Please join us to celebrate the opening of Bloom Tea in the Oro Valley Marketplace! We'll cut a ribbon and support this new Oro Valley business. | | Please join us for an open house to celebrate Visiting Angels Tucson's new office location. They're opening their doors to celebrate this new development with the OV Chamber community. Please join us! | | Drop off RTA Next ballots this Monday | |
------Unmailed RTA Next ballots can be dropped off this Monday, March 9, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Nanini Branch Library, 7300 N. Shannon Road just north of Ina.
------On Election Day, Tuesday, March 10, ballots can be taken to “early voting” locations before 7 p.m. Those locations include the Pima County Recorder’s Main Office, 240 N. Stone; the Recorder’s Country Club Office, 6550 S. Country Club Road; and the city of Tucson Ward 2 Office, 7820 E. Broadway. Those sites open at 6 a.m. Tuesday.
------According to the most recent reports, the Pima County Recorder has verified 154,503 signatures and accompanying ballots for counting. Of those, 139,160 had been counted as of Friday morning. The Recorder mailed more than 645,000 ballots to eligible Pima County voters starting Feb. 11. That means about 24% of all distributed ballots have been returned.
------Your Chamber has endorsed RTA Next, the $2.67 billion, 20-year transportation plan and accompanying half-cent sales tax extension.
------Ballots contain 2 questions -- Proposition 418, asking voters to approve the new regional transportation plan; and Proposition 419, asking voters to continue their half-cent sales tax payments to pay for the plan.
------To learn more, go to rtanext.com.
| | AZ Tech Week 2026 comes to Oro Valley | |
------Optics Valley is joining Arizona Tech Week 2026 with Innovators Unleashed, a pitch competition designed to build stronger founders and spotlight Southern Arizona’s growing tech ecosystem.
Innovators Unleashed focuses on helping founders sharpen their story, pressure test assumptions, strengthen investor pitch decks, and build the skills needed to attract partners, talent, and capital. Participants will pitch to experienced venture capital and angel investors while gaining exposure during AZ Tech Week.
------The competition is open to Arizona headquartered tech startups across three stages: Idea to Validation, Launch, and Growth. Applicants must have less than $1.5 million in 2025 sales and less than $1.5 million raised in funding. Approximately 60 startups are expected to compete in the semifinal round on March 27, with the top five advancing to the Final Pitch Competition on April 8. An additional 15 teams will participate in Demo Day.
------Applications open February 3, 2026 and close March 4, 2026.
------Learn more and apply here.
| | Arizona Distance Classic running on March 8th | |
------The TMC Arizona Distance Classic has already reached 1,000 early registrants for this weekend’s event, taking place Sunday morning, March 8, 2026.
------“We’re on track for over 1,300 runners, walkers, and spectators from 30 states, as well as Germany and Mexico,” says Race Director Randy Accetta. “We’re also on track to raise $10,000 for our event charity, St Luke’s Home.”
------This will mean that Oro Valley traffic and recreational bike riding may face some disruptions. Traffic disruptions include the following:
- Eastbound Rancho Vistoso will be reduced to a single lane from just north of the Safeway shopping complex at Rancho Vistoso and Tangerine all the way to Innovation Park Drive.
- The Eastbound shoulder lane of Rancho Vistoso will be closed to recreational bicycle riding from 6:30 am until approximately 10:00 am.
- Honey Bee Canyon Park will be closed Sunday morning until approximately 11:00 am.
- Innovation Park Drive will be closed to through traffic from approximately 4am – 11am.
- The Oro Valley Police Department will help manage all intersections along the roadway.
- Entrance to the Western National Parks Store will be available on Innovation Park Drive, with traffic routed by Oro Valley PD.
------The TMC Arizona Distance Classic has three race distances to choose from: Half-Marathon, Quarter Marathon, or 5k. The TMC Arizona Distance Classic is staged in the Town of Oro Valley, adjacent to the western flank of the majestic Catalina Mountains.
------Says race director Run Tucson’s Randy Accetta, “We’re thrilled to work with the Town of Oro Valley and the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce to bring more people to this beautiful part of Arizona. The courses follow a smooth roadway on a hilly course, with prize money, age group awards, and post-race festivities. “There is some up and down on the courses, that’s for sure,” says Accetta. “But our post-race survey indicated that everyone loved the variety and the views – and there were a number of Arizona State Age Group Records set.”
------Race details can be found here.
| | Oro Valley Community Night with Tucson Roadrunners | |
------Following the tremendous success of last year's event, Oro Valley Community Night is officially returning on Sunday, March 15th at 4:00 PM. It’s a perfect opportunity to build on that momentum and join fellow residents, local business owners, and students for an afternoon of professional hockey as the Tucson Roadrunners take on San Jose.
------To celebrate the occasion, a dedicated ticket link has been created offering exclusive discounted rates specifically for Oro Valley residents, local businesses, schools, and community members. Whether you're heading out with a school group or just catching a game with the neighbors, you can secure your seats here. Grab your tickets early and help represent Oro Valley at the arena!
| | Camp Fetch Your Future at Sol Dog Lodge | |
------Chamber member Sol Dog Lodge is hosting Camp Fetch Your Future, a hands-on summer camp for kids interested in dogs and animal care.
------The camp introduces participants to dog handling, basic training, safety, and animal-care careers through interactive activities and time working with friendly dogs. It’s designed to help kids build confidence, learn new skills, and connect with others who share a love for animals.
------Two sessions are available this summer:
- Ages 9–15: June 8–11, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Ages 12–15: June 15–18, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
------The cost is $200 per child, and both camps take place at 11862 N. Tangerine Business Loop in Marana. Spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
| | Tucson Cactus & Koi promotes new general manager | |
------Success is best when it’s grown from within.
------Tucson Cactus & Koi is incredibly proud to announce that Haley Stevenson has stepped up as their new General Manager! Having been a vital part of the nursery for the past five years, she has shown the dedication and vision necessary for this role.
------There’s no one better suited to lead Tucson Cactus and Koi into their next chapter.
------You can visit Tucson Cactus & Koi at 7810 N. Oracle Rd. or visit their website here.
| | Right at Home hosts Continuing Education Webinar | |
------Right at Home Tucson invites you to join their complimentary Continuing Education (CE) Webinar, Promoting Older Adults' Wellness and Resilience.
------During this session, participants will:
- Describe the relationship between ageism and older adults’ pursuit of wellness.
- Analyze a multidimensional framework for wellness in older adulthood.
- Develop two strategies for reducing ageism and promoting whole-person wellness in one’s current professional role.
------The event will take place on Wednesday, March 11th. Register here: Right at Home CE Registration.
------However, they aren't done yet. If your team would like Right at Home to present their one-hour in person webinar, "Pressure Points for Dementia Caregiving: Behavior, Driving, and Firearms," with credit available for Care Managers, Social Workers, Nurses and Interprofessional staff, they would love to bring it to you.
| | Downtown revitalization is topic at Auto Museum | |
------“Revitalization of Downtown Tucson” is the next program in a series of talks at Chamber member the Tucson Auto Museum.
------Ken Scoville, a retired educator, local historian and longtime advocate for historic preservation, speaks Friday, March 13, at 2 p.m. at the museum, located at 4825 N. Sabino Canyon Road. To purchase $25 tickets, which include admission, go to tucsonautomuseum.org.
------The Tucson Auto Museum’s guest lecture series features Southern Arizona’s most engaging historians and storytellers, according to executive director Dave Johnson.
------The phone number for the Tucson Auto Museum is 520-207-5715.
| | ICS seeks help with produce distribution | |
------Volunteers are needed next Saturday, March 14, to help distribute produce to needy people at Chamber member Interfaith Community Services, 2820 West Ina.
------Hours are 5:30-7:30 a.m. To sign up, click here.
------The St. Patrick’s Day celebration is a hands-on volunteer experience full of teamwork, good vibes, and meaningful impact, according to Ellie Killian at ICS.
------“No leprechaun skills required; just bring your energy and a can-do spirit!” she continued.
------Volunteers are working with the Community Food Bank to distribute fresh produce across Tucson. Volunteers help sort, bag, and load fruits and veggies for neighbors in need.
------“It’s fast-paced, fun, and filled with feel-good magic,” the invite continued. “When people come together with love, our whole community thrives.”
| | FC Tucson 2026 season schedule announced | |
------Chamber Copper member FC Tucson's 2026 season schedule was just announced last week!
------They’re happy to announce that Chamber members will receive a 10% discount code as well. Interested members can use code FCTM26 at checkout (enter the code before selecting seats) to claim the offer.
------Don't miss out on a great season! Click here to secure your tickets today.
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This month we meet at the "garage" offices of the Parks and Recreation Department of Oro Valley on Steam Pump Ranch at 9am. The topic of discussion will be Donor Cultivation. Bring your ideas and questions for the group!
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The OV Chamber is joining forces with TENWEST and networking organizations across Southern Arizona for a Mega Mixer. This is a chance to interact with new faces while still having the comfort of seeing some folks that you already know.
Use the code OVCMember when registering or register using this link to reserve your space.
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Start your morning with connection and community impact at the Oro Valley Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Breakfast on Thursday, March 26th!
Join fellow business leaders, community partners, and local changemakers as we reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and honor those who make Oro Valley thrive. This signature event is one of the Chamber’s most anticipated gatherings, and you won’t want to miss it.
The nonprofit fair opens at 7:30 a.m. where you can meet and support incredible local nonprofits making a difference in our community.
A delicious breakfast buffet available until 9:00 a.m. Be sure to arrive early to allow time for parking, networking, visiting the nonprofit fair, and enjoying breakfast before the program begins.
Space is limited, secure your seat today! Early bird ticket pricing ends Monday, March 9th. Ticket sales close Monday, March 23rd.
Expo booths and sponsorships are still available! Purchase online or email Makenna for more information.
| | 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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