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WEEKLY UPDATE

Jun. 6, 2025

UPCOMING EVENTS

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.

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!

  Please join us on Thursday, June 12 at El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort for an Awards Breakfast to recognize outstanding young scholarship recipients and their families.

  The breakfast buffet begins at 8:30 a.m., the program promptly at 9 a.m. Tickets are $50 and each one helps provide a free breakfast for a scholarship recipient.

  Please arrive in plenty of time to park, go through the buffet line and be seated for the program to begin at 9 a.m.

OV to form tourism advisory commission

By Dave Perry

------Oro Valley is establishing a tourism advisory commission, intended to provide the town council and staff “citizen advice on items related to tourism and hospitality,” according to a town report.

------Members of the 5-member citizen commission, formalized by the Oro Valley Town Council on June 4, would be drawn from people who have experience in hospitality, attractions, leisure and business travel, marketing and promotions, and other travel-related businesses, according to Paul Melcher, Oro Valley’s community and economic development director.

------Collectively, the panel would have “a level of expertise to understand what staff is developing” in its effort to attract tourists, Melcher said.

------Councilmember Mary Murphy would serve as the council’s liaison to the commission. She and Melcher plan to interview applicants, and make recommendations for appointment.

------Each member would serve a 3-year term, with terms staggered. Monthly meetings are anticipated the first year, with quarterly meetings in subsequent years.

------“It’s perfect timing,” Melcher said, because the commission should be in place to give input on formative budget and operating priorities for the town’s destination marketing organization, Explore OV.

First winner in Locals Eat

Local Sticker Hunt snags Prize

------Just four days into the Locals Eat Local Sticker Hunt, your Chamber has its first challenge completer! Carson Lemcke, an Ironwood Ridge grad and soon-to-be sophomore at Chamber Gold member the University of Arizona, completed the challenge by spending at least $20 at five participating local restaurants - Handel's Ice Cream, La Hacienda, Tucson Tamale Company, Breadsmith, and Panera Bread.

------Carson, who’s double majoring in Management Information Systems and Operations & Supply Chain Management, discovered the program while grabbing a scoop at Handel’s Ice Cream. After spotting the sticker, he decided to dive in.

------“It’s a good way to not only check out new restaurants,” Carson said, adding that he hadn’t been to Tohono Chul Garden Bistro before the hunt, “but a great way to give back to the community because it’s awesome.”

------The Locals Eat Local Sticker Hunt encourages people to visit participating restaurants to collect unique stickers, there are 20 in total to discover. As an added bonus, anyone who spends $20 or more at five different participating restaurants can claim a prize from the Oro Valley Chamber: either a custom cutting board, shown above, or a hat-and-bag combo. The hunt continues all summer long!

------Ready to start your collection? Grab a friend, your appetite, and hit the town! You can pick up your map at the Chamber office or Oro Valley Library, or, just download the Explore Oro Valley app to get started!

OV's free public art tours have a few slots remaining

------A few slots remain in Oro Valley’s free public art tour schedule.

------The resurrected program, operated this spring on a pilot basis, takes guests on 2-hour tours on Sundays and Wednesdays through Sunday, June 29. Each tour starts and ends at Chamber member The Hoppy Vine, 12125 N. Oracle, in Oro Valley Marketplace.

------Arizona Winery Tours 14-passenger, air-conditioned buses are used to whisk guests to more than 20 public art locations. There are restroom breaks, and a 20-minute stop at Oro Valley Hospital to view its extensive public art collection.

------This year’s tours are free “to gather feedback on the public art tour experience,” an invitation said.

------To book your tour, click here.

------For ADA accommodations, call 520-229-4800.

Big bash at OV's JDK Park on Friday, July 4

------Save the date of Friday, July 4, when America celebrates its Oro Valley, and Oro Valley puts on a show of its own.

------Oro Valley’s free Fourth of July party is set for James D. Kriegh Park, on Calle Concordia in Oro Valley.

------Guests can enjoy live music, food trucks, a beer garden, jumping castles, kids’ crafts, lawn games and more, an invitation said.

------The Oro Valley Aquatic Center offers reduced admission from noon to 5 p.m. The event proper runs from 6:15 to 9:20 p.m., when the fireworks fly. The Lucky Devils Band is performing in the evening.

------Chamber member The Lisa Bayless Team is once again sponsoring the local celebration.

Ways to save water, money at your business, in your home

------It’s getting hot. Water rates are about to rise. But there are a few things businesses can do to save water, according to a “Water: Do more with less” flyer.

------Among the ways businesses can save water:

------Switch to high-efficiency toilets. They can save 7,000 gallons a year;

------Install a “smart” irrigation controller, and save thousands of gallons;

------Use a broom instead of a hose to clean sidewalks and parking areas;

------Fix leaks right away. They are “silent but significant water waters,” according to the Oro Valley Water Utility.

------The utility has further suggestions, to include:

------Choose water- and energy-efficient appliances;

------Install low-flow faucets;

------Manage your water use and water bill with the free WaterSmart program at orovalley.watersmart.com;

------Save water and money on your Pima County sewer bill. Keep your overall water use low in December, January, and February.

------Choose native or low water use plants and limit water features.

$5 'Family Fun Days' each Sunday at OV aquatic center

------Oro Valley is promoting $5 “Family Fun Days” at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center.

------Each Sunday through Aug. 3, families up to six can enjoy the pool and water features for $5. All ages are welcome. It’s another $5 for each additional family member.

------The Oro Valley Aquatic Center is located at 23 W. Calle Concordia. For information, go to playov.com.

Next 'dispose-a-med' this Saturday, 8-11 a.m., OVPD

------Oro Valley’s next “dispose-a-med” event is this Saturday, June 7, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Oro Valley Police Department’s main station.

------Residents may return pill-form medication in its original container. “No liquds, creams, aerosols or sharps,” a reminder said.

------The service is free, and all are welcome. “Dispose-a-med” events keep pharmaceuticals out of water systems and landfills, and off the streets.

------The police station is located at 11000 N. La Canada.

Support local eateries,

seek stickers, win prizes

in ’25 ‘Locals Eat Local’

------The 2025 Oro Valley Sticker Hunt is on!

------Your Chamber’s 2025 “Locals Eat Local” campaign kicked off Sunday, June 1, with prizes, digital tools and games, and trivia about Oro Valley.

------Don't forget the stickers, specially designed by Maya Martin, a Tucsonan studying design arts and practices at the University of Arizona. Maya has created a unique sticker for each of the 20 participating Oro Valley restaurants. Collect them all; click here to learn more.

------Individuals and families who download the Explore OV app can win prizes by spending at least $20 at five participating restaurants. Prizes include a cutting board in the shape of Arizona, complete with state map and a heart over Oro Valley. Or they earn an Oro Valley hat / cloth shopping bag combination. To download the Explore OV app, click here.

------“By choosing to support our local restaurants, you are helping to keep unique dining options in our community, supporting local businesses and their employees, and investing in our community,” the Locals Eat Local flyer reads. “Local restaurants support nonprofits and sports leagues, utilize local flavors and ingredients, and make Oro Valley a wonderful place to live.”

------Your Chamber is investing more than $6,000 in Locals Eat Local this year, according to President / CEO Kristen Sharp.

------Participating restaurants are The Views Restaurant, La Hacienda #10 Mexican Restaurant, Cheers to You! Nutrition, Rosati’s Pizza, Peachwave Frozen Yogurt, Fork & Fire Smokehouse, Savaya Coffee, OV Pizza & Pints, Just Kabab, Breadsmith, Noble Hops, Nautical Bowls, Panera Bread, DiBella’s Brunch & Booze, Oranju, Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, Tucson Tamale Company, and Tohono Chul Garden Bistro.

Thank you to May new and renewing members!

Renewing Gold Member:

New Members: Angel Arms Adult Placement Services LLC, Assisted Living Locators North Tucson, Diviti Adora Infrared & Red Light Studio, Edward Jones Hector Aguilar, Ell Real Estate Group eXp Realty, Epstein Construction LLC, FACE FOUNDRIE Tucson, Fast Park & Relax, FLC Global Technologies, Hallmark Roofing, Lionsgate Law Brokerage & Advisory, Tucson Tamale, and ZenBusiness

Renewing Members: 2LU Consultants LLC, Associated Benefits Specialists Inc., Beyond with Bernard, Casas Christian School, Corie Sue's Creations, Foothills Bank, Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library, Fuchsia Day Spa La Encantada, Gourmet Girls Gluten-Free Bakery - Bistro, La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, Leader Law Firm, Momentum Chiropractic and Medical, PMHDC - Southwest Medical Aid, Pusch Ridge Dental dba Michelle Romero-Chavez D.D.S., Southwest Solutions, Spenga Tucson, SYNERGY HomeCare, The Country Club of La Choola, The SaddleBrooke Progress, Tucson Bicycle Progress, Tucson Bicycle Classic, and Vector Impressions

We've reached breakfast ticket goal; let's exceed it!

------We’ve reached the goal – more than 30 tickets have been purchased for your Chamber Foundation’s 2025 Mayor Steve Engle Memorial Scholarship Breakfast.

------Help us reach new heights; please join us for the breakfast, to be held this Thursday, June 12, starting at 8:30 a.m. at Chamber Platinum member El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort.

------Each ticket we sell helps buy breakfast for the families of our 20 scholarship recipients. “We want to make this a special family celebration,” said Foundation board chair Dave Perry. “Help us to help make memories happen.”

------For the second year in a row, your Chamber’s Foundation is distributing a record $30,000 in scholarships to 20 deserving students from across the Northwest and region. Among our expected guests are Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield, Councilmember Dr. Harry “Mo” Greene II, Amphitheater Public Schools Superintendent Todd Jaeger, Pima College Foundation executive director Marcy Euler, and many others.

------To buy your ticket, click here.

Chamber Members Rally to

Support Cody Fire Evacuees

------When the Cody Fire forced evacuations in Oracle last month, members of the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce responded with swift and generous support.

------A temporary shelter was established by the American Red Cross of Southern Arizona at Canyon del Oro High School. The Red Cross reached out to your Chamber asking for support in providing meals for those sheltering at CDO.

------Chamber member restaurants responded swiftly. OV Pizza & Pints, Tucson Tamale Company, DiBella’s Brunch & Booze, Just Kabab, Noble Hops, Stacks Book Club and Kustom Restoration all donated to support evacuees at the shelter. Panera Bread, Fork & Fire Smokehouse + Taproom, Catalina Craft Pizza and Tohono Chul Garden Bistro also offered donations, although the immediate needs were ultimately met.

------This outpouring of generosity highlights the compassion and commitment of Oro Valley’s business community. In times of crisis, Chamber members consistently show up to take care of their neighbors.

------A heartfelt THANK YOU to all who donated and supported those impacted by the Cody Fire.

Megan George new ED at Amphi Foundation

------Megan George is the new executive director of the Amphitheater Public Schools Foundation.

------Julie Charters has been promoted to community impact director.

------The Foundation’s board is announcing this “exciting new chapter” with people who’ve been associated with the organization.

------George has served on the Foundation’s board of directors for two years, “contributing invaluable leadership and a deep passion for our mission,” the announcement said.

------She has chaired the annual gala, and led the 2021 “virtual day of giving.” George is a longtime advocate of public education and a volunteer within the district. Megan and her husband, Matt, enjoy adventures with their two sons, Owen and Jacob, both Amphi students.

------Charters has been “instrumental in growing our programs, building trusted school partnerships, and expanding essential support services,” the announcement said. She is a proud parent to Amphi students Thomas and Bradley, and Kaylie, who graduated from the district.

------“Together, Megan and Julie will form a passionate, collaborative leadership team, blending strategic vision, program knowledge, and a shared commitment to student success,” the board said. “Their combined experience positions the Amphi Foundation to grow stronger community partnerships and continue closing educational opportunity gaps across our district.”

------Megan George is ready to connect. She can be reached now at mgeorge@amphi.com.

Nest forms a gift basket partnership with Realtors

------Chamber member Nest in the Desert has created a Tucson Realtor partnership.

------Participants can treat their clients to “a beautifully curated gift basket filled with premium home décor items” from Nest in the Desert, located in Oro Valley’s Plaza Escondida at Oracle and Magee.

------Gift baskets strengthen relationships, foster loyalty, and elevate your business, an invitation said. There’s a 20% discount on your first welcome basket.

------Nest in the Desert is located at 7954 N. Oracle, Oro Valley. The website is nestinthedesert.com.

Bryan and Koko perform blues, rock at Fork & Fire

------Bryan and Koko perform blues and rock at the next Oro Valley Summer Concert on Friday, June 13, at Chamber member Fork & Fire.

------The show runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fork & Fire, located on the east side of Oro Valley Marketplace. Admission is free.

------Bryan and Koko is “a fiery blues duo” featuring the guitar stylings of Bryan Dean and bass from Koko. It’s an offshoot of the popular Bryan Dean Trio.

------“The band believes in improvisation rather than exact repeats of the tunes to keep the audience captivated,” an invitation said.

------Fork & Fire is located at 11835 N. Oracle Road, Suite 101, Oro Valley. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

------The summer concert series is presented by the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance and the Town of Oro Valley.

Absolutely Art hosting workshops through June

------Workshops are set for the summer at Absolutely Art Gallery & Gifts in Catalina.

------The Chamber member gallery offers Gelli printing and collage workshops on Wednesday, June 11, and fused glass workshops on two Sundays, June 15 and 29. Guests are encouraged to call 520-818-1242 for details.

------The Catalina business, located at 16701 N. Oracle, Suite 171 in Catalina, shows the art of more than 130 Arizona artists. It is open daily, and promoting “great Father’s Day gifts” as well as affordable art.

------The website is absolutelyartgallery.com.

To get 'unstuck' on your biz idea, try the OV StartupZone

------Do you have a business idea or startup, but find yourself stuck?

------Find the “community to unstuck yourself” most Saturdays at your Chamber, which hosts StartupZone events.

------Work, learn and collaborate with other entrepreneurs and mentors from 9 a.m. to noon at the Chamber office, 1822 E. Innovation Park Drive, Oro Valley.

------Nonprofit Startup Zones are “collaborative collision spaces in small towns fostering the growth of entrepreneurs and startup ideas,” an invitation said. It is a “no sales, no consulting” zone.

------Go to startupzones.org/ovaz.

Corie Sue's at Tucson Summer Sizzle with Chamber discount

------Corinne Babcock, owner of Corie Sue's Creations, will have a booth at the Tucson Summer Sizzle Craft and Vendor Market held June 7-8 at the Park Place Mall (5870 E. Broadway). The market is indoors at the mall from 11 am - 8 pm on Saturday June 7th and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday. Let Corinne know you are a Chamber member and you will receive $5 off on any products over $20.

Sol Dog 'Donuts, Donations & Dogs' event Saturday, 6/7

------Sol Dog Lodge and Training Center hosts its next Donuts, Donations & Dogs fund-raising event on Saturday, June 7, from 7 to 11 a.m. at its newly opened 11862 N. Tangerine Business Loop campus.

------Pet food is being collected for the Marana Food Bank.

------Sol Dog Lodge dog trainers plan to be “in the house” from 7 to 9 a.m. to meet people and answer questions about dog training, according to Shelley Harris of Sol Dog Lodge. The Al Gusto Coffee Company is going to be in the parking lot, and owner Aldo Boccaccio has agreed to give a free cup of coffee to anyone who makes a pet food donation, Harris said. The donuts are free.

------“Join for a bark and brew morning mingle where pets and caffeine meet,” an invitation said.

------Sol Dog Lodge is beginning its rattlesnake avoidance classes on Sundays in the summer starting June 1. Sessions, presented by Animal Experts Inc., must be booked. They run from 7 to 10 a.m. June 1, July 6, Aug. 3 and Sept. 21. The cost is $125 per session. To schedule, call Marc at 520-272-1825.

------Boarding slots at Sol Dog are booked solid the rest of May and much of June, Harris said. “It’s incredible the support we’ve received from Gladden Farms and Dove Mountain,” she said.

------The website is soldoglodge.com.

Bourne, ensemble performing

Sunday, June 8, at Gaslight

------Joe Bourne and his “exceptional ensemble” are performing the music of legendary composers Cole Porter, George Gershwin and others on Sunday, June 8, at Chamber member The Gaslight Music Hall in Oro Valley.

------The show, with special guest pianist and vocalist Susan Artemis, starts at 6 p.m. at The Gaslight, 13005 North Oracle. To purchase tickets, click here.

------June 9 is the 134th anniversary of Porter’s birth. His remarkable career spanned more than eight decades, during which he composed more than 800 songs. Among them are classics such as “Begin the Beguine,” “From This Moment On,” “In The Still of The Night,” “Night and Day,” and “Anything Goes.”

------“Do not miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the enchantment of these musical legends,” Joe said in an invitation. “It promises to be an unforgettable night of musical magic.”

Timeless Play hiring, has

more hours for the summer

------Chamber member Timeless Play is hiring a full-time assistant director for its Oro Valley Marketplace location.

------Co-founder Rosalind Prather is seeking an “exceptional, experienced child care professional looking for a long-term position with a growing company.”

------Skills in high-quality childcare, management, small business operations, customer service, sales and marketing are preferred.

------Rosalind can be reached at rprather@timelessplay.com.

------Timeless Play is now open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m-5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 to 5 during the summer months. The super-discounted summer membership special is $49.

------Timeless Play is an “innovative drop-off play center” combining “fun, creativity, and care in a safe, screen-free environment,” it said. “Designed for busy parents, we offer flexible, as-needed childcare options that fit your schedule.

------“Welcome to summer,” an invitation said. “We've got you covered on all things childcare.”

------The website is timelessplay.com. The address is 1880 E. Tangerine, Suite 150, on the west side of Oro Valley Marketplace.

UPCOMING EVENTS

A special gathering of nonprofits dedicated to mutual support and collaboration to strengthen our collective ability to serve our communities.

This meeting will provide a valuable opportunity to:

• Share insights about your organization’s mission and programs
• Share challenges
• Learn about each other’s work
• Network with other nonprofits to foster partnerships
• Discover ways to complement and enhance services

Dive into a world of knowledge and growth at our Wisdom Wednesdays!

Right at Home Tucson will be leading this workshop on Dementia. Dementia Live Training offers a unique, hands on experience to help you "walk in the shoes" of someone living with dementia. Participants will gain awareness of the challenges associated with cognitive changes and leave with valuable tips and tools to improve communication and connection. The team will bring specialized gear that simulates dementia - specific changes, including altered eyesight, hearing, and tactile sensation.

We'll see you there! 

Join us for our June 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!

Join us on the last Friday of each month for a relaxed and engaging get-together with fellow members of the Home Experts Collaborative. This informal event is designed to foster connections, share insights, and build lasting relationships in a comfortable, family friendly setting. Members are encouraged to bring guests, including spouses and children. Attendees are responsible for their own food and drinks, so feel free to order what suits your taste! To ensure the restaurant can plan accordingly, we kindly ask that attendees sign up in advance.

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. 

View All Upcoming Events

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Interested in High-Level Membership? Email Leah for more information!

Board of Directors

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

Ex-Officio: Paul Melcher, Town of Oro Valley

Chamber Staff

President & CEO

Kristen Sharp

Business Development Director

Leah Bahan

Events and Communications Director

Makenna Markley

Member Engagement Director

Joni Bates

Operations Director

Leah Noreng