“It’s all about community connections. This was great for the shops and participants.”
Sixty-one booths of businesses and non-profit organizations participated in the Prescott Chamber of Commerce event to inform visitors about their services. Meanwhile, drawings for prizes kept the enthusiasm high.
Mindi Hackett, owner of Legacy Jewelry at Frontier Village, displayed her crystals and fine jewelry, along with toy dragons that enticed kids. “There’s a lot to stop and see today. It’s all about connecting with the community. A lot of people came out just for this. This is great for the community, and they should do more events like this,” she said.
Erick Rivera, a volunteer with Prescott-based Arizona Philharmonic, gave visitors a concert schedule. “This is fantastic and a great way to get the word out on our upcoming season. A lot of people stopped by and responded well,” he said.
Marie Simpson, business development manager for the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber had not held an event of this magnitude for years, but said it was great to work in partnership with the mall owners and the tenants to highlight the businesses and non-profits in the area.
“It gives everybody a chance to get the word out,” she said, noting a “terrific” turnout. “It’s all about community connections. This was great for the shops and participants. People loved the prizes and the energy was high. People were excited about winning prizes.”
Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce also had a booth at the expo. John Courtis, interim executive director, said the turnout was better than expected. “There is a demand for events like this. This is great. It’s a vibrant atmosphere. It’s delivering a new energy.”
Courtis noted that more than half of the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce members are not residents of Chino Valley. “We’re trying to think more regionally. This absolutely brought more people out to the mall. This was a win for everybody. The mall won, the chamber won and everybody who came won.”
“It’s a great way to get your name out,” said Melody Hughbanks of Prescott Landscape Professionals. “It was well attended, and the customers were wonderful. A lot of people took our info.”
Stepheny Jacob, catering manager for Red, White and Brew restaurant in Prescott, said she enjoyed visiting with a lot of people. “It was a wonderful, great event.”
The next Prescott Chamber of Commerce event at Pine Ridge Marketplace is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend with an arts and crafts show, two car shows and police and fire department demonstrations. QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
Photos by Stan Bindell: Melody Hughbanks shared information about Prescott Landscape Professionals at the expo.
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