Join Us for an Evening Mixer at Roche Tissue Diagnostics! | | |
Connect with fellow professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at Roche Tissue Diagnostics.
In addition to great networking, this mixer offers a unique opportunity to visit the Roche campus, one of Oro Valley’s largest employers and an important part of our region’s bioscience community.
Come make new connections, catch up with familiar faces and enjoy an evening at a location that's a vital member of our community. We hope to see you there!
| | Join us in celebrating Centre Stage Dance's new location with a Ribbon Cutting! Ribbon will fly at 3:45 p.m. | | |
Social Venture Partners (SVP) Tucson is pleased to announce Yissel Salafsky as its new Executive Director, marking a new chapter as the organization relaunches its work in Southern Arizona. SVP Tucson is part of Social Venture Partners International, a global network of engaged philanthropists working alongside nonprofits and communities to create lasting change.
Salafsky brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning the nonprofit, higher education and private sectors, most recently serving as CEO of Make Way for Books. During her tenure, the early literacy organization expanded its reach across nine Arizona counties, including rural and Indigenous communities, while strengthening the systems, data and organizational infrastructure needed to support that growth.
"Those who have worked with me know that I return repeatedly to three pillars: transparency, collaboration and process," Salafsky said. "When those things are working together, organizations are better positioned to navigate change, make thoughtful decisions and focus their energy on the people and communities they serve."
"As both CEO of SVP International and a Tucsonan, I couldn't be more excited to welcome Yissel to lead SVP Tucson into its next chapter. She understands the SVP model from the nonprofit side of the partnership and knows firsthand what becomes possible when donors bring not only their financial resources, but their skills, relationships and experience alongside community leaders. Yissel is a thoughtful, collaborative leader with deep roots in Southern Arizona, and I'm thrilled to work with her as we rebuild a strong and vibrant SVP Tucson," said Ciara Garcia, CEO of Social Venture Partners International.
| | Would you travel with the OV Chamber? | |
We’re exploring the possibility of launching a Chamber travel program, and before we go any further, we want to know if our members are interested!
The idea would be to offer opportunities to travel together to exciting destinations, with the details handled for you and the added fun of traveling alongside other members of the Chamber community. We’d also like to incorporate a business component, giving travelers opportunities to learn about the business climate in other regions or countries, make connections, and see how other communities approach economic development and business.
But first, we need to know: Would you go? Where would you want to travel? Who would you bring? What would make a Chamber trip appealing to you?
Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey. Your feedback will help us determine whether there’s enough interest to move forward and what a future Chamber travel program should look like.
Take the Travel Survey
| | AZ Litho acquires Prisma Tucson | |
AZ Litho has acquired Prisma Tucson, another longtime local printer in town, and they couldn't be happier about it.
AZ Litho President Laura Davis said about the acquisition, "For 74 years, Tucson and Southern Arizona have trusted us with their printing, and that's exactly why we're growing. Bringing Prisma Tucson's team and capabilities under our roof means more services, more resources, and more ways to get your projects done in one place. What won't change is the personal attention you're used to. You'll still be working with the same people, and we'll still pick up the phone when you call."
The Prisma Tucson team will join AZ Litho at their facility for one team at one location. This will grow and maintain AZ Litho as a local, independently owned, family-run printer. For more information about AZ Litho visit azlitho.com.
| | SAHBA looks for new board members | |
SAHBA is seeking nominees for the 2027 Board of Directors.
Any SAHBA member in good standing may be nominated.
All nominees will be considered by the Nominating Committee. The window for nominations will be open from October 1 through October 31.
Please use the Nomination Form to nominate yourself or a fellow member you believe deserves consideration.
Completed forms can be returned to sahba@sahba.org.
Nomination Forms can be found here.
| | Something new at OV Acupuncture | |
Oro Valley Acupuncture is excited to introduce the newest addition to their clinic: StemWave!
StemWave uses acoustic wave technology to deliver targeted energy to areas of the body that may benefit from improved circulation and support the body’s natural healing processes. It’s non-invasive and drug-free, making it another option for patients looking to support their body’s recovery.
Whether you’re dealing with stubborn aches and pains, an old injury that just won’t quit, or simply want to give your body an extra boost in its healing journey, StemWave may be another step toward feeling more like yourself again, and getting back to the activities you enjoy.
OV Acupuncture is now offering a new patient Chamber special: First Session Only $79!
Ready to experience StemWave for yourself? Mention this newsletter when scheduling your first StemWave session and receive your first session for just $79! Check out their newest technology and discover another way Oro Valley Acupuncture can help you feel your best. Call them today at (520) 532-2012 to schedule your session.
| | The Play District invites guests to the Marana Pumpkin Patch | |
It is officially pumpkin season. Marana Pumpkin Patch opens Saturday, October 3rd and runs Thursdays through Sundays all month. The diesel train, jumping pillow, farm animals, and pig races are all back and the pumpkin field is ready for picking at 60 cents a pound.
Hours are 3 to 9 pm Thursday and Friday and 9am to 9pm on weekends. Admission is $20 online Thursday and Friday and $25 on weekends ($2 more at the gate), and kids 2 and under are free. Pro tip: weekday evenings are the easy, less crowded pick, and the sunset light is worth it.
Plan your visit here.
| | Business Hours Open Advisory Session with Transcend Proserv, LLC and Groundswell Capital | |
Do you have business questions but no one to ask? Business Hours is your monthly open advisory session — free, practical, and built for business owners at every stage.
Every session runs the same way. They open with a 10–15 minute deep dive on a focused topic, then spend 45 minutes answering whatever is on your mind. No question is too basic. No topic is off limits.
Topics covered across sessions include:
Financial Statements 101 · Bookkeeping Fundamentals · Cash Flow Management · Profit Margin Improvement · Cost Reduction · Pricing Strategy · Government Contracting Entry · Grants and Grant Writing · Business Acquisitions · Operational Efficiency · Capital Access and Lending Readiness
This month's featured topic: Know Your Funding Options
Most businesses get declined for capital not because they are unqualified, but because their financials are not packaged the way a lender needs to see them.
Special guest: Groundswell Capital
Arizona's first green bank joins the group to answer your funding questions directly. Groundswell provides flexible loans for business growth, energy upgrades, solar, HVAC, clean infrastructure, and more — including no-collateral options for businesses that do not qualify at a traditional bank. If you are a fit, you will leave with a direct introduction and a clear next step.
Bring your questions. No slides, no pitch. Just answers.
Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce
1822 E Innovation Park Dr
Oro Valley, AZ 85755
🔗 Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87206868220?pwd=dRzczjVl7hqkEWgdGiUsp5XVulxhL3.1
Meeting ID: 872 0686 8220
Passcode: 394323
| | My Gym looks for trick-or-treaters at Mymoween | |
Get ready for some family-friendly Halloween fun at the upcoming Mymoween 2026 event hosted by My Gym Tucson. Little ones are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes and explore a friendly haunted house before heading out to trick-or-treat throughout the entire plaza. The festivities take place on Friday, October 16, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with participating local businesses including Village Bake House, Trader Joe's, Ace Hardware, Marshalls, AutoZone, and many more. Admission per child is simply a cash donation, with all proceeds directly supporting The My Gym Foundation. It is open to everyone in the community, so bring the kids out for an evening of treats and spooky seasonal excitement! For more details, you can reach My Gym Tucson by calling or texting (520) 514-9192 or by visiting their website.
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Experience an unforgettable evening of timeless music at the Gaslight Music Hall in Oro Valley on Sunday, October 4, 2026, starting at 6:00 p.m. Acclaimed vocalist Joe Bourne will take the stage to present the unforgettable music of Nat King Cole, backed by an incredible ensemble featuring Angelo Versace on piano, Matt Mitchell on guitar, Scott Black on bass, and Pete Swan on drums. Audience members will enjoy beloved classics like Paper Moon, Mona Lisa, Unforgettable, When I Fall in Love, and many more. Tickets are available by calling 520-529-1000 or by visiting the Gaslight Music Hall Event Page.
| | Sol Dog Lodge invites guests to October & November events |
| |  | Sol Dog Lodge and Training Center has an exciting lineup of community events coming up this season to support local rescue animals and keep our pets safe and happy. Kick things off with Puppy Yoga on Saturday, October 3, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., featuring a beginner-friendly flow alongside adoptable puppies from Oracle Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation, with all proceeds benefiting the Humane Society of Southern Arizona and Sol Dog Lodge. For pet safety, upcoming Rattlesnake Avoidance Classes hosted by Animal Experts are scheduled for Sunday, October 11, and Sunday, November 15, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at $125 per session. If you love wine, join the Pours & Paws event on Sunday, October 25, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Arizona Wine Collective in St. Philip's Plaza, where $25 gets you three premium wine pours and a charcuterie nosh to benefit emergency support programs at Sol Dog Lodge. Finally, get an early start on the holidays with Photos with Santa Paws on Sunday, November 1, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., featuring walk-in professional portraits with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elf for $25 per image alongside a bake sale and pet fun.
| | Reid Park Zoo sets opening day for Pathway to Asia | |
Soon you’ll be able to travel to the world’s largest continent every time you visit Reid Park Zoo. Pathway to Asia is opening Friday, November 13, bringing 4.5 acres of animals, architecture, foliage and discovery to your Zoo.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Tucson community. Their generosity and support have made this incredible new space, along with so many of the improvements we’ve seen at the Zoo over the past several years, possible,” said Daniela Siqueiros, Reid Park Zoological Society Board Chair. “Pathway to Asia represents such an exciting new chapter for Reid Park Zoo, and we cannot wait to open the gates and welcome everyone to experience it.”
This addition will feature the Zoo’s first-ever reptile house, welcome red pandas, and fill the Zoo with the beautiful sound of gibbon song in the morning. Major habitats also include those for Malayan tigers — establishing the Zoo as a conservation and breeding center for these highly endangered big cats — Asian small clawed otters, sand cats, and an aviary with up-close views of brilliantly plumed birds. In total, 30 new species will be introduced to the Zoo in Pathway to Asia.
The Pathway to Asia project was made possible by the voter-approved one-tenth of a cent sales tax passed in 2017, and additional support by private donors and foundation grants. The project will complete Phase I of the Zoo’s 10-year Master Plan to refurbish infrastructure and enhance the Zoo, bringing it into the future.
The exhibit will open Friday, November 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. On the 14th and 15th there will be Asian cultural performances throughout the day. On the 15th, wildlife tiger conservationist Tara Harris will deliver a talk at 2 p.m.
For everyone’s comfort, timed tickets must be reserved in advance for guests visiting the Zoo in the first weeks after Pathway to Asia opens. Tickets will be available starting October 27. More details will be available in advance of the November opening. To find out more, visit reidparkzoo.org.
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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 us for the 2026 Oro Valley State of the Town—our community’s signature business and networking event. This year will feature Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield's final mayoral address as he steps down from office. Presented by Lisa Bayless, Long Realty, this annual tradition brings together more than 700 business leaders, community partners, and elected officials to celebrate Oro Valley’s progress and future.
The morning kicks off at 9 a.m. with the largest business expo in Oro Valley, showcasing local companies and services. At 11 a.m., enjoy a premier luncheon as Mayor Joe Winfield delivers his final annual address, highlighting the town’s achievements, current priorities, and vision for the year ahead.
State of the Town is more than a luncheon—it’s a chance to connect with decision-makers, discover new business opportunities, and demonstrate your support for our growing community.
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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.
| | Join us in celebrating The Picklr under new ownership! Come meet the new owners and celebrate this exciting new chapter. Ribbon will fly around 10:15 a.m. | | Join us in celebrating OOROO on the opening of their second location! Come celebrate this exciting milestone and welcome their newest location to the community. Ribbon will fly around 11:15 a.m. | | Join us as we celebrate Timeless Play with a Ribbon Cutting! The ribbon cutting will take place around 4:15 p.m. | | Enjoy these ads. Click on them for more! | | Interested in High-Level Membership? Email Leah for more information! | | |
Executive Committee
Chair: Zoe Burcham, Kinghorn Law | Financial
Vice Chair: Bruce Barnett, Pima Federal Credit Union
Secretary: Lydia Camarillo, Golder Ranch Fire District
Treasurer: Brian Stewart, Pima Community College
Past Chair: Susan Swan, Swan Pilates
Board Members
Cody Barnhart, Oro Valley Hospital
Casey Carrillo, University of Arizona Center for Innovation
Shelby Francom, El Conquistador Tucson A Hilton Resort
Jodi Mace, Splendido at Rancho Vistoso
Renee McCuistion, America First Credit Union
Don Pearson, Roche Tissue Diagnostics
James Piper, Piper Family Painting
Rick Price, The Views Golf
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
Membership Success Manager
Sydney Hayter
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