among the nation’s top markets for corporate headquarters relocations, reinforcing long‑term business momentum.

• Surprise lands in the top three nationally for buyer‑friendly housing, highlighting workforce affordability advantages.

• Burlington breaks ground on a massive Buckeye distribution center, signaling continued logistics and job growth.

• Maricopa County approves Project Baccara data center near Luke AFB , underscoring the importance of regional infrastructure coordination.

• Home & Health Shows expand to Scottsdale and Surprise, opening new consumer‑engagement opportunities for Valley businesses.

• The Chamber removes cost barriers by opening networking and education programs to all businesses, strengthening workforce readiness.

REGIONAL ADVOCACY LEADERSHIP

Health Care Costs Put Small Employers Under Pressure as Arizona Lawmakers Weigh Market‑Based Fix. Chamber issues Action Alert

WEST VALLEY, AZ — Rising health insurance premiums continue to strain small employers across Arizona, forcing difficult decisions around hiring, wages, and benefits. For the West Valley—where small and midsize businesses form the backbone of job creation—the issue has become a pressing business climate concern.

"It takes one minute to act—add your name with one click letter and send a clear message directly to lawmakers." said President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce

In response, the Northwest Valley Chamber of Commerce has issued its first Action Alert of the year, urging business leaders to engage on House Bill 2693, legislation that would allow chambers of commerce and business leagues to pool small employers into larger health insurance purchasing groups. Similar models already operate in nearly 30 states and are designed to stabilize rates and expand plan options without increasing government mandates.

“Small businesses want to offer benefits, but many are being priced out of the system,” said Raoul Sada, President & CEO of the Northwest Valley Chamber of Commerce. “HB 2693 restores market balance by allowing scale, predictability, and choice—tools large employers already use.”

Legislators are actively weighing the proposal, making business engagement timely and consequential.

For more information:

One click. One minute. A direct message to lawmakers.

Why this matters: Health care predictability directly affects workforce retention, growth planning, and small‑business competitiveness.

GROWTH & INVESTMENT

Phoenix Region Ranks Among Top U.S. Markets for Corporate Headquarters Relocations

WEST VALLEY, AZ — The Phoenix metro area continues to rank among the nation’s leading destinations for corporate headquarters relocations, according to a 2026 CBRE analysis. Companies are increasingly favoring lower‑cost, high‑growth regions that offer access to talent, infrastructure, and long‑term stability.

The report notes that many firms are shifting away from large centralized offices in favor of suburban locations closer to employees—benefiting West Valley communities as employment centers expand outward. Recent relocations, including national and international firms, reinforce the region’s growing appeal.

These moves generate ripple effects across professional services, real estate, housing demand, and tax revenues—strengthening the broader regional economy.

For more information:

CBRE – The Shifting Landscape of Headquarters Relocations (2026 Update):

Why this matters: Corporate HQ decisions signal long‑term confidence and drive sustained economic activity across the West Valley.

Surprise Named One of the Nation’s Most Buyer‑Friendly Housing Markets

WEST VALLEY, AZ — Surprise has ranked No. 3 nationally among the most buyer‑friendly housing markets, according to a new ConsumerAffairs analysis evaluating affordability, inventory, and competitiveness.

The report highlights that smaller and fast‑growing cities—like Surprise—are increasingly outperforming larger metros in buyer accessibility. Other West Valley communities, including Peoria and Scottsdale, also placed strongly in national rankings.

For employers, housing conditions remain a workforce issue. Markets where employees can find attainable housing are better positioned to attract and retain talent amid continued population growth.

For more information:

ConsumerAffairs – Best Housing Markets for Buyers:

Why this matters: Housing availability influences labor supply, relocation decisions, and long‑term workforce stability.

Burlington Begins Construction on Major Buckeye Distribution Center Expected to Create Thousands of Jobs

WEST VALLEY, AZ — Burlington has officially broken ground on a nearly two‑million‑square‑foot distribution center in Buckeye, located within the Westpark 360 Industrial Park. The facility is expected to open in 2028 and will be among the company’s most advanced to date.

The project supports Burlington’s national store expansion strategy and is projected to generate thousands of local jobs once fully operational. City leaders emphasized the development’s role in strengthening logistics capacity and reducing commute times for residents.

Large‑scale industrial projects continue to reinforce the West Valley’s position as a national logistics and distribution hub.

For more information:

Arizona Commerce Authority – Burlington distribution center announcement:

Why this matters: Logistics investment drives employment, infrastructure growth, and long‑term economic diversification.

BUSINESS CLIMATE & REGIONAL COORDINATION

Approval of Major Data Center Project Highlights Need for Regional Infrastructure Alignment

WEST VALLEY, AZ — Maricopa County’s Planning and Zoning Commission has unanimously approved a military special use permit for Project Baccara, a large data center campus and supporting energy infrastructure near Luke Air Force Base.

Developed by Takanock LLC, the project represents part of a multistate investment strategy supporting data‑intensive industries, including AI, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and national defense. As data centers expand, attention has increasingly turned to infrastructure readiness and regional coordination.

“Data centers and AI infrastructure are foundational to today’s economy,” said Raoul Sada, President & CEO of the Northwest Valley Chamber of Commerce. “Predictable regulation and coordinated planning are essential as the West Valley competes for advanced industries.”

For more information:

Open Letter on Data Centers

Why this matters: Infrastructure clarity reduces uncertainty and supports long‑term capital investment.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY & ENGAGEMENT

Home & Health Shows Expand to Surprise and Scottsdale, Increasing Valley‑Wide Reach

WEST VALLEY, AZ — The Chamber is expanding its Home & Health Show program with new locations in Surprise and Scottsdale, broadening opportunities for businesses that rely on face‑to‑face consumer engagement.

New events include:

• Surprise / Asante Recreation Center — November 14, 2026
• Scottsdale / Grayhawk Greenbelt — November 21, 2026

The outdoor venues are designed to attract strong foot traffic and offer a high‑quality environment for lead generation across fast‑growing markets.

👉 CLICK HERE to schedule a 15‑minute call

👉 VENDOR INFO

Why this matters: Direct consumer interaction remains a proven growth channel for local businesses.

WORKFORCE, EDUCATION & INNOVATION

Chamber Opens Networking and Education Programs to All Businesses at No Cost

WEST VALLEY, AZ — The Chamber is removing financial barriers by offering its networking and education programs free and open to all businesses, regardless of size or membership status.

Programs such as the Chamber Academy and Networking Breakfast emphasize education, leadership development, and peer learning. Since the shift, nearly 2,000 businesses have participated.

“When access expands, opportunity expands with it,” said Raoul Sada. “Strong regions invest in people, skills, and shared growth.”

For more information:

Program details and upcoming events:

Why this matters: Workforce capability and leadership development are critical drivers of long‑term business competitiveness.

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