GILBERT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Facilitates collaboration between business and education communities through the Business & Education Committee, which supports real-world student experiences, provides curriculum feedback, hosts classroom presentations, and organizes the annual Business & Education Summit to address workforce development.

Hosts Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Industry Roundtables to identify challenges and inform policy priorities, and organizes community events such as ribbon cuttings and annual service projects to support local businesses and address community needs.

Provides programs and opportunities for students to gain real-world experience, equips educators, and connects industry leaders with the education community. This includes hosting the Interview Skills Challenge, operating a Shadowing & Mentorship Program, awarding scholarships, organizing a Business & Education Summit, and running a Student Entrepreneurs Academy (SEA).

Expands networking opportunities for local businesses and creates space for members to connect, grow, and lead through programs, referral teams, and community engagement. This includes forming Referral Teams for business referrals, operating the Gilbert Young Professionals (GYP) network, and hosting community events like ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

Operates the Gilbert Leadership Program, founded in 1991, which develops community leadership potential by exposing participants to local issues, guiding curriculum development, and overseeing program operations through a steering committee.

Expands networking opportunities for local businesses through referral teams composed of cross-industry members, member events, and programs that foster connections, growth, and leadership among business owners and professionals.

Operates The CATALYST, a technical assistance and resource center that supports Gilbert businesses throughout their lifecycle by connecting them with programs, services, and expertise from various regional entities. It offers workshops, webinars, seminars, mentorship matching, and onsite resources like an Audio and Advice Room, Content Creation Suite, Consultation Corner, and Virtual Meeting Room.

Develops leadership potential and exposes participants to community issues through programs like the Gilbert Leadership Program. This also includes operating specific councils for veterans and businesswomen to foster leadership development and collaborative connections.

Provides annual scholarships to students pursuing vocational, two-year, four-year, or GED programs, supporting non-traditional and traditional learners in their educational pathways.

Organizes the Alma Riedel Adopt-A-Senior Holiday Donation Drive, which includes adopting senior wishlists, hosting a holiday party, and delivering gifts to income-challenged and homebound seniors.

Provides direct business support services including workshops, webinars, and seminars led by industry experts; onsite facilities such as content creation suites, virtual meeting rooms, and consultation spaces; and one-on-one expert consultations through SCORE, SBDC, and "Ask the Expert Office Hours."

Organizes and participates in community service projects to address local needs and create lasting impact. This includes the Alma Riedel Adopt-A-Senior Holiday Donation Drive and an annual service project.

Operates The CATALYST, a technical assistance and resource center that supports entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout their lifecycle by offering workshops, seminars, pitch contests, mentorship, expert office hours, and access to regional business resources, with advisory council input to ensure relevance and responsiveness.

Offers programs that build job readiness and career skills for students, including the Interview Skills Challenge with mock interviews judged by business leaders, a Shadowing & Mentorship Program for high school and college students, and the Student Entrepreneurs Academy where middle and high school students develop and pitch business plans with mentorship from industry experts.

Operates targeted professional networks including Gilbert Young Professionals (GYP) for ages 21–39, a Veterans Business Council, and a Women Empowered Committee, all offering leadership development, networking, and collaborative connections.

Advocates for local businesses through a Public Policy Committee that evaluates legislation, recommends positions, mediates regulatory issues, endorses candidates, and hosts events connecting businesses with elected officials, while advancing pro-business policy and strengthening the local business climate since 1978.

Represents the interests of local businesses, strengthens the business climate, and advances pro-business policies in Gilbert. This includes researching and recommending positions on legislation, taxes, and regulatory issues, mediating regulatory issues for members, and providing members with access to elected officials.

Hosts an annual regional update to provide insights on major projects and economic trends in the East Valley and organizes Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Industry Roundtables to identify business challenges and inform Town and Chamber priorities.

Hosts an annual regional update to provide insights on major East Valley projects and economic trends, supporting informed business and community decision-making.

Offers mentorship matching services connecting businesses with industry professionals, pairs long-time members with new members for onboarding, and provides monthly orientation sessions to guide new and prospective members through Chamber programs and services.

Offers monthly sessions to guide new and prospective members through programs and services, and operates a mentorship initiative that pairs long-time members with new members for support and onboarding.