Apache Junction chamber presents contract renewal proposal for visitor center; item set for June 16 consent agenda

Brock Severson of the city’s economic development department introduced a proposal to renew the professional services agreement with the Apache Junction Area Chamber of Commerce to operate the local visitor information center, noting the city has contracted with the chamber since 1988.

Maryanne Shabilski, president and CEO of the Apache Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, described the visitor center as “the community's front door for visitors, prospective residents, and businesses seeking information about our area,” and outlined services including tourism information, relocation resources, event promotion and business referrals. She said the center holds Arizona Visitor Information Center accreditation from the Arizona Office of Tourism and that during 2025 the center served 9,604 visitors (3,699 Arizona visitors, 5,193 from other U.S. states and 712 international visitors).

Staff told council the current service agreement ends June 30, 2026, and that the proposed renewal would be a three-year agreement with two optional one-year extensions and a 4% annual increase in payments. For the current fiscal year the contract amount was listed in staff materials at about $58,400. Economic development staff recommended continuing the contract with the chamber and said the item would be placed on the consent agenda for the June 16 council meeting.

Council members asked about how volunteers track visitor origins and whether the chamber refers businesses outside Apache Junction. Shabilski said volunteers typically ask each visitor where they are from and that volunteers use internet research and phone contacts when needed; she said the chamber will recommend local businesses first but will refer chamber members outside the city when they are the best option.

Why it matters: The visitor center serves as a primary touchpoint for tourism promotion and business referrals in Apache Junction. The chamber’s accreditation and reported visitor counts provide staff justification for continuing a longstanding contract. The council will consider formal approval at its June 16 meeting.