We’re grateful to live in a country where businesses can grow, ideas can thrive, and communities can come together. Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday weekend with time to recharge and reflect. The Chamber office will be closed on the Fourth of July. We'll see you on Monday. | | |
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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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. Desert Springs Gracious Retirement Living will be providing coffee and pastries for our networking. There's no better way to start your Friday!
| | OV Town Council adopts FY 2025/26 budget | | |
------On June 18, the Oro Valley Town Council adopted the Town’s budget for fiscal year (FY) 2025/26, totaling $151.5 million. The structurally balanced budget supports the continuation of high-quality services and strategic investments in capital, infrastructure, public safety and community amenities. The new fiscal year begins July 1.
------“The FY 25/26 budget reflects a deep commitment to fiscal responsibility while maintaining the exceptional level of service our residents expect,” said Town Manager Jeff Wilkins. “Guided by the General Plan and our Council’s Strategic Plan, this budget ensures the community’s priorities are reflected in every department, every program and every investment.”
------While the FY 2025/26 budget maintains core services and quality-of-life amenities, the Town is also preparing for a projected slowdown in sales tax growth and reductions in state-shared revenues. These financial headwinds are being proactively addressed through conservative forecasting, a flat operational approach and contingency planning.
------“Through a collaborative and deliberate process, we developed a plan that balances current community needs with the long-term financial strength of the Town,” said Chief Financial Officer David Gephart.
Budget highlights and priorities
General Fund
------A $54.6 million General Fund budget (up 2.9% from FY 2024/25) supports core operations including police, public works and parks and recreation.
Capital Improvement Plan
------Approximately 29% of the overall Town budget is dedicated to capital improvements. Major projects include water resource upgrades tied to the Northwest Recharge and Recovery Delivery System (NWRRDS), trail and park enhancements and other critical infrastructure.
Roads
------The budget continues investments in road maintenance, helping preserve Oro Valley’s reputation for having some of the region’s best-maintained roads.
Personnel
------This year’s budget reflects a significant investment in employee retention and competitiveness.
- A new four-year agreement provides sworn police personnel with an 8.8 –14.9% raise in the first year, followed by above-market increases in years two through four.
- Town staff will receive a 3% salary increase, supporting organizational stability and regional competitiveness.
Economic Development
------The budget also maintains funding for key community partnerships that strengthen economic development, tourism, arts and culture.
------To learn more, the Final Budget Schedules for FY 2025/26 and the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) are now available. Click here or visit the Finance Documents and Reports page at OVAZ.gov to view the documents. For questions, contact ask@orovalleyaz.gov.
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OV starts new Tourism Advisory
Commission - now accepting apps
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------The Oro Valley Town Council has established a new Tourism Advisory Commission to help guide the Town’s efforts to grow its reputation as a premier destination for leisure, recreation and hospitality.
------“This new commission represents another step forward in strengthening Oro Valley’s tourism economy and inviting even more people to discover what makes our community special,” said Mayor Joe Winfield. “We’re excited to welcome residents with a background and passion for hospitality to help guide this important work. Interested residents can apply now!”
------Approved by Council on June 4, the five-member Commission will provide input on tourism-related matters, including strategic marketing, special events, hotel and resort partnerships, and budget priorities. Members will also review the Town’s Tourism Plans and Strategies and may be tasked with specific topic reviews by the Council or Town Manager.
------The Town is currently seeking five Oro Valley residents to serve on the inaugural Commission. Ideal candidates will bring experience or strong interest in hospitality, travel, events, marketing or related industries. Members will serve three-year terms. Meetings will be held monthly on the third Monday for the first year and quarterly thereafter.
------Apply online at OVAZ.gov: Apply for a Board or Commission – Oro Valley | it's in our nature
------For questions or more information, contact the Oro Valley Town Clerk’s Office at (520) 229-4700.
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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.
| | NW Healthcare welcomes GME Program Resident Physicians | | |
------Today, Northwest Healthcare’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program officially welcomed 35 new resident physicians to Northwest Medical Center and Oro Valley Hospital. These new residents – who are joining the 25 upper-level residents already in the program – are divided into three cohorts – Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and the Transitional Year Program.
------Their GME program was created and designed to expand access to medical education and to care for patients in the Southern Arizona communities they serve. The diverse, experienced faculty physicians guide resident physicians at the beginning of their careers, as they learn to manage a broad range of medical services and patient care.
------The goal: To train resident physicians and help them become rooted in the community, so they will want to continue living in Southern Arizona and working within the Northwest Healthcare system after graduation.
------“Our robust GME program is shaping the future of healthcare in our community,” said Northwest Healthcare Market CEO Brian Sinotte, FACHE. “By investing in the next generation of physicians, we are strengthening access to high-quality care and a healthier future for Southern Arizona."
------Residents are not medical students – they are qualified physicians licensed by the state of Arizona to provide patient care under the supervision of a board-certified physician. Not only can residents see patients, they can also write prescriptions, order x-rays and lab tests, and provide referrals.
------Northwest Healthcare is honored to invest in the wellness of Southern Arizona for generations to come. Their thanks go out to each and every one of their 60 resident physicians for choosing to work and train with them at the start of their promising careers.
------For more information about the GME program, please visit https://www.nwtucsongme.com/
------Northwest Healthcare’s commitment to helping people get well and live healthier includes a free monthly e-newsletter with health and wellness tips for all ages. Sign up at healthiertucson.com/enewsletter-sign-up-thank-you.
| | For a cool summer eve, try 'Chillin' at the Chul' | | |
------You’re invited to Chillin’ at the Chul, held on Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 30 at Chamber member Tohono Chul Park.
------The family-friendly gatherings run from 6 to 9 p.m., and they’re free. Guests enjoy “music, chow and cheers.”
------Friday nights feature something special each week – think “Sip and Paint,” “Silent Disco,” themed evenings and even “Blind Contour Drawing.”
------On Saturdays, Children’s Museum Oro Valley provides nature-based play to keep the kids entertained.
------“Your summer nights just got a bit cooler,” the invite said.
------It is closed Friday, July 4.
------For information, go to tohonochul.org.
| | Jim Williams wins 2024 AASLH Award of Excellence | | |
------The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) proudly announces that Jim Williams is the recipient of an Award of Excellence for his book “Oro Valley the First Fifty Years”. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 80th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.
------Jim Williams, an Oro Valley resident since 2006 and past President of the Oro Valley Historical Society, is a retired social studies educator who worked as a teacher, department chair, and district coordinator in a school district in Doylestown, Pennsylvania and was recognized there for his contributions to education. During his time in Arizona, he has written two articles for the Journal of Arizona History, and his first book about Oro Valley, “Claiming the Desert” was published in 2018. This book recounts the history of the settlers, homesteaders, and ranchers in Oro Valley from 1865 – 1965. Both books can be purchased at Amazon, the Western National Parks store on North Vistoso Village Drive, or in the Pusch House Museum at historic Steam Pump Ranch, with proceeds benefitting the Oro Valley Historical Society.
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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.
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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!
| | 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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