Supporting Document (1a580d95...)

City of Scottsdale — Regular Meeting (2026-01-13)

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Lane. Benjamin
Item 22
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dustin Gaskey < DGaskey@thomastitle.com>
Monday, January 12, 2026 5:43 PM 
City Council
Please reagendize RFP 25RP011 and move forward with The James Agency
A External Email: Please use caution if opening links or attachments!
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
My name is Dustin Gaskey. I am the President of Thomas Title & Escrow, an Old Town Scottsdale-hased business, 
and I have been an Old Town resident for more than 20 years.
Old Town is not an abstract idea to me. It is where I live, where I work, and where many of my clients and 
employees spend their time and money. For that reason, I strongly encourage you to reagendize RFP 25RP011 
and move forward with The James Agency as the selected marketing and PR partner.
Delaying this decision until 2026 would be a real setback. Old Town businesses are already navigating rising 
costs and softer summer seasons. Going another year without a modern, data-driven marketing program risks 
lost momentum, reduced foot traffic, and unnecessary strain on small, locally owned businesses.
These are voter-approved bed tax dollars specifically intended to support tourism and marketing. Using them as 
designed helps sustain jobs, sales tax revenue, and the long-term vitality of Old Town.
The James Agency is a well-qualified, Scottsdale-rooted firm with a strong track record in hospitality, real estate, 
civic, and Old Town clients. Just as important, their proposal emphasizes accountability, measurable outcomes, 
and transparency so results can be clearly evaluated.
I respectfully ask that you support reagendizing RFP 25RP011 and allow this program to move forward without 
further delay. Old Town cannot afford to sit still.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Dustin Gaskey 
President
1
Action Taken: Item approved by a vote of 4 to 3

Thomas Title & Escrow 
Scottsdale, Arizona
DUSTIN GASKEY
President
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL SERVICES 
P 480.429.4326
M 480.282.7727
THOMAS TITLE & ESCROW
4800 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 4300 
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
thomastitle.com | daaskev@thomastitle.com
a
2

Lane, Benjamin
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Chris Ronzio <chris@trainual.com>
Monday, January 12, 2026 5:50 PM 
City Council
Please reagendize RFP 25RP011 and move forward with The James Agency
A External Email: Please use caution if opening links or attachments!
Dear Mayor and Members of the Scottsdale City Council,
My name is Chris Ronzio. I’m a longtime Scottsdale resident of 17years and the founder of Trainual, a 
Scottsdale-born technology company that started in Old Town and has grown into a platform used by 
businesses around the world.
Old Town Scottsdale matters deeply to me—not just personally, but professionally. It’s where I built my 
company, hired my first employees, and experienced firsthand how a vibrant, well-positioned district 
fuels entrepreneurship, jobs, and long-term economic health for the city.
I’m writing to respectfully ask you to support reagendizing RFP 25RP011 and to move forward with The 
James Agency as the selected marketing and PR partner for Old Town Scottsdale.
I can personally vouch for The James Agency and their creative, strategic approach. They are not only a 
Scottsdale-rooted firm, but one that understands howto blend brand, data, and storytelling to drive real 
outcomes for destinations, hospitality, and local businesses. Their work reflects a modern, accountable 
approach that matches where Old Town needs to go next.
Old Town is entering what could be one of the strongest growth years we’ve ever seen. That kind of 
momentum doesn’t happen automatically—it requires intentional investment and coordination. 
Choosing not to act this year doesn’t simply delay an expense; it undercuts the opportunity to generate 
meaningful revenue for merchants, additional tax dollars for the city, and sustained energy through 
traditionally slower seasons.
These are voter-approved bed tax dollars intended specifically for tourism and marketing. Using them as 
designed—now, not years from now—supports small businesses, preserves jobs, and maximizes return 
forthe broader community.
Old Town Scottsdale cannot afford to wait until 2027 for a modern, data-driven marketing strategy. A 
revitalized, forward-thinking approach is essential if we want Old Town to continue serving all businesses 
and realizing its full potential.
I appreciate your consideration and your service to our city, and I hope you will support reagendizing RFP 
25RP011 and proceeding with The James Agency.
Respectfully,
Chris Ronzio
1

Founder & CEO, Trainual 
Scottsdale, Arizona
0
Chris Ronzio
Founders CEO
rainual.com I chris@trainual.com
0 0 I 0
2

Lane, Benjamin
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sheri Sender <sheri@sstjsubway.com>
Monday, January 12, 2026 6:16 PM 
City Council
Please reagendize RFP 25RP011 and move forward with The James Agency
A External Email: Please use caution if opening links or attachments!
Dear City of Scottsdale Council,
My name is Sheri Sender, and I’m a resident and business owner who spends a great deal of time in Old 
Town Scottsdale. Old Town matters to me because it’s one of the few places in the region where local 
businesses, culture, and tourism genuinely intersect—and when it’s thriving, the entire city benefits.
I’m writing to respectfully ask for your support in re-agendizing RFP 25RP011 and moving forward with 
The James Agency as the selected partner.
Old Town cannot afford to wait until 2026. Another year of delay means more dark summers, reduced 
foot traffic, lost revenue for small businesses, and a continued erosion of momentum at a time when 
competition from other destinations is only increasing.
It’s also important to clarify that these are voter-approved bed tax dollars. This funding was specifically 
designated for tourism and marketing—not general fund spending. Using it as intended supports jobs, 
sales tax revenue, hospitality workers, and the overall economic health of Old Town.
The James Agency is uniquely qualified forthis work and deeply rooted in Scottsdale. Their experience 
includes strategy, branding, and destination work for WestWorld and Scottsdale Stadium, ongoing 
engagement with Scottsdale Senior Services, and agency-of-record relationships with Hotel Valley Ho 
and Mountain Shadows. They’ve also led brand, strategy, and PR efforts for respected hospitality and 
development organizations such as Sam Fox / Fox Restaurant Concepts, M Culinary, JDM Capital, and 
Wood Partners, along with nonprofit and civic partners including Arizona Humane Society, A New Leaf, 
and Salt River Project. Importantly, they already work with Old Town businesses like JoJo’s Coffeehouse 
and Heyday Skincare.
I also want to respectfully correct the record regarding “administrative” costs. The agency portion of this 
budget is not overhead. The RFP explicitly requires professional services—strategy, creative 
development, public relations, event programming, website and content support, social media, and 
media planning and management. All scopes and costs would be reviewed and pre-approved by City 
staff before any work is executed.
Finally, I support a strategy that is accountable and measurable. The James Agency proposed clear KPIs 
and transparent reporting, allowing Council, merchants, and residents to see exactly how funds are 
being used and what results are being delivered.
Old Town is a vital economic and cultural engine for Scottsdale. I urge you to support re-agendizing RFP 
25RP011 and allowing this work to move forward without further delay.
1

Thankyou for your time and for your service to our city.
Sincerely,
Sheri Sender
Sheri Tenn Sender
President | SSTJ Management, Inc. 
3915 E Sheila Lane 
Phoenix, AZ 85018
(480)710-9677 cell 
sheri@sstjsubway.com
^uBuinv
Entrepreneurs' 
. yjff Organization
Proud Member
EO Arizona
2

Lane, Benjamin
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Casey Strunk <cstrunk@strunkgroup.com> 
Monday, January 12, 2026 6:44 PM 
City Council
Please reagendize RFP 25RP011
A External Email: Please use caution if opening links or attachments!
Councilwoman Whitehead,
My name is Casey Strunk. I am a local business owner in the Phoenix metro area and an active member 
of the regional business community. Old Town Scottsdale matters to me because it is a vital economic 
and cultural hub that supports hundreds of small businesses and draws people from across the Valley.
I am writing to respectfully ask for your support in reagendizing RFP 25RP011 and moving forward with 
The James Agency as the selected partner.
Delaying this decision until 2026 puts Old Town businesses in a difficult position. Summer is already the 
slowest season for many merchants, and going another year without a modern, data driven marketing 
strategy creates real risk. Lost momentum quickly turns into lost revenue, and small businesses feel that 
impact first.
These are voter approved bed tax dollars that were intended to support tourism and marketing. Using 
these funds as designed supports local jobs, sales tax revenue, and the longterm health of Old Town. 
This is not a general fund issue. It is about executing on an approved purpose.
The James Agency is a Scottsdale rooted firm with a strong track record in hospitality, civic, and 
community focused work. Their experience with major Scottsdale assets, local hospitality brands, and 
Old Town businesses gives them a deep understanding of what works here and why.
I also want to address the concern around administrative costs. The agency scope outlined in the RFP is 
not overhead. It is the work itself. Strategy, creative, PR, events, content, and media management are the 
deliverables. All work and costs would be reviewed and approved by City staff, with clear accountability 
and measurable outcomes.
Most importantly, this proposal brings transparency. Clear KPIs, reporting, and performance metrics 
ensure that Council, merchants, and residents can see exactly how funds are being used and what 
results are being delivered.
Old Town cannot afford to wait. I appreciate your leadership and your willingness to reconsider this item 
in the best interest of the community.
Thankyou foryourtime and consideration.
Warm Regards,
1

Casey Strunk 
President
Arizona License #8329033
The Committed Advocate Newsletter (Subscribe)
Phone: 602,978.4414 Fax: 602,978.4344
Direct: 602.978.1994 Website: www.strunkaroup.com
STRUNK
INSURANCE GROUP
2

Lane, Benjamin
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jon Rosenberg <JRosenberg@levrose.conn>
Monday, January 12, 2026 7:14 PM 
City Council
Please re-agendize RFP 25RP011 and move forward with The James Agency
A External Email: Please use caution if opening links or attachments!
Mayor Borowsky and Scottsdale City Councilmembers,
As a long-time Scottsdale resident and Old Town business owner, I’m writing to respectfully ask you to 
re-agendize RFP 25RP011 and reconsider moving forward with The James Agency as the selected 
marketing/PR partner for Old Town Scottsdale.
Old Town is a major economic engine for Scottsdale, and we cannot afford to wait until 2026, especially 
heading into the summer slow season. These are voter-approved bed tax dollars, dedicated 
specifically to tourism and marketing, and it’s important they be used as intended to support jobs, sales 
tax revenue, and Old Town businesses.
I also support ensuring the program has clear goals and transparent reporting so Council and the 
public can see outcomes and ROI.
Thank you for your consideration and for your service to Scottsdale.
Sincerely,
JON ROSENBERG | Designated Broker/Co-Founder
Cell: 602.418.8324
irosenberQ@levrose.com
www.levrose.com
4414 N Civic Center Plaza, Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
LEV ROSE
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
TCNfllf
1

Lane, Benjamin
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jamie Hoffman <Jamie@santanbrewing.com> 
Monday, January 12, 2026 9:15 PM 
City Council 
RFP25RP011
A External Email: Please use caution if opening links or attachments! 
■■■■
Good evening Mayor and Councilmembers,
My name is Jamie Hoffman. I lived in Old Town Scottsdale for ten years, still own two homes in Old 
Town, and my business continues to do significant work with Old Town businesses. Because of that,
I care deeply about the district’s long-term health and economic vitality.
I am writing to ask that you support reagendizing RFP 25RP011 and moving forward with The James 
Agency as the selected marketing and PR partner.
The James Agency is a highly qualified, Scottsdale-rooted firm with deep experience in hospitality, 
destination marketing, and civic work. Their proposal emphasized accountability, clear KPIs, and 
transparent reporting, ensuring Council and the community can see how funds are used and what 
results are delivered.
I respectfully urge you to reagendize RFP 25RP011 and allow this important work to move forward 
without further delay.
Thank you for your time and service to our community, 
thank you + mahalo.
jamie
a
Downtown Chandler
8 S. San Marcos PI. I Chandler. Arizona 85225
SanTan Gardens
495 E Warner Rd. I Chandler, Arizona 85225
Let Us Cater Your Next EventliL
1

Lane, Benjamin
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Andrew Cheney <acheney@leearizona.com>
Monday, January 12, 2026 9:38 PM 
City Council
Please reagendize RFP 25RP011 and move forward with The James Agency
A External Email: Please use caution if opening links or attachments!
Dear City Council,
m
I have served as the primary office leasing agent for SkySong, since 2009. SkySong is a major economic engine for Metro 
Phoenix, let alone Scottsdale.
I also represent businesses looking to relocate into Scottsdale.
The success of Old Town Scottsdale is critical to attracting talent and businesses to SkySong and South Scottsdale.
I support putting RFP 25RP011 and moving forward with The James Agency as the selected partner for many reasons 
including;
They have already partnered on strategy and branding with Scottsdale entities including: WestWorld, Scottsdale 
Stadium and Scottsdale Senior Services
- 
They serve the Valley Ho and Mountain Shadows
- 
They serve industry icons Jerry Colangelo (JDM Partners) and Sam Fox (Fox Restaurant Concepts)
They serve my client, Arizona Humane Society
They serve Old Town groups JoJo's Coffeehouse and Heyday Skincare
They are a transparent group. Everything they do is approved by the client before the work is done.
They are an accountable group. Council, residents and interested parties will all be able to see how funds are used and 
results generated.
Please contact me with any questions.
Andrew Cheney
Andrew Cheney, CRE, CCIM, SIOR 
Principal
0
5090 N 40“* Street, Suite 300 
Phoenix, AZ 85018
The Coppola-Cheney Group | Lee & Associates Arizona 
5090 N. 40"’ Street | Suite 300 | Phoenix, Arizona 85018
Direct: 602.954.3769 
Cell: 602.488.4000 
Main: 602.956.7777
website | my linkedin | vCard | map | email
1

Lane, Benjamin
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jesse Thompson <jesse.thompson@sagehospitalitygroup.com> 
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 8:28 AM 
City Council
Re-Agendize RFP 25RP011 with The James Agency
A External Email: Please use caution if opening links or attachments!
Scottsdale City Council,
It has recently come to my attention that RFP 25RP011 for moving forward with The James Agency as the 
selected partner to work with Old Town Scottsdale, was voted down.
As a pastTDC Commissioner and knowing what this organization is tasked with, I feel The James Agency 
would elevate and improve the efforts dramatically. These efforts are critical for strategy, repositioning, 
branding, and website development.
I have known The James Agency for nearly 20 years hiring, them as the agency of record for Hotel Valley 
Ho (nearly 20 years) and Mountain Shadows (nearly 10 years), in addition to utilizing their services for our 
hotel management corporation of Pyramid Global Hospitality and Sage Hotel Management.
I strongly recommend that you reconsider this partnership and use these dedicated and budgeted bed 
tax dollars to continue elevating Old Town to supports jobs, sales tax revenue, and the health of Old 
Town.
Concerned Citizen of Scottsdale,
Jesse Thompson
Vice President of Commercial Strategy 
SAGE HOTEL MANAGEMENT
iesse.thompson@saQehospitaiitvQroup.com
m: 480.458.7946 
o; 720.482.7120
7018 N. 79^'' Street 
Scottsdale, AZ 85258 
sagehospitalitygroup.com
View the entire Sage Collection of properties here.
1

Lane, Benjamin
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Luke Ford <luke.ford@mycomputerworks.com> 
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 9:18 AM 
City Council 
Support RFP25RP011
iL External Email: Please use caution if opening links or attachments!
Dear City of Scottsdale Council Members,
I have called Scottsdale home since 1976 and have witnessed remarkable growth and transformation 
over the decades. A key part of that evolution has been the expansion of our business community—and 
the critical importance of providing it with consistent, high-quality support, especially during the most 
challenging months of the year.
As a Scottsdale business owner employing more than 65 people, I believe our local businesses deserve a 
reputable, proven partner like The James Agency to help strengthen and promote our community. 
Scottsdale is “Scottsdale” in large part because of its vibrant business environment—one that attracts 
visitors from across Maricopa County and from around the world. These businesses need the City’s 
support to remain strong and continue drawing that economic energy.
From my perspective as a business owner, the City Council functions much like a board of directors: its 
role is to provide strategic oversight, not to manage day-to-day operations. With that in mind, I am deeply 
troubled by the Council’s decision to override the careful, nine-month process that led to the selection of 
The James Agency.
How can the Counciljustify undermining the morale of the dedicated city employees who invested 
months of effort, research, and collaboration to make this recommendation? Do you understand how 
disheartening this isforthe very team tasked with serving our community? Are any of you currently active 
business owners yourselves? Do you recognize the significant time, money, and good-faith effort The 
James Agency invested in working collaboratively with your staff—only to have the agreement summarily 
rejected at the last moment?
I respectfully urge the Council to show greater respect for your employees’ professional judgment and 
for the businesses they serve. Decisions like this have real consequences—not only for the partner 
companies involved, but for the trust and pride that keep our municipal team motivated and effective.
Thank you for considering the perspective of those of us who live, work, and invest in Scottsdale every 
day.
Sincerely,
Luke
Scottsdale Business Owner & Resident since 1976
Luke Ford
1

Chief Executive Officer
Lford@mycomputerworks.com | 480-991-0107 | vvww.mycQmputerwQrks._PQm
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