Chamber Membership Aids in Community Connections, Business Development
THIS ARTICLE APPEARS IN THE RED ROCK NEWS
April 7, 2023
As one of the region’s largest business organization, we’ve learned about advocating for small businesses and supporting their growth through the multitude of programs that we offer such as seminars, speakers, newsletters, luncheons, networking opportunities and helping others make the best connections.
Therefore, it is important to continually reach out and encourage new members to join the chamber. Experience shows that when we help each other, learn from each other and keep each other inspired, we find new ways to become better at what we do and have fun doing it!
Chamber partners are the people behind the significant companies you’ve known for decades. For example, Tudy Longmire and her sister Sharon Nagi founded Sedona Fudge Company in 1982. Patricia and Emile Daher have owned the Coffee Pot Restaurant since 1990, though it opened forty years prior. Don Nelms has been a trusted insurance adviser for decades. Members of the Joynt family founded Sky Ranch Lodge in the 80s and still operate it today. Chamber members also include new entrepreneurs like Jaliza Gil of Jaliza’s Sedona Luxury Spa|Beauty Lounge. Recently, we hosted a double ribbon-cutting for new businesses, Sandy Patel and PJ Malani’s Mi Amore Sedona gift shop and Terrapin Station by El Portal, Sedona’s only handicap-accessible vacation rental.
Why do we have both loyal and new Chamber partners? If you ask our members, they will tell you that connecting with other Sedona business owners is a primary reason. Business-to-business relationships blossom at the Chamber as members become “people who know people who know people.”
Celebratory lunches like our recent International Women’s Day event, our many ribbon-cuttings and our always-lively networking get-togethers offer many opportunities to rub elbows. The networking mixers are always high-energy affairs. If you join the Chamber in the coming weeks, I’ll personally introduce you during the next networking event which is on April 19 at 4:30 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott.
If you are not a member, you can still attend our networking events for a small non-member fee and see what we are all about. Our partners are entrepreneurs, fitness coaches, restaurateurs, resort managers, balloon pilots, wedding planners, veterinarians and architects. Together they provide thousands of jobs and the amenities we love – from outstanding eateries to spa experiences to renowned art galleries.
Chamber partners are risk-takers who believe in themselves. They work long hours managing everything from payroll to maintenance. They collect and remit the sales taxes that cover most of the cost of public services, such as police and parks. They are employers, paying the workers who spend their money locally on everything from gas to groceries. In short, Chamber partners are the heart and soul of our economy.
They are also passionate givers, supporting nonprofit fundraisers and volunteering at food pantries, animal shelters and other important organizations. Many of these businesses contribute to the Sedona Trail Keepers Fund, a program that currently features 52 businesses that donate $1,000 each to help maintain local U.S. Forest Service trails. This year, they contributed $52,000 which was matched by the bed tax funds through the city of Sedona for a total annual investment of $104,000.
Chamber members make up many organizations implementing the Sustainable Tourism Plan, and more than 100 are “certified sustainable” by the Sustainability Alliance.
To support our businesses partners, we implemented a Nonprofit Leadership Roundtable meeting, a social media advertising clinic and a workshop on sustainability practices. Next, we will host a workshop with the Department of Revenue experts on business tax practices, a partner benefit review session and the networking and business spotlight event on April 19.
Having been with the Chamber since 2009, I know our members represent the very best of Sedona. If this resonates with you, I am certain you will benefit from a Chamber membership. Why not join us today? Find out more during our April membership drive by contacting Director of Partner Services Erin Bruce at ebruce@sedonachamber.com. I look forward to welcoming you!
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–Michelle Conway, President/CEO
Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau