Testimonials
I wanted to express to you my deepest appreciation for your amazingly smooth professionalism, savvy and knowledgeable expertise in seamlessly handling logistics, and adroit expertise in both people and attractions during this month's amazing press trip through the red rock country of Arizona. Your warm hospitality, instinctive flexibility, and breathtakingly knowledgeable scope in all things Arizona, will be forever appreciated. Your network of contacts and vast experiences are truly admirable. It goes without saying this was one of the most remarkable press trips taken during the career and wide travels of a two-time Lowell Thomas Travel Journalist of the Year. I sincerely hope we'll have an opportunity to work closely together in the future. Peter Guttman Freelance photographer/travel writer Thank you so much for including me in such a well-organized and stimulating press trip. From the thorough package of information delivered prior to our departure ( better than anything I have ever received! ) to the well-orchestrated movements between stunning destinations, to your flawless follow up, this was a trip that will serve me (and I hope your clients) well. I already have several pieces ready for placement in my multiple outlets and plans for many more. Mike, your professional approach and understanding of what constitutes a solid news story makes all the difference. I will look forward to working closely together in the future Lynn Hayes Freelance writer I was lucky enough to participate in a Northern Arizona media tour organized by Mike. His knowledge of the area and ideas about how to promote it went far beyond anything I’ve seen on a media tour before, and he had thought of literally everything that a professional writer or photographer would want from such a trip. I went home with a huge amount of usable information and outstanding contacts for follow-up questions. At different places on the tour I heard more than a few people refer to Mike as “Mr. Arizona”– after only a week of travel with him, it was easy to see why.” Carrie Patrick Managing Editor, EnCompass Magazine AAA Colorado Having been a journalist for more than 40 years, the last 10 as assistant Travel editor of the Chicago Tribune, I’ve had extensive experience with public relations professionals. I made Mike Finney’s acquaintance recently when I took a one-week press trip he organized to promote the towns of Williams and Winslow, Ariz., the Page/Lake Powell area and the Navajo Nation. I was very impressed by the thoroughness of the preparations for the trip and the information supplied both prior to and during the trip. And, the trip itself was flawless. It was also quite obvious from Mike’s dealings with his clients during the trip that he’s well respected by them. Mike is extremely knowledgeable about Arizona in general and his clients’ specific areas. And, if he was asked a question to which he didn’t know the answer, he was quick to get the required information. And even after the trip was concluded, he has continued to be a valuable source of information. I found the trip to be very well run, and it has provided me with a wealth of story possibilities. Phil Marty Having recently traveled with Mike Finney and Arizona Communications, I can honestly say Mike puts together the most informative, smoothest running press trips I have ever attended (and I am a veteran, having been a full-time freelancer since 1982). His trips inform and educate journalists so that we may accurately convey the essence of place to our readers. Mike sees that journalists on his trips are well-informed and truly get to experience the destination. That care and consideration starts well before the trip with information being furnished to journalists. It continues beyond the trip with any follow-up information the journalist may need. Mike is a true public relations professional, one of the best in the business in my opinion. Thomas R. Fletcher Freelance photographer/writer Mike Finney of Arizona Communications Group stands out from the crowd when it comes to media relations representation on behalf of his clients. I deal with people in his position on a daily basis in my work as a lifestyle and travel writer…and if they’re good, they make my work a pleasure, but if they’re not, it makes it twice as hard. Mike understands the needs of the journalist as well as he understands how to gracefully represent his clients---and he brings both together at the center, accomplishing everyone’s goals with ease. He is well-organized, highly creative, thoughtful and just a delight to be around. Anyone clever enough to recruit him as a member of their team will have great results, delivered with professionalism and class.
Freelance Travel & Lifestyle writer Contributing writer for Alaska Airline and Horizon Airline's in-flight publications Travel writers across the country vie for spots on Mike Finney’s press tours because he and his team are absolutely the best at what they do. Having been on rushed, superficial tours in the past, I especially appreciate Mike’s in-depth, pre-tour briefings and spot-on scheduling. He carefully and thoughtfully arranges exciting days of learning about people and destinations with adequate time for each writer to explore, interview, and uncover untold stories at each stop – a rarity that writers truly value and appreciate. On a recent tour, I came back with literally dozens of unique story ideas to pitch to editors. Pam Oldham Freelance Writer Having just returned from seven days in Arizona with Mike Finney, I can say, without hesitation, that he is among the very finest professionals in tourism and travel with whom I have ever worked. Not only did he create an interesting, thorough itinerary for us, but his myriad connections in the field led to rich contacts for all of us as journalists. Further, his fine sense of detail made every step of our trip well-considered and perfectly executed. Finally, he was a joy to travel with. Knowledgeable, flexible, and a fantastic sense of humor. He is at the top of my list for go-to pros in tourism. Tracey Minkin Freelance Writer Mike Finney of AZ Communications Group has been extremely helpful in keeping Sunset's writers and editors up to date on travel news and trends in Arizona. Jeff Phillips
Senior Editor, Sunset Magazine I've traveled to 115 countries--many on press trips--and never had a better one than I did with Mike Finney and AZ Communications. Numerous Society of American Travel Writer members raved about the quality of the experience, as I did. From start to finish, it was a wow! Lea Lane Solo Traveler: Tales and Tips for Great Trips (Fodor's) As longtime SATW members, Jan and I have attended many Freelance Council meetings around the world - but the best organized one we can recall was the recent May meeting in Northern Arizona. Mike Finney and his AZ Communications Group were key to the meeting's success. We were especially impressed with the way Mike and his people handled things in view of the challenging circumstances they faced in bringing 49 writers and photographers (some of whom can be difficult and demanding) together to visit the domains of three clients and while staying at two different locations. It was one tough job - but what might have been a minefield evolved as a very productive and enjoyable conference. Dave & Jan Houser AZ Communications Group is an exceptional tourism & hospitality resource. It has been successful in promoting and establishing strategic alliances between Native American and non-native tourism and hospitality venues throughout the southwest. AZ Communications Group is an excellent resource for casual visitors to the southwest, as well as visitors that are more academically oriented. Ronald J. Solimon
President & CEO Indian Pueblos Marketing, Inc. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Inc. Mike Finney is the consummate professional. He knows what writers need -- and he provides it with good cheer and efficiency. I've been in this business for more than two decades and I could only wish there were more P.R. folks like him. Lynn Grisard Fullman A hard-to-find balance of professional service and personal touch, AZ Communications efficiently and effectively gave us the insider's perspective to Arizona while at the same time taking the time to sit down and discuss topics in depth. We got the hard facts and the local's story. When the visitor's "job" is effortless, the host has done his job well. AZ Communications is a well-oiled machine. Bradley Charbonneau
Freelance Writer AZ Communications Group has assisted me with some valuable communications projects and, coming from a tourism background, I can highly recommend Mike Finney and his talented team to provide solutions for the tourism community. Olivia Cajero Bedford
State Representative District 27 Among all the fam trips I've taken over the last 20 years, Mike Finney's Arizona Rocks for SATW ranks among the very best. Conceived by Mike and executed by his company, the multi-faceted adventure provided a wide range of options and flexibility for the 50 participants. It's difficult enough to do a trip for 10 writers, but Mike and his staff created and managed a marvelous experience for this large group. Anyone in the industry knows that travel writers can be demanding. Looking back on the two weeks now, I can't recall any of the participants ever complaining about anything. Indeed, everyone was having the time of his/her life. In 20 years, that's a real first and a testament to Mike's dedication and professionalism. He went way beyond the call of duty to make this a fantastic and unforgettable experience. Howard Millard Travel Writer and Photographer Through the months preceding this May's meeting, I was in constant contact with Mike's office, delineating procedures and mapping strategies for 45 travel journalists and their multiple requirements. It is a daunting task and one which AZ Communications performed heroically. My questions were answered without delay and Mike had some terrific ideas, which even I, with three years heading the Council, had not considered. Sally Moore, Chair Society of American Travel Writers Freelance Council I have worked through and alongside Mike Finney for several years. I have always found him to be resourceful, innovative and eager to apply his talents in any way possible to further the tourism endeavors of the Navajo Nation. Individually or in partnerships, I have seen Mike work tirelessly to benefit the tourism industry in Arizona. Kathie Curley
Sr. Public Information Officer - Navajo Tourism Mike Finney's experience and vision have taken our new company to the next level. His ability to create connections and partnerships within our industry and with the travel media have greatly increased the value and recognition of the Detours name. I trust his opinion and have put the direction of the company in his hands more than once. Jeff Haflett After about 25 years in this business, I've been on many press trips. The written itinerary that you provided each of us was one of the best I have ever seen. It was clear, concise, easy to follow, and I knew where I was and where I was going every step of the way. Len Kaufman--Whirled Phamous Photographer over 1/4 million photos representing 83 countries AZ Communications is a top-notch group that bends over backwards to provide media professionals with the information they need -- results are complete, well-organized, and thoughtful. Athena F. Lucero
Freelance Journalist Looking for great story ideas for our magazine, AZ Communications proposed an exciting itinerary called 'Arizona Rocks'. Impressed with the diversity of activities, pre-trip materials, and timely response to my questions by the PR staff, it wasn't surprising that the trip delivered beyond my expectations. Lorry Heverly It's a rare pleasure to have a complicated media event such as AZ Rocks go so well, but from sad experience I know that it's no accident. It's more than making the transport show up on time. The story and photo ops were real and really useful, and the legacy of the time I spent is in great images and salable story leads, which I am following now. A fine and balanced job all around! Kerrick James Photography The abilities of Mike Finney of AZ Communications to craft a wondrous tour of Arizona--highlighting everything from historical landmarks to hysterical fun speedboating on Lake Powell--is a wonder itself. As a journalist, I've worked with scores of public-relations firms over the years, and none have been any better than Mike as a trip organizer or media-relations communicator." Bob Cooper
Freelance Travel Writer "I was very impressed with the individual treatment I received from AZ Communications on a recent trip to Arizona. Nothing was too much trouble. They're real pros and as a working journalist, I totally appreciate their efforts." Rachel Dickinson
Freelance Travel Writer Mike Finney and AZ Communications recently planned, organized, and completed one of the very best media trips I have ever participated in for the Freelance Council of the Society of America Travel Writers in Arizona. Mike brought together many wonderful Arizona sponsors for an extremely productive FLC meeting and many productive pre and post trips to tourism sites all over Arizona. Mike was always there for any special need we had and delivered every time. I would recommend Mike highly for any endeavor he pursues. If you need further information please do not hesitate to call upon me. Steve Bly Photography Mike Finney has vast knowledge of travel products in the Southwest USA. Through his consulting services he has successfully combined destinations and attractions in the Southwest into exciting and saleable tourism products. Get It Across Marketing would like to express its unconditional recommendation of his marketing, research and promotional services to tourism-related entities. Albert Jennings
Managing Director, Get It Across Marketing AZ COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
1050 East Southern Ave. | Suite C-3 | Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480.897.3331 | infodesk@azcomgroup.com |
