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.

 

On February 1st and 2nd of 2010, renowned New York economist Michael Shuman spoke to two full houses in Phoenix and Tucson about the importance of supporting local economies. This is the full recording of his talk in Tucson, recorded by Amanda Shauger of locally-owned radio station KXCI in Tucson.

Michael Shuman on Localism by  Local First Arizona

This past weekend was the first annual Devoured Culinary Classic at the Phoenix Art Museum, and it was an absolute success by all accounts! Put together by Devour Phoenix (a restaurant coalition formed under the umbrella of Local First Arizona), R Entertainment, and the Phoenix Art Museum, Devoured aimed at showcasing the best chefs and restaurants that the valley has to offer, with foods being paired with local wines and beers. With so many great talents in our own backyard, Devoured proved that you don’t need to import national talents to have an incredibly successful event!

But don’t take our word for it, check out what the bloggers and critics had to say:

Howard Seftel grades Devoured Culinary Fest
Arizona Republic – by Howard Seftel

A Sweet Ending for the Devoured Culinary Festival
Chow Bella (New Times) – by Wynter Holden

Culinary event Devoured draws 2,000 to Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix Business Journal – by Chris Casacchia

Photos: Devoured culinary festival – Day 1
Photos: Devoured culinary festival – Day 2
The Dish (East Valley Tribune) – by Jess Harter

Devoured Culinary Festival At The Phoenix Art Museum
944 – photos by Joseph Greenbaum

View our Small Wonders page to download the Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tempe maps.

View photos from the event (Photos by Rick D’Elia/D’Elia Photographic):

Thursday, February 18, 2010
11 a.m.
Calvin Charles Gallery
4201 N. Marshall Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Members, Bring Your Banners for the Cameras!

U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell and Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane will join Local First Arizona, the Scottsdale Gallery Association and Scottsdale tourism and business leaders for a press conference to announce support of locally owned Scottsdale businesses. Local First is increasing its efforts to encourage Arizonans to support local, home grown restaurants, shops and businesses which generates a greater economic impact on the local economy.

As part of the announcement, Local First Arizona will unveil its first Small Wonders map of locally owned retail shops and restaurants in Scottsdale. The Scottsdale edition joins the Phoenix and Tempe maps already in circulation. Additionally, in an effort to encourage Arizonans to support local restaurants and businesses, Mitchell will tour the Scottsdale Art Walk Thursday evening.

“In these difficult economic times it is more important than ever to support our local businesses,” Mitchell said. “Buying local means strengthening our local economy, creating local jobs, and ensuring local, more sustainable economic development in our community. As we continue towards economic recovery it is important to help make Arizonans aware of the increased impact they can have on their communities by supporting local businesses.”

Every local news station covered our Buy Local Week press conference and we are expecting a great turnout for this press conference as well. We invite our members to bring banners or signs to hold up behind the podium for the news cameras. It’s a great opportunity to get your business in front of the local news media!

Join us this Thursday to show your support! Please plan to arrive by 10:30 a.m. if you would like to participate in the press conference. Feel free to contact Helene with any questions at helene@localfirstaz.com.

You can let us know that you are coming on our Facebook page!

UPDATE::: Michael Shuman will also be speaking in Tucson on February 2, 6:30pm at the Santa Rita room, located on the third level of the University of Arizona Student Union Memorial Center.

 

We are in the middle of Buy Local Week in Phoenix and Tucson after a great kickoff weekend! Congressman Harry Mitchell, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, and Eddie Basha all showed their support of local business at a press conference at Basha’s in Ahwatukee on Friday. We were also joined by numerous business owners and local farmers and producers, the backbone of our local economy. Tucson threw numerous block parties surrounding local business centers, celebrating some of the local favorites with Black Friday deals, live music, and tons of free giveaways. Many local deals are still being offered in Phoenix and Tucson.

We were fortunate to receive some news coverage during some of these events which I’m collecting here.  With our economy in dire straits, stories on spending your dollars locally are more important than ever!

Tucson

Buy Local Day was a big success in Tucson! With multiple block parties and lots of local business deals, many holiday shoppers were able to load up on gifts while keeping more of their money in the Tucson economy. Click here for a clip from KOLD News 13 coverage

Phoenix

KPHO 5 ran a story with some great coverage of Bookmans and Do Me A Favor, check out the video here! They run over some Black Friday stats followed by the statement that $45 out of every $100 spent at a local business stays in the local economy! The word “local” has recently been claimed by multiple corporations without their having to define the word. True, the spaces from which they sell their goods are local, but the ownership (and therefore the trail of profits) is usually not.  So to clarify the previous statistic, $45 out of $100 stays in our local economy only when spent at a locally owned business. If you were to spend $100 at your “local” national chain store, approximately $13 would remain in the state. That said, it’s always promising to see positive coverage of local businesses and the importance of the communities support!

Some more coverage of Buy Local Week featuring Shaun Breese of Urban Cookies urging shoppers to “think local first.” The rest of the story blurs the lines between “local” (as in located in your area) and “locally owned” (as in the money stays in your area).

12 News ran somewhat of a downer of a story. I’m not sure if all of the folks interviewed were right outside of a mall, but none seemed aware of their options or even the full implications of their choices. Is sending large chunks of our money out of state really “the best deal”? Congressman Harry Mitchell explained how local businesses in turn support other local services, & Rachel at Bunky Boutique scored some points for shopping local. Watch the video below and let us know what you think in the comments.

Here are some cool articles covering this year’s Buy Local Week

Gordon, Mitchell urge people to shop local (The Arizona Republic)

Buy Local Starting Today and Save Moolah (The Phoenix New Times)

Congressman, Phoenix mayor urge Arizonans to ‘buy local’ (ABC15.com)

Buy Local All Week (Downtown Phoenix Journal)

Buy-local effort is about more than shopping (The Arizona Daily Star)

Sphinx Ranch & Kokopelli Winery to Host Free Wine Tasting (EVLiving.com)

Join a CSA, Get Farm-Fresh Local Veggies Every Week (The Phoenix New Times… not really about Buy Local Week but hey, we got ‘em thinking and it’s certainly worth sharing!)

While we focus extra hard on spending locally during Buy Local Week, these practices offer the same great results year-round: unique stock,  personalized service, a diverse culture, and more money recirculating our great state! Search our online directory for whatever it is you’re looking for; banks, retail, coffee, auto repair, you name it.

Join us this Saturday for the 2nd Annual Independents Bowl! This awesome event has been put together by Psyko Steve to bring together all sorts of independent minds to battle it out 10 pins at a time, all for the benefit of Local First Arizona! Show up to support the local community while showing off your bowling skills.

Stop by the official Independents Bowl site to sign up your team for $15 a person. And while your clicking button is all warmed up, check out this great article on the Independents Bowl event from azcentral.com!

Saturday, November 21st 2009
6:00 PM to Midnight. All Ages Welcome.
@
The Sunset Bowl
8925 N 12th Street (at Dunlap)
Phoenix, AZ 85021 (map)
P. 602-944-4401