Annual Partner Meeting Recap
AS SEEN IN THE RED ROCK NEWS
October 25, 2019
Our October 16th Annual Partner Meeting delivered a bumper crop of good economic news and a welcomed opportunity to spotlight Chamber partners, all of whom make a huge difference.
Speaking at the Annual Partner Meeting, Arizona Office of Tourism Director Debbie Johnson revealed visitor spending rose 7.8% last year to $24.4 billion, generating $3.63 billion in taxes that help pay for state highways, parks and other critical services Sedona relies on.
Johnson also cited figures that show North Central Arizona is attracting leisure travelers from out of state, precisely the longer-staying, higher-spending demographic we’re targeting with Sedona’s sustainable tourism model.
Our sustainability message is getting noticed statewide, another plus for Sedona. Johnson said the Environmental Excellence Award we recently received from Arizona Forward, the state’s oldest advocate for sustainable growth, is prompting other cities to consider creating their own sustainability plans.
Attendees also learned that compared to last year, Sedona sales and bed tax revenues in June and July rose by six and eight percent (respectively) to more than $1.3 million. That helps keep city services affordable and transportation improvements on track. Mayor Moriarty and City Manager Justin Clifton added support for the City/Chamber partnership that continues to produce robust tourism management results.
Karen Fisher of the national Destination Marketing Accreditation Program recognized the Chamber for excellence in tourism management and announced the renewal of our accredited status. The Chamber is one of only six DMAP-accredited entities in Arizona, another assurance that Sedona is well-served by high-quality tourism professionals.
Now, let’s meet our Chamber award winners – selected for recognition at the Annual Partner Meeting by their fellow Chamber partners.
Cultural Achievement Award
Janeen Trevillyan, The Sedona Heritage Museum
Janeen enlivens Sedona’s precious heritage for all to experience. She is the go-to resource for all we need to know about our history and culture, producing a dozen educational and holiday events every year. Janeen does it all as a volunteer, donating 50-70 hours to her mission every week. She is a caring person with a passion for Sedona, always ready to help with community events of all kinds. Sedonans past, present and future are in her debt.
Sustainability Award
Gerardo Mocer, Gerardo’s Italian Kitchen
Gerardo’s popular business reflects his sustainability commitment. He holds the Bronze Conservationist Certification from the Sustainability Alliance, is a strong supporter of straw-free Sedona, uses the food collection service Compost Crowd to reduce waste, and buys local produce for his restaurant from Verde Valley farmers. Gerardo says his passion for sustainable living has even inspired his son to major in the subject at ASU.
Customer Service Excellence Award
Ben Shor, Shor Solutions
From accounts payable, billing, job costing, bank reconciliations, financial reporting, preparing 1099s and more, every business owner deals with financial complexity. Chamber partners say Ben’s scrupulous customer service in managing these critical tasks sets him apart. In addition to his business and organizational training, perhaps his Master’s in Social Work helps Ben be such an understanding, patient and caring service provider!
Finally, our more than 200 attendees raised their right hands and took the Sedona Cares Pledge – nine commitments that will help keep Sedona the Most Beautiful Place on Earth. Take the Pledge yourself and share it with friends at SedonaCares.com.
–Jennifer Wesselhoff, President/CEO