The Holbrook Chamber of Commerce has welcomed a familiar face as its new director of the chamber. Cindy Tafoya is not only a lifelong resident of Holbrook, she also served for five years on the chamber board and is excited to take on this important role in the community.
Recently the chamber transferred some of the larger events, including Wild West Days and the Parade of Lights Festival, to the city and will now focus primarily on business support and development. Tafoya is looking to partner with Northland Pioneer College to provide workshops for business owners and their employees to help them make the most of their business and learn how to best serve their public.
“Holbrook is such a small town and we know each other so well that we tend to forget the importance of customer service. These are people that spend money at local businesses and this is an important part of doing business,” explained Tafoya.
She also wants to help entrepreneurs achieve their dream of owning a small business in Holbrook. As a Holbrook native she knows that locals go out of town because they want variety. “I want for our residents to find that satisfaction locally, with a variety of restaurants and other businesses,” she explained.
“I know there’s a fear factor in opening a new business, but the right tools will make that decision a lot easier.”
The chamber will continue to provide meet and greet opportunities for business owners, but Tafoya would like to take it a step further. “In all the years I’ve been here I’ve talked to so many local people who want to open a business in Holbrook, but they don’t really pursue it. I’d like to organize the resources and support they need to take those next steps,” she said.
Along with her efforts to support business, Tafoya is organizing the upcoming Taste of Holbrook, an event that includes an array of dishes from Holbrook restaurants and businesses, a community awards presentation and live entertainment. Included in the evening are a silent auction and a dessert auction. The event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, at the Navajo County Fairgrounds at 404 E. Hopi Drive.
Tickets for the event are $10 at the door or earlier at the Chamber of Commerce office at the Historic Navajo County Courthouse.
For businesses interested in being part of the chamber, there are three membership levels starting at $50 a year. There is also the opportunity for businesses to provide in-kind services in exchange for membership. For information on events and membership opportunities, contact Tafoya at (928) 524-6558 between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday.
