PHOENIX CHAMBER SELECTS STELLAR TO LEAD FORWARD PHOENIX INITIATIVE

With an ambitious plan to build upon its past success in the delivery of economic development services to businesses in the region, the Greater Phoenix (AZ) Chamber of Commerce recently announced it would launch its new Forward Phoenix Business Retention and Expansion initiative with the assistance of one of the nation’s leading economic development consulting firms.

"After an exhaustive review of four national firms, we selected STELLAR Fundraising Executives, Inc. to assist our effort because of their extensive knowledge and hands-on staff experience with designing, funding and implementing similar initiatives. They are extremely professional and were an obvious choice for the Greater Phoenix Chamber," said the chamber’s Chief Operating Officer Stuart Banks.

Driven in 1991 by a significant demand from the region’s existing industries, the Greater Phoenix Chamber created three forward-thinking initiatives to solidify the future of Phoenix's economic base. The chamber has been successful in retaining and expanding business investment in the region through four key programs including the Arizona Venture Capital Conference, Bid Source, the Manufacturing Visitation Program and the new Arizona Manufacturing Network.

Since their inception, the programs have aided in the growth of the area by generating:

• $210 million in venture capital investment.

• Over 28,000 direct jobs.

• Over 18,000 indirect jobs.

• Approximately $63 million in state tax revenue.

• Over $30 million in county tax revenue.

• A total economic impact on the region of nearly $3.7 billion.

Banks said the current initiative has also helped to create a positive public image of Greater Phoenix, allowed for assistance to thousands of existing Phoenix businesses, established strong partnerships between economic development allies and fostered a team approach to the delivery of services.

The new program recognizes the desire of business and community leaders for the Greater Phoenix Chamber to continue to play a lead role in maintaining the region’s economic strength and further diversifying its community. It is credited for having a positive effect on the value of business properties, residential properties, the city's tax base and ability to maintain a strong public education system.

The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce plan will seek to accelerate and coordinate new small and existing industry opportunities. “Like any business competing in the world marketplace, a community must be customer-focused and aggressively marketed to be successful,” Banks said. The preliminary conceptual program goals identified by the Chamber for the new Forward Phoenix initiative are:

o Assist existing and start up businesses with technical support and education.

o Increase the number of small businesses being counseled and establish a mentoring program.

o Expand the number of businesses receiving direct technical assistance for obtaining government contracts.

o Increase the number of companies receiving support to work with government prime contractors.

o Enhance the capabilities of the existing business program through utilization of the latest technologies.

o Focus business outreach and visits on five high-growth, targeted industries.

o Grow opportunities for small and mid-sized manufacturers to contract with original equipment manufacturers.

o Seek new methods for enhancing contract possibilities in the global marketplace.

STELLAR Fundraising Executives is one of the nation’s fastest growing economic development counseling firms. In addition to providing fundraising support, the organization consults with communities on strategy, return on investment and investor relations issues. With over 14 years experience in more than 35 communities, STELLAR’s stable of professional staff and commitment to excellence has catapulted it to the position of one of the country’s leading firms in its industry.

“STELLAR is proud to have been selected to assist this progressive organization in its efforts,” said STELLAR President and CEO Terry Cusack. “With several certified economic developers (CEcD) and an economic development fellow (FM) as part of our team, we are uniquely qualified to assist communities like the Phoenix region. “Our staff is experienced in leading economic development organizations throughout the US and Canada. We'll apply our deep understanding and extensive knowledge to help the Phoenix Chamber initiative succeed,” he said.

About STELLAR Fundraising Executives, Inc.

STELLAR Fundraising Executives provides comprehensive campaign management and consulting. We design and direct initiatives for leading economic and community development organizations, as well as other nonprofits across the United States. We're different in specific and meaningful ways. And, that makes us better.

When you let STELLAR Fundraising Executives apply its fourteen years of experience to your organization and its needs, you benefit from the knowledge that has assisted more than forty organizations. Our experience with multi-year fundraising initiatives throughout the United States has raised more than $100 million.

Contact STELLAR Fundraising Executives, Inc.

Learn more about STELLAR Fundraising Executives, Inc. at www.stellarfundraising.com or call Terry J. Cusack, President and CEO at 770.476.3049. Fax: 770.232.0367

E-mail: info@stellarfundraising.com for a FREE STELLAR Fundraising Executives info kit today!