Economic Development E-Newsletter | November 4, 2021
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City installs new signage as part of West Chandler branding effort
During the 2020 Chandler State of the City Address, Mayor Kevin Hartke announced that the City would launch a branding initiative for its West Chandler employment corridor. This area is a significant economic driver for the City and is home to more than 630 businesses employing a total of more than 29,000 workers. With nearly six miles of frontage along Interstate 10 and Loop 202, it is also seen by hundreds of thousands of commuters each day. Despite this, West Chandler has lacked a strong brand identity and parts of the area are often confused as being in Phoenix or Tempe.

"When you enter West Chandler, we want you to know that you are in an important part of our community," said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. "When you hear the name ‘West Chandler’, we want you to envision a vibrant and dynamic employment corridor."

The City’s Economic Development Division is leading a couple of projects aimed at strengthening West Chandler’s image and sense of place. First, signage has been installed near major intersections throughout the area. The signs are 15 feet tall, with “West Chandler” lettering, and a high-tech theme that reflects the area’s industry base. The City worked with YESCO, a custom sign builder in West Chandler, to design and install the signs. Seven signs have been installed so far with two more planned.

In addition, a multi-channel marketing campaign is helping to promote West Chandler. Marketing activities will include a combination of social media posts, digital ads and print ads highlighting West Chandler business success stories, development projects, and why the area is a great place to invest. The City will also bring its “Feel Good Friday” promotion to West Chandler. This involves visiting area businesses and rewarding shoppers for choosing Chandler by giving out gift cards to Chandler-based businesses. The promotion is strategically timed to support West Chandler businesses during the holiday shopping season and start of construction on the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project.
New artwork decorates intersections in Uptown Chandler
Two new public art projects were recently completed in the Uptown Chandler employment corridor. The projects are part of a broader City branding initiative that seeks to champion positive growth and continued economic vitality in the area.

Earlier this week, 90 banners were installed on light poles near major intersections. The banners feature a new design by a local artist and replace the banners installed in 2017.

Artwork also has been installed on 11 traffic control cabinets in Uptown Chandler, adding to the 10 that were decorated in 2019. Arizona-based artists were commissioned to create the Chandler-inspired designs through a Call for Artists process. Click on the image below for a virtual tour of this public art project.

For more information on Uptown Chandler visit chandleraz.gov/uptown.
Shane Co. celebrates opening of new store in Chandler
Shane Co., the largest family-owned jewelry company in the United States, recently celebrated the opening of its first store in Chandler. Located just south of Downtown Chandler off the Loop 202 freeway, it is the jeweler's 21st store nationwide.

"Our Chandler store offers our customers a re-imagined in-store experience that reflects the core values and unique differentiators of the Shane Co. brand in a multi-dimensional way. We pride ourselves on offering the best customer experience of any jeweler and are happy to continue to deliver on this promise in our newest location." said Rordan Shane, President and CEO Shane Co.

The new store joins a thriving retail market in Chandler, where vacancy has fallen to a 10-year low of only 6.3% per CoStar's commercial real estate database.
Largest indoor pickleball facility in the country opening in Chandler
Pickleball Kingdom announced that it will be opening the first dedicated indoor pickleball facility in Arizona and the largest in the United States in the first quarter of 2022.

“Chandler’s entrepreneurs are thriving and we are ecstatic over the announcement made by Mike Rodrigues that Pickleball Kingdom is opening in Chandler,” stated Mayor Kevin Hartke. “Sixteen pickleball courts dedicated to indoor recreation is a win for Chandler residents.” 

“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America because it’s fun," said Mike Rodrigues, founder of Pickleball Kingdom. "What’s not fun is waiting for a court, playing in the heat and having the wind affect your game. We’ve solved all those problems.“

Pickleball Kingdom will be located in Chandler on the northeast corner of Ray and Rural roads. Its mobile app will allow members and visitors to reserve courts and sign up for tournaments and leagues. For more information, visit Pickleball Kingdom.

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