Whitson Strategies

Owners: Beka & Sarah Whitson
Services: nonprofit consulting
Location: Remote

A family owned business, Whitson Strategies helps Rocky Mountain nonprofits develop effective development and communications strategies. Their mission? Leave the world a better place for the next generation. That includes protecting the areas where families explore, play, and bond in the outdoors – as well as supporting the local businesses that help their family get outside.

“Local outdoor businesses provide first-hand knowledge about the areas around them, helping families find the perfect adventure,” Sarah Whitson said. “That knowledge has become even more valuable in the time of COVID, when gathering outside is one of the only safe ways to see friends and family.”

As small-business owners, Beka and Sarah Whitson see first hand how protected public lands lead to greater investments in small businesses and gateway communities, allowing many of those communities to resist the boom and bust economies the West has historically been known for. 

“We’re seeing more diverse young families move out West, and put down roots here, due to our incredible outdoor opportunities and public lands. That’s a great thing too, because our clients are only as strong as the communities around them.”

Beka and Sarah joined GO AZ because, like our other members, they know a stronger outdoor recreation industry is good for all southwest businesses. Sarah added, “it’s a no brainer for us - as our economy recovers from COVID, increasing access to public lands is a huge way to bolster an important sector in the state. That will end up helping a lot of other small businesses, like ours.”