Small Wonders Maps: Highlighting Local Treasures Across Arizona
A Sampling of Small Wonders Maps
Arizona is home to a myriad of locally owned businesses that breathe life into their communities. Recognizing the need to uplift these hidden gems, Local First Arizona introduced the Small Wonders Maps — a long-running project identifying clusters of locally owned businesses and literally putting them on the map to encourage community engagement and sustainable tourism. This month we mark a 20+ year tradition of producing the Small Wonders Maps and invite you to celebrate the launch of one of our newest maps — Historic Downtown Glendale!
Local First worked with Kingman to develop a Small Wonders map that doubled as regional brochure.
The Vision
Local First founder, Kimber Lanning, launched the Small Wonders Maps in 2003 with a map promoting the central Phoenix area as a worthwhile destination for Arizona visitors and residents alike. The idea proved successful, and some 20 years later, a host of Small Wonders Maps shine a spotlight on cool brick and mortar businesses in unique communities throughout the state, with new and updated maps being produced every year.
Impact and Legacy
Over the years, the initiative has cultivated a sense of pride and ownership among local businesses. Alyssa Prewitt, Local First’s Director of Coalition Resources, notes that even newcomers are eager to take part: "Close to 50% of the businesses that elect to be in the map are first timers, so we’re really excited to introduce them to Local First Arizona."
The Local First Business Support team can answer your questions about the Small Wonders Maps
Expanding Horizons
Jenna Rowell, Local First's Director of Rural Development, emphasizes the flexibility of the maps to suit different community needs, pointing to the Kingman Small Wonders Map as an example. “We integrated local businesses into a regional brochure, merging the Small Wonders concept with the town’s larger marketing efforts.” Such flexibility has proven crucial for rural areas and continues to drive community engagement.
Crafting Meaningful Partnerships
To get the Small Wonders Maps into the hands of consumers, Local First’s extensive network of connections across the state is crucial. VP of Business Development, Thomas Barr, explains, "We nurture relationships with hotels, conference coordinators, apartment complexes, real estate agents, community centers, restaurants, coffee shops — throughout Arizona — building a wide-ranging distribution list invested in encouraging more visitors to explore local businesses."
Join the Movement
By bridging the gap between communities and local businesses, the Small Wonders Maps ensure that Arizona's locally owned establishments get the attention they deserve from visitors and residents alike.
This year we’ve produced new maps for Historic Downtown Glendale, and Gilbert. The updated downtown Phoenix map has just gone to production and the new Tempe map will be next.
Note to Tempe local businesses: The Tempe map has some openings available if you are interested in being featured, you are invited to contact our business support team at info@localfirstaz.com.
Celebrate the City of Glendale Small Wonders Map Launch Party
Join us in celebrating one of our newest Small Wonders Maps —Historic Downtown Glendale edition, and enjoy specials at participating map merchants throughout the day.
The festivities include a scavenger hunt from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. (register at Pink House Boutique) and a “Meet the Merchants Party” from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Tangled Root Botanicals. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Glendale’s unique local businesses and connect with the community. Learn more.
Saturday, September 28, 2024
2:30 PM 8:00 PM
Pink House Boutique
7009 North 58th Drive, Glendale, AZ
Big thanks to all the local businesses who have participated in the Small Wonders Maps program over the years — and even bigger thanks to all of the locals and visitors who choose to support Arizona’s local businesses!
Join us in Historic Downtown Glendale Saturday, Sept. 28 to celebrate our recently-published Small Wonders Map!
