Anthem Business Support Committee

Throughout Anthem’s history, there have been various efforts to support commerce in the area. Pre-2017, there was the Economic Development Committee. In 2017, the committee’s name was changed to the Business Support and Advocacy Committee. It appears that the group at that time realized the finite abilities of the ACC to engage in true economic development activities. Consequently, they decided to focus on support and advocacy.

In 2020, the Board chose to discontinue certain committees and groups since they were not active or supported—including the Business Support and Advocacy Committee.

During the August meeting, the Board requested that staff start the process to create an Area Business Support Committee (ABSC) with the goal of strengthening the relationship between the ACC, the Chamber of Commerce, local businesses and property owners in our community. The committee would function as a facilitator and supporter for local commerce while respecting the roles of other organizations and the ACC's limited authority in business matters.

Anthem residents benefit significantly from local businesses that provide essential services, employment opportunities, and economic vitality to our area. However, there is currently no formal mechanism for communication between the ACC and the business community.

This committee could benefit Anthem in the following ways:

Better services and amenities for residents
Increased property values through commercial vitality
Stronger community partnerships during challenges or opportunities
Enhanced communication between residential and business interests

Primary Functions

Facilitate Communication between local businesses and the ACC Board so that the Board is aware of policy issues that are impacting commerce in Anthem
Advocate for Business-Friendly Policies at city/county meetings that benefit both businesses and residents
Provide Information and Resources to help businesses understand community needs and preferences

From the outset, it is important to note that the ACC does not receive property taxes, business licensing fees, sales taxes, or any other similar type of revenue from economic activity within Anthem. The assessment for each lot within Anthem is based off of the size of the lot.

Consequently, there is no direct economic impact to the ACC or assessment if a lot is developed or undeveloped. That said, there are real and important indirect impacts that should be considered when making decisions.

Committee Scope

The ABSC will operate within clear boundaries, focusing on facilitation and support. The committee would focus on the following:

Limitations

No Regulatory Authority - The committee cannot impose requirements on businesses
No Financial Commitments - Cannot commit ACC funds
Advisory Role Only - Recommendations must go through proper approval processes
No Endorsements - Cannot officially endorse specific businesses over others
Supporting Not Supplanting Existing Organizations - Support the Chamber of Commerce and other organizations in their charge rather than trying to duplicate their efforts.
No Financial Incentives - The ACC does not have any income streams that could be leveraged to incentivize a business to develop in Anthem. Consequently, there is no need to entertain the notion. Traditional economic development incentives may be available from the City of Phoenix, Maricopa County and the State, depending on the project.

Benefits to the Community

Property Values: A thriving local business environment typically supports higher property values
Enhanced Services: Better communication may lead to services that better meet residents' needs
Emergency Preparedness: Strong business relationships can be valuable during community emergencies
United Voice on Policies: Having a united front at city/county meetings can help promote good policies that benefit both businesses and residents

Resource Requirements

The committee requires minimal ACC resources:

Meeting space (can utilize existing ACC meeting facilities)
Communication support (inclusion in newsletters, website space)
Administrative support for scheduling and coordination

Next Steps

The ACC board has approved the following:

Adopt a formal resolution establishing the committee (Draft included with this agenda item)
Recruit volunteer committee members from the community (On-going)
Develop specific operating procedures and communication protocols
Begin outreach to local businesses to gauge interest and identify opportunities
Committee creates a measurable action plan

Recommendations

Nine-member committee

Three board members on the Committee
Representatives of the Anthem Business Community - Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Preferred Businesses of Anthem, TSMC Interested residents/public members (appointed through application process)
One staff member as ex-officio and staff liaison

Initial charter period of two years
Meet bimonthly (every other month)
Written or verbal reports shared during regular Board meetings
BI-Monthly meetings (with workgroup meetings as needed)
Real deliverables and tangible impact on Anthem’s businesses future

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Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

Bob McKenzie, Board Director
Laura Hartman, Board Secretary
Dave Duckworth, Board Treasurer
Steve Dinkoski, Communications Director, ACC staff liaison

Anthem Business Support Committee