Guests arrived for the May 12th chamber luncheon at Kanab Tour Company under clear blue skies, gathering in the group orientation area for signing in, refreshing drinks, and socializing. Kanab Tour Company owners Tiffany & Cory Unsworth were gracious hosts, and a cheerful half-hour was spent with members and guests catching up and saying hello.
All four chamber board officers were present: Pat Guerrero, President; Ron Thomas, Vice President; Matt Claflin, Treasurer; and Don Jennings, Secretary. Businesses at the meeting included Adobe Realty, Best Friends Animal Society, Burro Flats High Desert Lodge, Don Jennings Consulting, The Flybook, Healing Strong, The Independent, Kanab Create, Kanab Tour Company, Kane County Utah, Kane County Hospital, Mountain America Credit Union, Mortgage Mate, Quantum NLP, Realty One Group, Ron’s Fresh Baked, and Zion Guide Hub.
Lunch was provided by Sunny Creek Café, located inside Kanab Tour Company’s building, and included delicious sandwiches, chips, ice-cold drinks, and home-made cookies still warm from the oven.
As lunch was served Pat introduced Cory, who told Kanab Tour Company’s story, from its inception in 2014 to the challenges of running a business based on group adventures during the pandemic. It was an inspiring talk, and during the Q&A that followed someone asked him what it was like running one of several tour companies in town. Cory’s answer was thoughtful and heartfelt. He spoke about his love for Kanab, both its people and businesses, and also about businesses working together. Tour companies, for example, refer clients to each other if scheduling or available programs are better suited for another provider. They also help each other out on the trail with breakdowns or injuries. He noted that every Kanab business supports the rest by acting as ambassadors to each visitor that arrives in town. Their shared positive experiences benefit everyone, or as he said, “the goal is to create lifelong fans of Kanab,” and “a rising tide lifts all of us.”
Curt Loveless from Kane County Hospital raised his hand and added, “We’re not competing in Kanab, we’re competing as Kanab.”
Tiffany Unsworth spoke next, sharing more details about how KTC got creative with keeping their staff busy during Covid (they all became painters), and how the business saved money refurbishing the building, from using furniture left behind to pallets serving as displays and creative wall coverings. Tiffany also expressed her gratitude for the town’s warmth and support over the last 8 years.
The chamber welcomed three new members at the meeting: Burro Flats High Desert Lodge, Kane County Hospital, and Mortgage Mate.
The next chamber luncheon will be held at Southwest Technical College – Kane Campus on June 9th from 11:30 – 1:00. Save the date!