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BUSINESS

City of Avondale leaves Southwest Valley Chamber

Nonprofit will continue serving businesses in the city

Posted 2/16/21

The Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday, Feb. 16, that it will continue serving businesses in Avondale despite a decision by the city to withdraw its membership in the nonprofit organization.

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BUSINESS

City of Avondale leaves Southwest Valley Chamber

Nonprofit will continue serving businesses in the city

Posted

Updated 8:08 a.m. Feb. 17, 2021

The Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday, Feb. 16, that it will continue serving businesses in Avondale despite a decision by the city to withdraw its membership in the nonprofit organization.

“The city will be embarking on an Avondale-only project for economic development. The chamber thanks the city of Avondale for its contributions over the years and wishes the city success in its new endeavor,” chamber officials stated in a release. “The chamber will continue to represent and provide services to member businesses in Avondale and maintain its support and advocacy of all business in the Southwest Valley region.”

READ: Southwest Valley Chamber president/CEO announces resignation

“We will continue to provide services to our members and all the businesses in Avondale and look forward to increasing our base as the city of Avondale works to bring additional industry and commerce to the region,” incoming board Chairman Chris Amos said in a prepared statement. “We wish the city of Avondale administration well and look forward to finding ways to coordinate efforts for the benefit of the region.”

Avondale Local EDGE

In response to questions from Independent Newsmedia, the city sent a press release noting that officials have decided to focus on growing the Avondale Local EDGE program in support of the business community.

“This is part of our evolution in supporting Avondale businesses. With the burgeoning development across Avondale, the city is committed to providing an array of premium services that support Avondale businesses at all stages of growth,” Avondale Economic Development Director Ken Chapa said in a prepared statement. “Avondale believes that for our local business to succeed, the city must play a role in helping them to achieve that success. We also believe we know our business community and have their interests as a foremost priority.”

All these services are provided to local businesses, who contribute tax dollars to Avondale’s economy, at no cost, he stated.

Over the past couple of years, the city’s Office of Economic Development has developed a comprehensive set of programs to support businesses, including new business welcome initiatives, a Ready to Serve campaign in support of local restaurants and eateries, and Avondale Loves You/Avondale Te Quiere to market and showcase Avondale businesses.

This year, the city launched Discover Avondale to highlight shopping, dining and entertainment attractions in the community, and is building a new 21,000-square-foot annex at the Avondale Civic Center Campus to house executive offices and a conference and visitor center.

About the chamber

The Southwest Valley Chamber is a regional, member-supported nonprofit that serves businesses in Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park and Tolleson. Its office at 289 N. Litchfield Road in Goodyear is a state-designated visitor center, providing information about the community, area attractions, things to do, city services and other amenities to visitors and residents.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has hit all businesses hard and finding ways to manage these difficult times is the primary focus of many, the chamber is focused on plans to rework, revamp and relaunch programs for the future as the Southwest Valley continues to grow and prosper the release stated.

For more information about the chamber and its programs, visit southwestvalleychamber.org, email info@southwestvalleychamber.org or call 623-932-2260.