Council approves Gordley Group contract to boost Bisbee tourism; $270,000 in tourism funds noted

The Bisbee City Council unanimously approved a tourism marketing services agreement with the Gordley Group on July 21, 2026.

Doug Graeme, Copper Queen Mine Tour Manager and member of the review committee, told the Council the committee "unanimously recommended the Gordley Group," citing the firm's experience with government clients and inclusion of a local resident on the team to provide community insight. Tom Baca, president of the Gordley Group, described a four-phase approach including stakeholder engagement, brand and campaign development, a redesigned mobile-friendly tourism website, and ongoing performance monitoring. "We view ourselves as an extension of the city's team rather than an outside consultant," Baca said.

Baca said the firm proposes fixed strategic marketing fees so any Arizona Office of Tourism matching funds can expand buy rather than increase the city's cost, and emphasized that the firm would use artificial intelligence only for research while keeping creative work produced by staff to maintain authenticity. Councilmembers Karen Schumacher, Anna Cline, Cesilia C. Garcia and Pete Skinner voiced support, and Mayor Ken Budge announced plans to form a Tourism Advisory Board to include hospitality and public representatives. The Council was told there is approximately $270,000 in tourism funds available to support future initiatives.

The agreement will move forward with implementation steps described by the firm, including stakeholder outreach and a website redesign intended to attract more overnight visitors.