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July's presenter is Greg Durnan with Chamber Gold member Acacia IT speaking on the very important topic of cyber security and best practices for non-profits. This issue becomes more important as non-profits face a growing number of cyberattacks of various types due to a combination of factors like limited resources, reliance on volunteers and the valuable data they hold.
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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!
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This event is an invite only reception for our High-Level members to be honored. Our Chamber would not be able to function without the love and support from our High-Level members, and we are thrilled to honor them with this event. Join us for a cocktail hour with desserts and to receive an award, we are thrilled to celebrate with you!
For more information about High Level Membership, please contact Makenna.
| | Gen Z Committee publishes housing letter | | |
------ Your Chamber’s Gen Z Committee is urging Oro Valley leadership to create more diverse, attainable housing.
In a July 9 letter to Mayor Joe Winfield, members of the town council, staff and residents, Gen Z calls for more mid-tier rentals, townhomes and mixed-use developments, an easier path to higher-density housing, and infrastructure that supports a local, year-round workforce, to include public transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly design.
Gen Z members are young (under 30) early-career professionals. Your Chamber’s Gen Z Committee is “deeply invested in the town’s future,” but finds its voice in OV’s Path Forward, the town’s general planning process, hampered by lack of residency.
“Many of Oro Valley’s dedicated educators, healthcare providers, service workers, and small business employees want to live and grow here but simply can’t afford to do so,” Gen Z said in its letter. “As a result, many cannot formally participate in the OV Path Forward general planning, despite being directly impacted as local workers.”
A number of committee members commute from outside the community to Oro Valley jobs. The average Oro Valley rent of $1,466 a month “exceeds what many essential workers can afford.” Most apartment communities are nearly full. Single-family home prices in Oro Valley “are far beyond reach for early-career professionals and young families,” they write.
As a result, businesses must turn outside Oro Valley to find help. Employers have difficulty recruiting and keeping talent. Workers are disconnected from the community they serve, the letter continues.
“This is not just a workforce issue, it’s an economic and sustainability challenge,” they said. “Without housing that is within the price range of younger residents and families, the town risks school closures, business stagnation and long-term population decline.
“Conversely, expanding housing options could lead to more consistent demand for childcare, fitness, dining and other services, strengthening local business and laying a foundation for future generations to live, work and play in OV,” they write.
“Oro Valley has spent decades building a safe, vibrant community,” Gen Z says. “Let’s ensure the people who power it every day can afford to call it home.”
The committee is “ready to collaborate on solutions that support a strong future for all generations.”
To read the full letter, click here. For the abridged version, click here.
| | Locals Eat Local cracks 50 winners | | |
------More than 50 people have won prizes in Locals Eat Local, your Chamber’s summertime shop-local campaign to aid local restaurants.
------Crystal Franke, destination marketing manager for the town of Oro Valley, reports 51 prize-winners and 524 “check-ins” for the contest through the ExploreOV app. That corresponds to not less than $10,480 in business driven to 20 participating restaurants.
------If you visit 5 restaurants and spend $20 at each, you’ll earn a special prize from the Chamber – an Arizona cutting board, or an Oro Valley hat and cloth shopping bag. Download the ExploreOV app to sign up, create your account, and go eat. Stop by the Chamber to select your prize. If you'd like a cutting board, hurry! There are only 10 left.
------Local restaurants taking part in the Locals Eat Local promotion are The Views Restaurant, La Hacienda, 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 Lemonade, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Handel’s Ice Cream, Tucson Tamale Company, and Tohono Chul Garden Bistro.
------To download the ExploreOV app, click here.
------Discover and enjoy great summertime food and drink, help local businesses, support jobs and keep the economic engine (and tax base) running.
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------Oro Valley Water Utility rates increased July 5. Higher charges should show up on August utility bills.
------On June 4, the Oro Valley Town Council adopted base rate and commodity rate increases totaling $1.81 a month for the typical residential water user, according to utility director Peter Abraham. The adjustments add up to a 3.6% hike for those users.
------The commodity rate for commercial and master-metered multi-family housing has been increased 10 cents per 1,000 gallons, from $2.92 to $3.02 per 1,000 gallons. That’s the same increase, and the identical rate, applied to the lowest-consuming single-family residential customers.
------Residential meters are typically connected to a 5/8ths-inch supply line. Customers with larger lines are seeing base rate hikes ranging from $1.66 per month for those with a 3/4ths-inch line, to an increase of $88.74 a month for customers with an 8-inch supply line.
------The package of increases presented to the town council is “probably our 10th iteration of this,” Abraham told the town council. “We strongly believe our community’s dollars are better suited in their pocket than our pocket. We will do our best to provide the highest-quality, least-expensive water possible.”
The Oro Valley Water Utility had 21,498 metered connections at the end of its 2023-’24 fiscal year.
| | Members taking part in county job fair Thursday | | |
------Pima County is partnering with employers in education and the public sector on a job fair next Thursday, July 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kino Event Center, 2805 E. Ajo Way.
------County departments are scheduled to attend, seeking candidates for positions. Many other public agencies plan to be there, among them Chamber members the Oro Valley Police Department, Pima Community College, and the Tucson Roadrunners.
------“Job seekers attending this fair will not only find representatives from several county departments, but they also can meet with partners in education, law enforcement, and other public agencies who will share the many meaningful ways they can contribute to our community’s future,” said Cathy Bohland, human resources director. “I’d encourage anyone looking for a fulfilling career while serving their community to come to this job fair and see what’s being offered.”
------The County will have computers available for job seekers to apply on-site. Applicants can explore all Pima County job openings at this link, or call 520-724-8028 and ask for recruitment.
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Foundation announces
nonprofit grant process
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------Your Chamber Foundation is ready to accept applications for 2025 community impact grants.
------The awards are made to qualifying nonprofit organizations making a positive impact in our communities. The Foundation supports efforts to help people in need, youth, seniors, the arts and culture.
------Last year, the Foundation awarded a total of $30,450 in grants to 9 recipients.
------Priority is given to Chamber-member organizations.
------The application deadline is Aug. 15.
------To learn more, contact Andrew at your Chamber office, intern@orovalleychamber.com.
| | Thank you to our June new and renewing members! | | |
Renewing Copper Member:
Sonora Behavioral Health
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Renewing Silver Member:
Tucson Federal Credit Union
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New Members: 180* Designs LLC, Camp Bow Wow, elumenEd LLC, Hearts of Gold Police Family Outreach Foundation, JCP Electric Inc., Red Light Method Oro Valley, Research for Life, The Desert Duo Group Realty Executives AZ Terr, Wilson Educational Consulting
Renewing Members: A Senior Journey, Arizona Mobile Lock & Key, Arizona Self Storage, AZ Southwest CPA Services, Balloom Lady / Sign Gypsies, Body Fit Training, Boreale Law, Catalina Springs Memory Care, CBIZ Benefits and Insurance Services, Clayco Electric Inc Solar Specialist, Cox Communications, Desert Springs Gracious Retirement Living, Flying Fish Arizona Swim Team (FAST), Fork & Fire Smokehouse + Taproom, Fusion Strategic Alliance, HealthySkin Dermatology, Hearts of Gold Pet Services, IMPACT of Southern Arizona, Linda Vista Luxury Rentals, National Bank of Arizona - Oro Valley, Oro Valley Daily Money Manager, Pet Supplies Plus, Pima County JTED, Piper Family Painting, Rob Young Insurance Services, Sign Magic Inc., Soss & Associates, Southwest Investment Advisors, Tohono Chul Garden Bistro, Town West Realty, Tucson Airport Authority
| | Amphi Foundation reinvested $328K in the last school year | | |
------The Amphi Foundation reinvested $328,041 in Amphitheater Public Schools in the last fiscal year, according to a note from new executive director Megan George.
------She detailed the “incredible impact” made by supporters during the 2024-25 school year.
------“While the classrooms may be quiet for summer, the generosity of our supporters continues to resonate across the district,” George said.
------Last school year, the Amphi Foundation:
* provided 616 students with new shoes through the Clothing Bank and Shoes to Smiles;
* awarded $22,000 in scholarships to 10 graduating seniors;
* funded classroom supplies through Full STEAM Ahead;
* expanded the promising ECHO program;
* and supported summer programs that give kids a safe place to play, learn, and grow.
------“Because of your support, more Amphi students felt seen, supported, and ready to succeed,” George said. “As we look ahead, I’m excited to keep this momentum going and make 2025–26 our most impactful year yet.”
------The website is amphifoundation.org.
| | Next 'donuts, donations, dogs' event Aug. 2 at Pawsitive Vibes | | |
------Sol Dog Lodge presents its next Donuts, Donations and Dogs fundraiser and dog food collection event on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Pawsitive Vibes, 8591 N. Silverbell.
------Dog food gathered Aug. 2 benefits the Marana Food Bank. “Open bags are fine,” the invitation said. Guests enjoy free donuts and coffee.
------Sol Dog Lodge is participating in the Jim Click Millions for Tucson Raffle. Cash, checks and credit cards are welcome.
------Sol Dog Lodge is also starting group puppy classes starting Saturday, July 26, and running for five weeks. Puppy Preschool, for dogs 2-4 months, dogs, and Puppy Elementary for dogs up to 8 months can be “a vital start to a puppy’s life,” an invitation said.
------Interested individuals can call 520-345-0075, or go to soldoglodge.com.
| | Rosati's, Just Kabab invite you to dinner | | |
------Two Chamber member restaurants participating in Locals Eat Local are advertising special deals in the community.
------Rosati’s Pizza Beer Sports has daily specials. And it is advertising a free 12-inch cheese pizza with the purchase of any 18-inch pizza. Some restrictions apply, and you need a coupon.
------Rosati’s is located at 12152 N. Rancho Vistoso. Go to rosatistucson.com.
------Just Kabab is inviting guests to try its frozen ready-made meals. Chef Arash has prepared a range of 50 meals, bringing “the flavors from our kitchen to your home.”
------Just Kabab prepares grilled Middle Eastern food that is “healthy, hearty and affordable.” It’s located at 10420 N. La Canada, Suite 160 in Oro Valley. The website is justkababusa.com.
| | Next OV summer concerts at T&B North, The Hoppy Vine | | |
------Chamber member Tap & Bottle North is the place for the next Oro Valley Summer Concert series show this Saturday, July 12, from 6 to 8 p.m.
------The group Febbo, Fuentes & O’Connor performs Americana and Latin music at T&B North, 7254 North Oracle location. It’s on the northeast corner of Oracle and Ina right outside Oro Valley’s town limits.
------Mark Anthony Febbo, Oscar Fuentes and Tim O'Connor play originals and covers in a wide range of styles in both English and Spanish. Multi-instrumentalist O’Connor accompanies on fiddle, mandolin and saxophone.
------On the heels of that show, Dawn Krachey performs country music at Chamber member The Hoppy Vine, 12125 N. Oracle, Suite 137, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 18.
------Dawn, who lives in Oro Valley, is an experienced singer / songwriter who brings her appreciation of country and Americana / folk music to each performance.
------For more information, go to saaca.org.
| | Tohono Chul Park's 'Monsoon Market' pops up July 25-26 | | |
------Tohono Chul Park presents its Monsoon Market on Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26.
------Guests can celebrate “the spirit of the summer monsoon at this vibrant two-day pop-up market,” an invitation said. They’ll enjoy “a curated selection of native plant vendors, artisan makers, food and drink, and educational talks that dive into the wonders of our seasonal rains.”
------The Monsoon Market runs from 4 to 9 p.m. that Friday, and 7 a.m. to noon Saturday at the park, located at Ina and Paseo del Norte at Oro Valley’s southern tip. Admission is free.
------Friday guests can stick around for Chillin’ at the Chul, with live music, cocktails, educational talks and a “lively garden atmosphere.” That runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday.
------On Saturday, guests can shop for plants, discover something new at desert-inspired plant discovery stations, get up close with native critters during Reptile Ramble, and explore the gardens at the height of monsoon season.”
------The website is tohonochul.org.
| | OV Style now bigger, bolder and glossier | | |
------OV Style is “bigger, better and bolder,” according to publisher Kevin Boerup.
------OV Style is now a larger-format, glossy publication tailored to the Oro Valley lifestyle, he said. It is distributed to Oro Valley households via the U.S. Postal Service, as well as major resorts and public libraries.
------OV Style claims a reach of more than 58,000 readers. It is available in both print and digital formats.
------“This change speaks directly to the expectations and preferences of our readership — mature, discerning, and affluent,” Boerup said. That matters to businesses seeking to reach that audience.
------“We’re excited to help you connect with the people who drive business in Oro Valley,” he added.
------Kevin can be reached at kevin@3knollsmedia.com, by phone at 520-603-2094, or on the website, www.3knollsmedia.com.
| | OV's Brett Willman named to Chamber Foundation board | | |
------Brett Willman has been named to the Oro Valley Chamber Foundation board of directors.
------Brett grew up in Oro Valley, attended local schools, earned his law degree in Oregon. He moved back to Oro Valley with his fiancé, Maitland, and his cat, Goose.
------Brett now works alongside his father, Paul, and Maitland at the Willman Law Firm. His legal practice specializes in family law, including divorce, child custody, and premarital agreements.
------Brett “has a passion for the Oro Valley community,” Chamber Foundation board chair Dave Perry said. “That passion, combined with his connections, experiences and youthful vitality, make him a great fit for the Foundation board now, and into the future.”
------Other members of the Foundation board are Otton Suarez, Alan Dankwerth, Fred Roof, Nancy Boyle, Kay Williams, Lisa Hopper and Kristen Sharp. The Chamber Foundation provides scholarships to students, and grants to qualifying nonprofits. For information, go to ovfoundation.org.
| | Special kids event July 19 at Absolutely Art Gallery | | |
------Absolutely Art Gallery & Gifts presents a special workshop for kids on Saturday, July 19.
------Young people can make fused-glass ornaments and suncatchers that morning. It’s scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at its Catalina studio.
------The price is $25 per child. An adult must accompany.
Absolutely Art is located at 16701 N. Oracle, Suite 171, Catalina, Az., 85739. The phone is 520-818-1242, the website absolutelyartgallery.com.
| | Durnan to talk IT at non-profit gathering | | |
------Greg Durnan, principal of Chamber Gold member Acacia IT, talks about cybersecurity and best information technology practices for nonprofits at your Chamber’s next Non-Profit Collaborative meeting.
------The event begins at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, at the Oro Valley Church of the Apostles, 12111 N. La Cholla. The church is on the northwest corner of Tangerine and La Cholla. It’s free to nonprofits.
------Nonprofits face “a growing number of cyberattacks of various types due to a combination of factors like limited resources, reliance on volunteers and the valuable data they hold,” said Leah Bahan, your Chamber’s business development director.
------For years, Durnan and Acacia IT have fulfilled your Chamber’s information technology needs.
------Guests at this second Non-Profit Collaborative meeting share insights about their mission and programs, challenges, and information. They’re building partnerships and finding ways to work together.
------To register, click here.
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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.
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Dive into a world of knowledge and growth at our Wisdom Wednesdays! This Wisdom Wednesday will focus on design principles to use when creating marketing. Elisa Ng of El Design Studios will lead us through this workshop. We'll see you there!
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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!
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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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MeMe Aguila, Executive Director of We Care Tucson, will show us how to utilize AI for effective grant writing. A special gathering of nonprofits dedicated to mutual support and collaboration to strengthen our collective ability to serve our communities.
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SPARK Business Summit
$60 early bird tickets before August 8th, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort
10000 N Oracle Rd
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We're thrilled to announce that your Chamber is joining forces with the Better Business Bureau Serving Southern Arizona for this year's SPARK Business Summit! By combining our talents and networks, we're creating an all-day event that delivers even more value to our business community.
Join us on Thursday, August 28 for 4 breakout workshops, a networking lunch, a business expo, and a mixer with both OV Chamber and BBB members.
All of this for only $60!
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. with access to the expo.
Sessions will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. followed by the mixer from 4-6 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to visit the business expo both before workshops begin, and during the networking lunch.
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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.
| | Enjoy these ads. Click on them for more! | | 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
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
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