Chamber board members plan for year ahead
Board members meet in Payson to set foundation for 2006 goals
Goals for 2006 were shared when the Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce Board held its annual planning session at the Majestic Mountain Inn in Payson Nov. 18-19.
Mike Leyva, director of tourism/development from the Arizona Office of Tourism facilitated the retreat with the assistance of co-facilitator Cass Rankin, community development specialist from the Arizona Public Service Company. Carol Glassburn, chairman of the board, welcomed Dr. James Wurgler, who will become chairman on Jan. 1.
Glassburn began the session by listing accomplishments of the board during 2005. The accomplishments included:
Secured funding for Linear Park;
The formation of the Williams Needs and Angel Committee to fund the playground at Williams Elementary School;
The Family Fun Fall Festival that featured nationally-recognized entertainers LeAnn Rimes and Jesse McCarthy;
Working with Mike Morgan, chairman of the board of Grand Canyon-Northland Amusements & Entertainment, LLC, to encourage a major tourism attraction in the form of a theme park and car dealership that will both be located in Williams;
Recognizing the fact that the chamber has the best group of employees of any chamber in the state led by a dynamic leader, Donna Eastman;
The increase of tourism activity in Williams, resulting in higher bed, board and booze tax revenues. BBB tax collections are way up. This increase has been attributed to the many well attended special events; and,
The revitalized Williams Main Street Association that is moving ahead in creating a more viable historic downtown.
Wurgler stated he has some really big shoes to fill.
"Carol (Glassburn) has done a tremendous job as chairman and works tirelessly for our community," Wurgler said.
Wurgler stated that he plans to work closely with Morgan and other developers to insure that only well thought out projects are brought to the community. He committed to working tirelessly to bring an industrial park to Williams and facilitate greater use of the Williams Airport.
"The Williams Economic Development Committee of the chamber is alive and well," Wurgler said. "We are working with the Department of Commerce to become REDI certified which will allow us to secure grants and work with developers and commerce to bring well paying jobs to Williams. I truly care about our community and want to insure that we maintain the quality of life we have here as the town grows."
Board members reviewed the plan of work that was created during the 2004 retreat and updated many of the projects that are ongoing.
Morgan presented an update to the board on the proposed theme park and autoplex GCNAE plans to bring to Williams. The board unanimously approved the endorsment of the projects and wrote a letter of support urging the Williams City Council to sign the memorandum of understanding with GCNAE so the projects could proceed.
Mike Pieterick, newly elected board member and vice president of Grand Canyon Railway's resort operation, provided a detailed update on all the great projects in the works at the GCR for 2006. Projects include:
Running two trains a day from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend is planned;
Offering a sunset train during the fall of 2006. GCR is also considering offering wine-tasting trains during the fall;
The Polar Express anticipates 65,000 passengers this year. GCR will continue to build upon this number and continue to increase the decorations and activities during the Christmas season;
GCR officials want to continue working with the local community to promote Williams as a destination and to partner on projects with the community;
The 124 space RV park and kennel will open in March. Officials also plan to construct warehouse facilities and plan to remodel the GCR Depot in 2006. Additional dining options will be available for passengers; and,
Ridership continues to grow on the train each year. Officials anticipate 250,000 passengers in 2006.
Tom McCraley, board member and superintendent of the Williams Unified School District, shared that he plans to encourage more involvement between the district and the business community. McCraley stated that he wants to develop on the job training opportunities offered to Williams High School students by local businesses.
Board members discussed the development of Linear Park. Glassburn stated that 2006 would be the year Linear Park becomes a reality. Plans for the park, which sits on the east end of Williams along Railroad Avenue, include the placement of landscaping, signage, pathways, picnic tables, ramadas, benches, pet stations, gazebo, art work, trash receptacles and a demonstration garden.
The board committed to sponsor or support more than a dozen special events in Williams. Main Street will spearhead rendezvous Days 2006.
Board members brainstormed on how volunteers can be shown appreciation and receive more recognition for the countless hours they donate to special events.
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