Local First Arizona News

Local First Arizona is excited to announce the launch of The SHIFT Campaign!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Press Conference: 10am
Launch Party: 5 – 7pm
El Chorro Lodge
5550 East Lincoln Drive
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

We at Local First Arizona have been working on a new initiative called Shift Arizona. We want every single person to think about where their hard-earned dollars go when spent at locally-owned businesses and how much of an impact they make on our community. Even small changes (say, 10% of your spending) shifted to local businesses from national changes can effect HUGE positive changes in economy and lifestyle!

Join us when we formally announce this new initiative! The day begins with a press conference in the morning and the celebration continues later that day with a launch party in the Casa Paloma space at the historic El Chorro Lodge!    We’ll have campaign materials and information about this important and timely movement.  Enjoy complementary appetizers and soft drinks from El Chorro Lodge, along with a cash bar. Please come out to show your dedication to our community by sharing how you are going to Shift 10% of your spending to expedite our state’s economic recovery.  Bring your company shirts and hats- let yourselves be seen!

“Staycation” has become a popular buzzword in the past several years & the concept has never been more important to Arizona.  A staycation is a chance for you to become more familiar with your town, your county, your state.  It gives you a chance to play tourist without getting on a plane, hiring a dog sitter or arranging to have your mail delivery stopped.  Most importantly, it is a chance to keep your money where your home is, right here in Arizona.

Our state’s unique terrain, outstanding amenities, and world class lodging have rocketed the state to the top of people’s travel destination lists for decades.  If you are a resident, you have an amazing playground to explore – historic hotels, unique cultural monuments, awe inspiring geography.  Arizona is home to renowned locally owned restaurants, shops and hotels that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Whether it’s a day trip to Arizona’s wine country or a weeklong adventure in the Grand Canyon, by exploring Arizona you are supporting our state and making sure that amenities such as our parks, libraries and senior centers are funded and that businesses in rural and urban communities are stable.  Local First Arizona will be highlighting some of our favorite Arizona travel spots in the coming months, focusing on showcasing locally owned hotels, restaurants, shops & attractions.

For complete travel information around the state, visit www.letsgoarizona.com, www.azot.gov

For special travel deals, visit www.ValueAZ.com

Sedona History

Sedona’s early residents were farmers and horse and cattle ranchers.  Orchards along Oak Creek provided fruit to residents of Phoenix, Cottonwood and Los Angeles.  Sedona’s red rocks have made it a popular spot for movie producers through the years, with many films being shot in the town including the 1949 John Wayne movie Tall in the Saddle and 1989 indie film Dead Man.  Today Sedona is a popular artist community & tourism hub.

Must see

Watching the sunrise or sunset at the Airport Overlook.   235 Air Terminal Drive

Best kept secret

There are not many things better than enjoying breakfast creek side at Briar Patch Inn.  While space is limited and generally open to guests of the Inn only, outside guests can sometimes luck out and get a reservation by calling a day or two ahead.  Live music accompanies the healthy buffet during summer months.  Serving from 8 – 10 a.m.  Located at 3190 N. Hwy 89A, 928.282.2342

Attractions

Highway 89A! After five long years of construction, construction, construction, the main road into Sedona is complete and open for business.  While we are not encouraging you to jump out of your car to revel in the glory of fresh asphalt and bright yellow center lines, we can recommend that this stretch of scenic road is now easy to travel.

Chapel of the Holy Cross was built in 1956 by sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staube. This impressive chapel appears to rise out of the rocks and is one of the most peaceful places in town.  Open to visitors year round, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Located at 780 Chapel Rd.

Slide Rock State Park began as an apple orchard in the early 1900’s.  Today it is a popular cooling off spot which features an eighty foot natural water slide down the smooth rocks in Oak Creek.  Open from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. through Labor Day, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. in September, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. October through April.  Located on Highway 89A, north of town.

Famous residents

Ted Danson’s parents live in Sedona and Johnny Depp is rumored to have a home here.  Peanuts’ favorite hound dog, Snoopy, is enshrined in rock in Sedona as well. 

Upcoming events

Moonlight Madness Street Festival: Sedona’s Main Street is transformed into a street festival with entertainment, sidewalk sales and free activities for the whole family.  The Main Street District is located along Hwy 89A & Hwy 179.  Starting September 4^th from noon – 9 p.m., through Labor Day.

Fiesta del Tlaquepaque:  Sedona’s beautiful shopping village, Tlaquepaque, is transformed into Old Mexico to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.  Strolling Mariachis provide the soundtrack for the day while Flamenco dancers perform colorful shows.  There are plenty of activities for the kids and plenty of Mexican cuisine to savor.  September 11^th from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Held at 336 Hwy 179.  Admission is free.

Sedona Jazz on the Rocks: Nearing its 30^th year, this festival is the perfect blend of sights and sounds.  This year’s headliners include vocalist Dennis Rowland, pianist Alfredo Rodriguez, singer-songwriter Maysa & the Homemade Jamz Blues Band.  Held at the Poco Diablo Resort on October 2^nd.  Tickets range from $35 – $102.

Sedona Arts Festival: Browse through art in a variety of mediums, from painting and photography to jewelry and fiber arts, being shown by artists from across the country.  The KidZone offers a place for budding Picassos to show off their stuff.  Saturday, October 9^th from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 10^th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Held at Sedona Red Rock High School, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road.  Adult entry is $10, Seniors/Students are $9 and children 12 and under are free.

1st Fridays: Gallery hop on the first Friday of every month.  Free shuttles transport visitors to Sedona galleries which offer food, drink and the chance to discuss art, often times with the artists themselves.  

The Sedona Marathon: Run, walk or stroll through the red rocks.  Categories include full marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K.  The race is held on February 12^th, 2011 and will start at the Sedona Cultural Park.  

17^th Annual Sedona Film Festival: Over 140 indie films will be shown during this weeklong festival.  Academy Award winning filmmakers attend and lead workshops and lectures.  This year’s Special Guest is documentary veteran Michael Moore.  February 20^th – 27^th, 2011.  Held at Harkins Theatres, 2081 W. Hwy 89A.

Places to stay

Briar Patch Inn – Enjoy fishing in Oak Creek, swimming in private water holes, hiking or simply relaxing in nature in any of the quaint cabins at Briar Patch Inn.  Cabins start at $219/night.  Located at 3190 N. Hwy 89A, 928.282.2342

Canyon Wren Cabins –These cozy cabins in Oak Creek Canyon are the perfect place to spend a weekend, bed and breakfast style.  Cabins start at $155/night.  Located at 6425 N. Hwy 89A, 928.282.6900 or 800.437.9736

Garland’s Oak Creek Lodge – To truly escape from the real world (i.e. telephones and TVs), stay at one of Garland’s sixteen cabins.  Located on 10 tranquil acres in Oak Creek Canyon, you’ll be surrounded by lush vegetation, an apple orchard and nearby Oak Creek.  Cabins range from $245 – $295/night which includes breakfast and dinner.  Located 8 miles north of Sedona on Hwy 89A, 928.282.3343

Forest Houses Resort –Seventeen unique houses available for rent in upper Oak Creek Canyon.  Guests enjoy nearby hiking trails, fishing in Oak Creek and peaceful lounging.  Houses start at $95/night.  Located at 9275 N. Hwy 89A, 928.282.2999

Matterhorn Inn – For visitors who like to stay close to town, the Matterhorn Inn is steps away from shops and restaurants.  Room rates available on request.  Located at 230 Apple Rd, 928.282.7176

Sky Ranch Lodge – Rooms at this lodge offer up some of the best views of Sedona, as it is located 500 feet above the center of town.   Room rates available on request.  Located at 1105 Airport Rd, 928.282.6400 or 888.708.6400

Places to eat

Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen – Good-for-you pizzas, pastas and salads made with fresh, local ingredients.  Open for lunch and dinner.  Located at 1855 W. Hwy 89A, 928.282.4140

Elote Café – Chef Jeff Smedstad serves some of the best traditional Mexican cuisine in the state, using locally grown and sustainable ingredients.  Open for dinner.  Located at 771 Hwy 179, 928.203.0105

Oak Creek Brewery & Grill – Wash down delicious pub fare with some of Oak Creek Brewery’s award winning beers.  Open for lunch and dinner.  Located in Tlaquepaque Village, 336 Hwy 179, 928.282.3300

Desert Flour Bakery & Bistro – Fresh bread, pastries and desserts as well as breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads and pizza.  Open for breakfast and lunch.  Located at 6446 Hwy 179, 928.284.4633

Dahl & DiLuca – Featuring Italian cuisine, this renowned restaurant is a consistent award winner and one of the most romantic restaurants in Sedona.  Open for dinner.  Located at 2321 W. Hwy 89A, 928.282.5219

Cucina Rustica – The sister restaurant of Dahl & DiLuca, featuring Mediterranean cuisine and dining indoors or al fresco on one of the best patios in town.  Open for dinner.  Located at 7000 Hwy 179, NW, Suite 126 A, 928.284.3010

Heartline Café – This innovative restaurant ranks highly with vegetarians and carnivores alike.  Be sure to stop at neighboring Heartline Market to shop for gourmet food items.  Open for dinner.  Located at 1610 W. Hwy 89A, 928.282.0785

Places to shop

Turquoise Tortoise Gallery – One of Sedona’s oldest galleries showcasing Native American art and jewelry as well as Contemporary Southwest art.  Located at 431 Hwy 179, 928.282.2262

The Well Read Coyote – This indie bookstore has a wide selection of titles and hosts readings and workshops.  Open Mon – Sat from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.  Located at 3190 W. Hwy 89A, Ste 400, 928.282.2284

Mexidona Imports – Unique furnishings, gifts and folk art from villages in Mexico.  Open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Located at 1670 W. Hwy 89A, 928.282.0858

The Hike House – Not only does this shop have shoes, clothes and gear for beginning to expert hikers, they also hold free classes on hiking preparedness and compass navigation.   Located at 431 Hwy 179 #B-1, 928.282.5820

Cucina Sedona – Southwest inspired items for the kitchen, including glassware, linens, kitchen utensils and cookbooks.  Located in Tlaquepaque, 336 Hwy 179, Suite D-101, 928.282.3905

Places to enjoy

Pink Jeep Tours – Hit the dirt trails and red rocks for an off road adventure.  Choose from a variety of tours focusing on Native American history and culture, nature and geology.  Open year round, reservations recommended.  800. 873.3662

Sedona Arts Center – Sedona artists showcase and sell their works in this converted apple packing barn.  Workshops and classes are offered also.  Art Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 928.282.3865

M Diamond Ranch - This 100 year old working cattle ranch just outside of Sedona offers horseback tours of the high country.  Choose between a one hour ride or a combination trail ride and cookout.  Times vary by season, reservations required.  928.300.6466

Avg high & low temperatures

August – High 93, Low 64

September – High 88, Low 58

October – High 78, Low 49

Follow on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/SedonaAZ

For more Sedona resources: www.visitsedona.com, www.sedonachamber.com

 

Independents Week is a nationally-recognized event in support of local businesses everywhere! This year, 158 locally owned Arizona businesses have stepped up and offered the community 20% off. That’s pretty amazing, it’s no secret that the economy is currently in hangover status. But what we’ve come to realize is that these local businesses are the answer to many of our economic problems: if we support them instead of the national chains we keep tons more money in our community… three times as much, in fact.

So head on over to get your Golden Coupon on our website. Print out some coupons for yourself, friends & family, and get out there and support our local businesses and save some cash at the same time! If you have the free Local First Arizona iPhone app, you can also find the coupon there. If you want to find the businesses who are accepting the coupon in your neighborhood, you can enter your zip code on our Deals page. The 20% off coupon is only good this week, through July 4th.

 

Staycation has become a popular buzzword in the past several years & the concept has never been more important to Arizona.  A staycation is a chance for you to become more familiar with your town, your county, your state.  It gives you a chance to play tourist without getting on a plane, hiring a dog sitter and arranging to have your mail delivery stopped.  Most importantly, it is a chance to keep your dollars where your home is.

Arizona’s unique terrain, outstanding amenities and world class lodging have rocketed the state to the top of people’s travel destination list for decades.  If you are a resident, you have an amazing playground to explore – historic hotels, unique cultural monuments, awe inspiring geography.  Arizona is home to renowned locally owned restaurants, shops and hotels that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Whether it’s a day trip to Arizona’s wine country or a weeklong adventure in the Grand Canyon, by exploring our state you are supporting our state and making sure that amenities such as the parks, libraries and senior centers are funded and that businesses in rural and urban communities are stable.  Local First Arizona will be highlighting some of our favorite Arizona travel spots in the coming months, focusing on showcasing locally owned hotels, restaurants, shops & attractions.

For complete travel information around the state, visit www.letsgoarizona.com, www.azot.gov

For special travel deals, visit www.ValueAZ.com

First stop, Prescott.

History

Founded in 1864, Prescott was the Territorial capital of Arizona.  Mining & cattle ranching were the main industries in the town’s early days.  Mercantile industry increased with the introduction of the railroad, which also brought technology like electricity & telephones to Prescott by the late 1880’s.  While the Great Fire of 1900 destroyed almost five blocks of downtown Prescott, residents showed their loyalty to Whiskey Row by moving as much liquor as they could to the Plaza where impromptu saloons were established.  Prescott boasts unique architecture & works to preserve historically important structures like the Santa Fe Depot, Sam Hill Warehouse & the newly remodeled Elks Theater.

For more information on Prescott’s rich history, visit The Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 W. Gurley St., 928.445.3122, www.sharlot.org

Must see

In addition to serving the Old West’s toughest customers, Whiskey Row’s famous bars serve up some of the finest live music, from rock to country and everything in between. Favorite watering holes include The Bird Cage Saloon , Moctezumas Bar, Matt’s Longhorn Saloon, Hooligan’s Irish Pub, The Palace Restaurant and the Jersey Lilly Saloon. Whiskey Row runs along Montezuma Street.

 

Attractions

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary houses different species of wildlife that have been displaced from zoos, were injured in the wild or were kept illegally as pets.  It also acts as a sanctuary for Mexican Gray wolves waiting to be released back to the wild.  Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children age 3 – 12, free for children under 3.  Located at 1403 Heritage Park Road, 928.778.4242

The Sharlot Hall Museum focuses on the history of Prescott.  Admission is $5 for adults, free for anyone 18 & under.  Located at 415 W. Gurley St, 928.445.3122

The Phippen Museum of Western Art displays artwork depicting the West.  Admission is $5 for adults, free for children under 12.  Located at 4701 Highway 89 North, 928.778.1385

Smoki Museum of American Indian Art & Culture focuses on educating & preserving the indigenous cultures of the Southwest.  Admission is $5 for adults, free for children under 12.  Located at 147 N. Arizona Ave, 928.445.1230

Fort Whipple Museum’s exhibits show the history of Fort Whipple including photographs & memoirs. Free admission. Located at 500 N. Hwy. 89, 928.445.3122

 

Famous residents

John Henry “Doc” Holliday – legendary gambler/gunfighter

Virgil Earp –US Marshall & Wild West hero

Mary Katherine “Big Nose Kate” Horony – common law wife of Doc Holliday

Fiorello LaGuardia – former New York Mayor whom LaGuardia Airport is named after

Alan Dean Foster – science fiction author

Ken Bennett  - Arizona Secretary of State

 

Best kept secret

There are over 450 miles of hiking trails in and around Prescott. With over twenty parks, four lakes and six open space nature preserves, there is no shortage of outdoor fun.   Park & hiking trails can be found here.

Prescott is home to several annual marathons, including Whiskey Row Marathon in April. Biking enthusiasts can enjoy the Whiskey Off-Road Marathon, a challenging annual event.   

 

Summer events

World’s Oldest Rodeo: This year Prescott celebrates its 123rd year as Home of the “World’s Oldest Rodeo”.  Events scheduled include Professional Bull Riding, Rodeo Parade and Rodeo Dance, 5th Annual Shootout on Whiskey Row, Kiwanis Kiddie Parade, a Fine Arts & Crafts Show and appearances from Rodeo Royalty around town.  Festivities culminate with a Fourth of July celebration, including a fireworks extravaganza, at Pioneer Park.  Held at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds from June 28-July 4. Tickets range from $12 – $25.
 

2^nd Annual Prescott BBQ Days:  Join the finger lickin’ fun as over 30 teams of BBQ fanatics from all over the West compete for cash, trophies and bragging rights.  A dinner, dance and silent auction kick off the weekend event on Friday, with the tasting and competition on the following day.  Held at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds, July 10-11.  Saturday adult admission is $5, which includes 2 taster tickets.  Additional taster tickets are $2.  Children 12 and under are free.

 

Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering:  Enjoy songs and stories from real working cowboys/cowgirls, carrying on the traditions of Wild West.  Held at Yavapai College Performance Hall, August 13-14.  Tickets are $16.

Prescott Jazz Summit: Spanning three days, the 10th Annual Prescott Jazz Summit will be a jazz party of the first order with participation from musicians around the country, including Arizona’s own Dennis Rowland.  Most performances held at Hassayampa Inn, August 27-29.  A variety of tickets & passes are available, starting at $10.

For a complete list of events year round, click here or visit ShowUp.com.

Places to stay

Hassayampa Inn – Opened in 1927, rooms at this historic hotel start at around $89/night.  Located at 122 E. Gurley St, 928.778.9434 or 800.322.1927

The Motor Lodge – Summer cabins renovated into a boutique motel, rates start at around $89/night.  Located at 503 S. Montezuma St, 928.717.0157

Hotel Vendome -  Built in 1917, rates start at around $79/night  Located at 230 S. Cortez St, 928.776.0900 or 888.468.3583

To find more lodging options, visit the Prescott Area Lodging Association’s website and the Prescott B&B Association’s website.

 

Places to eat

Prescott Brewing Company – Award winning micro brews & a wide variety of pub fare.  Open for lunch & dinner.  Located at 130 W. Gurley St, 928.771.2795

Pearl’s Place Café – Home cooking, featuring BBQ.  Open for lunch & dinner.  Located at 150 S. Montezuma St, 928.541.0006

Peacock Dining Room – Fine dining in a historic setting.  Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner.  Located in the Hassayampa Inn, 122 E. Gurley St, 928.778.9434 or 800.322.1927

To find more locally owned dining options, visit the Prescott Area Independents’ website.

Places to shop

Van Gogh’s Ear – Featuring traditional art, jewelry, sculpture & ceramics.  Open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  Located at 156B S. Montezuma St, 928.776.1080

Edelweiss – Clothing, accessories & gifts with a European touch.  Located at 113 W. Goodwin St, 928.771.7574

Armadilla Wax Works – Candles galore, designed and hand-poured in Prescott.  Located at 103 N. Cortez St, 928.772.1898

Hop Sing Trading Company – Unique items abound in this vintage/consignment shop.  Located at 130 W. Gurley St, 928.899.3620

 

Places to enjoy

Elks Theatre – Film festivals, concerts, plays & performances are among the events being held at this historic Opera house.  Located at 117 E. Gurley St, 888.858.ELKS

Sundance’s – Northern Arizona’s self proclaimed Rock n’ Roll Dive, featuring local & nationally touring bands on the weekends.  Located at 114 N. Montezuma St, 928.778.5584

 

Prescott Mayor Marlin D. Kuykendall’s 10 favorite places

1. Yavapai County Courthouse square
2. Antelope Hills Golf Course
3. Watson Lake Park
4. Granite Dells trails and pathways
5. Thumb Butte Recreational Area
6. World’s Oldest Rodeo – Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo
7. Ernest A. Love Field/Airport
8. Goldwater Lake Park
9. Whiskey Row
10. Sharlot Hall Museum

 

Avg high & low temperatures

June- High 86, Low 49

July- High 89, Low 57

August – High 86, Low 56

Follow on Twitter:  twitter.com/prescotttourism, twitter.com/PresTweets

For more Prescott resources: www.cityofprescott.net, www.prescott.org

Thanks to Jane Bristol & Wendy Bridges with the City of Prescott.

Check out the video below of Kimber Lanning and Andi Barness giving love to Arizona’s mom & pop businesses, announcing a new ongoing feature called “Local Shoutout.” Every Monday you can tune in to Sonoran Living and learn about more of the valley’s locally owned businesses! Superstition Farm is the first featured business… check that place out, it’s amazing!

Be sure to click through and read the article as well!

We’ve just released a run of Shop Local posters highlighting the importance of recirculating tax dollars by shopping at locally owned businesses. This is just on the heels of the release of our study of the positive economic effects of SCF Arizona sourcing most of its goods and services locally.

We think these posters are pretty cool and we’ve already mailed a few out to other folks. If you’d like a 20.5 x 24.5 poster to display, let me know! We can also insert your city’s name and send you a PDF (sorry, can’t print one for you!). Email me with your city and which images you would like and I’ll get them to you as soon as I can.

Our very own Kimber Lanning was interviewed yesterday on KFNN 1510 Financial News Radio’s “Business for Breakfast” with Ken Morgan & Julie Dougherty. She spoke about the importance of supporting local as well as the upcoming Independence Week. You can check it out here!

Kimber Lanning interviewed on KFNN by Local First Arizona

A study released today found that SCF Arizona, the state’s largest workers’ compensation insurer, had a $528.3 million economic impact in Arizona in 2009.

The Phoenix company sourced 82 percent of its goods and services from other Arizona companies, according to the study released by Local First Arizona, a nonprofit that encourages Arizona businesses and residents to buy locally.

Read more on the Phoenix Business Journal site: Study: SCF Arizona’s ‘buy local’ attitude leads to $528M economic impact – Phoenix Business Journal

For more studies on the positive effects of buying local, check out our previous blog post “Shopping Local: A Proven Economic Model”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Download this press release as a Word document or as a PDF document.

Contact:

• Kimber Lanning
  Kimber@localfirstaz.com
  602-312-4203
• Tony Felice
  480-5678-6890
  tony@tonyfelicepr.com

A “Sleeping Giant” for Arizona’s Economy?

Local First Arizona economic study finds half-billion dollar annual impact from newly privatized SCF Arizona

Phoenix, AZ (June 7, 2010) – Local First Arizona (LFA), a non-profit organization representing a coalition of local and independent Arizona businesses, issued the findings today of an economic impact study commissioned by LFA that scientifically measures the economic impact of buying locally. The study demonstrates that locally-based SCF Arizona, the state’s largest workers’ compensation insurance supplier, has an annual economic impact in the state of approximately a half-billion dollars. The findings, reported by Applied Economics (AppliedEconomics.net) found that last year SCF sourced 82 percent of its goods and services from other Arizona companies, resulting in an overall economic impact in Arizona of $528.3 million in 2009. This one company – with 555 employees – demonstrates the power of buying locally. In other words, for every person SCF employs Arizona benefits economically by $952,000.

The purpose of the study was to demonstrate how one major employer can have a significant impact on Arizona’s economy when buying from other Arizona based companies. In the past, other general measurements have suggested that when consumers buy locally the majority of dollars spent are re-circulated back into the local economy, but this is the first fully scientific study in Arizona measuring the economic impact of just one employer.

“SCF Arizona is a sleeping giant, when it comes to its local economic impact in the state,” said Kimber Lanning, Executive Director of Local First. “We hope this study encourages business leaders to think even more broadly about the impact of spending their money with local companies. The ripple effect adds up to much more than most of us realize, and this study quantifies that impact. The numbers are staggering.”

SCF Arizona, founded in 1925 as a part of the Industrial Commission of Arizona, was privatized in the most recently concluded legislative session (SB 1045). Under the law, SCF Arizona will have three years to transition to being a mutual insurance company, becoming fully-privatized in January 2013. When the transition is complete, SCF Arizona will become the largest insurance company in Arizona – and will continue to have a major impact on the local economy.

In an impressive display of locally-focused corporate responsibility, SCF Arizona spent $38.5 million with other Arizona companies in 2009, which in turn created an estimated $68.2 million impact when factoring in all of the dollars re-circulating right here in Arizona.

“We feel strongly about being an Arizona company,” said SCF Arizona President and CEO, Don Smith. “Our policyholders are all Arizona companies and when we support them, we are really supporting ourselves. That’s true of any business when a consumer spends his or her dollars locally. So, whenever we can, we spend locally.”

SCF pays its employees $36.4 million, or an average of $59,100 per employee plus benefits, which was well above the all-industry average wage across the state. Factoring in employees at all of the secondary businesses SCF purchased from, total employee impact from SCF Arizona was an additional 3,000 jobs and $167.9 million in annual payroll. These additional jobs and payroll stem from direct and indirect impacts of supplier demand created by SCF and consumer demand created by its employees.

“SCF Arizona provides an important service for Arizona businesses and their employees,” said SCF Arizona Board Chair, Judy Patrick. “But we also play an important role as an employer in this state, providing quality jobs and good pay for our employees. It’s very gratifying to see that all of that has a positive impact on the state’s economy – particularly in times like these.”

Other areas measured in the economic study include capital expenditures such as tenant improvements and construction, total employee spending, and claims payments. SCF also plays an important role as a responsible corporate citizen in Arizona, donating a staggering $570,000 to non-profit entities across the state in 2009, despite the massive economic downturn.

“Local First Arizona’s mission is to highlight the importance of local economies and to increase local spending as a means to economic recovery and sustainability”, says Kimber Lanning, Executive Director of Local First. “SCF Arizona exemplifies responsible spending and stands at the forefront of creating a healthy, diversified Arizona economy, and I am grateful the legislature voted to allow them to grow and even better serve our state.”

This study demonstrates unequivocally that Arizona can benefit significantly if its largest employers purposefully shift their spending from out of state sources to other Arizona-based businesses. Further, it demonstrates simply that dollars spent locally create more Arizona jobs.

For the complete study produced by Applied Economics, contact Kimber Lanning, Executive Director of Local First Arizona, or find it on the LFA website at: http://www.localfirstaz.com/ and at facebook at: www.facebook.com/localfirstarizona.

For media inquiries, please contact Tony Felice at 480-567-6890 or tony@tonyfelicepr.com
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Arizonans are increasingly passionate about supporting the local economy. We’ve decided to help out by highlighting some of our members who have online shopping carts (and some of their favorite affordable items!) so you can check out the wide range of products that Arizona has to offer! This list will be continuously updated, so bookmark and check back often.

Of course, you can ALWAYS find tons of locally-owned Arizona businesses in our online directory at www.localfirstaz.com!

Click on the images to go to the businesses website