The USDA Rural Development Office awarded the Arizona Department of Commerce a $199,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant to enhance the benefits provided to Arizona's rural business districts in the face of tough economic times. Through partnership with the Arizona Department of Commerce, Arizona Highways Television will begin to expand focus in enhancing, promoting & assisting Arizona's small & emerging business development in rural regions of the state.
"Arizona's small businesses are economic drivers for the State, & this grant comes at an opportune time as small & rural communities confront slowing economic conditions," said Kent Ennis, Deputy Director of the Arizona Department of Commerce. "It is our goal to enable business owners & residents to work & afford to live in their own cities by helping secure well-paying, stable jobs."
"History suggests the areas hardest hit during economic slowdowns are often rural communities where there is less industry diversity in the local economies," said Eddie Browning, USDA Rural Development State Director. "This grant takes a unique approach to help sustain & grow jobs, protecting businesses vital to Arizona's historic downtowns."
Arizona Highways Television, hosted by Robin Sewell, reaches over 200,000 viewers weekly in metro-Phoenix & an additional 250,000 viewers statewide. Scarborough Phoenix data collected from August 2006 through July 2007 shows Arizona Highways Television viewers consider preservation, economic development & conservation important issues for the State, & 126,000 viewers report taking unique trips & naming Arizona destinations of choice as the White Mountains, Rim Country, Sedona/Oak Creek, Tucson, Flagstaff, & Prescott.
At a time when Arizona's economy is slowing, employment is flat, & small businesses are bracing to compete to survive, this Rural Business Enterprise Grant is incredibly valuable for businesses in Arizona's rural communities.