CHAMBER NEWS

ByKimberly Kahn, Executive Director, Yuma County Chamber of Commerce

I would be remiss if I didn’t start my article with a heartfelt congratulations to all of the 20 under 40 honorees. It is so amazing to see the young professional talent we have rising in Yuma. I especially want to congratulate the Chamber’s very own Ana Godinez. She has been a tremendous asset in the time she has worked with us.

In my two years working at the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, we have had two employees recognized in the 20 under 40 edition, Tania Pavlak in 2020, and now Ana. While I’m sure this would be special to any employer, I think it is even more special to a small staff organization like ours.

The Chamber is a small staff organization? With only three full-time and one part-time employees, we are actually a very small staff organization. That may come as a surprise to many of you, which brings me to the heart of this article – the top misconceptions about the Chamber. These are the top three misconceptions Chamber staff hear when people find out where we work.

Misconception #1 – The Chamber is part of the city or county government and/or funded by the government.

Truth – The Yuma County Chamber of Commerce is an Arizona nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)6 business league. Yes, the Chamber is a nonprofit. Unlike 501(c)3 organizations, however, the Chamber generally is not eligible for major grants or government funding. While we are pleased to have very close working relationships with the governments of Yuma County and the cities located in Yuma County, the only funding we receive from them is membership dues and event fees and sponsorships just the same as we receive from any other business or organization. This way, the Chamber can fully

represent business interests without conflict of interest.

Misconception #2 – The Chamber’s main focus is networking events.

Truth – While the Chamber does host many great events throughout the year, that is not the Chamber’s mission. The Chamber’s mission is to help Yuma County businesses prosper and grow, and our events are just one small way we do that. On a day-to-day basis, however, more staff time is spent “behind the scenes” working with elected officials and government entities ensuring a business-friendly environment in Yuma County as well as ensuring businesses in Yuma County are promoted to Yuma County residents, snowbirds, and visitors. Many people view the Chamber as a trusted source of information allowing us to market local businesses effectively.

Misconception #3 – The Chamber focuses on City of Yuma businesses or is simply part of the city.

Truth – We are the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, and we have members in the City of Yuma, of course, but also Somerton, San Luis, Wellton, Tacna, and in the county at large. We have two offices in order to better serve businesses throughout the county – one in Yuma and one in San Luis. On any given day, it is possible to find a staff person in one of those offices or visiting businesses or in meetings in Somerton or Wellton. To us, it doesn’t matter where a business is located within Yuma County, we will represent their interests to the best of our ability.

Yep, at the Chamber, we are a small but mighty team made powerful by a symbiotic relationship with the business community, and every day, I am thankful to be a part of it.➤