March 5—Reprinted from The Verde Independent

By: David Key—President & CEO of the Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

As morning light spills over Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, illuminating the Village of Oak Creek the beauty and charm of this community masks a growing struggle. While tourists snap photos and hikers trek well-worn trails, local café owners open their doors wondering if they’ll find enough staff to make it through another busy season.

Without a city hall or council chambers, the VOC’s fate often rests on distant Yavapai County officials who may not fully grasp the daily reality of life in this desert paradise. While Sedona grapples with tourism management and housing affordability, at least it has the tools to fight back. The Village faces these same challenges but lacks the governmental structure to address them directly.

This is where the Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce enters the story. As the region’s primary business advocate, the Chamber stands at a crossroads: continue focusing primarily on Sedona proper or embrace a more inclusive vision that recognizes the Village of Oak Creek as an integral part of the region’s economic fabric.

The stakes are high for VOC businesses. Local entrepreneurs – from corner cafes to recreational outfitters – face the same tourism pressures as Sedona but without the advocacy muscle. Parking lots overflow near Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte while roads strain under increasing visitor traffic, yet infrastructure improvements remain out of reach. Meanwhile, the workforce crisis deepens as local employees, priced out of the housing market, endure long commutes from distant communities. Without the resources that Sedona’s businesses take for granted, VOC entrepreneurs struggle to attract and keep the staff they desperately need.

But there’s hope in unity. By fully embracing the Village of Oak Creek the Chamber can expand its advocacy and forge a stronger regional voice – one that carries more weight in county and state discussions about infrastructure funding, tourism management, and housing solutions.

This isn’t just about extending a helping hand to a neighbor. It’s about recognizing that the success of the entire region depends on the health of all its parts.

For business owners in the Village, the message is clear: your seat at the table awaits. The Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce stands ready to amplify your voice and fight for your needs. The only question remaining is: are you ready to join the conversation?

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