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Women in Leadership Morning Meetups are designed to be easy, welcoming, and low pressure. Think open house style, come when you can, stay as long as you’d like, and don’t stress if you’re running late after school drop off or a meeting.
Women in Leadership is proudly sponsored by OneAZ Credit Union, whose support makes it possible for us to create spaces like this for women to connect, grow, and support one another.
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Join us for an evening mixer! Connect with fellow professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The premier networking event you won't want to miss!
| | Outstanding businesses, leaders celebrated at 34th annual meeting | Mark Papoccia speaks on behalf of Presenting Sponsor Vantage West Credit Union at the 2026 Annual Meeting & Awards Breakfast. | |
------More than 330 guests celebrated outstanding businesses and individuals Thursday, when your Chamber hosted its 34th Annual Meeting and Awards Breakfast at Platinum member El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort. The event was presented by Silver member Vantage West Credit Union. Mark Papoccia spoke on behalf of the credit union.
------A Senior Journey, led by founder Amanda Gelatt, was named the Chamber’s Outstanding Small Business. Gelatt shared “how fulfilling and rewarding” it is to help seniors and their families find the right living environment.
------Other finalists for outstanding small business were Posh Petals and Sangha Yoga. Other nominees were All About You Placement, Horton Remodeling, Lisa Bayless Long Realty, Mullis Senior Placement, and Nude Beauty Lash Studio.
------Anchor Wave was named the Outstanding Midsize Business. CEO Lily Darling spoke of “the absolute joy of working with a fantastic team,” all of them “wanting to see local businesses win.”
------Fleet Feet Tucson, and Fork & Fire Smokehouse & Taproom, were the other midsize finalists. Right at Home Tucson was also nominated.
------Splendido at Rancho Vistoso is this year’s Outstanding Large Business. Splendido’s Peter Muhlbach expressed his thanks on behalf of 250 employees and nearly 500 residents “who live and breathe Oro Valley and Splendido.”
------Done Rite Services and Oracle Eye Physicians were the other finalists. Jim Click Automotive was also nominated.
------Hearts of Gold Police Family Outreach was named the Outstanding Small Nonprofit. “Words cannot express how grateful we are for this,” said director David Corrado.
------Rockin’ 4 Heroes and Sol Dog Lodge were the other finalists. Other nominees were the Amphi Foundation, the Oro Valley Historical Society, Phone Down Just Drive!, and We Care Tucson were the other nominees.
------Youth On Their Own was named the Outstanding Large Nonprofit.
------“This is so amazing!” exclaimed CEO Elizabeth Slater. “We’re so excited to be members of this Chamber, which is so excellently run, and we get so much out of it.”
------Integrative Touch Healing Center and TMC Hospice & Peppi’s House were the other finalists. BAYADA Home Health, Interfaith Community Services and Leman Academy of Excellence were the other nominees.
------Karen Kochhar of Right at Home Tucson was named Outstanding Community Leader.
------“Fourteen years ago, my husband and I picked this place to be our forever home,” Kochhar said. Thirteen years ago, they chose to help seniors stay in their homes to honor Karen’s grandparents, who needed assistance in their later years.
------Right at Home strives to be “a great employer for mostly paycheck to paycheck women. ... Our organization is really dedicated to excellence.” Its staff works “really hard to make sure they get everything they need.”
------Amber Preston of Arizona Central Credit Union and Julie Funk of the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine were the other finalists.
------Art State Arizona received this year’s Legacy Award.
| | Kay Williams is ‘26 Lifetime member | |
------Kay Williams, a longtime Chamber servant who lives out her commitment to the Oro Valley community, is the 2026 Lifetime Member of the Oro Valley Chamber.
------“This is a shock, this is a surprise,” Williams said on Thursday, when she was honored at your Chamber’s 34th Annual Meeting and Awards Breakfast. “It is one of the blessings of my retired life to be able to serve our community in a small way.”
------Williams began her career as a nurse, then spent more than 20 years with Boeing, contributing to major aerospace and defense programs, including the International Space Station. Later, she led Boeing’s global philanthropic efforts.
------In Oro Valley, Kay has invested her time and energy on the boards of your Chamber, the Chamber Foundation, Oro Valley Hospital, and the Arizona Heroes Memorial.
------“What really sets Kay Williams apart is that she shows up, at ribbon cuttings, mixers, and events, always with a positive attitude and a genuine interest in supporting others,” her nomination said. “She regularly asks how she can help, and she always follows through. Her engagement isn’t tied to a title or obligation. It’s simply who she is.”
------“All I can say is, I hope I can make it off the stage,” a visibly moved Williams said Thursday. Then, the caregiver in her came out. “Stay well, so we don’t have to treat you in the ER.”
| | Northwest, 3 doctors earn accreditation for surgery services and expertise | |
------Northwest Medical Center has achieved accreditation as a Center of Excellence in surgical services, to include robotic, hernia, colorectal, and minimally invasive surgery.
------The recognition, from the Surgical Review Corporation, acknowledges Northwest’s “commitment and high standard of delivery of quality patient care and safety,” a release said.
------Three surgeons have received Master Surgeon certifications.
------They are Dr. Seda Bourikian, master surgeon in robotic, hernia, and minimally invasive surgeries; Dr. Matthew Mayuiers, master surgeon in robotic and minimally invasive surgeries; and Dr. Shane Svoboda, FACS, master surgeon in robotic, colorectal and minimally invasive surgeries.
------Status as an accredited Surgical Center of Excellence means Northwest Medical Center has met nationally and internationally recognized standards. “Not all pursue accreditation, and among those who do, not all meet the standards to earn it,” the announcement said.
------“This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to work as a team as we put patients first and makes their experiences exceptional,” said Dr. Bourikian, a general surgeon who practices at Northwest General Surgery at Tucson.
------“We’re proud to recognize Northwest Medical Center for its commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that this facility is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.”
| | Sips & Suites: Discover your future at Sola Salons Oro Valley | |
------Are you a beauty or wellness professional looking to take the next step in your career? Join Sola Oro Valley for their Sips & Suites Open House on Sunday, April 19th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Located at 2040 E Tangerine Rd., this relaxed brunch event offers a firsthand look at what it’s like to run your own business in a private suite.
------Attendees can look forward to mimosas and brunch bites, guided studio tours, and a chance to win various raffle prizes. For those unable to attend on Sunday, a second open house is scheduled for Monday, April 20th, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Sola Tucson Central location (4262 N 1st Ave. Suite 130). To RSVP and enter the prize drawings visit solasalons.com.
| | Oro Valley Optimist hosts golf tournament | |
------The Oro Valley Optimist Club will host its annual Scramble for Youth Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 18 with an 8 a.m. shotgun start at El Conquistador Golf Course.
------This fundraiser supports a variety of local youth programs, including the Oro Valley Police Cadet program, Arizona Youth Partnership, Project Graduation, and more. A buffet-style lunch and raffle prizes are included.
------Registration is $175 for a single player or $700 for a foursome, with early bird pricing available through April 12.
------Learn more and register here!
| | Get creative with Tucson Museum of Art summer camp | |
------Summer is almost here and registration for Summer Art Camp at the Tucson Museum of Art is now open.
------Designed for kids ages 5–13, this hands-on camp invites young artists to explore their creativity through drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, printmaking, and more. Each week, campers are guided by professional teaching artists while discovering inspiration in the museum’s galleries and historic campus.
------Weekly sessions run June 1 – July 31, with classes grouped by age so kids can learn, create, and make new friends in a fun and supportive environment.
------Whether your child loves art or is just beginning to explore their creativity, Art Camp is a great way to spend the summer making something amazing.
------Spots are limited, so families are encouraged to register early. Learn more and sign up here!
| | Right at Home hosts educational webinar | |
------As part of Right at Home’s continued support for our community and partners, they invite you to a free one-hour in-person CE event. They will host a pre-recorded webinar at their office on Wednesday, April 1st, at 10:00 AM. This session is designed for nurses, social workers, case managers, and interprofessional teams. The topic is "Pressure Points for Dementia Caregiving: Behavior, Driving & Firearms".
Credits Available:
- 1.00 ASWB Approved Continuing Education (ACE)
- 1.00 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE)
What to Expect:
- Free one-hour pre-recorded webinar
- Complimentary breakfast
Objectives:
- Explore pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions and the management of dementia-related behaviors.
- Identify healthcare team members and the multidisciplinary approach used to provide patient-centered care and improve health outcomes for dementia patients.
- Discuss strategies for navigating challenges associated with disruptive behaviors, driving safety, firearm safety, and psychological symptoms.
------Space is limited. Please note that while the webinar is pre-recorded, in-person attendance is required. Please RSVP to marlene@rahtucson.com to reserve your spot.
| | Special events coming to The Overlook in OV | |
------Special events are coming to The Overlook Restaurant, located within the Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center.
------If you don’t have plans for dinner tonight, Friday, The Overlook presents “Hooked: Feast & Fins Fish Fry” from 5 to 7 p.m. Reservations are recommended; call 520-229-5355, or email Zach Olfers at zolfers@elcongolf.com.
------Musician David Rychener performs during a special happy hour Friday, April 3, from 5 to 7 p.m.
------The Overlook presents an Easter Buffet Brunch on Easter Sunday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 520-229-5355, or email Zach to reserve your place.
------All three events are open to the public. The Overlook is located at 10555 N. La Canada in Oro Valley.
| | Senior Helpers owner featured in publication | |
------Chamber member Senior Helpers of Southern Arizona has been featured in “Eldercare Outlook,” a national senior care publication.
------The article features Senior Helpers owner Tehjan Prendiville, who has worked more than 30 years in healthcare leadership.
------“Across the country, more older adults are choosing to remain in the homes they know and love rather than moving into institutional care,” Senior Helpers said. “In fact, a recent AARP survey shows nearly 75% of adults prefer to age in place.”
------Prendiville takes “a compassionate approach to senior care focused on listening first and understanding what matters most to each individual,” a release said. She talks about “this growing movement and the role personalized in-home care plays in helping seniors maintain independence and dignity.”
------To read the story, click here.
------Senior Helpers’ website is here.
| | 'National Parks Road Trip' event April 18 at OV store | |
------Arizona residents Kathleen and Darryl Toupkin have visited all 433 National Park Service units.
------They’ve been to every state and inhabited US territory.
------And they’ll tell guests about it all in two free presentations Saturday, April 18, at the National Parks Store in Oro Valley.
------“National Parks Road Trip” is presented twice that Saturday. The first session begins at 10:30 a.m., the second at 12:30 p.m. Registration is required; go to wnpa.org.
------The Toupkins will discuss “their travels, talk about the National Park System, and highlight some of their favorite destinations,” an invitation said. “Learn how you can start your own national park journey.”
------The National Parks Store is located at 12880 N. Vistoso Village Drive, Oro Valley, 85755. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The phone is 520-622-6014, the website wnp.org/the-national-parks-store.
| | SCORE workshops are free, online and helpful | |
------Chamber member SCORE / Southern Arizona has a series of small business education workshops and webinars on its calendar.
------“How to Start and Run a Franchise Business that Works for You” is planned for Tuesday, March 24, at 1 p.m.
------“Implement AI in Your Business – From Overwhelm to Action” is Tuesday, March 31, at 1.
------“Bookkeeping Essentials Every Small Business Owner Needs” begins at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 2.
------“Event Marketing Playbook – Turn Event Traffic Into Sales” is Tuesday, April 7, at 1.
------SCORE workshops are free, and online. To register, go to score.org/business-education.
| | Saguaro City seeking creepy, kooky actors | |
------Saguaro City Music Theatre is holding auditions Wednesday, April 1, and again Saturday, April 4, for “The Addams Family.”
------Think you’re creepy and kooky enough? Auditions are set for the Black Box Theatre at Pima Community College’s West campus. The April 1 audition is 7:45-10 p.m.; the April 4 try-outs are 1:30-5:30 p.m.
------“The Addams Family” is a summer camp production, with adults collaborating with summer campers “in a supportive, educational rehearsal process that culminates in a fully staged production” June 26-28.
------“Step into a world where the wonderfully weird feels perfectly at home,” an invitation said. “The Addams Family springs to life on stage with mischievous humor, unexpected heart, and just the right touch of spooky sparkle. It’s a delightfully offbeat adventure the whole family can enjoy.”
------Go to saguarocity.org.
| | A few tickets left for Amphi Gala April 11 | |
------Only a few tickets remain for the 2026 Amphi Foundation Gala, to be held Saturday, April 11, at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa.
------Ticket sales close Wednesday, April 1. Go to afgala2026.givesmart.com.
------The evening opens at 5 p.m. with registration, cocktails and the annual student showcase.
------Among this year’s performances are the Marching Pride and Orchestra Ensemble from Canyon del Oro High School, Drums Alive from Copper Creek Elementary School, mariachi music from La Cima Middle School, a basketball competition with Amphitheater High School students, a 3D printer demonstration from Wilson K-8, and cheerleaders and mascots from Amphi, CDO and Ironwood Ridge high schools.
------Dinner, the program and awards start at 6:15 p.m. At 7:30, guests enjoy celebration activities to include a casino, “wine pong” and dancing.
------Award recipients are Sylvia Buchanan, Heart of Amphi; Sam Deneke, Distinguished Alumni; and Tiffany Bucciarelli-Fay, Excellence in Education.
------“We’ll come together in celebration of our incredible award recipients, amazing teachers, and the impactful work of the Amphi Foundation,” an invitation said. Proceeds benefit the Amphi Foundation, whose mission is “to promote academic excellence through the expansion of resources that enrich the education, development and well-being of the students of the Amphitheater Public School District.”
| | Trico's annual meeting is April 18 at Casino del Sol | |
------Chamber member Trico holds its annual membership meeting on Saturday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to noon at Casino Del Sol, 5655 West Valencia Road.
------Informational booths and workshops are open from 9 to 11. Members, who can bring a copy of their bills for fast check-in, can enjoy free food and a cash bar. Trees are for sale, too.
------Raffle prizes include a 2007 Chevy truck, an electric bicycle, a 43-inch Smart TV, an Apple iPad, a Ninja air fryer, a tool and drill set, and more. Winners must be present.
------Trico is a non-profit electric distribution cooperative serving more than 43,000 members in rural areas surrounding the city of Tucson, including portions of Pima, Pinal and Santa Cruz counties. The website is trico.coop, the phone 520-744-2944.
| | OVHS exhibit about to close | |
------The Oro Valley Historical Society presents the third part of their three-part series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary – “America Semiquincentennial and the Town of Oro Valley”. This will be the last exhibit of the season, so please make sure to visit them throughout the month of April.
------The Pusch House Museum, located at historic Steam Pump Ranch, is the site of this exhibit, and the Ranch is located at 10901 North Oracle Road. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. – noon on Saturday, March 28. Volunteers will be on site to answer any questions and provide additional information. Self-guided tours are FREE, and donations are gratefully accepted.
------In addition, Gap Ministries will be on the Ranch requesting donations for folks they serve. Their needs are toilet bowl brushes and plungers, toilet bowl cleaner, toilet paper, and air freshener.
------Stroll through the Heirloom Farmers’ Market, stroll through history, and make a donation to assure a great start to your Saturday morning!
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The Senior Services Collaborative Monthly Meeting is a gathering that brings together local organizations and service providers to share resources, discuss challenges, and collaborate on innovative solutions. Each meeting typically features guest speakers presenting on relevant topics and open discussions aimed at fostering partnerships and improving access to services for seniors. It's a great opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and collectively work towards creating a more supportive environment for each other and our senior clients.
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Join local non‑profit leaders and community partners for our monthly Chamber of Commerce Non‑Profit Collaborative. We meet on the second Tuesday of every month at 8:30 AM, with hosting locations rotating among participating non‑profit organizations. Each gathering features a guest speaker presenting on a topic relevant to the non‑profit sector, along with plenty of time for meaningful networking, resource sharing, and collaboration. It's an energizing way to stay connected, learn from peers, and strengthen our community impact.
| | Enjoy these ads. Click on them for more! | | Interested in High-Level Membership? Email Leah for more information! | | |
Executive Committee
Chair: Susan Swan, Swan Pilates
Vice Chair: Zoe Burcham, Kinghorn Law | Financial
Secretary: Mary Schulz, Schulz Financial Group
Treasurer: Bruce Barnett, Pima Federal Credit Union
Board Members
Cody Barnhart, Oro Valley Hospital
Lisa Bayless, The Lisa Bayless Team at Long Realty
Lydia Camarillo, Golder Ranch Fire District
Casey Carrillo, University of Arizona Center for Innovation
Shelby Francom, El Conquistador Tucson A Hilton Resort
Renee McCuistion, America First Credit Union
Lee-Anne Palin, Southwest Solutions
Maria Parham, Splendido at Rancho Vistoso
Don Pearson, Roche Tissue Diagnostics
James Piper, Piper Family Painting
Rick Price, The Views Golf
Emma Reyes, Republic Services
Brian Stewart, Pima Community College
Ex-Officio: Paul Melcher, Town of Oro Valley
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President & CEO
Kristen Sharp
Business Development Director
Leah Bahan
Events and Communications Director
Makenna Markley
Member Engagement Director
Joni Bates
Member & Operations Coordinator
Shelley Fitzgerald
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