Recovery Phase
AS SEEN IN THE RED ROCK NEWS
April 24, 2020
Governor Ducey is planning an initial recovery phase as Arizona’s next response to the coronavirus pandemic. Though all his actions will be critical for Sedona, his appointment of Arizona Office of Tourism Director Debbie Johnson to spearhead plans to re-energize Arizona’s tourism industry is especially important.
Johnson has put together a task force for each of five Arizona tourism regions and has invited Sedona to participate. While short-term tactics are being developed, the office will be producing a blueprint that will guide statewide tourism recovery for the next 12 to 18 months. We look forward to being part of a regional response which can help Sedona recover as quickly and safely as possible.
Meanwhile, we are in regular contact with our congressional representatives, urging them to cut through red tape and speed relief to Sedona’s small businesses and the employees and families who depend on them. Stimulus checks to individuals began arriving last week, but many businesses still await their emergency loans. Time is of the essence.
While the governor solicits advice from business leaders on ways to get the economy back on track, he vows to continue depending on Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ and to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This emphasis on public health and ‘safety first’ is necessary and wise. We support it.
We also support the Governor’s plans for an economic recovery that incorporates safety features – such as requiring restaurants to space tables far apart and limit communal items such as cutlery. We need both public safety and a recovery plan, now and in the months ahead.
As we find ourselves working from home or suddenly running a home school (or both), there are still ways we can reach out to help keep Sedona strong. Here are a few ideas
1 Place a food order for pick up or delivery. See a restaurant directory at visitsedona.com
2 Order a meal to be delivered to a friend or neighbor
3 Buy a gift card for future use
4 Write a good review online
5 Shop for local service and products online. You will find local merchants with online sales at sedoanchamber.com
6 Donate to local charities and food pantries
7 Buy a product to pick up another day or order a service call for later, but pay now
8 Keep your dues and subscriptions current
9 Host a virtual happy hour with old friends and new – support from friends will boost your spirit
10 Send your favorite local business an encouraging note by mail, messenger or email
11 Stay positive
Share what you are doing on Facebook with the hashtag #SedonaStrong. Let others see how you are helping, send messages of support to our front-line workers in grocery stores and medical clinics – and be inspired by how your neighbors are responding.
Stay healthy, safe and strong, Sedona! We will get through this together.
–Jennifer Wesselhoff, President/CEO