IT IS TIME TO CELEBRATE!  SCOUT IS OUT IN SOUTHERN ARIZONA!

We were so thrilled to celebrate our Premiere Edition of The Scout Guide Tucson and Southern Arizona with all of our members on January 10, 2021!  It was a perfect sunny and blue skies afternoon, where all of our guests came and shared in the excitement at a socially distanced and responsible celebration.  Each member joined us upon reservation for our drop-in 30 minute time segments with masks, and some even did a drive up in the heart of Tucson at Main Gate Square – Geronimo Plaza.

It was so great to share the festivities with our community and share the labor of love of Volume 1 with our community.  When we started “scouting” members to join us in November of 2019, little did we know the impact of of the COVID-19 pandemic and we quickly realized that “supporting local” has a much deeper and important meaning.  I am extremely excited and grateful to introduce our readers to the inspiring businesses, entrepreneurs, and artisans of Volume 1.  The talented Tucsonans found in the pages of The Scout Guide Tucson & Southern Arizona, can help enhance your life, elevate your surroundings, and enjoy the Tucson and surrounding areas to the fullest.  We, Team TSG Tucson (@tsgtucson), Photographers Eric and Casia Fletcher of Fletcher and Co (@fletcherandco), and Digital Manager Avery Wagner (@aves.wag) can’t wait to share their stories through both the print guide and online.

We are in LOVE with all the little details of the Vol. 1 Launch Party! So get ready for the delightful details and tantalizing trimmings.

VENUE:  Featured Volume 1 Non-profit Ben’s Bells Project (@bensbells) at Main Gate Square was the backdrop for the launch party.  Graciously hosted by The Marshall Foundation at the Geronimo Plaza.  

STYLING:  Talented ‘scouted’ members Theresa Lambert and Kimberly Neal of  Eastland Alley Design Co.  (@eastland_alley) carefully  (and beautifully) styled our launch event.  Seeing to the design and coordinating all of the details with other contributors to our “swag” bags. Eastland Alley generously created a Tucson specialty candle for our members to light and remember that the light still shines and together we elevate. For a sweet treat,  speciality handmade Mexican sugar cookies from Editor’s pick and Dine Like a Local Award Winner Jamie Pacheco of Jamie Cakes Bakery Boutique (@jamiecakesarizona). Hand made and time tested…believe me, Jamie cakes is my Editors pick for bakeries for a reason.  Thank you Kelsi of Selah & Bloom (@selahatucson), each customized and hand scripted book for each of our scouted members is a treasure. Plus,   Incredible beauty samples from Skinceauticals flagship of Southern Arizona feature member ZL MedAesthetics (@zl_tucson) and Larson Plastic Surgery (@dr.eel) and for good measure TSG Tucson & Southern AZ (@tsgtucson)  included a face mask, hand sanitizer, and keepsake ornament/wood carving of our State of Arizona commemorating our Vol.1.

FOOD & DRINK:  Member guests enjoyed  Dine Like A Local Award-winning Regional Mexican Cuisine by Seis Kitchen . (@seiskitchen)  Street Tacos, mini chimichangas, Seis Sauce, and all of the fixings served safely by Vicky Randall Professional Wait Staff Service. (@vickyrandallwaitstaff) Owner Bill Nethrington of Professional Bartenders Unlimited, (@professionalbartendersunlmtd) set us up with one of his best barkeeps, Ricardo for the afternoon, who made sure everyone had their favorite mocktail in their glass. 

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY:  The photographer capturing all of these great launch party moments was Connie Callahan (@conniecallahanphotography).  Our TSG Tucson photographers, Casia and Eric Fletcher were able to enjoy the festivities instead of being behind the camera.  We are beyond thrilled with our newest scouted member and collaborator, Stepheny Keith of Black Sheep Film Works (@blacksheepfilmworks) was able to join us as videographer for the launch event. Watch highlights from our launch event here! Stay tuned for all the highlights of “Scout is Out” and upcoming member video spotlights and masterclass segments online on our city page and blog in the months to come.

The Scout Guide Tucson & Southern Arizona Premiere Edition launch party came together so beautifully in a celebration of what local really means—from the fun park like setting of Main Gate Square mixing so well with the lavishly styled decor by Eastland Alley Design Co. But, what really made the afternoon shine was all the inspiring  and talented Scouted Members mingling and sharing and celebrating small business successes with each other.  The afternoon came to close with a blessed surprise from our TSG Volume 1 members who joined together to present me with a recognition plaque on behalf of the Tucson Local Business Community.  I have no words, only gratitude to be able to represent our community well and highlight the beauty and innovation of Southern Arizona.  Thank you for trusting me to be your business advocate and friend.  

Cheers to us all!  SCOUT IS OUT!