SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie S. Maddock offers Sedona the best of times and the worst of times in the ongoing dispute between the Chamber of Commerce destination marketing program and its local government control in a tale of one city.
Sedona AZ – The following phrase suggesting radical opposites is from the opening paragraph of the famous Charles Dickens’ novel, “A Tale of Two Cities:”
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity …”
Considering the number of ongoing disputes here in Sedona (perhaps beginning, but most assuredly not the ending) was the idea of becoming an incorporated city. Of course that argument was settled by the voters, and the City of Sedona designation became official.
However one ongoing tug of war has existed and continues to this day and it is the extent, if any, to which the Sedona Chamber of Commerce has controlled local government. Logically it stands to reason that a member-driven, non-profit organization should not be playing the role of acting as a tail wagging the dog (City of Sedona)… especially since its primary function is to serve Chamber of Commerce members, many located outside the “city limits” and thus are unauthorized to vote, charge Sedona city sales tax, or allegedly make viable decisions within incorporated Sedona boundaries. Old news? Of course.
However a huge mistake occurred at the time Sedona was seeking a source for a “destination marketing” contract and, instead of following the guidelines set forth to obtain bids by way of RFP (Requests for Proposals) and under intense opposition, a contract was approved with what realistically was the “regional” Chamber of Commerce and war, figuratively speaking, was declared.
This conflict quite possibly has recently been resolved by the Chamber of Commerce giving written notice they would not be renewing its contract as Sedona’s official Designated Management Organization (DMO).
Sedona has newcomers on the City Council. They are smart. They are asking a lot of questions. They are astute. But perhaps best of all, they recognize Sedona residents and respect City Limits as their jurisdiction. They have also expressed interest and intent to cooperate with regards to the spirit of regional communication and indicate willingness to seek and share ideas with other Verde Valley communities, but at the same time always to respect the limitations of their jurisdiction.
At recent meetings, the Sedona City Council has graciously spoken well of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce while at the same time maintaining their position relating to the current differences of opinion existing regarding goals and direction of a DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) under which the Sedona Chamber of Commerce had been under contract. That apparently was the basis by which the C of C made their decision to not renew the contract with Sedona.
Conflicts between Sedona Arizona residents and its city councils began after a council awarded a destination marketing contract to a local non-profit membership-driven organization tasked with promoting its paid members businesses and commercial interests, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. The contract’s negative impact on city residents quality of life issues before, during and after the pandemic, resulted in contentious local elections and city council meetings. In 2023, after newly elected city council members joined existing, the Chamber program was agendized for discussion, review and action.
Recently the following was on a city council agenda:
3.a. AB 2930 Discussion/possible direction/action regarding next steps towards the development of a municipal destination marketing and management program, including a Resolution designating the City of Sedona as the official Destination Marketing Organization.
Because as it appears the transition of a DMO will revert to where many think it should have been in the first place, City Hall, a great deal of thought and logical strategy is being considered, particularly from the newer faces on City Council beginning, but not ending with hiring a professional consultant for direction.
City Council members display a sincere desire to support the premise that tourism needs to have a positive result. The majority of the city council members favor taking a slower approach, while the mayor stated that he “Can’t support waiting.”
Was expressing the need to work for “all Sedona residents and businesses” in fact a confirmed admission that during years gone by residents have, indeed, been shunned and perceivably treated like irrelevant nuisances? Is it fair to relate the overblown credit bestowed upon the Chamber of Commerce and Lodging Council as being the direct source of Sedona’s tax revenue? Has overextended and, perhaps, unprofessional pursuits actually been the cause resulting in out of control tourism creating overuse and disintegration of our most spectacular attraction, Sedona’s beauty, as well as local quality of life being shunned in the process?
Is it the obligation of Sedona government to promote businesses? No. Tourism should have positive results. Hasn’t too much time already been wasted on a “messy relationship” with the Chamber of Commerce? Yes.
It was suggested and agreed upon that most likely it will be good for the Chamber to do their own thing because, among other reasons, their vision is not the same as that of incorporated Sedona, which as presently stated is to “work for Sedona residents and businesses.” Residents, as stakeholders, should no longer be shunned and treated like second-class citizens or flatlanders.
With the task of tackling the logical decision to relocate the official DMO under the roof at Sedona City Hall, a new focus will be directed on the beauty of the area with a realistic approach and recognition of its capacity and thus indicating the need to include a method of educating our visitors. “Brand Sedona” and allow the Chamber of Commerce to deal with commercialization to benefit its members? The suggestion of an Advisory Board consisting of both residential and business participation to work in conjunction with the proposed hiring of a consultant was well received.
Newer members on the Sedona City Council were prudent in inquiring about return on investments. To-date nothing has been made available to speak to the success or failure of the contract with the Chamber of Commerce. For example, was the end result merely the extensive miles of backed up traffic? Who knows? What about success, failure, return on investment, use and participation of the newly created Sedona Transit System?
But all things considered, it seems logical to accept that certain changes, no matter what they are, will result in perhaps “the best of times” for some while for others they will, from their perspective, complain about suffering through “the worst of times.”
However, when seeking an answer about Sedona’s investment in the transit system, most assuredly not a profit producer, perhaps the answer will not be known unless transparency is practiced.
By establishing an appropriate Sedona City Designated Management Organization and, to include an “official” City of Sedona Visitors Center to rightfully represent ALL Sedona licensed businesses, then . . . at that time . . . won’t the City of Sedona finally revert to being the “dog” who rightfully takes control of wagging its own “tail”?
The best of times?
You were the twit that said most cities in Arizona didn’t have a chamber?
Well you got your lunch handed to you on that one! LOL!
Better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubts!
The @ sign is not a name or a tag, find your own name or moniker or ?
Consider @Ted died and create your own identity or a fake one.
Biden admin tail wagging union dogs.
Auto workers demand on strike 40 % pay hike. Biden say supports union payouts.
Got attention bc Bidenomick raised taxes on union wages by same amount.
Got to pay yo Daddy! Slap yo ass ets
Well, the tale continues to wag the dogs – City Council. The city will now foot the bill for the operation of the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center uptown. Nice free publication for all the C of C members outside city limits.
President Biden is going to be impeached for scamming money to pad his lousy government pay, Sedona city council will get unelected because they’re incompetent, and Sedona will become its once class act after a couple decades. One can dream right?
can’t believe this council
What profit has that transit system made?
1. called dreaming @RM
2. keep eye on it @ESM Sedona truth and light
“Robert L. Peters” is going to blow the lid off the entire Biden Crime Family coverup. Oversight Chairman James Comer with another bombshell in the Biden family investigation. Millions of dollars paid for performance came to light with FOIA and subpoena discoveries and Biden’s secret email account used to communicate with Hunter Biden beginning while VP and one of the secret names he used. This could be the final domino, the ground has started to crumble under Biden’s web of lies and corruption, a fake wagging the Democrats tail? Was it always the plan to destroy Trump independence by running Democratic Party shills like Clinton and Biden to keep Americans subjugated to socialist ideals? Time to ask and get answers.
For a change (and surprise) this is to acknowledge what, in my opinion, is upbeat information available on the accompanying web site video of the City Council Meeting September 26, 2023
https://sedonaaz.new.swagit.com/videos/272570
8. REGULAR BUSINESS a. AB 2991 Discussion/possible direction on the work program and accomplishments to date regarding the creation of a tourism bureau and the City’s new role as Sedona’s official destination management and marketing organization. b. Reports/discussion regarding Council assignments. c. Discussion/possible action regarding future meeting/agenda items.
References made by City Manager Karen Osburn relating to Sedona residents is especially appreciated and the proposed direction for City of Sedona to take charge of marketing without allowing a special interest group to feature only their members is especially a refreshing change of policy.
Because Sedona Eye as yet isn’t prepared to feature new articles, this information is submitted as a comment – favorable of city activity – an opportunity to hopefully share upbeat news – a rare event these days?
If it means what you say by city politicians shade truth!
How is the City undertaking any of sort of business venture “upbeat news?”
I foresee just another bureaucracy and wasted money.
If “the city” intends to correct previous decisions (business ventures?) then why isn’t that upbeat news? Especially if the intended venture is meant to undo the stupid decisions made by former Mayor Rob Adams and council members Barbara Litrell and John Martinez at the time Justin Clifton was City Manager – to approve the exclusive contract with the “regional” chamber of commerce to promote ONLY their members.
Sadly it’s been announced that “city” of Sedona is presently taking applications for a “new” City Manager because Karen Danes Osburn has given her notice to leave the position sometime next spring.
@rm@ed hay
SNOOZE!!!!!!!
@@Eddie S. Maddock – In my opinion the “business venture” involved here is positive because the matter of promoting in-city, tax collecting businesses versus only Chamber of Commerce members is, indeed, a plus for those businesses within Sedona Limits. The past “business venture” of funding a “regional” Chamber of Commerce under ongoing questionable policies was, indeed, just that. Questionable!
Again congratulations to City Manager Karen Osburn and the present city council members who had the courage to step up to the plate and set a misguided policy on the right track.
Bravo! (again – In My Opinion)
canyon litter gross trails bad crowds if you see it pick it up
City manager’s leaving why because there’s always a reason? Always Always Always Always
Sedona’s challenge is to keep from getting rundown with growing number of older places in communities and it needs to grow up and remove the idiotic sanctuary city designation by council. Vote on it in next election and guarantee almost nobody buy self involved nuts will approve it.
??ante up CM going to work for the chamber the normal city route???
It’s nice to be optimistic and hopeful for the power at city hall to be directed toward residents BUT will that direction continue to be connected with the chamber of commerce – one way or another?
Will the proposal for the city incorporated area to take over the chamber visitors center uptown result in more money to the C of C and will the city allow it to remain the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center & Bureau of Tourism?
Is the current gesture merely another ruse to cover up the questionable relationship “incorporated” Sedona has had with a “regional” member-driven organization since the onset of incorporation?
As usual time will tell. In the meantime maybe it’s best to refrain from giving accolades to the council newcomers until their true course of action is revealed?
Just saying . . .
time usual tells they’ve been up to no good
So it’s been announced the “city” will spend 1.67M on tourism. They will select an “advisory” board far which it’s been reported 37 applications have been submitted.
Not surprising is the name of a very high profile Sedona business owner who has gone on record publicly touting his involvement with the former controversial City/Chamber “destination marketing” effort, which to date simply provided nothing more than millions of cars and day trippers to Sedona.
Will the Sedona City Council encourage new faces with fresh input to participate on this “advisory board” or will control be maintained by the same old “business as usual participation” which will most likely result in promoting only members of a particular “regional” organization which has been so darn controversial from day one?
Q- why can’t the resident voters be polled to provide direction instead of a biased board? City ends up with more voices heard. In this day and age electronic poll can be set up and people dial in – do it every year for stock corporations by phone or online vote.
Good point, Ted. “Why can’t the resident voters be polled to provide direction instead of a biased board?”
Could the answer be because the “inside?” movers and shakers would NOT receive the results to benefit THEM?
Well, we have new council members on board and this forthcoming decision will be proof of exactly where they stand: Sedona “residents” or “Regional” Chamber of Commerce” members.
Good voting suggestion & city should explore it when hospitals, doctors and Medical centers gives patients their own private portals, city can establish portals for each registered voter with their city website and post agendized items for meetings etc. No open poll but a secured poll. Brilliant.
Like@michele
This is in agreement with the above voting suggestions.
In addition is it possible to have some sort of ballot issue relating to the City of Sedona funding this “regional member’ driven” Chamber of Commerce?
Another consideration – remove that damn bed tax which put the entire questionable “operation/activity?” in motion???
Another unresolved issue:
If incorporated Sedona purchases or rents or leases the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center in uptown Sedona, will the city foot the bill with city tax revenue for promoting “destination tourism” pretending it’s related to only incorporated taxable businesses or continue to promote C of C members?
Unless intentions are made crystal clear before this proposal becomes a done deal, how do we demand complete disclosure in advance?
@BillM what’s the end result
From President Trump – Joe Biden and the Radical Democrats know they can’t beat us in a free and fair election, so they’ve raided my home, arrested me, gagged me, sought the “corporate death penalty” against me, tried to JAIL me for life as an innocent man, and are even trying to REMOVE me from the 2024 ballot.
But yesterday, despite every attempt by the tyrannical Crook currently occupying the White House, our free Republic came out on top…
The Democrats’ case to strike my name from the ballot in a key battleground state was just DISMISSED by the state’s Supreme Court.
I hope this serves as a stark reminder for every freedom-loving patriot in America:
When WE stand tall and NEVER SURRENDER our country to tyranny, we WIN!
But let me be crystal clear, the witch hunts will not end here.
Crooked Joe and the Democrats are still trying to CANCEL OUT YOUR VOTE and remove us from the 2024 ballot in other critical battleground states.
And now more than ever, I’m counting on YOUR support to help keep up the fight to DEFEND your vote.
But if you’re struggling right now due to the Crook in the White House, then please do not donate. I mean it! I want you to take care of your family and yourself first. And I know that you will find other ways to support our movement.
The Biden Crime Family knows I’m hot on their trail, and now they are stooping lower than I thought they ever would by attacking my family.
Right after I issued subpoenas to 10 Biden Family members and associates, the liberal media released a story they’d clearly been working on for weeks.
Simply put, it’s a purely political hit job carried out by the Biden Crime Family’s henchmen in the media.
The Biden’s and their allies are trying to say I did the same thing as Joe Biden in financial transactions with my brother, which is a classic dirty trick the Democrats love to do: accuse Republicans of doing exactly what they are guilty of doing.
These attacks couldn’t be farther from the truth, but considering none of them have ever built a real business or know a single thing about running a family farm in the heartland, it’s not surprising!
Here’s the truth. My family worked hard for the American Dream and when my father passed away without a will, my brother and I had to divide the properties our father left to us. While the Biden’s (who haven’t worked an honest day in their lives) were raking in tens of millions in cash from our foreign enemies, my family was doing the hard work it takes to build a successful farming and land leasing business in West Kentucky.
If Joe Biden had his way, we’d have been forced to sell the farm our family spent generations building to his Chineses buddies for pennies on the dollar!
That doesn’t fly in the Comer Family, and I’ll defend my family’s honor and integrity until my last breath.
I’ve produced enough evidence to Impeach and Convict Joe Biden of high crimes and misdemeanors, and now they are launching their most desperate and despicable attacks yet.
I’m proud to have the support of patriots across the country, and I need help to stay on offense and fight their lies with the truth.
If you’re able, I’d be humbled to have your support, we cannot give up now.
Happy Thanksgiving Sedona rocks and Canyon views and SE rocking news and views from this appreciative reader keep on rocking
@howardw. damn right
The comment below (posted on article about the Cultural Park) appears as published on the side panel – but . . . the last comment showing up under that article remains the one from “Lou.” Therefore – as a final attempt for recognition, we are posting it under this “The Tale” article.
David & Joyce Williams says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation. This is a preview; your comment will be visible after it has been approved.
December 2, 2023 at 1:28 pm
Editor, Sedona Eye: FYI we haven’t received comments since Nov. 27 and your side panel indicates others have been made. Apparently those addressed to this particular article have vanished. Is there a reason for that?
California courts say game over for Hunter
Reports Epoch Times.
Please take the time to look into the background of Epoch Times….Gotta love those Chinese, and the stories they make up.
Don’t worry his father will just pardon him…. What’s the big deal.. Trump did it at his end.. so what.
Yes I was wronged….please write a check sheepie. LOL
For Godsake this leaves no room for doubt that we need new leadership in Washington with the moral clarity to combat terrorism and save free speech and democracy. What’s the difference between Biden and Other abusers of authority and the system?
NYTimes and WaPo have been so fully discredited like MSNBC and CBS under socialist and communist anti American leadership that it’s time for boycotts and let them slink away to an abyss like UPenn, Columbia, Harvard presidents among many others in a long line to name. When did we as Americans ever have to be told genocide is evil because almost all Americans have escaped genocide and civil wars and ethnic cleansing to begin here. Pay attention folks — religious bigots aren’t Americans.
No child should ever have the government as a co-parent or they end up like NYers and Californians, Oregonians and Washingtonians who move to free spaces and put up fencing, blow up landscapes, and demand access to conveniences they left behind. Enough said?
I believe it’s that Pathetic, morally bankrupt parents raised by belligerent narcissistic parents unchecked by clueless parents brought about this downfall . Kids don’t learn by osmosis and they need parents until they don’t but parents don’t need or want kids to be lazy, underperforming ingrates.
explains Hunter and his family narcissists and most of Sedona
Repeat @Billm
what’s the end result?
Crickets
Yep
Well guess what? “They” are back at it. City Hall/Chamber of Commerce negotiations. It appears something like(?) the city will handle destination marketing but work together with the chamber to accommodate businesses. Why is that a problem?
Well because the C of C has gone on record (at least at one council meeting) to state they ONLY represent “their” members – many of whom are NOT within Sedona City Limits and do NOT collect “city” sales tax. How fair is that to City businesses collecting city sales tax but preferring to NOT be a C of C member? Discrimination against city businesses having the gumption to refrain from being coerced into a bogus situation?
WE (my wife and I) will stick to our own system and patronize ONLY those incorporated city businesses that are NOT affiliated with this “regional” chamber of commerce. The popular local restaurant in the Soldiers Pass/89 Plaza is one of them. Thank you.
Best One & Best Explains Anti Trumpers Like Colorado Supreme Court
Said by the person with NIO children… is that why your so filled with HATE and RAGE…funny stuff
@Rodger… well there goes 12 dollars that will not make it to the “regional” COC.. Funny stuff.Good Luck and God speed