PHOENIX - The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce’s Political Action Committee (PAC) has made its city council candidate endorsements for the upcoming primary election, to be held on Sep. 1, 2009. The Chamber PAC has a long history of involvement with local and state elections, supporting candidates who have distinguished themselves as knowledgeable and supportive of the issues that affect the success of greater Phoenix area businesses. After a thorough review of questionnaire responses and personal interviews, the Chamber PAC has decided to endorse four candidates for the City Council based on their history of support for, or commitment to support, the Greater Phoenix business community.

“Phoenix will once again face a challenging year, due to the current economic climate and budget considerations,” said Greater Phoenix Chamber PAC Chairman, John W. Moody. “It is imperative that we continue to elect council members who will work with the local business community to ensure a successful future for the entire Phoenix region.”

The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce PAC has decided to endorse the following candidates for the 2009 City Council races, all incumbents:

• District 2: Peggy Neely
• District 4: Tom Simplot
• District 6: Sal DiCiccio
• District 8: Mike Johnson

“Once again, this was a taxing process,” remarked Todd Sanders, the Chamber’s President. “We heard from many qualified candidates, and endorsed those who had the clearest understanding of the issues and challenges facing businesses in Phoenix.”

For more information on the process or the endorsements, call the Chamber’s Public Affairs Manager, Nicole Patterson, at 602.495.6464.

About the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee
The Chamber PAC was established in 1978 to help pro-business candidates get elected to state, county and local offices and ultimately improve the overall business climate in Greater Phoenix. The Chamber first became a Super PAC in 2003- the first Chamber in Arizona to achieve this elite distinction which allows the PAC to drastically increase its support of pro-business candidates. To date, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is the only Chamber in the state to achieve Super PAC status.

Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
Representing 3,400 businesses across Metropolitan Phoenix, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is Arizona’s oldest and largest Chamber. The Chamber supports the growth and development of business by offering networking and marketing opportunities, money-saving programs and a voice in government, keeping its members informed, connected and prosperous.

The Chamber enhances members’ success by promoting economic development, entrepreneurship and a connection to the community with local chapters in Anthem, Deer Valley and South Mountain/Laveen.

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