March 7—Reprinted from Sedona Red Rock News 

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

What Does Advocacy Mean to You?

Advocacy isn’t just about changing the world—it’s about changing your world. While some champion sweeping social movements, true advocacy often starts in our own backyard: bringing neighbors together, strengthening communities and fighting for local businesses. It begins with those first brave moments—standing up for a friend on the playground, ensuring a sibling’s voice is heard at the dinner table, or joining your first protest. These everyday acts reveal advocacy’s real power: the courage to support what you believe in and the commitment to ensure every voice matters.

As life unfolds, we find causes that ignite our passion. Finding a cause greater than yourself is a gift that can set your heart on fire. For me, that spark began with entrepreneurship. One of our greatest rights, alongside freedom of speech and religion, is the freedom of enterprise. I see free enterprise as the cornerstone of the American dream—the right of a small business owner to make a living pursuing their passion. This includes maintaining private property, consumer choice and the freedom of businesses to choose their products or services, all thriving with limited government involvement.

As the President & CEO of the Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce, my focus is advocating for our business community through a tourism lens, seeking outcomes that benefit everyone. Tourism is Sedona’s lifeblood, supporting countless small business owners whose livelihoods—and family’s quality of life—depend on it. While our city appears to have plenty of visitors, recent years have challenged business owners with dramatic seasonal fluctuations. Imagine your paycheck being cut in half during December – February and June – August. That uncertainty affects not just businesses, but our entire community.

Key Priorities for Our Community

Infrastructure: While we can’t single-handedly solve traffic challenges, we’re committed to partnering with ADOT and the City of Sedona. We’ll inform you about road and highway developments and advocate for necessary funding. Infrastructure improvements benefit both residents and businesses, making it a natural focus for our advocacy efforts.

Education and Workforce Development: We’re building strong partnerships with public K-12, private schools, trade schools, community colleges, and universities. Our goals include expanding internship and mentorship opportunities, creating awareness of local jobs through fairs, the creation of a Sedona Chamber job board and supporting career development for those seeking advancement or career changes.

Housing Solutions: The housing challenge requires a comprehensive approach. We’re committed to addressing short-term rental concerns, increasing housing supply, and ensuring income-aligned housing options for our workforce. While there’s no overnight solution, our approach will be steady and intentional, aligned with city planning and resident needs.

If you’re still reading, I know you share our passion for Sedona’s future. The Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce stands ready to be your voice, your partner, and your champion in building a thriving community for all. Join us in shaping Sedona’s tomorrow—because advocacy is strongest when we work together.

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