SURPRISE REGIONAL CHAMBER

Resources for Elected Officials

What You Need to Know About the Chamber


The Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce is a business organization with a vested interest in the communities of El-Mirage, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Waddell and Youngtown. We are an organization of businesses seeking to further their collective interests and to advocate on behalf of the community at large, economic prosperity and business interests. We are a business-led civic and economic advancement entity not affiliated with any governmental entity.What You Need to Know About the Chamber


The Chamber and Public Policy. Fighting for Businesses Small and Large! 

Chris Herring

Public Policy Chair

​Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce

"One of the most valuable, and often overlooked functions of a chamber is being an advocate for the business community.  The Chamber works to represent the collective voice of the business community. Whether it's setting legislative goals, working with our lobbyist, sending out Action Alerts or keeping voters informed through our forums/scorecards, the goal is ensuring an environment where business can prosper."

The Role of Local Elected Officials in Economic Development

10 Things you Should Know


The Chamber recommends you familiarize yourself with the some best practice recommendations of the National League of Cities. 

The National League of Cities is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for more than 1,600 member cities and the 49 state municipal leagues, representing 19,000 cities and towns and more than 218 million Americans. Through its Center for Research and Innovation, NLC provides research and analysis on key topics and trends important to cities. 

The Chamber is an advocate for its members, small businesses, and works to represent the collective voice of the entire business sector.

​WHY WE EXIST


​American free enterprise has contributed to our citizens having one of the highest standards of living in the world, unsurpassed economic prosperity, and its people being the most generous in the world! Free enterprise fosters competition, which means that more companies open up, more innovation, more jobs, our quality of life increases, and our communities get stronger. Private property, economic freedom, economic incentives, competitive markets, and the limited role of government are the characteristics of a free enterprise system. Our Chamber's existence reflects our fervently-held belief that the health of the business community and the health of larger community in which it lives are inseparable. And our work – of safeguarding free enterprise and providing the tools that business need to succeed – is central to the success of the community as a whole. 

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce is to champion economic prosperity, foster a pro-business climate, and to improve the quality of life in our region.

VISION STATEMENT

To be universally recognized for our unique and invaluable role in helping businesses prosper and helping our communities thrive.

The Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce is Mission-Driven 


While a corporation’s success is measured by its bottom line and stock value, a nonprofit organization’s success is measured by its ability to achieve its mission. The Chamber's mission statement establishes its purpose with both passion and conviction. Our mission is aspirational and tells us why we exist. It is the foundation upon which all plans and decisions are made.

We are a "Three C" Chamber. What Does That Mean? 

We Exist to Be:


  • A Catalyst for business growth,
  • A  Convener for leaders and influencers,
  • And a  Champion for stronger communities.


The Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce strives to further the collective interests of the business community, champion free-enterprise, and work to solve challenges faced by business owners. Signature programs include advocacy activities, digital/internet marketing promotions, and business retention programs (buy local/shop local campaigns). Meeting attendance is never required. Members don't need to lift a finger to receive benefits from the Chamber! 

Not All Chambers Are The Same

And Some Chambers Never Change 


Chambers of commerce started as associations of business owners who promoted and protected the interests of the business community. In the 1950's many chambers morphed into civic organizations that also focused on Parades, Parties, and Pageants (AKA, 3-P chambers). During the 1960's many chambers became well known for social events, also known as mixers (networking events with adult beverages).  Beginning in the 21st Century, many chambers started shifting back to their original purpose of representing the interests of the business community. Today's modern chamber is focused on advocacy and is typically referred to as a 3-C chamber in the industry. The 3-C designation in the chamber profession, is used because these chambers exist to be a Catalyst for business growth, A  Convener for leaders and influencers, And a  Champion for healthier communities. Today chambers fall on a broad spectrum of business models, from those that focus events and mixers, to some of the most influential business lobbying organizations in the community and the U.S. 

The Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce is a 3-C chamber. 

“The Surprise regional Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in the N.W. Valley representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. They all share one thing: They count on the Chamber to be their voice in Washington, Arizona, and in the communities we serve.”