Relating success stories from satisfied area business stakeholders, Jennifer Mellor, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) vice president of economic development, recently recapitulated the growth of the chamber’s two-year-old “Phoenix Forward” development program.

Established as a strategic collaborative economic development initiative, Phoenix Forward provides help to individual companies and serves as a platform for business interests, lobbying for pro-growth business incentives, according to a chamber announcement.

With recently collected data indicating that 87 percent of area companies consider the business atmosphere good or excellent, Mellor said was a positive indicator and gives more reason to continue supporting the greater Phoenix regional economy “from within.”

“Not only are we enhancing the traditional route to growing the economy, but we have built and uncovered several additional pathways,” Mellor said in the announcement.

Mellor recounted various GPCC branches’ recent accomplishments, including legislative success, business outreach and training programs. 

Hacienda HealthCare praised the chamber’s business retention and expansion team’s efforts.

“We are grateful for their dedication to the Phoenix business community,” said Nancy Salmon, Hacienda’s vice president of communications.”