From the Desk of Todd Sanders

January 9th, 2012

Dear Chamber members and friends of business:

The New Year brought with it some new encouraging news about our economy. The US Labor Department reported an increase of 200,000 jobs nationwide in December 2011, bringing the total jobs gained last year to 1.6 million - a 70 percent increase from 2010. And the unemployment rate is now at its lowest in nearly three years (though still higher than we’d like) at 8.5 percent.

So the news is encouraging. We are digging out from the worst economy of our lifetimes. And it is business people just like you – of all sizes and in all industries – who are keeping us on the slow road back to prosperity. For that, I thank you.

We’ve also been adding to our numbers here at the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. Despite the still-challenging economy, we welcomed 428 new members during the last year. Like you, they see the value in belonging to the largest and best-established business organization in Arizona. Our promise to you in 2012, as it has been for the last 123 years, is that we will continue to help business succeed by keeping our members informed, connected and prosperous. From money-saving initiatives to programs and events that inform and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit, we are proud to assist our members as they help continue our economic recovery.

If you’re already a member of our Chamber, thank you. If you’re not, click here and get started today. We look forward to helping make 2012 a year of continued improvement for you and for Arizona.