GILBERT—The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce announced earlier this year the 2024 candidates who have been awarded the organization’s Pro-Business Designation. This designation recognizes each candidate for their commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of the business community while serving in office.
The Gilbert Chamber has issued a Pro-Business Designation to the following Candidates:
- Gilbert Town Council – Kenny Buckland
- Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (vote for 1): Joel Navarro (D) and Mark Stewart (R)
- Legislative District 13
- Arizona State Senate – J.D. Mesnard (R)
- Arizona House of Representatives – Jeff Weninger (R) and Julie Willoughby (R)
- Legislative District 14
- Arizona State Senate – Warren Petersen (R)
- Arizona House of Representatives – Laurin Hendrix (R)
- US Representative Congressional District 5
- Andy Biggs (R)
The Chamber’s current evaluation process aims to identify candidates who reflect a business-friendly approach. As such, a Pro-Business Designation may be issued to more or fewer candidates than the number of seats available.
“We recognize the need for well-rounded, knowledgeable elected leaders,” said Sarah Watts, president and CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. While voters consider many different issues, we are hopeful that the well-being and prosperity of our business community is one such consideration. By issuing Pro-Business Designations, voters can easily identify those candidates who hold this priority in high regard.”
The Public Policy Committee evaluated the candidates' responses to interviews and written questions, and a formal recommendation for Pro-Business Designation was submitted to the Gilbert Chamber’s Board of Directors for formal approval. The interviews and written questionnaire responses have been published on the Chamber’s website at www.gilbertaz.com/2024candidates.
Additionally, each mayoral and town council candidate participated in a podcast interview, sharing their personal journeys and local priorities. However, these podcast interviews were not considered when determining Pro-Business Designations.
“In this election, voters should feel empowered by the resources and information at their fingertips,” Watts said. “Ultimately, we encourage all voters to use these resources to get to know each candidate and to choose the candidates who will best reflect their values and intended outcomes in the years ahead.”
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1978, is a nonprofit, membership-based organization with more than 680 members ranging from home-based businesses to large corporations and representing more than 80,000 employees. The Chamber proactively serves as a business advocate to strengthen the business climate in Gilbert. To learn more about the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and its Foundation, please contact (480) 892-0056 or visit gilbertaz.com.