Chamber advocates for all Flagstaff businesses to create a strong local economy
T
he Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce has served as a solid figure in the city’s local economy for the past 130 years. Throughout that time, the Chanmber has cemented its place as a valuable lifeline for businesses of all sizes by acting as an advocate for the Flagstaff business community when faced with adversity, connecting Flagstaff residents with jobs, and keeping businesses informed about governmental decisions that might impact them and their businesses. The Chamber is an independent and private non-profit organization supported by its members through contributions, membership investments and fundraising events all with the goal of promoting businesses and advocating on their behalf fighting against the high cost of living. Economic development is at the core of all work the Chamber undertakes. They serve as the conveners of Leaders and influencers who come together to grow the economy and solve problems that are barriers to growth; catalysts for economic development providing endless resources and tools businesses need to succeed; and The Champion for a vibrant community. At its core values is the belief that a healthy business climate and a thriving community are inseparable. The Chambers purpose in helping businesses be successful is the creation of wealth to grow our area, to keep families here gainfully employed, job creation, business growth and business attraction. “Staying at the center of building a strong local economy happens through many different activities at the Chamber but we believe economic development’s foundation is education,” Chamber President Julie Pastrick said. “It is proven that educational attainment is the key to reaching a quality of life that we wish for ourselves.” The Chamber’s Education Division is focused on workforce development, labor force retention and attraction as well as connecting numerous business and education partnerships to expose youth to local careers they might not know exist. Businesses enjoy working with classrooms to convey the basic skills needed to be hired into their companies and welcome students into their workplaces
A Chamber/Flagstaff City Council work session.
Fighting against high cost of living
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema presents at the Chamber.
Former Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans presents to the Chamber Board. for that first hand behind the scenes look. Economically speaking the Chamber’s collaboration with CCC and NAU students on internships provides workplace experiences that can lead to a local career opportunity. This is all a part of the Chamber’s Education Division work through many member business thought leaders on a volunteer basis. Pastrick sits on numerous statewide boards representing the Chamber to focus on boosting local economies. Through these leadership positions she is able to elevate the needs of the northern-tier communities and Flagstaff. Some of them include the CTE Quality Standards Commission, where the career and technical education programs are
“We believe economic development’s foundation is education.” 24 December 2021
grown and monitored region-by-region; the Governors Rural Business Economic Advisory Council representing Coconino County, which allows the Chamber to bring the latest and best resources to the Flagstaff region in order to boost business success; the Arizona Mexico Commission Board of Directors which is focused on cross border trade, boosting bi-national tourism, and working to sustain the megaregion world status enjoyed by the US, Mexico, and Canada economies which work collaboratively for the good of our populace. The community conversation about the rate of growth and cost of living has been a hot topic for years and, according to Pastrick, the Chamber strives to support “smart development, while keeping a close eye on policies that can have big impacts on increasing housing prices.” “As the largest business association in northern Arizona, the Chamber’s continued support for smart development includes broad infrastructure improvements, quality healthcare expansion, housing construction, commercial, retail, and manufacturing development which all have a tremendous impact on northern Arizona’s economy,” she continued. The Chamber’s impact was felt firsthand in October 2020 when the city considered increasing construction fees significantly. The Chamber penned a letter to the Flagstaff community urging members to contact city leaders about their opposition to the new housing and commercial construction fees being considered. In the letter, the Chamber Advocacy Division said the fee increases were too steep with more than tripling the existing costs. “Tacking new and higher fees onto new construction only drives up the cost for Flagstaff consumers, making it more expensive to live in Flagstaff,” the letter read. “Make your voice heard on this important issue. Email the Mayor and Council and tell them not to increase fees on new construction projects.” See CHAMBER ECONOMY, Page 26
Julie Pastrick Chamber of Commerce 130th Anniversary
