Copper Basin Chamber of Commerce
Businesses in the Copper Basin soldiered on through the summer months, but it was not an easy task. Was it the heat? It was a hotter summer, for sure. Was it the loss of the contractors who had finished their work at the Hayden smelter? They had helped our economy for a long time. Many rented homes or RV space; they shopped here; their kids went to school here; they recreated here. But the work they do is cyclical, and when the work is done they go somewhere else.
I have wondered if our four-day school week is a factor. Does it make out of town shopping more attractive to locals? Out of town shopping is not the bargain many think that it is, but when it becomes recreational in nature I can understand the attraction, and the kids can be included.
So what is a local business supposed to do? All of us who live in the Copper Basin should share the concern, for good businesses make it possible for us to live here, not just by providing jobs, but by providing our other needs, including food, our homes, our schools, our streets and water supply, and our health services.
All area businesses, from Aravaipa and Mammoth to Kelvin and Riverside (and all points in the middle) are invited to an exploratory workshop sponsored by the Copper Basin Chamber of Commerce this Saturday, September 22. It will take place in Ray Hall, the activity center of The Church of the Good Shepherd in Kearny, beginning at noon. A free luncheon is included. Businesses, community organizations, and community minded individuals are invited. The chamber requests only that those coming will call (480) 220-9349 to give their names in order that the right amount of food may be prepared.
There will be introductions at the meal, and then the two-hour workshop on building our local economy will take place. The board of the chamber will be listening and learning as the workshop takes place, which is for all of us, not just chamber members. I hope there will be a good turnout, and that good things will take place.
Owen O’Brien’s Kearny Glass and Mirror is moving to the old Circle K building on Tilbury Road in Kearny. Owen will also expanded his towing operation at the same location. It is a larger space and has more customer parking. The grand opening’s date is unknown, but Owen is moving along quickly.
Last week I talk about the lead abatement project in Hayden and Winkelman. Interest is beginning to grow in this free program overseen by Central Arizona Governments (CAG). If you live there, contact Mr. Alan Urban at (480) 474-9300 for information and to register your interest.
This Thursday the Copper Basin Chamber of Commerce is holding a potluck and mixer at the General Kearny Inn at 6 p.m. I hope to see you there, and I hope it sparks interest in the workshop this Saturday.
Coming up: Arizona Trail Day is Saturday, October 6, with at least one person walking on all 400 miles of the trail at one time! There will be events planned at most of the trailheads. If anyone is interested in doing something at our trailhead, please let me know. Kearny is known as the friendliest community on the Arizona Trail, and we want to deserve that title!