Maricopa Chamber of Commerce, year in review

The Maricopa Chamber of Commerce was able to tout its activities and achievements this year during a presentation to city council Tuesday night.

Chamber president Mark Molus told council members that the Chamber currently has 290 members of the 518 businesses listed in Maricopa. In the first quarter this year 20 businesses became new members; however, 23 businesses dropped their memberships, 11 cited membership cost and 12 went out of business.

The Chamber gets about 100 walk-ins per month, mostly from out of town. Some, according to Molus, are relocating to Maricopa, and some are looking for city services.

Maricopa’s Chamber has been officially approved as a State of Arizona Tourism Center. “That approval gives opportunities for marketing dollars. It’s all very new,” said Terri Kingery, the Chamber’s executive director.

When asked by Mayor Anthony Smith about their plans for tourism, Kingery responded, “We are working on creating a program.”

The Chamber has hired a part-time employee, Diane Morrow, has debuted its business directory, is updating its bylaws and sponsoring the BuyMaricopa local shopping incentive program. Board of directors elections are upcoming as is the Jan. 15 awards ceremony.

“This is the third year for Maricopa’s first and only free local map,” explained Molus, noting that the Chamber has printed 10,000 copies this quarter, and given out 2,000 in October and 1,200 in November.

One of the more unique programs the Chamber offers is for incubator businesses. The Chamber rents office space by the hour, week or month to businesses without a permanent location. Included services are copying and WiFi connectivity.

Photo by Joyce Hollis