Become a Tourist in your Hometown, Prescott

Become a Tourist

in your Hometown, Prescott

by Sheri Heiney, President & CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce

What’s your favorite thing about Prescott? Is it a beautiful downtown, with amazing shops and restaurants? Maybe it’s a favorite park where you enjoy playing with your kids, hiking or walking your dog? Or is it the people in your community — your neighbors, local leaders and business owners?

I challenge readers to seek out opportunities to spend more time in your hometown (whether you’ve always lived here or are a more recent resident) and explore it with a renewed sense of excitement!

May is Tourism Month, and the Prescott Chamber of Commerce along with the Tourism Offi ce would like to ask that you consider becoming a Tourist In Your Own Hometown — Prescott!

Time and again, I’ve watched visitors’ faces light up at the wealth of attractions here whether it’s our area’s natural beauty, our four museums, the Heritage Park Zoo, or our local theaters!

Here are other ideas for your hometown itinerary

TAKE AN HISTORIC TOUR

Sure you can reel off the names of the iconic buildings in your hometown, but do you know their history?

At the Chamber, we off er a free 90-minute walking tour most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (call to confi rm) starting in May. Tours start at 10 a.m. at the Visitor Information Center at the Chamber of Commerce, 117 W. Goodwin St.

Check out the New Heritage Trail Tour, which is self-guided. Maps are available at the visitor center.

GET A ROOM

Waking up in a hotel or bed-andbreakfast is a tried-and-true way to set the mood for exploring. Choose from downtown historic hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts nestled in the pines.

MAKE A DATE WITH PRESCOTT

Enjoy a meal at a place you have never tried. Catch a show at the Elk’s, the Prescott Center for the Arts, or Yavapai College. Check out the brand new Bob and Linda Lee Planetarium at Embry-Riddle, taking in a free show.

Be a tourist in your hometown Check something out that you haven’t tried before like a new trail, a store or a restaurant you have been wanting to try. Support the local businesses and enjoy your hometown.

For more information about the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.prescott.org or call us at 928.445.2000 or 1.800.266.7534 or stop by the Visitor Information Center at 117 W. Goodwin St.

Northern AZsocial

Why Hire a Local Marketing Agency?

By Clare Lei, Northern AZ Social, LLC | Account Executive

It is always surprising how many local small businesses have logos, websites, advertisements, etc. that do not truly reflect who they are as a business and do not speak to their target audience. Businesses should want to work with a local marketing agency for a more individualized approach for your business to the community.

A local marketing agency will know the local market and will have the advantage of understanding the area where your business is located. Local agencies will have a strong existing foundation in the area and with the community. They will understand the culture, history, and demographics. The company should know all the ins and outs of the location and can discuss the area with experience while making connections between other businesses and your company.

A great marketing agency will help you identify your ideal customer and create a marketing plan which will appeal to that clientele. By knowing who you appeal to, you can figure out how to accurately place your ads and direct your marketing.

Partnering with a local agency gives you another advantage over your competition because the agency has a network of contacts and vendors they can leverage for your benefit.

This is a great opportunity for your business to partner with other local companies with similar objectives to yours. The marketing agency is able to advise on sponsorship prospects that fit your ideas and negotiate reasonable packages.

With the endless chances to build networks with other businesses in the area, this could lead to cross-marketing. Your company could even sponsor and be featured for an event. An agency with local associations can lean on their network to help you meet with people who can help drive your business forward. These business-to-business connections are incredibly important for marketing.

Lastly, a local marketing agency is more likely to be more invested in your development and success. National marketing agencies will not likely prioritize your account and not concentrate on you and your business. Larger agencies may even have clients with international interests. So, look for a business whose own growth lies with your company and its growth. A local marketing agency wants to grow and be just as successful as you.