By China Cassidy In combination with the Arizona Commerce Authority, Business Analyst for Northland Pioneer College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Rich Chanick is partnering with the chambers of 14 cities within Navajo and Apache County for a buy local campaign which began Monday, May 25, and will continue until Labor Day in September. Holbrook Chamber of Commerce Director Cindy Tafoya, who is also a part of the effort explained, “Our group has many members but all the directors from Navajo and Apache counties took the lead on this effort and are working with Arizona Commerce Authority and SBDC to launch this regional campaign.” As part of a regional effort to promote a buy local campaign, Chanick explained that their primary goal is to get residents to visit their local retailers before considering other options like online entities. By teaming up with chambers and providing the signage, Chanick is looking to create a constant reminder of what is available to residents locally. He explained, “It is up to the local chambers to give these out, but our hope is for businesses and cities to flood the main commercial area with the flags.” Because there are 14 cities being sponsored so far, Chanick said they will rely on the local chambers to promote the campaign. He stated, “We are providing communities with a bright yellow Buy Local Banner for over the main road. Winslow and Holbrook each get 100 bright yellow Buy Local flags, poles and mounts.” Chanick said that while the signage is being provided at no cost, they are asking chambers to continue to help promote the campaign. “In return we ask the chambers and the cities to have two buy local events during the summer on July 11 and Aug. 15. These events are up to the communities and can be a car show or craft fair or anything else as long as the theme is “Buy Local.”
