THIS ARTICLE APPEARS IN THE RED ROCK NEWS

July 14, 2023

 

“Shop like a local; Dine like a local; Be a local,” is a slogan that the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau has used many times during our advertising campaigns, serving as a reminder to our residents to support our local businesses.

In fact, for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $43 remains in the economy. For every $100 spent at a non-locally owned business, only $13 remains in the economy.

Based on an Indie Impact Study Series from Civic Economics, “these extra dollars circulating in the community are an investment in local job creation and preserving diverse and prosperous communities.” By sourcing more products and services locally, we are investing our dollars to create a self-reliant local community that offers opportunities and prosperity for everyone.

When you buy, shop and dine locally, you keep your money right here in Sedona, supporting those businesses that can create jobs, pay their employees and additionally add to the total economic impact of our town.

How can you support our local economy?

Dine Local: We have a plethora of restaurants ranging from the most luxurious dining experience to the most casual. Start your day at a local coffee shop or try Sedona Juice Co. for a healthy breakfast alternative. Stop at Tortas de Fuego for Mexican fare, a sandwich or salad for lunch at Rascals Modern Diner at the Wilde Resort. Take a date to dine creekside at Cress on Oak Creek at L’Auberge de Sedona or surrounded by red rock canyon walls at Che Ah Chi at Enchantment Resort.

For a more casual supper try the Cowboy Club, Uptown, or feast on authentic Italian pizza at Gerardo’s Pizzeria. Top the evening off by listening to local musicians and splurging on a glass of wine [more than 50 to choose from] at Vino di Sedona.

Shop Local: Shop for clothing at our many boutiques including, Dahling It’s You and Bennali’s on Main Uptown. And if you love art, there are over 80 galleries and unique shops to explore. If you are looking for a special gift item, check out the multitude of shops at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.

It has always been our goal at the SCC&TB to support our businesses. This past week, we held a Strategies for Success Workshop, “Maximizing Success for a Thriving Retail Business in Sedona.” The seminar was presented by Sophia Lovasz and Marcus Browne of Local First Arizona.

Local First Arizona, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 2003 by Kimber Lanning who is committed to connecting locally owned businesses and communities building a dynamic Arizona economy. With nearly 3,500 business members and three statewide offices, she leads a team of 40 who work on a diverse array of programs ranging from healthy local food access, entrepreneurial development in underserved communities and rural community development.

If Kimber’s name sounds familiar, her mother, Peggy Lanning owned Lanning Gallery and Turquoise Tortoise for over 40 years at Hohzo before retiring a few years ago.

We hold several Strategies for Success workshops throughout the year, all varying topics.  The goal of this Strategy for Success workshop was to provide our members with informative strategies such as how to engage their target audience better, enhance their customer experience and optimize their store’s performance.

It is important for us to create a culture for our businesses to be successful in their day-to-day operations.

If you haven’t attended any of our workshops, check out our website for upcoming dates and topics at sedonachamber.com and sign up for one that interests you.

 

 

–Michelle Conway, President/CEO
Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

---