Platinum Partners Promote Sedona
THIS ARTICLE APPEARS IN THE RED ROCK NEWS
December 8, 2023
Since 1949, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau has been the champion for businesses operating in the Sedona area. As the largest and longest-standing business association in the Sedona area, the Sedona Chamber is dedicated to promoting community prosperity through advocacy and developing the local economy.
One of our goals is to listen to our business community’s concerns, exploring their needs and as a result we have developed marketing programs that will garner attention of their products and services.
A program that we are proud to announce is the initiation of the Greater Sedona Business Improvement District (BID).
The Greater Sedona Business Improvement District (BID) is a way of funding business promotion and economic development activities to increase overall revenue for all businesses in Sedona and the surrounding areas. This voluntary program was co-created with guidance by Civitas Advisors – a full-service firm that works with over 200 destinations worldwide in creating and implementing innovative funding mechanisms.
The first improvement district was formed in West Hollywood, California in 1989. Since then, over 100 California destinations have followed suit. In recent years, other states have begun adopting the California TBID model – Massachusetts, Montana, South Dakota, Washington, Colorado, Texas and Louisiana.
What is a BID exactly? It is a collection of lodging properties that pay an assessment on individual room-night stays. The assessment — a nominal fee passed onto the customer — provides funding for business promotion intending to bring more visitors to the participating businesses.
The founding members of the Greater Sedona Business Improvement District are called “Platinum Partners.” Platinum Partners are being promoted as “Sedona’s Select Hotels” and include Enchantment Resort, The Arabella Sedona, Poco Diablo Resort, L’Auberge de Sedona, Orchards Inn, GreenTree Inn Sedona, Arroyo Pinion Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection, Wildflower Inn, Southwest Inn at Sedona, Dreamcatcher Inn of Sedona, and Whispering Creek Bed & Breakfast. Over 850 rooms are represented. Funding must be spent on programs and activities that benefit the businesses providing the funds to support those efforts.
It is anticipated that by Spring 2024, enough funds will have accrued in time to develop a “Summer 2024” paid advertising campaign that will supplement the ongoing “Sedona’s Select” promotion. Paid placement will include a mix of traditional and new media for an ambitious campaign, supported by research, created by professionals and approved by the Platinum Partners.
Platinum Partners are receiving special promotional visibility during the full duration of their BID commitment. However, all participating hotels and the Chamber believe that the entire business community of Greater Sedona will benefit from the efforts of Platinum Partners.
Mike Wise, the SCC&TB’s chairman believes that this formation of the BID enhances our mission and commitment to support commerce and notes, “While the city of Sedona now focuses on marketing Sedona as the Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO), the SCC&TB is focused on promoting local businesses and the BID provides the appropriate funding to help make this happen. This is a solid approach that allows both the chamber and the city to own their paths and to move forward in unison.”
We believe the BID is a great way to promote our businesses and help ensure success through increased visitation by those who will stay longer and play longer in Sedona.
–Michelle Conway Kostecki, President/CEO
Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau