Emphasizing the need to focus upon solid growth and economic development for the area, several speakers at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce annual meeting described ways in which they believe the Quad Cities area can take action to bring more business and jobs to the community.
It also was an opportunity to introduce the new Chamber CEO, Sheri Heiney, who began her job at the first of the year. Heiney was selected to replace the retiring CEO, David Maurer, who had held the position for 12 years.
Heiney updated more than 300 community members about Chamber projects and achievements during the annual luncheon, Jan. 26, at the Prescott Resort. The Prescott Chamber:
- Gained 210 members in 2016, to a total of 850.
- Answered more than 16,000 telephone calls at the Visitor Information Center.
- Distributed more than 1,000 Relocation and Visitor Packets to those interested in moving to the Prescott area.
- Organized a broad variety of events including the 35th annual Bluegrass Festival, the 34th Christmas Parade, and the 62nd Courthouse Lighting.
- Planned Quarterly Women in Business Luncheons.
- Hosted monthly mixers.
- Coordinated with the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce for the Business Exposition.
Heiney said the Chamber board has approved 20 new events during 2017. Among those will be Chamber Orientation sessions every month, and member workshops to improve customer service.
She also announced the “ambitious, but achievable goal” of increasing the Prescott Chamber’s membership to 1,000 members this year.
Chamber President Mike Fann of Fann Construction praised efforts for encouraging new businesses to expand in the community. He then passed the gavel to incoming president Sanford Cohen, owner and operator of Arizona Hometown Radio Group.
“I have nothing but optimism for business and the economy in Prescott,” said Cohen. “We’ll continue to expand business and grow new opportunities for jobs for our citizens. We continue to attract interest from throughout the country.”
Arizona Diamondback play-by-play announcer Greg Shulte was in attendance. He said he has a special affection for the Prescott area because the greater community had been a strong supporter for the D-backs ever since the team was founded.
Prescott Mayor Outlined City Priorities
Prescott Mayor Harry Oberg reported that the city continues to grow. “Single family bundling permits are up more than 250 percent over five years ago. Total number of permits—commercial, family and remodeling-expansion – are up 80 percent during the same time period. Home valuations continue to increase in Prescott. The average new home construction value in Prescott is $320,759. In contrast, in the county, the average is $242,655.”
He said the City Council and officials are focused on three main issues: developing a solution to the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System unfunded liability, which is potentially an $81 million price tag for Prescott; creating a Regional Airport Authority and improving commercial air service; and improving economic development opportunities to attract business to the region.
Oberg said the city will ask voters to consider a 0.75 sales tax initiative during the Aug. 29 special election, which will coincide with the Prescott City Council primary. If passed, tax dollars generated would be designated to help pay for the unfunded PSPRS liability.
Oberg stressed that expanding Prescott’s Ernest A. Love Field from a local airport to a Regional Airport Authority would be a major step forward in attracting high tech and new tech businesses. He said he was working with other mayors in the Quad Cities area to create a strategic plan for a Regional Airport Authority and an airport master plan.
That plan includes creating a new terminal, lengthening and strengthening the runway to support both commercial aircraft operations and the U.S. Forest Service tanker fleet. It also involves seeking a two-year extension for essential air service with Great Lakes Airlines.
Oberg said a third goal will be to work with the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) to develop a business incubator to provide a site for potential businesses to plan their development strategies.
“We especially want to focus on investments in manufacturing, agribusiness, ag-tech, plant sciences and high tech and aerospace sectors,” he said.
The luncheon concluded with the newly elected president Cohen praising the community for its 79 years of support for the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.
“The pride people take in Prescott has to be among the strongest of any community in Arizona,” he said. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
Photo by Ray Newton
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