By L. Parsons The Winslow Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual dinner Thursday. In addition to a social opportunity, guests were witness to the swearing-in of board members who were recently elected, which include three incumbents and one new board member. Each year, four seats on the 12-person board become available. This cycle, all four incumbents chose to run for re-election. Frank Guzman, Mark Strango and Bill Lawler retained their seats, as Beth Carlson was defeated in pursuit of hers by A Stylistic Approach Salon owner, Cathy Galvan. “I have lived, worked and/or owned a business in Winslow for over 21 years. Jumping on the chamber board to help promote and bring money into our little town was a logical step for me. I am honored to be a part of it,” said Galvan, in an email. Board President Barry Larson congratulated Galvan, who was not in attendance, while also acknowledging Carlson’s civil service over the past few years. The board will oversee fundraising and chamber meetings throughout the year. Larson spoke about the Chamber’s plans for promoting the town of Winslow, which include placing a camera at the Standing on the Corner Park with a live feed to the Chamber website, a facelift for the Hubbell Trading Post building where the Chamber is housed, and a Winslow mobile app. There was no exact timeline given for these developments but the more than 60 guests in attendance welcomed the ideas with enthusiasm. Also as part of the evening a presentation was made by Royce Kincannon, the Community and Corporate Learning Coordinator for Northland Pioneer College. Kincannon stressed the importance of promoting small businesses along I-40 as it benefits entire communities. He also emphasized good customer service as the best way to keep tourist as well as local dollars, local. Kincannon noted, “Facts show that if you can get a family to stay more than 90 minutes in your town, you have a greater chance of them staying and spending three times the money they had planned to spend in your economy.” This more than aligns with the goal of the Winslow Chamber of Commerce as they look to improve tourism and local life in Winslow. Visit the Winslow Chamber of Commerce website www.winslowarizona.org/ or call (928) 289-2434.
