Open Letter to the Town of Payson

Open Letter to the New Town ManagerBy Jimmy Lee

Executive Director, Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to Payson, Mr. Caldwell. As the new Town Manager, you step into a community proud of its heritage, passionate about its future, and eager to see thoughtful leadership guide its growth. On behalf of the Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce and our more than 250 members, I extend our warmest welcome and congratulations as you begin shaping the next chapter for our town.

The Chamber exists to promote, support, and advocate for local businesses — but we know economic development doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes vision, collaboration, and strong public–private partnerships. That’s why we’re eager to partner with the Town of Payson to help build a thriving, diverse economy. Payson is at a crossroads — ready to build on its heritage while creating new opportunities for growth. To move from ideas to impact, we must act boldly and work together. Here are three priorities we believe are critical to the future development of our town — areas where the Chamber is ready to bring leadership, resources, and partnership to help drive real progress.

1. Diversifying and Strengthening the Local Economy.Payson’s economy remains too dependent on a limited number of industries. We can change that by supporting local entrepreneurs through a business incubator and technical training, helping family-owned companies plan for the future, and opening new access to funding — from community development funds to angel investment networks that keep wealth creation local.

2. Revitalizing Downtown and Main Street.Main Street should be more than a pass-through; it can be a vibrant hub for dining, shopping, and community gathering. We propose launching a dedicated nonprofit Main Street organization — started and managed by the Chamber — to drive grants, events, storefront recruitment, and beautification. A strong, well-branded downtown would attract visitors and foster civic pride.

3. Building a Strong Regional Brand & Visitor Economy.Payson’s natural beauty and outdoor opportunities are unmatched. We want to partner with the Town’s tourism team to build an economy that celebrates and sells our unique experiences — guided tours through our historic downtown, scenic walks and hikes in the surrounding forests, and curated adventures that showcase the best of Rim Country. We can also work to ensure news outlets across Arizona know about Payson, highlighting events, attractions, and local businesses. By continuing to position Payson — the “Heart of Arizona” — as a must-visit destination, we can draw visitors who support our shops, restaurants, lodging, and outdoor recreation providers while strengthening our identity statewide.

What comes next is about more than one organization or one office. It’s about forging a shared vision where government, businesses, and residents row in the same direction — cultivating entrepreneurs, welcoming new ideas, and making Payson a place where families want to stay and invest. If we commit to working together, aligning resources, and celebrating local success, we can build a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits every resident and business.