By Tara Fort
Through challenges and triumphs, the Prescott Downtown Partnership (PDP) Board weaves a common thread defining its mission: To focus on membership and building relations that connect downtown businesses to the community. President Candy Hull, who grew up in Prescott, says being a part of PDP has affected the platform in her own business, The Clothes Hound. “PDP has opened my eyes to everything downtown. I am so impressed by the diverse members who have the same goal: the ‘uprise’ of downtown.” Graphic and Website Designer Sadie Sarti of Sadie Sarti Design Co., and Treasurer for PDP echoes Hull’s sentiments, “I love that this organization is focused on the downtown area thriving. We recognize that Prescott is the heart of the area, so we focus on making it a wonderful place for people to do business, for locals to enjoy and for tourists to visit.” Vice-Chair of PDP Darla DeVille, Community Affairs Manager NW Division of APS, brings 35+ years of working and partnering with business communities to the table, and says that it is a privilege to serve, work and volunteer with PDP over the past six years: “PDP focuses on the success and promotion of the unique businesses that collectively express the personality of the downtown business district. Our Board, staff and volunteers are dedicated to supporting events that exceed our vision and our mission.” Volunteer and team member Tuesday King, who owns Lost in Socks at Bashford Courts as well as the Prescott Candy Company and Refill N Refresh, says, “Small businesses are so important to the community of Prescott because people who visit want that ‘hometown’ feel. PDP does what we can to make downtown more active while still keeping that feeling of rich history.”
As PDP is an event-oriented organization that relies on gatherings and activities, 2020 saw many virtual meetings and virtual events. Says Hull, “I cannot wait to be back into our board room meeting face to face! My hope and aspiration for downtown is 100% occupancy. When a downtown is cared for, it shows. People want to stay longer and visit more frequently.” DeVille adds that a focus for PDP in 2021 is to help the membership transition from the past year to a fresh outlook which includes safely planning, coordinating, and running events and programs for the spring and summer. The forward movement for an optimistic year is a goal shared by the women who love that every day downtown brings new adventures of innovation and challenge. Says Sarti, “I like to be involved in the conversations and thought process about what is happening in our community. With Prescott’s vibrancy, it is extremely fun to listen to the changes and progress underway. I can’t wait to work with the community to come up with creative new ways to help Prescott thrive.”
There is no qualification to become a member of the Prescott Downtown Partnership. If you have a vision for downtown business relationships, applications can be found at PDP website at www.prescottdowntown.com or call 928-443-5220!