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Over the years, Holbrook Chamber of Commerce has dedicated countless volunteer hours to local businesses and promoting their growth. On Sept. 18, the chamber met for their monthly meeting where secretary Colleen Dawes Marsh proposed temporarily eliminating the mixers, which the chamber hosts jointly with local businesses.
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Due to the time demand being more than they can comfortably accommodate, Marsh suggested that the chamber stop hosting chamber mixers until 2020 when they can revisit the topic after reassessing its effectiveness, at which time they’ll decide if it should be revived. Because the mixers have been part of the chamber for more than a decade, some members were hesitant to accept Marsh’s proposal. The matter was left for the board to consider for another meeting.
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During a call to the audience, Holbrook resident and owner of Shumway Insurance Debbie Shumway was introduced and she informed the council that she was present as a board member of the Holbrook Foundation. Shumway said, “We want to get involved. We want to be a supplement to the city and help with things that maybe they can’t get to. Like grant writing and promotions.”
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According to information provided after the meeting, the Holbrook Foundation was formed by Kathleen Smith, Jacob Boyle and Linda Kor while seeking a meaningful way to support economic development. Shumway joined the board at a later date when she was recognized for her motivation and desire to serve. The foundation was formed with the purpose of creating opportunities that provide inspiration and opportunity for growth and development in Holbrook and throughout Navajo County. One of the foundation’s endeavors will be to host next year’s Route 66 Festival.
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In other business, Chamber Director Cindy Tafoya announced that the chamber website, which has been under construction over the course of this year will soon be up and running.
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The chamber proposed and passed a motion to begin hosting a new event called the “Lunch and Learn,” which will be scheduled on the second Tuesday of every month and allow the chamber the opportunity to meet with city and county leaders routinely.
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Board member Yvonne Larson shared that the chamber is still seeking the most cost effective options to purchase banners for the downtown area between the Historic Navajo County Courthouse on Navajo Blvd. and Bank of the West on Hopi Street.
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Larson read the Business of the Month guidelines for the public and rest of the board. Larson informed all in attendance that moving forward, all nominations are due by the third week of each month. Nomination forms can be found on the chamber’s website at holbrookazchamber.com.
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Following nominations, Larson said that in order to complete the process, the director and one other designee will then select who they feel is worthy of the award. Recipients of the honor will be provided a sign by the chamber to place in front of their business and have their accomplishment displayed in the marque on the corner in Gillespie Park.
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President Shar Gillespie, and board members Robin O’Dell-Gonzalez, Tany Tafoya and Marsh all agreed to participate in piloting the digital presence assessment committee, which would be discussed in further detail when Marsh is under fewer time restrictions. Marsh was also reappointed as secretary through a nomination by board member Tara Young with a second from O’Dell-Gonzales.
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* In other business, Old West Fest will be held on Oct. 5. Tafoya stated that there are still vendor spots available for those interested. The salsa competition will be held on Nov. 1 and Dec. 5 will kick off the Christmas festivities with the Festival of Trees followed by the Parade of Lights on Dec. 5-7 and Light Up Holbrook on Dec. 13 with ballots available between the 14th through 25th of December.
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* Treasurer Tyretta Brown reported that the Native American dancers recently performed at the La Posada in Winslow. It was so well attended that they’ve been asked to return. Brown confirmed that they will also be performing at Old West Fest.
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