The Holbrook Chamber of Commerce hosted their bi-monthly meeting last week, discussing upcoming events and endeavors that the chamber is working on.
Chamber Director Cindy Tafoya informed the board of information she received from an IP address tracking company, Placer.ai. The company collects geolocation and proximity data from devices that are enabled to share that information by their users, and creates anonymized and aggregated consumer profiles.
From the data collected it showed that thousands of visitors travel to the Petrified Forest National Park (PFNP) but very few stop in Holbrook other than to go to Safeway or other service-oriented business. It showed that the majority of visitors stated their next stops or previous stop before visiting were the area Walmart stores or the Safeway store. “We have to find a way to have them make somewhere in Holbrook their next stop.” She referenced the need to the Odell Petroglyph Park, the Hidden Cove Golf Course, Historic Courthouse and other areas that would be of interest to visitors. It was noted that the app use does not distinguish between visitors and those living in the area.
Tafoya also updated the board on upcoming events in the community including the Small Business Digital Academy, which is a six-week series to be held on Tuesdays, June 7, 14, 21, and 28. Other upcoming events include Movie Under the Stars Park and Watch set for 6 p.m. on June 22 and July 27, Hello Holbrook Showcase in August and the Holbrook Did You Know? (ambassador program).
Board member Tyretta Brown noted that the Native American Summer Dances will begin next month. The dances will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, June 6 – July 15 at Gillespie Park.
Events promoted or hosted by the chamber so far this year include the Community Recognition Reception, Community Clean Up, Moonshot Pioneer Pitch and Holbrook Job Fair.
At PFNP, Sarah Herve stated that there is an ongoing restoration project at the Painted Desert Visitors Center that began last fall. The Rainbow Forest Lodge Theater Café is now open. Visitors can watch a film regarding the park while enjoying a bite to eat. There are also new restrooms planned for construction in the Rainbow Forest area.
In new business, the board discussed a strategic plan, the planned town hall with the Arizona Corporation Commission seeking input on the needs and impact in the community with the closure of Cholla Power plant, and increased the directors hours to 30 hours per week for the month of June.
