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!

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

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”

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

Many concerns that I’ve heard about the difficulty of shopping locally can be summed up as “local businesses are hard to find and cost more than [insert chain here].” Yeah, sometimes chains can undercut prices on certain items and also have the advantage of national branding/advertising. This certainly doesn’t mean that they’re always cheaper or better. Last summer we began working with HyLo to develop a location-based mobile application that gives local businesses the opportunity to 1. Be Found and 2. Promote Specials & Events. The cool thing about this is how varied Local First Arizona businesses are; you can open this app and see anything from coffee deals to book promotions to floor cleaning to PR/marketing offers. It really showcases the Arizona that we all know and love, all of the things that really distinguish Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, et al. from other US cities.

Promotions & Events

So how does this thing work? It’s basically split into a couple of different sections. When you first open the app, you see any promotions or events running in your area. You can tap on anything that interests you to get more info on it. Or you can rotate your phone horizontally to get a map view; on that screen you can choose as many things as you want and map all of the businesses locations at once. The businesses themselves can post these deals in no time flat on their computer… we envision things like a business having a slow day, posting a deal like “Next three people to come in and mention LFA get a half-price coffee” or something. Anyone nearby who looks at the app will see that deal pop up seconds after the business posts it. We think this is an incredibly convenient tool for both the business and the customer!

Local Directory

The other main feature of the app is the directory. This is basically the directory you see on our website in mobile form, only with more general categories. So if you’re looking for a locally-owned restaurant to check out, you would tap “Food & Dining” and then choose a category like “Italian”, “Mexican”, etc… you know, whatever you’re in the mood for. Then you’ll get an alphabetical list of those restaurants, all locally-owned. (Note: we’re developing the directory to also be location-based so that the list will be ordered by those nearest you. Look for that feature in an upcoming update)

The big plan is to share this app with other Buy Local and Local First organizations around the country. Ideally, you could use this same app and go to Buffalo, NY, where it would pull from their membership data and you would instantly have a list of all of the locally-owned (i.e. where the locals shop and eat).

We also plan on working to develop this for other mobile platforms such as Android, Palm Pre, and more. In addition, HyLo has created a widget that will display all of the deals and events posted by the businesses on any web browser. You can enter your zip code and adjust the radius to see all of the happenings in your area. We will be implementing this on our website as well as sharing it with other sites and blogs who have an interest in supporting local businesses. This also means that you should be able to view the deals on any mobile browser on platforms that we have not developed for.

Update: The widget is live over on our site. Check it out, let us know what you think! If you’re interested in hosting this widget that shows deals and events from locally-owned businesses on your own site or blog, let me know and I’ll get you the code.

Your comments, suggestions, and total disses are welcome. We really want your feedback to make this truly a community effort! Let your favorite Local First businesses know that you want to see their deals posted! Tell non Local First businesses what we’ve got going on! We want to make it as convenient as possible to find what you’re looking for from a locally-owned source, and we hope this app makes it a little easier.

It’s that time of year, where we the public get a chance to cast our votes for our favorite spots in AZ! We at Local First Arizona want to congratulate all of our members who were nominated, for not only being awesome at whatever they were nominated for but also for being committed to our local economy! Check out some of the businesses below to find out what all of the talk is about…