Shopping local helps economy, Apache Junction businesses
A $2 shop local card — valid only for May 1-Oct. 31, 2025 — is available 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Apache Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, 567 W. Apache Trail.
Richard H. Dyer
Posted
Scott’s Automotive of Apache Junction, 2085 W. Apache Trail, is offering 10% off a service up to $150. It cannot be combined with other offers or coupons and excludes oil changes, tires and brakes.
Apache Junction, Gold Canyon and Mesa businesses — including the Apache Junction/Gold Canyon Independent newspaper — are offering discounts this summer to holders of a shop local card sold by the Apache Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.
The card costing $2 — valid only for May 1-Oct. 31, 2025 — is available 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at the chamber, 567 W. Apache Trail.
The list of where the cards can be used and discounts offered are at https://www.ajchamber.com/shop-local. Discounts range from 10% to 25%. There also are special discounts such as a free lunch with a tour of a facility or a free book from a church.
The chamber’s shop local program began in May 2015 and was designed to stimulate local spending by creating an incentive for consumers to support local businesses and boost the economy during the slower summer months, after the departure of winter visitors.
When the program launched, nonmember businesses were invited to participate for a fee. As the program has evolved, it has become an essential member benefit and is now open only to chamber members to participate.
The annual program’s format has not changed for 2025, said Chamber President and CEO Mary Ann Przybylski.
“The shop local card does need to be purchased every year; there is a new card for each year,” she said. “(T)he proceeds from the sale of the cards go toward the chamber’s scholarship program.”
Scott’s Automotive of Apache Junction, 2085 W. Apache Trail, is offering 10% off a service up to $150. It cannot be combined with other offers or coupons and excludes oil changes, tires and brakes.
Julie Larson, chief marketing officer at Scott’s Automotive & Tire Centers Inc., said the business participates in the shop local program because it believes in investing in the communities that support it.
“The chamber’s shop local program is a great way to connect with our neighbors, support other small businesses and show customers that when they shop local they’re keeping our town strong,” she said.
The program’s biggest benefit is the sense of community it builds, Larson said.
“We’ve met new customers, networked with fellow business owners and felt more connected to Apache Junction through the program. It’s also a great way to remind people that local shops like ours offer not just quality service — but real, personal relationships,” she said.
Shopping local matters more than ever. With rising costs and economic uncertainty, small businesses are feeling the pressure, Larson said.
“Programs like this remind people that their choices have power. When you support a local business, you’re helping real people — your neighbors, friends and families — stay in business and keep local jobs alive,” she said.
One of the biggest challenges Scott’s Automotive is facing is the ongoing shortage of skilled automotive technicians.
“Finding and retaining great talent in this industry is tough, especially when demand for quality service continues to grow. That’s why we’re committed to creating a workplace where technicians can build rewarding careers — because at the end of the day, our people are what set us apart,” Larson said.
Richard H. Dyer can be reached at rdyer@iniusa.org, or on X @rhdyer. To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
Meet Richard Richard Dyer has worked at Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA since 1987, starting his career in Apache Junction as a copy editor and being promoted over the years to work as the editor of the Mesa Independent, news services editor for the East Valley office in Apache Junction, managing editor for the East Valley office, news services editor for the East Valley office and eventually also for the newspapers at INI’s then-Chandler office, managing editor again and as a news editor covering Apache Junction/Gold Canyon and Queen Creek. He helped start the Florence Independent while the news editor covering Apache Junction and Mesa news. In January 2023, he became associate managing editor for the East Valley newspapers and in August 2023 became managing editor for the East Valley newspapers of Chandler/Tempe, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Florence, Mesa and Apache Junction/Gold Canyon, while also reporting on Mesa and Apache Junction/Gold Canyon.
Community: Since 2009, he has worked as a volunteer to design The Blue Guitar Magazine, Blue Guitar Jr. magazine and Unstrung magazine, which are projects of The Arizona Consortium for the Arts; and since 2014, has been overseeing the art submissions.
Education: University of Arizona with a master of arts in journalism and a bachelor of science in agricultural communication. Also continuing education at Mesa Community College in welding in a metal art sculpture class.
Random fact: Saw his first tornado on May 31, 2010, which was classified as an EF-2, as part of a stormchasing tour group.
Hobbies: He is an artist of welded-steel sculptures, selling his artwork at juried and non-juried art shows.
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