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Grand Canyon Chamber launches new year with annual luncheon
New Executive Board introduced to chamber members and 2011 goals outlined

Ryan Williams/WGCN<br>
The 2011 Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce Board. Pictured top row: Board President Mike Rock, Josie Bustillos and Mike Freeman. Bottom row: John Tatham, Outging Board President ClayAnn Cook, Chamber Director Norm Hannah, Yvonne Trujillo, Julie Aldaz and Brent Kok. Not pictured is Bess Foster.

Ryan Williams/WGCN<br> The 2011 Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce Board. Pictured top row: Board President Mike Rock, Josie Bustillos and Mike Freeman. Bottom row: John Tatham, Outging Board President ClayAnn Cook, Chamber Director Norm Hannah, Yvonne Trujillo, Julie Aldaz and Brent Kok. Not pictured is Bess Foster.

TUSAYAN, Ariz. - After a successful 2010, Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce Board members are looking to capitalize on last year's successes and up the town of Tusayan's exposure in 2011.

Chamber members met at the Grand Canyon Squire Inn Jan. 12 for their annual luncheon. Along with the announcement of the 2011 Board, last year's achievements were reviewed and goals for the coming year were outlined.

Outgoing Board President ClayAnn Cook began the proceedings by recognizing outgoing board members John Dillon and Heather Walton for their efforts.

"He (Dillon) has an incredible marketing mind," she said. "He brings a lot to the table and I personally really enjoyed having his assistance and help on the chamber board last year."

She went on to say Walton was a great asset to the board as well having served as secretary for several years.

In a recap of 2010 highlights, Cook said the second annual July 4 electric light parade included approximately 25 entries, up from 10 entries the year before.

"We raised a considerable amount of money," she said. "We did extremely, extremely well. We had people from Williams last year that drove up after their events during the day to just be here with us because it was such a unique event."

Cook thanked Chamber Office Manager Josie Bustillos for her efforts organizing chamber mixers throughout the year, including poker night, bingo, and trivia mixers.

"We did some really, really fun mixers," Cook said.

Following Cook's presentation, Incoming Chamber Board President Mike Rock introduced the 2011 Board, which includes Brent Kok, John Tatham, Mike Freeman, Clay Ann Cook, Bess Foster, Julie Aldaz and Yvonne Trujillo.

Rock also introduced new Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce Director Norm Hannah. After receiving close to 100 applications for the position, last year's board narrowed down the field to the top 10 candidates. After phone interviews, the top five candidates were interviewed in person.

Hannah brings 25 years in the hospitality industry to the position.

"I'm excited to meet you all. I'm excited to be up here," he said. "I've been a lover of the Grand Canyon for many, many years. I've done many hikes rim to rim and look forward to doing a lot more."

Hannah called those involved with the chamber "custodians and representatives of the Grand Canyon, the most important tourist attraction in the United States."

He said for years Tusayan and its chamber have played what he called "small ball."

"All of us have to step up both in our own companies and as an organization to represent (the Grand Canyon) better," Hannah said. "To be promoters of it and stewards of it."

Hannah added he hopes to grow the chamber significantly in the coming year.

Goals for 2011

Rock said the board is currently looking for a new location for the chamber's physical office.

"The goal is to get us in front of the traveler so we can better serve them," he said.

The board is also receiving bids to rebuild the chamber website in order to incorporate social media such as Facebook and Twitter, tracking mechanisms, search engine optimization and an e-newsletter.

"With this new website, we'll be a little more fluid with it. Our members will be able to post specials," Rock said.

Last year, goarizona.com generated approximately 8,000 tour and visitor leads. Rock said beginning this month, full chamber members will begin receiving the leads via email.

"What you choose to do with it is up to you," he said.

Board members hope to begin drawing visitors in traditionally slow times during the year as well, possibly with a rock and roll show.

"How can we drive room sales and business in months when we need the business?" Rock said. "One of the suggestions was we might try to do a music festival the weekend before Labor Day as the consensus was there is a little dip in business then. We're going to try to go after a bigger type band."

With a goal of drawing 3-5,000 people from Phoenix and surrounding areas, Rock said the board hopes to book a well known band from the '80s or '90s.

"Something that is press worthy to get people up here," Rock said.

Rock said the chamber will partner with the Grand Canyon Community Recreation Center to sponsor this year's Grand Canyon Marathon in November with a goal of doubling or tripling attendance.

Monthly chamber mixers will continue this year with a special March "town hall" style mixer planned to facilitate dialogue between chamber members and the board.

February's mixer will be held at Grand Canyon Squire Inn and feature bowling with an entry fee to benefit the Special Olympics.


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