“It’s an honor to receive this award,” said Wilson.
“It’s an honor to receive this award,” said Wilson. “It means that I’ve been able to reach a lot of people to promote Flagstaff and the Flagstaff Mall.” Chamber ambassadors are key volunteers who promote the Chamber, mentor new members and foster business engagement across Northern Arizona.
“Lisa does such an amazing job,” said the Chamber’s Director of Membership Development CT McMurry. “The fact that she won volunteer of the year for Theatrikos in 2024 while being a top Ambassador and helping with so many fun events at the mall shows what a high performer she is at the Greater Flagstaff Chamber. Her momentum from that year rolled right into being a consistent performer all year for our Ambassador Team. She earned the most points and was well recognized as deserving of her award.”
Connecting Businesses and Building Community
Wilson’s enthusiasm for connecting people fuels her success as both a Chamber representative and a mall administrator. “I attend Chamber events and ask others, ‘how can we help each other?’” she said. “I have lots of resources I can share.”
A longtime Flagstaff resident, Wilson is known for linking Chamber members to others who can strengthen their business or nonprofit missions. “I know a lot of people and businesses and I enjoy connecting them together,” said Wilson, who also serves as a member of the Theatrikos Board of Directors.
At Flagstaff Mall, Wilson channels that same energy into community events – from monthly pet adoptions to resource fairs and youth days. “I want to interact with the people at our mall events – I want them to feel part of the mall family,” she said. “I want them to succeed.”
Her 10 years as an elementary teacher with Flagstaff Unified School District shaped her supportive approach. “How I felt about my students is how I feel about the people I meet here at the mall and through the Chamber,” she said.
Creating Space for Growth and Inclusion
Wilson’s background at Puente de Hózhó Elementary School, a trilingual International Baccalaureate program, Theatrikids, and her master’s in bilingual and multicultural education have inspired inclusive cultural programming at the mall. Flagstaff Mall has hosted Ballet Folklórico performances, Mexican Independence Day celebrations and community theatre and choir events.
Wilson and the Flagstaff Mall team share goals of increasing occupancy – now at 85% – and offering more free community events. “We want people to think of us first for family events and places for their businesses.”
She also credits women mentors, including Flagstaff Mall General Manager Bonnie Bouchet, for encouraging her to grow professionally and get involved as a Chamber Ambassador. “Bonnie sets a good example for me,” said Wilson. “She’s helpful, a good teacher and lets me collaborate with her.”
The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Ambassador team participates in a points system where they get credit for ribbon cuttings, volunteering at New Member Connection, Business After 5 Mixers and Good Morning Flagstaff, providing new member referrals for the Chamber and much more.
Today, more than 20 Chamber Ambassadors attend events to support the Chamber’s mission, downtown vitality and local business development. “Many of us get together once a month for fun and fellowship. We support each other both personally and professionally. I love Flagstaff and want to show it off,” Wilson said. FBN
By Stacey Wittig, FBN
Stacey Wittig covers tourism, hospitality development and business trends in northern Arizona for Flagstaff Business News and publishes travel insights at UnstoppableStaceyTravel.com.
Photo by Stacey Wittig: Recently awarded the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year award, Lisa Wilson is known for linking Chamber members to others who can strengthen their business or nonprofit missions.
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