Contributed article
TUCSON — Graham County Chamber of Commerce Board President Taylor Banks represented the organization and its more than 400 members Friday at the Arizona Water Summit in Tucson, joining business, government and community leaders for regional conversations on Arizona’s water future.
The summit was led by Rob Elias, president and CEO of the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella. U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., participated as a panelist.
The Graham County Chamber of Commerce was also invited by Senator Gallego to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of his new Southern Arizona office at 5151 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 1610, in Tucson.
Banks, who also owns Gila Cheer, said participation in regional events gives Graham County businesses an opportunity to ensure rural communities are represented in conversations that can affect the local economy.
“It’s important for Graham County’s small businesses to have a voice in regional conversations that affect how we do business and to build strong relationships with decision makers at every level,” Banks said. “I’m grateful to the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the office of Senator Gallego for bringing us to the table.”
Banks was joined by her children for the events, an opportunity she said allowed them to experience civic participation firsthand.
“I’m proud to represent both our association of more than 400 businesses and Gila Cheer, and especially grateful for the opportunity to give my babies the experience, at such a young age, of seeing what it means to participate civically and have a voice in their community,” Banks said.
