Chamber electing new board members

The Maricopa Chamber of Commerce election for new board members is underway. Chamber members can vote via mail-in ballot up until Dec. 3. Four businesspeople are running for two open seats: Dr. Courtney Cronin (Desert Wellness Center), John Kennedy (Kennedy Corps), Mary Jane Lopez (Coyote Trails Bed and Breakfast) and Jim McMichael (Everybody’s Auto Buyer). Winners will be announced at the chamber’s holiday party on Dec. 4.

All candidates were asked to answer a set of questions about themselves and their candidacy. Two responded: Dr. Courtney Cronin and Mary Jane Lopez. Here are their Q&As:

Dr. Courtney Cronin

1. Where do you live? In the Villages at Rancho El Dorado. 

2. How long have you lived in Maricopa? Since 2006.

3. What is the name and location of your business, and when did it open? Desert Wellness Center opened in 2007, and is currently located at 44480 W. Honeycutt Road.

4. How long have you been a member of the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce? Since opening the business in 2007.

5. Do you think the chamber is doing a good job supporting and promoting local businesses, or does it need improvement? The chamber has done a great job of supporting and promoting local businesses over the years, but things have changed so dramatically in Maricopa, for our businesses and our residents.  The chamber needs to re-evaluate its current practices, evolve and improve them to keep up with our changing community and these changing times.

6. Why would you make a good board member? I would make a good board member because I have evolved and changed my own business to adapt to the Maricopa of 2010, and I can bring that experience, plus a fresh perspective to our current board.  We need new energy, new enthusiasm, and outside-the-box thinking if we want to bring our chamber to the next level in supporting our local businesses.

7. What would your agenda be as a board member? My agenda as a board member would be simple – offer my insight, experience, and ideas to the great work the chamber is already doing, assist in organizing and implementing the work that needs to be done, and find new ways to effectively promote our local businesses, local economy and local spending. 

 
Mary Jane Lopez

1. Where do you live? I live in Hidden Valley near the Haley Hills, at 2104 S. Coyote Trail.

2. How long have you lived in Maricopa? I moved to the area 2 ½ years ago.

3. What is the name and location of your business, and when did it open? My business is Coyote Trail Bed and Breakfast and I opened August, 2009 at 2104 S. Coyote Trail. 

 4. How long have you been a member of the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce?
I have been a member of the chamber since August 2009. 

5. Do you think the chamber is doing a good job supporting and promoting local businesses, or does it need improvement? I think the chamber is doing a good job promoting businesses, however; it needs to promote the services it offers businesses and residents, working with the local news media to promote events and other business of the chamber.  
 
6. Why would you make a good board member?
I will continue to promote area business, (When shopping to open my bed and breakfast I shopped locally). I attend and promote all chamber events and meetings. I want to work closely with local and state government to insure that business community concerns are supported.

7. What would your agenda be as a board member?
This has been a difficult economic time for area residences and business, and it will be my goal as a board member to retain and promote local business and do what I can to recruit new business and residents. Maricopa is a wonderful city to live in and my customers will tell you I do promote our area.