John Safin, President/CEO

It's been a month since Governor Ducey executive order that changing virus mitigation from "required" to "recommended." As found in the Chamber's March 26, 2021 statement, Chamber staff has continued to monitor the virus situation including new cases and vaccination counts. 

Maricopa County continues to be considered a 'hot spot' for Covid-19 based on information from the Arizona Department of Health Services, Maricopa County Public Health Department, and Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Chamber office is open requiring masks, social distancing, and other prevention measures to ensure the safety of members, staff, and guests. In-person activities will remain on-hold until there's an improvement. Expect an update within the next few weeks.

My thanks to our State Legislators who supported and passed SB1377 (Civil liability; Public Health Pandemic) and Governor Ducey for signing the bill into law. This is to protect Arizona businesses, schools, healthcare providers, government agencies, and others from frivolous Covid-19 lawsuits. The law goes into effect ninety days after the end of the current legislative session.

To residents and visitors, I ask you to be courteous to each other. Many will continue to wear masks and continue social distancing. Many will choose not to wear a mask. Businesses, which are responsible for their employees and customers, can determine their own mask and other requirements for entry. The decision whether or not to receive the vaccine is also a personal decision. Please respect the choice of the other person just as you would like them to respect your choices. 

The Chamber advocates for and supports actions that will bring our economy back to full strength while keeping our community safe. 

My thanks our Chamber members, our partners, and the community for your continued support.

John Safin, President/CEO
Southwest Valley Chamber

There’s good news for businesses, health care professionals, educational institutions, places of worship, nonprofit organizations, and property owners! Governor Ducey signed SB1377 into law on April 8. This " provides the legal framework for when a liability claim can be brought in relation to COVID-19 while still ensuring that claims based on gross negligence and willful misconduct can be heard." 

Southwest Valley Chamber joined over 100 organizations and associations across the state and across all industry sectors to support this bill. Our thanks to the legislators who supported this common sense legislation. 

Like the elected people the State Capitol, you can help determine the future of our community. Take the Chamber’s Post Covid survey to have your ideas and thoughts included in plans for our community's future. The survey is open until April 24, 2021.

John Safin, President/CEO

It's been a few months since I've posted a blog. It's not for lack of content. There are too many things happening. Thankfully, the good stuff is beginning to outweigh the bad things, but there's much to do before everybody is back to full speed.

A lot of industries and professions held their own or excelled during the pandemic. Others were and have been stuck in the middle. Meaning they were just above breakeven or living customer-to-customer. Sadly, the bad economy devastated too many businesses. 

Tourism, one of the largest industries for our community, could be better. No one is expecting travel numbers like it was a couple years ago. This is the time for you and your family to benefit from the situation and enjoy a weekend at a local hotel or resort. I know a few professionals who rented a hotel room for a day or two instead of working from home. I'd want to relax much more than work while staying at a beautiful hotel. Just being honest. 

The state legislature has reached the halfway point. There were over 1,700 bills introduced, which is much more than 2020 and the 2019 sessions. Bills that made it through committees and both sides of the state capitol will go to the governor. Meanwhile, the legislators will take on the governor's proposed budget. The Chamber has two lobbyists working on your behalf and for the betterment of our community. We're keeping an eye on what's happening at the federal level, too. Be prepared as you might be asked to contact your Congressional representative or senator. 

Governor Doug Ducey issued a new executive order related to the occupancy limits for businesses. Physical distancing and mask protocols will remain in place, so not much has really changed.

The rest of the calendar year will be challenging as the virus (hopefully) tapers off and we go back to an open society. The Chamber staff and Board Officers have already started working on ideas, services, and programs for the newly adjusted world. Again, all to benefit you, the Chamber membership, and our wonderful community. Please reach out if you'd like to be involved in forging the new future.