Gilbert Chamber announces 2024 candidates receiving 'pro-business' designation

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce announced the 2024 candidates who have been awarded the organization’s "Pro-Business Designation," recognizing each candidate for their commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of the business community while serving in office.

The chamber’s 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.

All candidates seeking election within the races listed below were invited to participate.

Candidates receiving a pro-business designation from the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce are as follows:

Town of Gilbert

• Scott Anderson, Gilbert mayor
• Natalie DiBernardo, Gilbert mayor
• Kenny Buckland, Gilbert Town Council
• Noah Mundt, Gilbert Town Council
• Monte Lyons, Gilbert Town Council

Legislative District 13

• J.D. Mesnard, Legislative District 13, Senate
• Jeff Weninger, Legislative District 13, House
• Julie Willoughby, Legislative District 13, House

Legislative District 14

• Warren Petersen, Legislative District 14, Senate
• Joel Coen, Legislative District 14, House
• Laurin Hendrix, Legislative District 14, House
• Lalani Hunsaker, Legislative District 14, House

Maricopa County Supervisor

• Joel Navarro, Maricopa County Supervisor, District 1
• Jack Sellers, Maricopa County Supervisor, District 1
• Mark Stewart, Maricopa County Supervisor, District 1

U.S. House of Representatives, Arizona's 5th District

• Andy Biggs, US Congress, District 5

“We recognize the need for well-rounded, knowledgeable elected leaders,” Sarah Watts, president and CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, said in a release. "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.  These podcast interviews were not considered when determining pro-business designations.

To encourage business and community members to engage with candidates, the Gilbert Chamber will host a meet-and-greet and Gilbert Town Council gandidate forum on Thursday, June 13, from 3 -6 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix-Gilbert.

All candidates have been invited to participate in this event. More information can be found online at https://business.gilbertaz.com/events/details/candidate-forum-meet-and-greet-event-6595 .

“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.”