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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
Owner - DETOURS of Arizona

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.

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
Travel Features/ City Social Magazine

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."

"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."

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.