Sedona Chamber Newsletter

Chamber News

"Beware the Pitfalls of Success" is the topic for the next Strategies

for Success-Brown Bag Luncheon Workshop

Wonder why your business problems multiply at an alarming rate, even though your success continues to grow? Your attitude may be the culprit. Discover the underlying dynamics that growth and success can create which can derail your company if you don't understand your changing role requirements. Understand your role in attracting, motivating and dealing with the lifeblood of a growing company - your employees.

This topic will be presented by Douglas McDaniel, an Investment Representative with Edward Jones Company. Doug has a vast wealth of experience in many different industries. Doug served as a business consultant for small and medium sized companies throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as starting and growing 6 different companies in widely diverse industries.He has also conducted classes and seminars across the country on many business management subjects. Doug now uses all of his experience and training to help individuals and companies reach their financial goals.

Join us for this informative luncheon on Wednesday, May 17th at the Sedona-Verde Valley Board of Realtors Meeting Room located at 55 Sinagua Drive in West Sedona from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m . To register for the program or for more information, contact the Chamber's Business Office at 204-1123. The cost is $15 for members; $20 for non-members (cost includes lunch). Prepayment is required. Registration deadline is Tuesday, May 16th.

*Correction* - May Chamber Networking Mixer to be hosted by

Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

Join us on Thursday, May 25 th from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. as Sig and Sarah Hauer welcome Chamber members and their guests to Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, located at 65 Coffee Pot Drive Suite D. Sig and Sarah specialize in digestive, respiratory, circulatory, psychological and sleep disorders, women's and men's health, addictions, pain, fatigue, colds and flu, children's health, and more. They are certified in acupuncture and Chinese herbology.

Come to meet new members, network with Sedona professionals, sample delicious food and have the opportunity to win great raffle prizes. The entry cost for members and their accompanied guests is $8.00. Please make plans to join us!

If you would like to donate a prize for the mixer to increase awareness of your business, contact Terry Morales at the Chamber Business Office at 204-1123.

Sedona Chamber offers Banner Advertising on New Web Site!

The new Sedona Chamber site will now offer all members the opportunity to purchase banner advertising to enhance their business presence on this site. There are three different places to advertise your business on the Sedona Chamber web site: Premium Banner Ad - On home page * Category Banner Ad - On Category page *Directory Banner Ad – On Directory page (limited spaces available). Discount packages will be offered when advertising is purchased on multiple Chamber web sites. A special mailing went out to Chamber members outlining advertising options in more detail so take advantage of the major visibility on these sites.

If you have any questions regarding the web site features, contact the Chamber office at 204-1123.

Business Brief

City of Sedona Roadrunner Transit Service To Begin In The Fall

The Sedona RoadRunner city transit service will begin operation in the Fall of 2006 between the Hillside Galleries on SR 179 and the north end of Uptown Sedona on 89A. This is a short 1.3 mile corridor that has Sedona's highest density of commercial activity and traffic. Two mid-sized, high-quality trolleys will provide approximately 10-minute frequency for the majority of the daytime hours.

“There has been some delay in receiving the trolleys due to lack of trolley parts and a huge trolley order in line ahead of Sedona's order,” said Jim Wagner, Sedona Transit Program Manager. “We hope to get delivery of our first trolley in July and will use the rest of the summer to train our staff.”

Wagner will oversee operations of the new Sedona RoadRunner city transit service. He has more than 18 years in the transportation business. He spent 13 years at the Grand Canyon, working as Station Manager for Scenic Airlines at the Tusayan Grand Canyon Airport,  General Manager for Canyon Airport Shuttle Services Inc.and Tour Bus Manager for Fred Harvey Transportation. He also owned his own tour bus company. In 2001, he became the Transit Operations Manager for Coconino County Transportation to start up the Mountain Line transit system in Flagstaff .

A free, fun, relaxing and convenient way to get around, the intention of the Sedona RoadRunner is to improve mobility by allowing tourists to park their car once and conveniently travel between attractions, including the shops and restaurants in Uptown, at the Hyatt, in Tlaquepaque and at Hillside Galleries. It also is an environmentally sensitive alternative to using a private vehicle. The service will run from 9 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. every day.

A municipal parking lot is available in Uptown Sedona one block east of Jordan Road on Schnebly Road and there is available parking behind Sinagua Plaza on 89A in Uptown. There also is limited parking throughout the corridor.

For more information, please contact Wagner at (928) 282-0938 or visit  www.SedonaRoadRunner.com for updates and more information. 

MATForce Verde Valley Community Meeting

Methamphetamine use is driving our crime rate, eroding our workforce and creating significant public safety issues. Law enforcement alone cannot solve this problem! MATForce (Yavapai County Methamphetamine Advisory Task Force) seeks to substantially reduce the manufacture, availability and use of methamphetamine and its victims in Yavapai County by raising public awareness and developing partnerships between all agencies, organizations and businesses affected by methamphetamine use.  

Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk and Yavapai County Superior Court Presiding Judge Robert Brutinel , co-chairs of MATForce, invite you to attend a Community Meeting on Friday, June 9, 2006, at the Mingus Union High School Auditorium in Cottonwood. Sign-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. The program will run from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. Please RSVP your attendance to Penny Cramer, Yavapai County Attorney's Office, at (928) 777-7352 or penny.cramer@co.yavapai.az.us

The 2006 Governor's Conference on Aging

Will take place May 22-24, 2006 at the Mesa Convention Center, 200 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.   Please note that there are several pre-conference intensives, a free post conference intensive on the Mature Workforce Initiative during which we will discuss implementation strategies for the recommendations to the Governor that were generated during the Summits in November, and a post-conference Mature Worker Job and Civic Engagement Fair (free to attend).  In addition, there is an entire track of workshops about mature workforce issues, and we have several workshop sessions specifically designed for the business community!

The Opening Keynote speaker will be Hugh Downs, and Governor Janet Napolitano will deliver the Luncheon Keynote presentation!  And we have many other fantastic speakers and presenters throughout the event. At the conference you'll find a variety of exhibitors, a Community Resource Zone, and Interactive Displays including basic health screenings, resume critiques for mature workers, assistive technology demonstrations, and even a game or two!  Parking is plentiful and free, and we'll have over 30 workshop sessions with topics of interest to seniors, professionals in the field of aging, the business community, and the general public.  We'll even have drawings for door prizes!

Your low registration fee of $125 ($35 for retired seniors) includes full access to the main conference and post conference activities (additional fees apply for pre-conference activities), the Older Americans Month luncheon, a Networking Reception, breaks, and the opportunity to meet a lot of new people and learn about exciting Arizona initiatives and models you can take back to your community.  But space is limited, so register soon!  Register by May 15th and save $20! This year and for the first time, you will be able to register on-line and pay your registration fees by credit card by going to www.azagingconf.com , if paying by check, you will need to mail in your registration. Questions about registration for the Governor's Conference on Aging should be directed to: Meetings & Concierges Source, 480-990-1887 or by email at the address provided on the conference website. 

Thank you for your support of the Governor's Conference on Aging and the Mature Workforce Initiative.  We look forward to your participation in the conference!

Funds Still Available through the City’s Business Promotional

Grant Program

Are you planning a new marketing or advertising campaign for your business?  Then let the City of Sedona work with you. The City is seeking applications from registered businesses operating within the City limits for business promotion grants.  Over $15,000 is still available for grant awards through June 30, 2006.  An individual business is eligible to receive up to $1,000 per award; however, businesses that apply together are eligible for a maximum of $2,000 per award.  Any recipient must provide at least an equal match of funds.  Businesses are encouraged to partner together on projects, but it is not a requirement to do so.  A project budget outlining specific planned uses of the funds must accompany the application along with the measures of success for the project.

The City is interested in supporting as many businesses as possible with these grants; therefore, once awarded, a business must wait for one year to apply for another grant (should the grants be funded in subsequent fiscal years). Funds will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, with application reviews on a continual basis.

Applications are available on the City’s website at www.SedonaAZ.gov.  For more information, contact Andrea Costello at (928) 203-5022 or acostello@SedonaAZ.gov. 

Member News

Desert Hills Bank's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

It is official! Desert Hills Bank West Sedona will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 16th at 9am in front of our new building. Please join us in celebrating the opening of our new location, socialize with friends, take a tour of the branch, and find out why we want to be your community bank and real estate lender. We look forward to seeing everyone there, 2785 W Highway 89A.

If you would like any additional information about Desert Hills Bank or our ribbon cutting ceremony please contact Stephanie Austin at (928) 282-7440 or by email at saustin@deserthillsbank.com .

Edward Jones Investment Company Presents Leo Vila

Mr. Leo Vila, Manager of Federated's International Small Company Fund will be the special guest of the Edward Jones Office in the Village of Oak Creek on May 16 th between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. For location and details call 284.4115.

Sedona Arts Center Celebrates Featured Artists in May

The Sedona Arts Center's Members Gallery in Uptown is featuring three talented member artists this May - Shirley Eichten Albrecht (basketry), Jane Defoe (quilting) and Jennifer Defoe (jewelry). The show will be up in the gallery through May 31.

Shirley Eichten Albrecht first had creative aspirations growing up on a farm in Minnesota . Her love of creativity lead her to earn a degree in art and music and a career as an arts instructor. Basketry and weaving became her passion over 16 years ago. It started as a hobby but soon became a way of life. Her work has been exhibited in many juried shows and galleries and Shirley continues to teach the craft for Sedona Arts Center and in her home studio.

Jane Defoe is a Nebraska native who began her career in commercial art. She moved to Sedona in 1976. “I enjoy playing with visual designs and the dynamic effects of bold colors and textures. Focusing on bigger than life images is my preferred style.” She does hand and machine quilting sometimes using beads, metallic threads or paints to embellish the fabric. She often uses fabric she has hand-dyed or batiked.

Jennifer Defoe (Jane's daughter) is a jewelry artist who grew up in Sedona. She credits this with giving her a great appreciation for nature and for inspiring her to stick to natural elements in her work. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Northern Arizona University . “My passion to work with my hands and be proud of the work I produce makes me set high standards. Every piece is original and hand-made.”

For more information, call the Sedona Arts Center at 928-282-3809 or visit on the web at www.SedonaArtsCenter.com .

Enjoy All Natural Meat Barbeques and Live Music at New Frontiers

To introduce all natural meats to a wider audience New Frontiers sets the mood to celebrate summertime by offering a series of community outdoor barbeque dinners. Beginning May 20, and continuing for several Saturdays through June, the store will serve up an all natural meat barbeque dinner for just $4.99.

At the first barbeque of the season, on Sat., May 20, 12 – 3 pm, enjoy juicy all natural Maverick Ranch free-range chicken breast kabobs made with fresh vegetables and New Frontiers tortilla chips and salsa for just $4.99, while listening to live acoustic blues, folk and jazz music by Danny Rhodes, named the Verde Valley's Blues Musician of the Year by Kudos Magazine.

The second in the series of barbecues will take place Saturday May 27 from noon – 3 p.m. Customers can enjoy a juicy all natural Vintage Beef, premium choice top sirloin steak sandwich with New Frontiers tortilla chips and salsa for just $4.99.

Bluegrass music by The Porchlights featuring the songwriting duo of Deb Hilton and Wild Billy Kneebone, will provide the perfect musical backdrop to this Memorial Day weekend event.

On June 3 the event will feature Vintage Beef, premium Choice sirloin kabobs and live Louisiana reggae/funk music by Henry Turner, Jr., and Flavor and the June 17 barbecue will include Vintage Beef tri-tip and live Brazilian/World music by Eric Miller. All meals include New Frontiers tortilla chips and salsa for just $4.99. 

Join New Frontiers for the first Outdoor Barbeque Dinner of the season on, May 20, from noon - 3 pm, and again on May 27, June 3, June 17 and see for yourself at New Frontiers… they're all about your quality of life.  New Frontiers is located at 1420 W. Hwy. 89A in Sedona at Old Marketplace and is open Monday - Saturday, 8 am to 9 pm and Sunday 8 am to 8 pm.

Soulistic Medical Institute & Sacred Healing Gardens Announces

Grand Opening Celebration

The long-awaited Soulistic Medical Institute & Sacred Healing Gardens (SMI) is opening in Sedona.  The grand opening celebration will be Saturday, May 20 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.  Come tour the facility, meet the staff, enjoy free refreshments and music, as well as free 10-minute massages.

The Soulistic Medical Institute & Sacred Healing Gardens is a nonprofit organization with healthcare professionals addressing the soul, mind, and body.  Healing team practitioners are trained to discern the root cause of illness whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.

Led by clinical psychologist Marayeh (Linda Cunningham, Ph.D.) and physician Landau (Patrick Lawrence, M.D.)–who was voted "Best Physician in Sedona" in Verde Valley Newspapers Reader's Choice Awards for 2005–the SMI healing team also is comprised of registered nurses and licensed massage therapists.  Individual plans are designed for each patient to meet their unique healing needs and circumstances.  Office and home visits are available by the medical staff.

The SMI offers integrative medical services, psychotherapy, hypnosis, massage therapy, and Reiki, and as well as cutting-edge psychospiritual practices including Morontia (soul) Counseling, Audio Fusion SM Transmissions (ascension soul analysis and past life repersonalizations by Gabriel of Sedona), and Tron Therapy SM which is a new modality of touch healing.

The SMI endeavors to serve all people of all economic levels who have a sincere desire to actively participate in their own healing process.

The Soulistic Medical Institute & Sacred Healing Gardens is located at 40 Goodrow Lane in West Sedona just off Highway 89A between Sedona Rouge and the Aquarian Concepts Community office.  For more information or to schedule an appointment call (928) 282-1331.

Sustain America - Vision, Economics, and Preservation"

Celebrations in Sedona

On Tuesday, May 16th the Sedona Historic Preservation Commission will co-host with the Sedona Gem and Mineral Club a talk about Dr. H.H. Nininger, known as the “Father of the Study of Meteorites” with Dr. Carleton Moore, ASU and Doris (Nininger) Banks. The talk follows the National Trust’s sub-theme for the month of “heritage education”. Dr. Nininger is considered the founder of the study of meteorites and once owned the second largest collection of meteorites in the world. After leaving Meteor Crater in northern Arizona, he moved to Sedona and built The Meteorite Museum, a building that still exists in Uptown Sedona. This talk will be at the Sedona Public Library at 7:00 pm. During refreshments after the talk, there will be a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Sedona Gem and Mineral Club. Dr. Nininger was a member of this club.
This is a free event.

Historic Preservation Commissioner and member of the Sedona Gem and Mineral Club, Linda Yee, wants Sedonans to know that “Preservation Month 2006 is a time for us to make sure our citizens are educated about Sedona’s unique history and get us all involved to ensure that our special places are preserved for future generations. We are so pleased that Dr. Moore and Dr. Nininger’s daughter will be here to share the story of one of those special people and special places.”

The Historic Preservation Commission’s final event during National Historic Preservation Month in May is on May 27th, a celebration of Sedona Historic Landmark #12, the Cook Cedar Glade Cemetery. For more information on this activity or the City’s Historic Preservation Commission, call Kathy Levin at 203-5035.

Native American Flute Lessons offered by

GrandCanyonFlutes.com

Learn to play in just one day! Join Bob Mann at the Hampton Inn Sedona, located at 1800 W. Hwy 89A on Saturday, May 20 th or Sunday, May 21st from 9:30 a.m. to noon, registration at 9:00 a.m. Workshop includes 2 hour lesson, a free Butch Hall Cedar flute, plus instruction/song book and CD and a Redwood flute rack (a $200 value) for only $99.00. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. Register at the door or call 639-0466 for pre-registration. Visit our website at www.grandcanyonflutes.com .

Yavapai College Offering "Principles of Marketing" Course

The City of Sedona and the Sedona Chamber of Commerce have partnered with Yavapai College to offer BSA 230, Course #064211, Principles of Marketing. The course will focus on survey of marketing problems and possible solutions. Retail and wholesale areas with emphasis on the consumer's needs and relationship to marketing practices.

This three credit hour course is offered by the Yavapai College Partnership Program (YCPP) and is transferable into the Management Certificate and AAS Management degree. The course meets 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on six consecutive Tuesdays (May 23 - June 27). All class meetings are at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce conference room. Call.928-204-1123 for directions.

Register in person at either the Verde Valley Campus or Sedona Center or by calling (928) 634-6520 or (928) 649-4265. Chamber members have the opportunity to take this class free of charge (4 seats available and textbook must be purchased). To obtain a “sponsored scholarship seat,” you must register through the City of Sedona at (928) 204-7190 or the Sedona Chamber of Commerce at (928) 204-1123. College tuition is $132 for this course.

For more information regarding YCPP classes, contact Jim Brugger, MIR, Business Faculty and Partnership Program Coordinator at (928) 649-4281.

New Magazine Features Yavapai County

 Yavapai is a four-color home and garden magazine that celebrates the county's distinctive lifestyle! Yavapai is for and about the people who live in Yavapai County – and those who would love to live here. Our readers are high-income homeowners and second homeowners. They live in extraordinary residences throughout the county, including Sedona, Prescott, Jerome, Cottonwood, Village of Oak Creek, Cordes Lakes and Black Canyon City. They are discerning individuals who are drawn to this north-central county for its quality of life – high-country living, incredible surroundings, hometown atmosphere and four distinct seasons.

Each edition of Yavapai includes stunning photographs of spectacular homes, magnificent scenery and fascinating individuals. Our articles tell the stories of the people behind the homes – homeowners, architects, builders, artists, and interior and landscape designers. Every issue of Yavapai also features our local experts, who discuss the latest trends in design, art and architecture. Our regular departments feature ideas about entertaining, gardening, outdoor recreation, dining and shopping. To subscribe, call 928-778-0693 or visit our secure website at www.yavapaimagazine.com.

Best of Show & Music is having a Mid-May 10 Day Sale

Come see us from May 8th to May 19th.  Some items on sale are Antistatic Shipping Peanuts (14 cubic ft. bags) $12.50/bag or $11.50/bag if you purchase 3 or more bags.  All Shipping & Moving boxes and all size Bubblewrap will be on sale at 5% off our catalog prices.  Track lighting accessories and kits are on sale at 30% off.  Newsprint at 10% off.  Call us at 282-1199 or visit our store at 55 Shelby Drive Suite A-8.  Store hours M-F 9am-5pm.

North Star Star Direct Marketing Launches New Tourism Web Site

North Star Direct Marketing ( www.NorthStarDM.com ) has launched a new tourism portal site for Sedona, www.Best-Of-Sedona.com . Best-Of-Sedona.com is designed for Sedona businesses that can stake a valid claim to be the best in town at something they do. There will never be more than 6 advertisers on a page, so every ad gets great exposure. If your business is in a category that doesn't have a page on www.Best-of-Sedona.com yet, they will create a page just for you! For more information on how you can claim your Best-Of-Sedona status, email Olin Robie at info@best-of-sedona.com .

Radisson and BMI Present "Effective Communication" Workshop

Effective Communication is the topic for this month's business skills improvement workshop co-sponsored by Brugger and McCormick International ( BMI ) and Radisson Poco Diablo Resort. This course explores communication skills critical to professionals managing staff and employees. Solutions for costly, time wasting, and unnecessary miscommunication in the workplace will be discussed.

The workshop will be held at the Radisson Poco Diablo Resort on Thursday, May 18, 2006 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon . The cost is $95. Sedona/Verde Valley Chamber Members receive a 10% discount. For more information or to register, call 204-2990 or e-mail bmi@nobhill.biz.

BMI has provided management consulting and advisory services in the fields of organizational development, leadership coaching, organizational governance, and customized training to the private, public and non-profit sectors since 1987 and in Sedona/Verde Valley since 1995.

Tourism News

Happy National Tourism Week!

We hope that we can all take time this week to promote greater public awareness of the power of travel in Arizona. Tourism has such strong economic, social and cultural impacts on the state, and it is important that we all recognize the role we play in this valuable industry. This week, the Sedona Tourism Bureau will be distributing travel information and goodies to Sedona visitors at the Uptown Visitor Center and we'll be announcing the winner of the Sedona Secrets Photo Contest. Summer travel season is just ahead and this is a perfect time to really spread the word and welcome visitors to Sedona.

TIA's International Pow Wow

Last week the Sedona Tourism Bureau had the opportunity to feature Sedona at the Travel Industry Association of America’s International Pow Wow in Orlando, Florida. With more than 5,000 delegates from 70 countries around the world, this was definitely a successful event. Arizona shone among the competition and we were able to get the word out about all the amazing experiences in Sedona. This show also generated several leads which will be distributed early next week.

National Television Campaign to hit the Airwaves!

In order to increase visitor spending in Sedona during the Summer months, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce Tourism Bureau has begun television advertising in Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas and Southern California.

The commercial, produced by Red Rock TV, will run from April through August 2006. The call to action will drive people to the tourism promotional website, where all tourism bureau members are listed, www.VisitSedona.com.

Summer Specials on ArizonaVacationValues.com

Summer is just around the corner, and now is the time when vacationers begin to plan ahead for those hot summer months. The Arizona Office of Tourism would like to remind visitors of all that Arizona has to offer. From early morning tee times to cool mountain adventures and stunning Sonoran desert sunsets, Arizona is a terrific destination for summer vacation. ArizonaVacationValues.com is a great place to post tourism-related summer specials, discounts, and packages that are valid from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Offers may include accommodation packages, tours, special rates, etc. To participate, go to www.ArizonaVacationValues.com and select special promotion “Summer Specials” when you submit your offer. If you need additional assistance, please contact Marjorie Magnusson at (602) 364-3695 or mmagnusson@azot.gov.

Co-Op Advertising Opportunity

Impact Magazine of Northern Arizona is partnering up with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce to promote the local area businesses and tourism in and around Sedona. Every month Sedona Chamber of Commerce will be given a full page to promote local business. We are offering 8 business card size ad spots on this page for 103.00. This will also include a posting in the services page in the magazine and a web link within our website.  Any Sedona Chamber member that responds by May 08, 2006, will receive 15 % off of advertising!

Our distribution is 30,000 monthly, with a 75,000 readership. IMPACT Magazine of Northern Arizona is distributed in over 500 locations through Northern Arizona, Phoenix, Scottsdale as well as Laughlin and Las Vegas, Nevada. The Value of purchasing the page as a group reduces the overall cost while gaining more exposure. Plus the free listings in the services section as well as a free posting on our website will help you target your market group throughout Northern Arizona.  We strive to help promote our local business community and to enhance our residents lifestyle’s. For more information, please contact Joseph Gams, CEO/Publisher, IMPACT Magazine of Northern Arizona jgams@impactofnaz.com or 928-556-8700. Furthermore, visit our growing website at www.impactofnaz.com.

2007 Professional Travel Planner's Guide Publication

The Arizona Office of Tourism’s Travel Industry Marketing Division is now publishing the 2007 Professional Travel Planner’s Guide (PTPG). With a circulation of 20,000, it will be distributed by AOT’s international offices (Japan, Mexico, Canada, Great Britain and Germany) and at domestic and international trade shows and national promotional events. It will also be direct mailed to tour operators and travel agents, as well as in response to client inquiries. This annual comprehensive statewide guide includes detailed information on Arizona including: extensive itineraries, maps, motorcoach and tour information, special events, top attractions, shopping, activities, accommodations, restaurants and receptive and transportation listings. Display Advertising and Directory Listings are available for purchase by Arizona companies  -  advertising space closes June 7, 2006. Directory Listing Categories include:

• Accommodations
• Activities & Recreation
• Attractions & Shopping
• Receptive Services & DMCs
• Restaurants
• Transportation

Please call Hennen Publishing at 602-906-3085 for more information or to sign up.

Industry News...

Survey Finds U.S. Online Travel Buyers Aren't Created Equal

Though supplier Web site usage in the U.S. has gained momentum, more online travelers still use online travel agencies than buy direct, according to a new consumer survey by PhoCusWright, an online research firm. But the survey found that channel usage varies depending on the type of traveler, the destination and the products being purchased. Online buyers have formed definite allegiances to certain types of Web sites when purchasing different leisure travel components. For example, consumers are much more likely to use an intermediary for combination purchases, such as air, and/or car and/or hotel, for the same trip in a single purchase. They're also more likely to use an online travel agency to purchase add-ons, such as sightseeing tours and event tickets. Their behavior changes, however, when making individual air and hotel purchases, for which they are more likely to rely on supplier Web sites. (www.HSMAIeConnect.org)

Marketers Dream Up Gas Giveaways that Include Hotel Stays

With customers transfixed by soaring fuel prices, gasoline giveaways are showing up in marketing from everything from cars to groceries. And they apparently work. In South Dakota, one of the nation's largest ethanol-producing states, the Office of Tourism reports overwhelming response to its online offer of $20 fuel vouchers to promote the fuel additive. The Iowa Tourism Office is holding a Web site drawing for 25 gas cards worth $50 each at Kum & Go service stations In Aspen, Colo., where more than 65 percent of visitors drive in, the city's Chamber Resort Association will give $50 in free gas, plus free bus passes and bike rentals, for an eligible two-night summer stay. And the Loews resort in Coronado, Calif., is developing packages that include gas cards. (Page 1D, USA Today)

4th Annual Arizona Historic Preservation Conference

The Arizona Preservation Foundation, Arizona State Historic Preservation Office, Arizona Archaeological Council and Arizona Main Street Program of the Arizona Department of Commerce are organizing the 4th Annual Arizona Historic Preservation Conference, with the theme of "Changing Places," and 24th Annual Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Awards, June 15-17, 2006 at the Glendale Civic Center in Glendale, Ariz. Conference participants will examine timely aspects of this rapidly changing place called Arizona – and historic preservation’s essential "place at the table" today and tomorrow. Registered participants can attend sessions including heritage tourism; hear outstanding national, state and local guest speakers; attend the Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Awards luncheon;, and network with preservation advocates from around the state. Register by May 20, 2006 to take advantage of the "early bird" rate. For more information and to register, visit www.azpreservation.org. 

TIA's Pow Wow to Generate over $3.5 Billion in Visit USA Business

The 28th International Pow Wow by TIA, the travel industry's premier international marketplace and the largest generator of Visit USA travel, was held last week in Orlando. More than 5,000 invited delegates from around the world are participating. More than 1,000 U. S. travel organizations from every region of the USA, and representing all industry category components, and close to 1,500 International and Domestic Buyers from more than 70 countries, conduct business negotiations that result in the generation of over $3.5 billion in future Visit USA travel.  Buyers and sellers are able to conduct business at Pow Wow that would otherwise be generated only through an exhaustive number of around-the-world trips. The Travel Industry Association of America's (TIA) message to delegates from its Chairman, Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Roger Dow, TIA President and CEO continue to echo the need for a unified tourism industry, challenging the industry and federal government to work closer together towards making the U.S. a more competitive destination for visitors worldwide. This includes aggressive marketing of Visit USA; reducing entry procedures for foreign visitors, while maintaining security interests and enhancing American's image abroad through Americans traveling abroad. (Travel Mole, 3/8)

At Pow Wow

Roger Dow, president and CEO of the Travel Industry Association, said the TIA board has committed $500,000 to a new marketing campaign aimed at increasing the U.S. share of the international travel market. Speaking at a joint press briefing with TIA National Chair Jay Rasulo at the TIA International Pow Wow in Orlando, Dow said TIA plans to increase the campaign's fund from the initial $500,000 to $5 million through public and private investments. "The travel industry must speak with one voice," Dow said. "We've resolved to make 2006 a turning point," said Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Noting that international travel is "entering an era of explosive growth," Rasulo noted that in the future, "travel and tourism is going to be one of the most important industries, if not the most important industry." Dow emphasized the importance of the upcoming Travel Leadership Summit, scheduled for Sept.13 in Washington, D.C., during which tourism representatives from all 50 states will meet with government officials. (A Travel Advance Special Report; Page 1, Pow Wow Daily)

Film Office

Good Morning Arizona in Sedona on May 3rd a Success!

3-TV's #1 rated Good Morning Arizona program traveled to Sedona on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 as part of the Good Morning Arizona Road Trip. The two-week road trip, May 1-May 12, highlights some of the beautiful and diverse cities and sites in our State. The popular Good Morning Arizona personalities will be live for four hours every morning from different locations. The Road Trip is sponsored by the Arizona Office of Tourism. The Sedona Film Office assisted with the location scout, feature segments and coordination of the Sedona show.

Thanks to the area residents who came out to be a part of the live production as audience members.  The program ran from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and was on location at Red Rock State Park . Tara Hitchcock, Forecaster Brad Perry, Dan Davis and Scott Pasmore featured the city of Sedona and held an autograph signing session immediately following the show. The first fifty people that arrived received postcards and a commemorative GMAZ Road Trip button.

Various Sedona segments were pre-taped to insert into this live show including a feature story on Javalinas on Parade and a Home Sweet Home segment that highlighted the Sedona Heritage Museum . Other features included moonlight hiking at Red Rock State Park , the Sedona Trolley, Slide Rock State Park , the Corvette-n-America Road Tour, area restaurant reviews by Phoenix chef Mark Tarbell, Sedona Spirit Yoga & Hiking, clairvoyant Tiffany Tatum, a Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa couple's massage, the Sedona bicycle tour and Amara Resort. The A-List, sponsored by Jazz on the Rocks, was also featured and provided musical wraparounds for commercial breaks. Thanks to everyone who supported this wonderful event!

Also, thank you to the families who taped promos for the station that will appear in the next couple of weeks representing Channel 3 TV's “Arizona Families” in Sedona.

Spring Winds Down with Many Productions Featuring Sedona

The Sedona Film Office has tracked and assisted 46 days of production between the beginning of March and the first two weeks in May. Recent productions in Sedona included Good Morning Arizona , two Canadian television programs Legend Hunters and Seekers , The Weather Channel's Road Crew , TLC's Trading Spaces , a Chico's catalog , a Town & Country magazine shoot featuring Mii Amo Spa and Sedona, the Fox series 30 Days with Morgan Spurlock ( Super Size Me ), a Honda commercial, an upcoming CBS series Tuesday Night Book Club , a film trailer for a future independent feature to be filmed in Sedona, a Ford Expedition print ad, a Best Western commercial, HGTV's Landscaper's Challenge , a print ad for DBA Worldwide Locations, ABC15's Smart Shopper , an ESPN/NASCAR/Indie500 commercial, and TV Asahi's It's Morning ! It's a Fresh Travel Salad , one of the most popular travel TV programs in Japan . Sedona was also recently featured on Travel Channel's Vacation Home Search , The Weather Channel's Road Crew , HGTV's home shows, What You Get for the Money, Offbeat America and Extreme Homes and the cover and feature story of RCI's  March/April magazine Endless Vacation.

The Sedona Film Office continues to work with ongoing requests for upcoming independent and major feature, television, commercial and still photography projects.

Visitor Center News

Seeking Bids from Member Restaurants or Hotels for our October

Breakfast Event

We hold quarterly breakfasts to update our volunteers on chamber and community news, and are seeking member restaurants or hotels that can accommodate 40-50 people as well as two speakers. This is also a great opportunity for the volunteers to become better acquainted with your menu(s) and services. We are currently seeking bids from member restaurants or hotels that can accommodate 40-50 people.

Have Interesting or Unusual Facts About your Business? Share

them with us!

If you have some interesting or unusual facts to share about your business, (for example historic, or a special service you offer) please contact the Visitor Center staff at 282-7722! It will be included in the monthly volunteer newsletter. The more we know about you, the better we can serve you!

Lodging Availability during peak times

Attention: Lodging members, please remember to call the Uptown Visitor Center  to update us on your availability. We get quite a few last minute requests for accommodations. Thank you! 

Upcoming Events

View All Upcoming Events – Click here!

Click Here for City of Sedona Arts & Culture Events

Submit your Event on the Chamber On-line Calendar

Please Note: The event submission request form for the new web site's calendar of events has changed. Please use the link above to submit your events.

Cowboys on Broadway & More!

Final Show Until September! Hey Partners, you've got one more chance to come join Tom & Shondra in some cowboy fun until the Fall at The Blazin' M Ranch on Monday, May 15th. Songs include favorite foot stompin' country tunes, selections form Cowboy musicals such as Oklahoma , Annie Get Your Gun plus a few unexpected surprises that will have you laughing out loud!!

The Dinner bell rings at 6:30 p.m. For ticket info and reservations. Call (928) 634-0334.

Canyon Moon Theatre presents Nunsense II - The Second Coming

Everyone's favorite musical nuns return to the Canyon Moon stage on May 18 to June 4 at the Sedona Creative Life Center, Thursday through Saturday performances - 7:30 p.m. Sunday Matinees - 3:00 p.m.

Last year's smash hit, Nunsense, was extended for six performances. This year there is NO possibility of extending the show due to performance space availability. The original cast from Canyon Moon's 2005 production of Nunsense reprises their roles with the exception of Cathy Miller, star of Canyon Moon's production A Grand Night for Singing, who plays Sister Hubert and the addition of Martha Edwards, a new visiting Sister who's taken a vow of silence. Other cast members include Shondra Jepperson - Red Rock TV l6's co-anchor and half of one of Sedona's most popular duos Tom and Shondra as Sister Amnesia, Helen Brown who's played the role of Mother Superior five times in Sedona and Los Angeles productions of The Sound of Music, Nunsense and Nunsense II. Dev Ross, fresh from her role as Kiki in Canyon Moon's production of Charlie Cox Runs with Scissors, plays the role of Sister Robert Anne. Sabrina Carlson is back as Sister Mary Leo as well as Rebecca Cauthen as Sister Mary Vampa on the piano. Musical Director Eric Tucker who served as musical director for CMT's Side by Side by Sondheim, Suds and Nunsense, says "Nunsense II has a little something for everyone."

Visit with the actors at a reception after the Opening Night performance, Friday, May 19.(There will be no show May 25.)  Purchase your tickets now! Call: 928-282-6212.   Single tickets: $17 General Admission Full-time students: $10 Sundays: $14. Tickets are also available at Rycus' Corners in the Village of Oak Creek and Clothing Reflections in the Bashas' shopping center.

Canyon Moon Theatre is a professional, non-profit theatre that serves the northern Arizona community and its guests.

Future Studios Live Performance Venue & Cinema

Thursday • May 18 • 8:00 P.M. Joseph Israel and the Lions of Israel from Jamaica
7-piece reggae band $15 advance / $18 day of show. A of band world-class musicians who have toured and recorded with the likes of Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Lauryn Hill, Peter Tosh, Black Uhuru, and Bob Marley among others.www.lionsofisrael.com


Saturday • May 20 • 8:00 P.M. Robert Rich from California, solo artist from Hearts of Space label. $12 advance / $15 day of show. An Organic Electronic and Sonically Surreal multi-media video/laser show
www.robertrich.com .

Future Studios is located at 30 Hozoni Drive, Sedona www.futurestudios.org (928) 282-9139.

Los Abrigados Hosts Book Launching Celebration

On Thursday, May 18th at 5PM, Los Abrigados Resort will be hosting a book launching celebration for award-winning author Anthony Bottagaro's new novel The Poet, The Count, and the Peddler . This novel probes the inner workings of society, its motivations, and its many indiscretions. Its aim is to illuminate the dark side of life and pull the reader into exploring their own relationship with the world, religion, and society.

Anthony has been working for decades towards the cause of justice and peace. In this quest he has met with leaders of Congress, the State Department, the Pentagon, the White House, the United Nations, and was received by Pope John Paul II in the Vatican . His previous works have gained national and international recognition, and his first book, To Create a World More Human and More Divine, was adapted into a documentary film that premiered at the United Nations.

Anthony will provide a short reading from his novel, which will be followed by a book signing and reception with wine and hors d'oeuvres in Los Abrigados Resort's Hart Garden located at 160 Portal Lane in Sedona. For more information contact Jonathan Duncan at 282-2720.

NAWBO Chapter Honors Women Business Owners

The Sedona Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-Sedona) will honor outstanding women business owners in Sedona and the Verde Valley at the Third Annual Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards on Thursday, May 18 from 11:00a.m. to 1:30p.m. at the Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa located at 90 Ridge Trail in the Village of Oak Creek .  The cost for tickets is $30 for NAWBO members, $35 for nonmembers and $325 for a table of ten.  For information and tickets, contact Barbara Litrell at 928-649-0135 or 928-300-5839 or blitrell@aol.com.

Ringing Rocks Foundation Presents..Walking Thunder

Friday, May 19 th , 7 p.m. – Free - Walking Thunder is a powerful Dine medicine woman. She will give a talk and demonstration about the symbolism of the colors and motifs in the sacred art of Dine sandpainting and discuss her life as a Navajo medicine keeper. She is the subject of the book Walking Thunder: Dine Medicine Woman edited by Dr. Bradford Keeney. Seating is limited please call (928) 282-1298 to reserve space .

Ringing Rocks Foundation: 3190 West Highway 89A (at the corner of Dry Creek Road ) Sedona , AZ. For more information please call (928) 282-1298.

The Sedona Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Sponsors Speakers

The Sedona Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will be sponsoring two well-known speakers who will offer a science-based alternative to the increasingly popular "Intelligent Design" theory.

Connie Barlow, an author of popular science books bridging evolution and meaning, will speak to the Fellowship on Sunday, May 21st at 1pm in Avery Hall at the Church of the Red Rocks, 54 Bowstring Drive, Sedona. Her service is entitled "Death in the Heavens for Life on Earth".

The second speaker, Michael Dowd, a former pastor and evolutionary theologian, will present a free, follow-up Workshop on Thursday evening, May 25th from 7pm to 9pm, at the Sedona Library in the Community Room, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona. His workshop is entitled "Evolutionary Epiphanies: The Marriage of Science and Religion--Good News, Personally and Collectively".

Michael Dowd and Connie Barlow embody the marriage of science and religion as wedded partners and have been called "America's Evolutionary Evangelists". For the last four years, they have lived entirely on the road, speaking in churches, colleges and living rooms in North America as they believe that a reverential story of the Cosmos, Earth, Life and humanity as given by mainstream science can open up exciting possibilities for all of us on this planet.

All are encouraged to attend the service and the workshop. For more information, please visit www.SedonaUU.org or call 928-646-9544.

Astrological Seminar Reveals Soul's Evolutionary Journey

Donna Lee Steele, noted Spiritual Astrologer, will present a seminar which promises an interpretation of your Life path and Soul purpose in a way unlike any other you've ever experienced on May 21 from 1:30 – 4:30 pm .

You will gain “R-evolutionary Insights” about the Soul work you've chosen for this lifetime. These secrets are revealed through the placement of Pluto and the Moon's Nodes in one's natal horoscope.

REGISTRATION - Fee: $50 / Registration deadline: May 18 with exact birth date, time and place. Contact: Linda Kurkowski at lkurkowski@earthlink.net or call 928-254-9064. Location: St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 100 Arroyo Pinon Drive , Sedona.

Sedona Red Rock High School 2006 Scorpion All Night Drug- and

Alcohol -Free Grad Night

 The 2006 Sedona Red Rock High School graduation will be held on May 25. After the graduation ceremony, a Grad Night celebration will be held honoring the graduates with wonderful food, games, entertainment, prizes, scholarships, and cash. This takes place from 9:00 PM until 3:00 AM, at the Sedona Racquet Club in a drug and alcohol free environment.

The Grad Night Parent Committee is asking community businesses and individuals to help support this annual event by making a tax-deductible contribution – either of cash, scholarships, food, or raffle prizes. Cash donations (make checks payable to Scorpion Grad Night), prizes, and gift certificates may be mailed to: Sedona Red Rock High School , Attention: Scorpion Grad Night 2006, 995 Red Rock Loop Road , Sedona , AZ 86336 . You will receive a personal thank you letter and an acknowledgement to be used for tax purposes.

If you would prefer to have your donations picked up, or if you have any questions, please contact Committee Chairman Steve Crawley at 254-1814, or Committee Member Vanessa Egan at 204-6803. Again, thanks for your continuing help to provide a safe, drug- and alcohol-free Graduation Night for our 2006 Sedona Red Rock High School Seniors.

Sedona SkateFest Returns

Sedona Skatefest is back and scheduled for Saturday May 27, 2006. Competition starts at 11 am and concert begins at 5pm. This year's title sponsor is “The Sanctuary” skateshop located in West Sedona off Hwy 89A. This event allows skateboarders of all ages to show off their skills at the 15K square foot “Jack Malmgren” skatepark in Sedona. The Sedona Skatefest is the premier skateboarding and music event in Arizona that showcases the best skaters competing for trophies and prizes. Immediately following the competition a concert featuring rock guitar virtuoso Nick Sterling, other performances include “Radio Dogma” and “Daniel Watters Presents”.

Skating competitors pay $25, which includes entrance fee to compete, concert entrance and SkateFest t-shirt. Spectators pay $8, which gets you parking, skate park seating during the competition and 3 hours of rockin' music. Food and drink items will be available on site. Raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the event.

Call 928-282-0122 to register for the competition, become a sponsor or to donate a raffle item.

Come Join the Celebration at the 5th Annual Red Rocks Music

Festival

Symphony Festival Sampler on Thursday, August 31 , 2006 at 7:00 p.m. Church of the Beatitudes 555 West Glendale Ave. FREE Admission. The Passion of the Tango on Saturday, September 2 , 2006, 7:30 p.m. Chamber Music Concert. Works by Piazzolla and Mendelssohn at the Jewish Community of Sedona & Verde Valley located at 100 East Meadowlark (off Hwy 179) Tickets: Adult $24, Child (12 and under) $12. Festival String Ensemble Sunday, September 3 , 2006, 3:00 p.m. Works by Mozart, Schubert and Grieg, Shmuel Ashkenasi (violin solo) at the Jewish Community of Sedona & Verde Valley. Tickets: Adult $28, Child (12 and under) $14. Dancers:Daniela Borgialli and Rommel Oramas. Discount package available for Saturday and Sunday performance $45.00 Adult, $20 Child. For tickets and information: 1 (877) REDRCKS (733-7257). Email at redrocksmusic@cox.net or visit www.redrocksmusicfestival.com for more information.

Get Ready for the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Festival

Earl Klugh, Paquito D'Rivera, Billy Mitchell and Rene Marie are among eight renowned jazz and blues performers who will come together to celebrate the 25th anniversary Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Festival, September 21-24 . The four-day event marking the first quarter-century of the world-renowned festival also will feature acoustic blues guitarist Doug MacLeod, the Benny Green Trio and vocalists Melissa Walker and Barbara Morrison. They will follow the sounds, and the footsteps, of some of the biggest names in jazz who have appeared in Sedona over the past 25 years including Diana Krall, Nancy Wilson, Cleo Laine, Billy Eckstein, Chuck Mangione, Dave Koz, T.S. Monk, Al Jarreau and the bands of Count Basie, Louie Bellson and Woody Herman.

Tickets go on sale June 1 for both single tickets and packages. Single ticket prices are: $100 for the Thursday Night Party at a private Sedona home featuring one of the performers, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres; $50 for the Friday night performance at a venue to be determined; $65 for the all-day Saturday Festival for lawn tickets, $85 for chair tickets and $225 for the patron tent that includes special seating, food and drinks; and $80 for the Sunday brunch and concert at a venue to be determined. Ticket packages are available for $175 for Friday, Saturday lawn tickets and the Sunday brunch; $195 for Friday, Saturday chair seats and the Sunday brunch; and $335 for Friday, Saturday Patron Tent and the Sunday brunch. Tickets will be available through the web site at www. s edonajazz.com .

Sponsors of the 25th anniversary celebration are Radisson Poco Diablo Resort, Sedona Hilton Resort and Spa , US Airways, Bistro Bella Terra on Oak Creek , APS, KJZZ 91.5 FM, Turner Vineyards, M&I Bank, Arizona Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional underwriting is provided by Sedona Red Rock News and Verde Valley Medical Center . For more information, visit www.sedonajazz.com or call (928) 282-1985.