Sedona, Arizona — I am amazed at the amount of effort Red Rock News has put into the subject of their contract with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. The RRN is taking revenge against the new mayor and city council who actually ask the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Office probing questions and report on how these public funds are being used. seems to be Rather, the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism probably decided that by operating independently it could do a better job for its members.

It questioned who the City Council should represent through its members in the Chamber of Commerce, the Tourism Board, and what value the City derives from operating as the City’s Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). I think it’s natural. Many times the Chamber of Commerce refused to answer and sidestepped the question.

Former Chamber Director Candice Strauss addressed the city council, projecting an image of Pinocchio and suggesting that residents asking questions about the operations of the Chamber Tourism Bureau were spreading misinformation. remember. I think it is appropriate that the Chamber of Commerce has answered these questions regarding the expenditure of public funds so that contracts can be managed transparently.

I think the Mayor and City Council should be commended for responsibly evaluating contracts with Chambers and moving quickly to build a DMO that operates under the direction of the City. For more information on Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Office and DMO issues, visit SedonaResidentsUnite.com for answers to frequently asked questions.

By Mark Tenbrook