The Town Council and members of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors sat down for a rare joint discussion over breakfast on Jan. 10.

The discussion was primarily an update on the more routine interactions between the town and Chamber related to events and activities.

Town Councilman Alan Magazine, who is a vendor participant in the two annual art festivals, raised questions related to vendor access to set-up and removal. There were also questions raised concerning parking and access and impact on existing businesses.

Chamber President/CEO Scott Soldat-Velenzuela said feedback he receives from member businesses is generally positive related to the fairs’ impact.

Chamber Board Member Merita Kraya, who is owner of the Euro Pizza Café in Plaza Fountainside, said the fairs are a boost for her business.

Discussions related to marketing promised closer cooperation between the town and Chamber. Town staff is focused on promoting events and activities as well as reminding visitors to check out the community. The town is using two opportunities to reach a very large audience, Spring Training baseball and the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament, to promote the community.

Town Communications and Marketing Coordinator Grace Rodman-Guetter said the town has also successfully used airport advertising to reach those traveling through.

Chamber Board Vice Chairman Rosaria Cain, a marketing specialist, said the Chamber is developing a program, 40 under 40, aimed at projecting a younger vibe for Fountain Hills.

Town of Fountain Hills Economic Development Director Scott Cooper updated the council and Chamber board of some of the projects coming through his office. He has an ongoing retail recruitment campaign and talked about his information regarding the Park Place commercial space. He said it is his understanding that there are discussions at various stages related to about 50 percent of the commercial space.

Cooper also talked about a new business, Vitargo, as well as a watch-making business in partnership with EVIT (see related story), and some varied interest in a parcel of land on Palisades north of Shea currently designated as a resort site. He said there have been several ideas come forward for that property though there is nothing in the works.

Cooper also talked about a potential hotel project in the Shea corridor near Saguaro Boulevard.

Soldat-Velenzuela updated the council on the Chamber plans to relocate and develop a visitor center in the Park Place development along Verde River Drive on the west side.

The Chamber is going forward on its own with the visitor center plan after the town backed away from a partnership due to financial limitations.

Soldat-Velenzuela did not have a firm timetable for completing the relocation and visitor center.