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WEEKLY UPDATE

Jul. 25, 2025

UPCOMING EVENTS

July

Wisdom Wednesday, "Design Principles of Marketing"

Free for members, $15 for guests, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Oro Valley Chamber Office

1822 E Innovation Park Dr

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!

NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Thank you, Margie Adler

------Margie Adler, the town of Oro Valley’s economic development program manager, has retired.

------Margie distributed her last monthly Oro Valley economic development update and commercial project status report on Thursday.------

------For years now, Margie has been a friend of your Chamber, and of the Oro Valley business community. She’s made countless visits to local businesses, always with a smile, and the sincere desire to help. She’s been masterful at connecting businesses to government resources, and to one another. And she’s always done what she says she’ll do.

------Thanks, Margie, for all the good you have done for our Chamber, for Oro Valley business, and for the community. We know you’ll enjoy retirement with Barry, your children and those grandkids.

Chamber looking for two more board members

------Nominations are open for 2 seats on your Chamber's board of directors. Chamber members in good standing are eligible to serve on the board, which helps lead the organization and its staff. Terms last 2 years, with a cap of three, consecutive 2-year terms. The Chamber board meets monthly. There are additional task force assignments, and we ask board members to assist with Chamber events and in the service of members.

------“Our Chamber board is essential to the success of our organization,” President / CEO Kristen Sharp said. “Service is a great way to make a difference and build relationships.”

------If you are interested or know someone who would be a good leader for our Chamber, please submit a letter of interest to Kristen Sharp at kristen@orovalleychamber.com by Friday, August 15.

Chamber's Locals Eat Local nears 60th winner

------We’re cracking 60 winners in the Locals Eat Local summertime restaurant and sticker hunt campaign.

------Crystal Franke, destination marketing manager for the town of Oro Valley, pegged the number at 59 prize-winners – with 633 check-ins through the ExploreOV app – earlier this week.

------To date, “this is $12,660 in guaranteed spend,” Franke said. “However, we know that number is most likely higher due to people spending more than the minimum of $20.”

------If you visit 5 restaurants and spend $20 at each, you’ll earn a special prize from the Chamber – an Arizona cutting board (only 4 left!), 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.

------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 Locals Eat Local app, click here.

Give PB at Chamber office through next Friday, Aug. 1

------There’s still time to donate peanut butter to Interfaith Community Services, whose ninth annual Peanut Butter Party food drive runs through next Friday, Aug. 1.

------Every jar donated will support families in need and help fight hunger in the community. ICS aims to collect more than 10,000 jars before the drive concludes.

------Your Chamber is collecting “peanut butter in style,” thanks to Chamber's Director of Fun. The Director’s art work adorns the boxes, filled largely by a generous gift of peanut butter by Chamber Platinum member El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort and Chamber Diamond member Pima Federal Credit Union. As of now, the Chamber has collected 209 pounds of peanut butter.

------Your jars are welcome. Come on by the Chamber office, 1822 E. Innovation Park Drive, and bring your chunky or smooth gift.

Shopping local creates jobs, activity, tax money, clean air

------Communities and residents win when people shop locally, according to a story in The Arizona Daily Star / Tucson.com.

------Among the “surprising features” identified:

1 – Employment opportunities increase. Small businesses create 2 of every 3 new jobs, according to the Small Business Administration.

2 – It doesn’t cost more money. “Local shops may offer a range of products from a particular region, which will reduce shipping costs, and that savings can be passed on to the consumer,” the story said.

3 – Shopping local helps keep money in the community, raising overall economic activity, helping pay salaries, and building the local tax base.

4 – Shopping local can help the planet. It cuts down transportation-related pollution.

5 – Shopping local stretches beyond seasonal events. Local merchants are here year-round.

Foundation announces

nonprofit grant process

------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.

Click here for the application

MEMBER HAPPENINGS

Students needed to create Transport art in Oro Valley

------High school students ages 16-18 can earn money and help create multiple, durable, 3-dimensional public art installations in Oro Valley starting in August.

------Hands-on, paid summer apprenticeships are available through the Transportation Art by Youth program, a collaboration among the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, the Town of Oro Valley, and Pima Association of Governments.

------Students work alongside professional artists through November. They’ll earn $18 an hour, “and the honor of contributing art that beautifies local transportation corridors in Oro Valley,”’ said Kate Marquez, executive director of SAACA. “It’s meaningful, resume-worthy, and community-building.”

------Applications are due by midnight Sunday, Aug. 10. To apply, click here.

------“Let’s empower the next generation of Arizona artists!” Marquez said.

Amphi asks for help with 1st-year teacher start-up grants

------As the school year nears, the Amphi Foundation invites you to support a first-year teacher and every student in their classroom by helping to fund a Start-Up Grant.

------Each year, about 40 brand-new teachers join the Amphi School District. “Most will spend up to $1,000 of their own money to set up their classrooms before students even walk through the door,” The Foundation said. “Your gift will help us provide each of them with a $250 Start-Up Grant so they can begin the school year with the support they need and the resources their students deserve.

------“When you give, you are not just helping the teachers,” the invitation continued. “You are helping every student who will learn, grow, and feel welcome in their classroom.

------“Let's show Amphi's newest teachers they're not alone!” it concluded.

------To give, click here.

Vote starts Sunday in '25 Readers' Choice contest

------The voting begins this Sunday, July 27, in 2025 Readers’ Choice, the annual promotion presented by Platinum member Tucson Media Partners, publisher of The Arizona Daily Star / Tucson.com.

------Voting for greater Tucson’s favorite businesses runs through Aug. 10.

------“Is your business a top 10 finalist?” The Star asks. There are 2,876 finalists. To find out, go to Tucson.com/readerschoice.

------If so, you can spread the word to employees, customers, friends and family to vote for your business.

------Enhance your ballot visibility by upgrading your listing, “making it easier for your customers to find you,” he said.

------And make it easy to vote daily: get a custom “text-to-vote” code that casts a vote instantly.

------Silver sponsors of 2025 Readers’ Choice are Freedom RV and Chamber member Silverado Rooter & Plumbing. Bronze sponsors are B&M Roofing, Chamber Copper member Casa de la Luz Hospice, and Pima Federal Credit Union.

------Go to Tucson.com/readerschoice.

Hughes invites your child to join its UA KidCats club

------Chamber Diamond member Hughes Federal Credit Union invites you to start your Wildcat Journey with KidCats, the official kids club for young Wildcat fans in grades K-8.

------For a $5 opening deposit, a youth account includes KidCats membership benefits like access to selected Arizona athletics games, an official KidCats swag bag, exclusive Wildcat-themed events, and more experiences.

------“Join the club and start your child’s savings journey today!” an invitation said.

------Go to ArizonaWildcats.com/KidCats.

Best-selling author Miranda comes to Stacks on Aug. 6

------Megan Miranda, the best-selling author of mystery and thriller novels, is coming to Stacks Book Club in Oro Valley on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

------Miranda is appearing at the Oro Valley Marketplace business to launch her newest book, “You Belong Here.” She’ll participate in a Q&A moderated by Jessica Elisheva Emerson, and sign books during a meet-and-greet.

------“As always, we’ll have a custom on-theme drink menu with alcohol and non-alcoholic bevvies,” a Stacks invite said.

------Miranda writes mystery and suspense novels for young adult and adult readers. Her novels “All the Missing Girls” and “The Last House Guest” were both New York Times bestsellers and Reese's Book Club Picks.

------This is a ticketed event; go to bit.ly/stacksmiranda.

Iron Chef Tucson Saturday at Desert Diamond Casino

------Desert Diamond Casino in Sahuarita is hosting Iron Chef Tucson 2025 this Saturday, July 26.

------This year’s 17th annual Iron Chef Battle is between reigning Iron Chef Anthony Dromgoole, from Obon Sushi & Ramen, and Chef McKenzie O’Leary of Tanque Verde Ranch.

------Guests enjoy the culinary experience, with food and drink sampling, cooking demos, classes and more, from 1 to 4 p.m. The Iron Chef competition begins at 5 p.m.

------Tickets run from $60 to $85. Guests must be 21 to attend. Go to ironcheftucson.com.

------Desert Diamond Casino is a Copper-level member of your Chamber. Chamber member GAP Ministries is among the participating vendors.

Timeless Play hosting a Birthday party on July 27

------Chamber member Timeless Play celebrates its second anniversary with a free community event on Sunday, July 27.

------The birthday party, with cake, ice cream, games and prizes, runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that Sunday at Timeless Play’s location in Oro Valley Marketplace. Families are welcome to “come and play for free,” co-founder Rosalind Prather said.

------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.

------The website is timelessplay.com. The address is 1880 E. Tangerine, Suite 150, on the west side of Oro Valley Marketplace. Rosalind can be reached at rprather@timelessplay.com.

Golder Ranch hosts blood drive at Magee on Aug. 4

------Chamber Diamond member Golder Ranch Fire District is hosting a blood drive Monday, Aug. 4, at its 1175 West Magee station.

------The draw at Station 380 is open to the public. It runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

------Donors can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-733-2767, or by visiting redcrossblood.org and using the sponsor code grfdaz.

------“Help keep the supply afloat,” an invitation said. “Give blood.”

United Way accepting projects for Days of Caring

------Days of Caring is Southern Arizona’s largest volunteer event, bringing together thousands of passionate individuals who roll up their sleeves to make a real, lasting difference in our community. In 2024 alone, more than 1,600 volunteers completed 95 projects, contributing over 4,800 hours of service to local schools, nonprofits, and neighborhoods.

------Volunteers painted and revitalized classrooms, assembled hygiene kits for individuals experiencing homelessness, created literacy kits for young learners, landscaped community gardens, and cleaned up parks and public spaces. These hands-on efforts not only improve lives but also build connections and strengthen our shared commitment to Southern Arizona. Days of Caring proves that when businesses and individuals come together, the impact is truly transformative—one project at a time.

------For more information, please click here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

August

Gen Z Committee Meeting

Free to attend, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Kinghorn Law | Financial

3573 E Sunrise Dr. Suite 209

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!

August

Senior Services Collaborative Meeting

Free, 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Oro Valley Church of the Apostles

12111 N La Cholla Blvd

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.

August

Nonprofit Collaborative Meeting

Free, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Oro Valley Church of the Apostles

1211 N La Cholla Blvd

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.

August

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

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.

August

Home Experts Collaborative Happy Hour

Free, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Fork & Fire Smokehouse and Taproom

11835 N Oracle Rd #101

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.