This year the Patagonia Area Business Association (PABA) will step up efforts to increase patronage of Mountain Empire communities in order to enhance local businesses and nonprofits. Specifically, PABA is focused on building tourism trade.
In 2013 PABA launched the redesigned patagoniaaz.com website, geared to attracting nature lovers, birders, cyclists, campers, art and history aficionados, and anyone in the world who wants to experience the joys of life off the beaten track. The site will undergo continuous improvement in 2014.
Last year PABA also reconstructed and incorporated the Patagonia Fall Festival site within patagoniaaz.com and assisted with marketing to great success. A record estimated 16,000 people attended the event.
The PABA Board of Directors continues to explore and utilize various ways to consolidate and direct outreach efforts to maximize communication with Arizonans and special interest groups around the world. Updating maps, posting events, email blasting, publishing a revised local directory, establishing a long-term event calendar, collaborating with greater Santa Cruz County, and connecting with target audiences via social media are all part of PABA’s ongoing goal of boosting local business through tourism.
The 2014 PABA membership drive, the dues of which support the group’s efforts, starts February 14. Adjusted rates, accommodation of small and startup businesses, and list of member benefits will be posted at patagoniaaz.com by February 1.
PABA seeks a few energetic and skilled people with vision and creative ideas to add to the Board of Directors, which currently includes Ann Caston (Mariposa Books), Adrienne Halpert (Global Arts Gallery and Lillian’s Closet), Jean Miller (Long Realty), Regina Medley (Mesquite Grove Galleries and Cross Creek Cottages), Heather Dodge (Amaranth Productions), Jacob Carter (TreeHouse Farm), and Gama Leyva (Gama’s Quality Home Inspections, LLC). Email your interest to membership@patagonia az.com