From roads and minimum wage to retail theft and permitting, the Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce is working to advocate for local businesses.
David Wichner Michael Guymon firmly believes business and government can work together to make Tucson a better place for everyone.
People are also reading… Guymon also spent nearly three years as executive director of the Metropolitan Pima Alliance, a nonprofit group founded in 1997 to bring representatives of business, government and nonprofits together to discuss the development and growth-related issues. “These are things that have an immediate effect on businesses here in Tucson, so we want to make sure that as these plans are unfolding, as these public-comment periods are occurring, that business has a voice in how these plans are crafted,” Guymon said.
Though the Chamber conducted a nationwide search for a CEO to replace Smith, Marquez said Guymon was perfectly suited to his role leading the chamber after his long experience in local politics and economic development. “Their No. 1, top issue was our roads are horrible condition,” Guymon said. “And obviously that matters for the people that are trying to get to and from their place of business if they moved the company.”
The Chamber and other business groups have long opposed minimum wages on the grounds they should be set by the free market, and that minimum wages are a burden to smaller employers that limit hiring and curtail growth. Guymon noted that a pending bill in the Legislature would penalize cities with ordinances setting minimum wages above the state level — currently Tucson and Flagstaff, which has adopted an even higher minimum wage — by allowing employers to claim a credit for the difference in minimum wages they pay, which would be deducted from the city’s state funding.
The chamber has won a commitment to focus more on theft from Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar and has tried to help with police recruiting through high schools and the military. Guymon said that with city permit approvals taking months, instead of days at Pima County or other jurisdictions, it’s become a competitive issue for Tucson.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
D.C. Police Will Staff Five Metro Stations Following Recent Shootings, Killing Of Metro EmployeeMore D.C. police will be patrolling at Metro Center, Gallery Place, Union Station, Georgia Avenue-Petworth, and Congress Heights during rush hour.
Read more »
Mom calls for safer roads in TucsonIt’s a problem that has only gotten worse in recent years. Pima County was recently identified as one of the deadliest counties for traffic crashes.
Read more »
Clear Creek High chamber choir aims for another state championship at Texas Madrigal FestivalClear Creek High chamber choir aims to gain another state championship at Texas Madrigal Festival
Read more »
San Diego Chamber of Commerce honors Padres Chairman Peter Seidler -SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – During their 152 birthday celebration, the San Diego Chamber of Commerce honored the Padres Chairman Peter Seidler by presenting him with the Herb Klein Spirit of San Diego Award. Several other awards were presented at the ceremony as well. KUSI’s Rafer Weigel went live at the Commerce’s celebration with details. Categories: Entertainment, Good Evening San Diego,...
Read more »
2 arrested in seizure of $2 million worth of fentanyl in TucsonBoth men were booked in to the Pima County jail on suspicion of possession of dangerous drugs for sale, possession of narcotic drugs for sale and weapons misconduct.
Read more »