|
We'll be celebrating 60 years of Reid Park Zoo together! Join us before gates open at 8:45 to cut a ribbon and honor the legacy of this Tucson legacy. We'll cut the ribbon in front of the flamingo exhibit!
Admission for the weekend is being lowered to $6. There will be live entertainment, zoo keeper chats and presentations, a memory wall photo exhibit, an in-progress mural, and more!
Don't miss out on this exciting adventure.
| |
|
Please join us for the Gen Z Committee meeting! Are you Gen Z and wanting to make friends and business connections that are your age? Please join us for a fun hour of connection after work. Everyone (under 30) is welcome to attend!
| |
|
Join us for our March evening mixer! Connect with fellow professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. WaFd will be catering Carlota's Mexican Restaurant and having a booth for Girl Scouts to sell cookies.
| |
Your Chamber will be present at the SAACA Spring Festival of the Arts! Stop by our booth to say hello, or support fellow Chamber members at our Wellness Tent. There will be a variety of Chamber members in the wellness field that will show off their businesses. Not to mention the other phenomenal artists and vendors showing off their wares at this event. With great weather and fun activities, don't miss this year's festival! Click here for more information! | |
TOV wants business owner feedback | |
|
------The community’s efforts to create the Town’s next 10-year action plan, known as OV’s Path Forward, is underway. Over the past year, residents shared their ideas, priorities, and expectations about economic development in Oro Valley.
------Now, the voice of businesses is needed. If you have already completed the survey—THANK YOU! TOV needs to hear from more businesses and are keeping the survey open through March 2nd!
------Please click on the appropriate short survey:
------Business Owner Survey
------Potential Business Owner Survey
------Thank you for helping with this very important plan!
| |
Businesses must file information by March 21 | |
|
------All businesses must report their initial, updated or corrected “beneficial ownership information” to the U.S. Treasury by March 21.
------The filing requirement, upheld in a Feb. 18 court ruling, was put in place by Congress in 2021 to curb illicit finance. The bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act requires companies to report information about their ownership and control structures to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, which is part of the U.S. Treasury.
------Have you filed? To learn more, and to file – there is no charge to do so -- go to fincen.gov.
| |
AZ Distance Classic back in OV this Sunday | |
|
------After a 5-year absence, the TMC Health Arizona Distance Classic footrace is returning to Oro Valley this Sunday, March 2.
------The resurrected 13.1-mile half-marathon, 6.55-mile quarter-marathon, and 5-kilometer run and walk begin at 7 a.m. Sunday on the campus of Diamond member Roche Tissue Diagnostics, 1910 E. Innovation Park Drive.
------Race director Randy Accetta of Run Tucson expected about 1,000 runners and walkers, 50 vendors, sponsors, food trucks and civic leaders to participate.
------The nonprofit Chamber member Southern Arizona Roadrunners purchased the race, and is producing it with support from Run Tucson.
------The Arizona Distance Classic began in 2005, and was held annually in Oro Valley until the onset of the pandemic.
------TMC Health is the distance classic’s title sponsor. Other sponsors are Ridgway Private Wealth, Rightsure Insurance Group, The Running Shop, Roadrunner Race Timing, Southwest Endurance Training, El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, Roche Tissue Diagnostics, Arizona Pristine Roofing, Natural Grocers and Skratch Labs.
------Net proceeds benefit St. Luke’s Home, which provides aid to low-income elders in an assisted living community.
------Accetta thanked TMC, Roche Tissue Diagnostics, your Chamber, the town, Silver member Golder Ranch Fire District for providing ambulance support, and the Oro Valley Police Department for managing route safety.
| |
County starts summer youth work enrollment this Monday | |
|
------Pima County begins enrollment for its longstanding, popular Summer Youth Employment Program this Monday, March 3.
------The program is open to teens and young adults ages 14 to 21 who want to gain work experience, develop new skills and advance their education, an invitation said.
------It places youth into paid intern positions in public service offices, parks, libraries, hospitals, nonprofits, and many other workplaces. Work hours range from 20 to 30 hours a week, with the program lasting June 2 to June 27. The minimum pay is $15.75 an hour.
------In 2024, more than 200 worksites, including 50-plus Pima County departments, were developed for the Summer Youth Employment Program.
------Interested youth can apply online here. They may also find paper copies of the applications at schools and community centers. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Monday, March 31.
------Anyone interested in having their workplace become a jobsite for interns can fill out a worksite request form on the county website, or call 520-724-9649.
| |
Proposals requested for Extra Space public art | |
|
------Artists are invited to submit proposals for a permanent public art installation in Oro Valley by Wednesday, March 26.
------Extra Space Storage is expanding its campus at 8710 N. Oracle in Oro Valley. Under Oro Valley’s 1% for Public Art program, the business has established a $50,000 budget for the art.
------Chamber member the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance administers the art effort. Art must be bright and vibrant, with “abstract interpretations of moving, shipping, or site themes. The work would be “highly visible from Oracle Road,” SAACA said, and it must be long-lasting, low-maintenance and vandal-resistant.
------To learn more, click here.
| |
|
Public Safety Day event
March 1 at Tucson Mall
| |
|
------More than 25 law enforcement and public safety agencies from across the region are participating in Public Safety Day, a free, family-friendly event Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tucson Mall.
------There will be helicopters, games and giveaways, informative safety booths, free car seat checks, free bike helmets, fire engines, ladder trucks, K-9 units, drones and more.
------“Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day of smiles, community and more!” an invitation said.
------Safety First Saturday is presented by the Tucson Police Department, Tucson Fire and Tucson Medical Center’s TMC for Children.
| |
OV night with Roadrunners hockey is Sunday, March 16 | |
|
------It’s Oro Valley Community Night on Sunday, March 16, when Copper member Tucson Roadrunners hockey club takes the ice with San Jose at the Tucson Convention Center.
------Your Chamber and the Town of Oro Valley are working with the Roadrunners to offer discounted tickets. There are special St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, with t-shirts for the first 1,000 fans. The Roadrunners plan special recognition for Oro Valley businesses and organizations.
------The Out of Kilters present a pre-game concert. Doors open at 3 p.m.; the first puck drops at 4 p.m.
------To get your tickets, click here.
| |
Wisdom Wednesday visits Republic Services Recycling Plant | |
|
------On February 19, members of our Chamber’s Wisdom Wednesday group had the opportunity to tour Chamber member Republic Services’ recycling plant—the only recycling facility in the Greater Tucson area. The facility handles materials from all major local waste carriers, including Waste Management and the City of Tucson Environmental Services.
------During the tour, we got a behind-the-scenes look at the advanced technology used to sort recyclables. Together with manual sorting, the facility uses optical sorting technology, which relies on high-resolution cameras and sensors to identify materials based on color, shape, and composition. Once identified, materials are separated through targeted air jets. This technology is particularly effective at sorting plastics, metals, and other recyclables, helping improve efficiency and reduce contamination.
------Some helpful recycling tips:
DO:
- Rinse out containers to remove food residue.
- Flatten cardboard to save space.
- Stick to accepted items like paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, metal cans, and glass (yes, glass is recyclable in Tucson!).
DON’T:
- Recycle plastic bags, styrofoam, or greasy pizza boxes.
- Bag your recyclables—keep them loose.
- Throw in items that aren’t actually recyclable ('wish-cycling').
------A big thank you to Republic Services for hosting us and sharing their expertise. It was a great reminder of how small changes at home can make a big impact on our community’s sustainability efforts. To learn more, go to recyclingsimplified.com.
| |
Home Experts Collaborative kicks off with a mixer! | |
------On January 18, the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce’s newly formed Home Experts Collaborative held its inaugural mixer at Chamber member Arizona Appliance, bringing together professionals from the home services industry for an evening of connection and collaboration.
------Attendees enjoyed delicious dishes prepared by Chef Gabe while building relationships and discovering new opportunities within the industry. The event highlighted the group's mission of creating a space for intentional networking, where members can forge strong connections, collaborate on projects, and confidently refer trusted partners within the Chamber.
------The Home Experts Collaborative is a brand-new, industry-specific group within the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. It brings together a diverse range of businesses that specialize in home services—including painters, appliance specialists, realtors, home builders, landscapers, HVAC professionals, locksmiths, and more. The goal is simple: to cultivate a robust network of experts who can share insights on industry trends, collaborate on new projects, and support each other's growth. Whether you’re seeking trusted business partners, new opportunities, or a community of professionals who understand the home services industry, the Home Experts Collaborative offers a valuable platform to help your business thrive.
------The Home Experts Collaborative is just getting started, with more exciting events and opportunities on the horizon. For any questions or to learn how you can get involved, please reach out to Leah Bahan, Business Development Director of your Chamber.
| Rotary club collects items to aid California recovery | |
|
------California’s recovery from devastating wildfires is ongoing, and supplies are needed for cleanup, seniors, health and personal care, and pets.
------The Dove Mountain Rotary Club is helping to organize the collection of essential items.
------“Many residents in our Marana community have lived in those areas, or have friends and family who have been directly impacted by this tragedy,” a call for help said.
------It is gathering shovels, rakes, work gloves, leaf bags and cleaning supplies. Adults need adult diapers, flushable wipes and protein drinks. Bandages, tape and medical gloves help, as well as toilet paper, paper towels, tissue packets and lip balm. Pets need leashes, litter, food and blankets.
------To give, contact past president Aleta M. Wiener at aletamae@earthlink.com, or call 520-429-8642.
| |
Neighbors invited to 'adopt a hole' at PR9 | |
|
------The Pusch Ridge Golf Course has implemented an “adopt-a-hole” program, and it is seeking volunteers.
------“Adopting a hole is easy,” said Chamber member Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf. Manicuring a hole is fun, good exercise, and most importantly ... a valuable contribution to the course!
------Hole “owners” fill in divots, repair ball marks, and rake sand traps before or after play. The pro shop provides sand and seed mix for divot repair.
------To volunteer, stop by the pro shop, or email Thursday.puschridgegolf@gmail.com.
| |
Gotcha Covered to serve North Tucson with new center | |
|
------Gotcha Covered, a leader in custom window treatment consultation in the U.S. and Canada, has announced the opening of Gotcha Covered of North Tucson/Marana. The new location is owned and operated by Kathy Cantoli.
------With an emphasis on end-to-end consultations, the new center provides the best in soft and hard window treatments to property owners in the North Tucson area by offering a variety of blinds, draperies, smart solutions and much more.
------“Kathy has a remarkable science background and is proof that franchise ownership is for anyone who wants to step into entrepreneurship,” said David Dunsmuir, president of Gotcha Covered. “The rugged desert landscape and stunning night sky in the North Tucson area is a surreal backdrop for life in Arizona, and we know that Kathy will be a tremendous asset to the community.”
------Prior to joining Gotcha Covered, Cantoli pursued a career in astronomy and served at NASA in gamma ray astronomy. After her time at NASA, she spent 25 years in software performance engineering. In her free time, Cantoli loves spending time under the dark skies of Tucson, stargazing and doing astrophotography with her husband.
It was her interest in interior design that led Cantoli to Gotcha Covered.
------“I’ve always had a passion for interior design, and starting my own Gotcha Covered franchise gives me an opportunity to follow that passion,” Cantoli said. “I love working with so many options of fabrics, colors and treatment styles, pulling them together to create the aesthetic my clients have envisioned.”
------Adding 30 new franchise locations in 2023, Gotcha Covered currently has over 170 total franchises across the U.S. and Canada. The franchise has been operating under the Gotcha Covered name since 2009.
------To schedule an appointment with Gotcha Covered of North Tucson/Marana, visit https://www.gotchacovered.com/north-tucson-marana/.
| |
Elite Theater Academy presents Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Kids | |
|
------Mark your calendars for a sweet treat! Chamber member Elite Theater Academy is bringing the enchanting world of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Kids to the stage on Saturday, April 5th, at 6 p.m., at the Berger Performing Arts Center, located at 1200 W Speedway Blvd.
------This beloved musical features words and music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy A. McDonald. The show is based on the timeless classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, promising a delightful adventure through Willy Wonka’s whimsical world.
------Tickets are available now at elitetheateracademy.com for just $13.
| |
Mata Ortiz pottery show, demos at store March 1-2 | |
|
------Discover the elegant Mata Ortiz pottery of master ceramicist Jorge Quintana at the National Parks Store this Saturday and Sunday, March 1 and 2.
------The trunk show is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The National Parks Store, located within the Western National Parks Association quarters in Oro Valley’s Innovation Park, remains accessible Sunday during the Arizona Distance Classic footrace.
------Quintana presents daily pottery firings and artist demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day. Pottery and Zapotec rugs will be available for purchase.
------The website is wnpa.org.
| |
Saguaro City seeking volunteers to tell story | |
|
------Chamber member Saguaro City Music Theatre is seeking “enthusiastic volunteers” to “help tell our story.”
------Saguaro City is asking for help representing it at various events in the coming months. “All volunteers will receive two tickets to an upcoming show,” the request said.
------Volunteers get the chance to bond with community members, enhance their leadership skills, support a local non-profit, and see a show.
------They’re asked to talk about upcoming shows and classes, distribute materials and engage with the community.
------To learn more, or to volunteer, click here.
| |
OVHS celebrates Arizona's birthday | |
|
------It’s Arizona’s 113th birthday, and the Oro Valley Historical Society is celebrating! Come visit us at historic Steam Pump Ranch for our new exhibit at the Pusch House – Arizona from Territory to Statehood! See the story about how we were almost one state combined with New Mexico, and how this area of cowboys, stagecoach drivers, miners, and more became statesmen and the process they had to go through. The exhibit will be at the Museum on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon through March 15 and is FREE to all, with donations gladly accepted. Volunteers will be on site to answer questions and provide additional information.
------Want to know more about the Ranch itself? You are in luck! Outdoor enthusiast, volunteer, and outdoor activity guide at Miraval, Paul Canez, will be giving two-hour long walking tours of the Ranch, the first at 9:15 a.m. and the second at 10:30 a.m. You will learn about the historical figures and the flora and fauna of Ranch life while enjoying the aromas of fresh coffee and home-made crepes from the Heirloom Farmers’ Market. Again, the tour is FREE and we are grateful for donations to keep Oro Valley History alive!
------Steam Pump Ranch is located at 10901 North Oracle Road. www.ovhistory.org
| |
Spawell has a discounted massage for a limited time | |
|
------Chamber member spawell has a special, limited-time offer.
------Guests are able to select an 80-minute Signature massage with a complimentary aromatherapy enhancement or a Signature facial. Those services, regularly priced at $275, are on special now for $195.
------Restrictions may apply. Click here to reserve your appointment.
------Spawell “embraces the synergy between body and mind, energy and wellness, love and beauty.” It is located at Chamber Platinum member El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort. Spawell is just below the resort at 10000 N. Oracle. The phone is 520-214-7470, the website https://www.hiltonelconquistador.com/spa.
| |
Sonoran Audiology is celebrating their grand opening with a ribbon cutting. Join us to celebrate this new business in our community. We'll see you there! | |
|
Dive into a world of knowledge and growth at our Wisdom Wednesdays! We'll be learning about OSHA rules and regulations with the Arizona Department of Health and Safety. If you want a refresher on this information or if you have questions, don't miss out on this opportunity.
| |
|
Join us for a morning mixer before you head into the office and get the chance to learn from and grow with other community members. We'll meet at Tucson Auto Museum's brand new location! There will be coffee and treats, and you can learn about the variety of cars on display from Executive Director and long time friend of the Chamber, Otton Suarez. There's no better way to start your Friday!
| |
Interested in High-Level Membership? Email Leah for more information! | |
|
Executive Committee
Chair: Ron Arenas, Picture Rocks Cooling, Heating & Plumbing
Vice Chair: Susan Swan, Swan Pilates
Secretary: Zoe Burcham, Kinghorn Law | Financial
Treasurer: Mary Schulz, Schulz Financial Group
Board Members
Bruce Barnett, Pima Federal Credit Union
Cody Barnhart, Oro Valley Hospital
Lisa Bayless, The Lisa Bayless Team at Long Realty
Lydia Camarillo, Golder Ranch Fire District
Shelby Francom, El Conquistador Tucson A Hilton Resort
Renee McCuistion, America First Credit Union
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
Dan Wesson, The Post Workspaces
Ex-Officio: Paul Melcher, Town of Oro Valley
| |
|
President & CEO
Kristen Sharp
Business Development Director
Leah Bahan
Events and Communications Director
Makenna Markley
Member Engagement Director
Joni Bates
Operations Director
Leah Noreng
| | | | |
