Anthem Chamber presents membership, programming and partnership options to business committee

Sawana Grimmett, executive director of the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce, presented to the Anthem Business Support Committee on Feb. 26, outlining the chamber’s mission, membership, core programming and areas for partnership with the Anthem Community Council.

Grimmett said the chamber is focused on strengthening the local business ecosystem and community and described tangible benefits for members, including networking, promotion, business education and advocacy. Grimmett said the chamber lists 134+ active members, more than 17 years of operation, and a retention rate cited in materials as 93.01%.

“Good day to everyone — I am truly excited about the opportunity for the Chamber and the Small Business Support Committee / Anthem Community Council to work more closely together,” Grimmett said, adding a line attributed to Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Grimmett walked the committee through membership tiers (business, nonprofit and individual), the chamber’s geographic footprint (including ZIP codes serving Anthem, New River, Desert Hills and nearby areas), and signature programming such as monthly member breakfasts, Business After Hours, ribbon cuttings, a Small Business Academy and volunteer service projects. She identified communication channels the chamber uses — email newsletters, text blasts, social media and a website — and suggested concrete collaboration points: co-hosted events and workshops, coordinated outreach and cross-promotion, and shared efforts to attract and retain businesses in Anthem.

ACC Communications Director Steven Dinkoski provided a draft overview of a potential business-oriented webpage for the ACC site; the committee discussed how the chamber and ACC channels might amplify one another. The presentation concluded with Grimmett sharing contact information and the chamber website for follow-up. The meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM.