Greater Florence Chamber outlines fall events, tourism push and new street map

Paul Felker, executive director of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, presented a fall events and tourism update to the council on Sept. 2.

Why it matters: The chamber's calendar and marketing influence downtown foot traffic, vendor opportunities and tourism exposure. Felker said the chamber purchased space in a regional tourism magazine, is producing an updated street map for visitors and is supporting business workshops in partnership with the Coolidge Chamber and the Small Business Development Center at Central Arizona College.

Felker gave event dates and details: a First Thursday mixer (upcoming Thursday, 5:00'6:30 p.m.), a Women in Business dinner Sept. 10 (6:00'7:30 p.m.) at the Green Tree Inn with local leaders including Representative Martinez and Vice Mayor Cathy Adam as speakers, the Florence Farmers Market starting Sept. 20 (8 a.m. to noon) at McFarland State Historic Park with close to 40 vendors, and Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29. Felker said the chamber is preparing a new street map and collaborating with regional partners on small-business workshops.

Council members thanked Felker and asked for updates on tour-bus outreach and media contacts for tourism stories. Felker said he would share further details with the council as plans are finalized.