During the 2010 holiday season, Maricopa launched a pilot television program – the "12 Days of Holiday Shopping" - designed to encourage residents to spend their dollars locally by raising awareness of offerings while at the same time developing a unique marketing tool for the community.

A very entrepreneurial community, Maricopa has seen the launch of a high number of new home-based businesses and independent retail shops following explosive residential growth. But raising awareness of local business offerings has been a challenge with many of these residents working in neighboring valley locations such as Phoenix, Tempe and Chandler. "The response by local businesses to the '12 Days of Holiday Shopping' show was overwhelming – not only did we fill all 12 spots within about 2 days, we have several already on a waiting list to participate in our new permanent feature program in 2011," says Ruben Garcia, City Media Specialist.

Therefore, the City has launched a permanent promotional program entitled "Business Beat." Beginning in February of 2011, four local businesses each month will be interviewed, videotaped and featured on the City's government channel throughout that month. In addition to airing the spots on the City's local government channel, Maricopa20, interviews will continue to be available online via Maricopa20's YouTube channel, youtube.com/MyMaricopa20 and by syndication via social media outlets. Finally, the City will be providing web and social media tips to featured businesses so they can get the maximum marketing impact from their videos.