We're so thankful for the vibrant community that we live in, here in gorgeous Southern Arizona. We hope your holiday weekend is filled with family and good food. As we celebrate gratitude, we'd like to extend our thanks to the amazing members that make up our Chamber. Without you, we could not do what we do. | | | | Chamber Office closed for Thanksgiving | | | Our office will be closed to celebrate the holiday. We hope you have a phenemonal Thanksgiving celebration with friends and family! | | Chamber launches OV ornament hunt | | |
------Shoppers are invited to visit no fewer than 20 locations in their search for hand-crafted ornaments created by students at Canyon del Oro High School.
------The Oro Valley Ornament Hunt launches this Black Friday, Nov. 28, and runs through the holidays ... or until the supply of 8,000 wooden ornaments runs out.
------Your Chamber and the town of Oro Valley are presenting the ornament hunt, the 2025 rendition of the Chamber / town shop-local effort. To participate, shoppers can download the Explore Oro Valley app and follow @theOVChamber for updates and announcements.
------This year’s hunt is designed “to highlight local retailers and inspire residents to support local businesses during the busiest shopping time of the year,” Chamber President / CEO Kristen Sharp said in a release.
------“This program is about connection,” Sharp said. “It connects our community to local shops, it connects students to hands-on learning, and it keeps holiday dollars right here in Oro Valley, supporting the people who live and work here.”
------Each participating shop is displaying a limited-edition wooden ornament, handcrafted by students in the CDO wood shop program. Each location has 400 ornaments to give away. Ornaments are free, and no purchase is necessary, Sharp said.
------“All one has to do is simply walk into the store,” she said. “Mainly, we are creating awareness that there are places to shop for the holidays here.”
------Explore OV has an interactive map of participating locations. Paper maps are also available at any participating business, and at the Chamber office in Innovation Park.
------Locals Eat Local, the Chamber’s summer restaurant version of Shop OV, generated more than 700 verified purchases and more than $14,000 in local spending, a number that is “likely much higher when accounting for group dining and higher-value meals,” the Chamber said.
------“The holiday Ornament Hunt builds on that momentum by shifting the focus to retail and seasonal shopping,” Sharp added.
------Shopping local “has a powerful economic impact,” she continued. For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, about $68 stays in the community. Local businesses create jobs, support local causes, and contribute to a stronger, more resilient local economy, Sharp said.
------While ornaments are free, guests are invited to make an optional donation via this link to support Chamber members IMPACT of Southern Arizona and Interfaith Community Services, operators of two local food banks serving families in Oro Valley and the region. No cash will be accepted at participating sites.
Participating locations
Begin Again Consignment
Cathey’s Sewing and Vacuum
Diviti Adora Infrared and Red Light Studio
El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort Gift Shop
Fleet Feet Oro Valley
Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library Book Shoppe
Integrative Touch Healing Center
Nest in the Desert
Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce
Pet Supplies Plus
Starizona
Stacks Book Club
Sun City Gift Shop
Sweet Repeats Children’s Resale Boutique
The Happy Saguaro
The Picklr Oro Valley
Tohono Chul Gift Shop
Tucson Cactus and Koi
Western National Parks Association Store
Wild Birds Unlimited
| | Bring clothes for kids to Chamber party Dec. 11 | | |
------Your Chamber’s annual holiday party is Thursday, Dec. 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tohono Chul Park.
------This year’s event is in the Garden Bistro, located at 7366 N. Paseo del Norte. It’s free for members, and $15 for guests. RSVP at orovalleychamber.com.
------Items for the Amphi Foundation Clothing Bank are being collected this year. All new, unworn clothing will be accepted, preferably pants of any size for children and teens. Donations can also be purchased directly through the Foundation's Amazon Wishlist and delivered to the pre-set address or brought to the holiday party.
------“Please join the staff, board and members of your Oro Valley Chamber to help us celebrate the season and say ‘thank you’ to our members,” an invitation said.
| | Nest in the Desert hosts Black Friday sale | |
------Chamber member Nest in the Desert is hosting a Black Friday sale this week. Join them in store for 20% off all holiday decor and the biggest deals of the year.
------Busy on Friday? Stop by the following day for Small Business Saturday. Everything in store will be 10% off as a thank you for shopping small and local this holiday season.
------Nest in the Desert is a locally owned home goods and gift shop located at 7954 N Oracle Rd. To learn more visit nestinthedesert.com.
| | Join Tucson Thrive on Dec. 2nd for Arlethe Rios | |
------Join us at Tucson Thrive on Tuesday, December 2nd from 6-7pm. After our group discussion, we will hear from Arlethe Rios, an Army veteran who now works for Senator Mark Kelly as the Veterans Outreach Manager. She came to the US as a child, served as a medic, and has spent her life helping others. Her story is powerful and full of heart. Register using this link.
------Tucson Thrive is a free virtual mastermind for Tucsonans who want to grow through real and meaningful conversations. We meet every Tuesday at 6pm. In the first half of each event, we have insightful and thought-provoking discussions about things like challenges, emotional intelligence, marketing strategies, careers, vulnerability, and more. In the second half, a guest speaker offers insights into their personal journey, sharing their unique passions and experiences to help you reflect, connect, and feel inspired. Join us as we support each other in becoming the best versions of ourselves.
| | Corie Sue hosting art classes at Absolutely Art | |
------Corinne Babcock, Chamber Member and owner of Corie Sue's Creations will be teaching two classes at Absolutely Art and Gallery at 16701 N Oracle Rd, Unit 171, Catalina, AZ. Sign-ups can be done either in person at the Gallery or by phone (520-818-1242). All supplies for making the items will be provided - just bring yourself and your friends! The classes are:
------Holiday Pine Needle Ornaments: Monday, December 15th from 1-4 p.m. Make an ornament with pine needles for the holidays. See picture.
------Holiday Card Embroidery (getting ready for Valentine's Day): Monday, January 5th from 1-3:30. Make several cards for Valentine's Day, learning basic techniques and a different way to embroider.
| | Tickets on sale for 'Annie', Dec. 20-Jan. 4 | |
------Saguaro City Music Theatre stages “Annie” Dec. 20-Jan. 4 at the Berger Performing Arts Center in Tucson.
------Tickets are on sale now for one of 11 performances; click here.
------“Get ready for a heartwarming, feel-good journey with Annie, the beloved musical about an optimistic orphan who finds her place in a world full of hope and love,” an invitation said.
------You’ll recognize Annie, her dog Sandy and the charming Daddy Warbucks, singing classics like “Tomorrow,” “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” and “Maybe.”
------Abigail Barrett and Julia Wetzel play Annie, with Christopher Younggren as Oliver Warbucks and Sadie as Sandy.
------Patrons can meet Annie and Sandy at a free event Sunday, Dec. 7, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, River and Stone in Tucson. There will be a live performance, photos with Annie and the chance to win tickets and gift cards.
| | Oro Valley Holiday Festival returns for 14th celebration | |
------Kick off the holiday season in style at the 14th annual Oro Valley Festival of the Arts and Tree Lighting, to be held Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, at Oro Valley Marketplace.
------This “beloved” two-day event transforms the Marketplace into a winter wonderland filled with more than 150 juried artists and exhibitors, 500+ student and community performers, festive food, and holiday cheer. Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, savor seasonal flavors, enjoy hands-on arts activities, and take in live performances from local talent. Families can snap free photos with Santa, decorate cookies, and experience the magic of Tuba Christmas.
------Festivities reach their peak Saturday evening with the lighting of the towering 35-foot holiday tree, complete with caroling, a Santa parade, and joyful community spirit. Admission is free.
------“This is Southern Arizona’s signature holiday celebration — where art, culture, and holiday traditions come together to make memories that last all season long,” said Art State Arizona, which puts it all together.
------The festival is open 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and 10-4 Sunday. Go to artstateaz.org to learn more.
------Don't miss out on seeing your Chamber! We'll be at a booth giving out ornaments, $2000 in gift cards, a raffle Eat Local basket worth $500, and lots of fun Chamber goodies. Come say hello!
| | Dec. 6 golf a benefit for AZ Heroes Memorial | |
------The Oro Valley Country Club Charity Classic, a fund-raiser for the Arizona Heroes Memorial, is planned for Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Oro Valley club.
------Entry fees are $125 per person and $500 for a foursome. Dinner and the awards ceremony alone are priced at $75.
------Guests enjoy awards, dinner, a silent auction, raffles, live music and more, “all in support of a great cause,” an invitation said.
------Sponsorships are available.
------To sign up, click here.
------The memorial, located within Oro Valley’s Naranja Park, is also sharing news that electric service is near completion. Thanks to New Grid Power, Sabino Electric, and the generous support of the Danna family, power is expected to be accessible at the site by Tuesday, Nov. 25.
------“This milestone will enhance the site’s experience, especially as we move into the holiday season,” executive director Lisa Hopper said.
| | Joe Bourne performs Dec. 5 at The Overlook | |
------Joe Bourne performs at “a very special happy hour” on Friday, Dec. 5, at The Overlook Restaurant, located inside the Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center.
------Joe is an Oro Valley resident, longtime Chamber member and recognized mellow vocalist who performs holiday tunes and more – he knows 1,000 or so tunes.
------The Overlook is serving curated cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the event, which is open to the public. No reservations are required.
------The Overlook is located at 10555 N. La Canada, Oro Valley, 85737. The phone is 520-229-5355. You can email Zach Olfers at zolfers@elcongolf.com.
| | U of A hosts Economic Outlook on Dec. 12 | |
------On Friday, Dec. 12, the University of Arizona Eller College of Management hosts its annual Economic Outlook Luncheon presented by PNC Bank. The 2025 Economic Outlook Luncheon takes place from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Grand Canyon Ballroom at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa, located at 3800 E. Sunset Dr.
------“This yearly event allows us to create an environment of learning and forward thinking as our keynote speakers offer their analysis and insights on what we can expect for the future of the global, state and local economies,” said Karthik Kannan, dean and Halle Chair in Leadership. “We are grateful for the expert knowledge George and Jay provide, as well as for the support of PNC Bank in presenting this event once again.”
------George Hammond is a research professor at Eller’s Economic and Business Research Center, a leader in the digital delivery of information on the Arizona economy. Hammond has specialized in econometric forecasting for more than two decades. He designed, built and used economic models to produce more than 100 forecasts for state and local economies and completed more than 50 regional economic studies on topics including economic and workforce development, energy forecasting and the impact of higher education on human capital accumulation. His analysis and commentary have been featured on “NBC Nightly News,” The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Bloomberg Businessweek and The New York Times.
------As vice president and senior economist for The PNC Financial Services Group, Jay Hawkins analyzes U.S. national and regional economic trends. Prior to joining PNC in August 2024, Hawkins served as a senior economist at BMO, where he specialized in U.S. national and regional economic analysis. He was previously the principal U.S economist at Visa for approximately 13 years. He holds a Master of Arts in applied economics from the University of Central Florida, with a concentration in public sector economics, and a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
------Registration for the Economic Outlook Luncheon opens at 11:30 a.m. The early-bird cost is $110++ per person, or $1,100 per table of 10. After Monday, Nov. 24, the price will increase by $5 per person. Registration closes Friday, Dec. 5.
------To register for the event or for more information, call 520-621-2155 or email outlook@eller.arizona.edu.
------To learn more about the Eller College of Management, visit https://eller.arizona.edu/.
| | Digital Marketing webinar at 2 p.m. Dec. 3; it's $10 | |
------A webinar, “Digital Marketing to Grow Your Business,” is being presented Wednesday, Dec. 3, through Chamber member SCORE Southern Arizona.
------The event is set for 2 p.m. that day via Zoom. It’s $10 to participate.
------“This workshop will help you, the small business owner, develop a digital marketing strategy along with determining the specific tools you’ll use to make that digital marketing strategy successful,” an invitation said.
------Among the topics – what makes a great website, search engine optimization, use of video, paid advertising, email marketing, and content development, including the effective use of blogs.
------“When you leave this workshop, you’ll have a much better idea of how to build awareness of your product or services among your customers and potential customers,” it said.
------To register, click here.
------All paid registrants receive a hyperlink to the video about a week after the webinar so they can review it when it works for them.
| | Skin Care By Design's big holiday evening is Dec. 3 | |
------Skin Care by Design is hosting its “most anticipated evening of the year” on Wednesday, Dec. 3.
------The annual holiday event runs from 5 to 7 p.m. that evening
------Guests can enjoy event-only pricing on products and services, raffle giveaways, skincare insiders and brand experts, and festive bites, drinks and holiday cheer, an invitation said.
------The first 50 guests to RSVP and are the first to arrive receive a special gift.
------Skin Care by Design is located at 11143 N. La Canada, Suite 121, Oro Valley. The phone is 520-797-7546, the website skincarebydesign.com.
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Join your Chamber at the Oro Valley Festival of the Arts! We'll have a table and be sharing information about this year's Locals Eat Local campaign.
The 13th Annual Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration is the region's largest shopping event, kicking off the Holidays in the Oro Valley, AZ community. This highly attended annual juried marketplace features one-of-a-kind seasonal items, high-quality handcrafted goods and holiday gifts, specialty foods, and the most beloved Holiday entertainment event of the year.
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Please join the staff, board and members of your Oro Valley Chamber to help us celebrate the season and say thank you to our members.
We'll be collecting items to benefit the Amphi Foundation Clothing Bank for children. All new, unworn clothing will be accepted, preferably underwear, pants, gloves and beanies.
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Join us for New Member Orientation, our quarterly Chamber gathering and refresher hosted by Gold member the El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort. It’s FREE!
We do limit attendance to 25. Come, learn about the Chamber, refresh your membership, meet some people, and enjoy complimentary coffee and breakfast bites courtesy of the El Conquistador Tucson.
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Dive into a world of knowledge and growth at our Wisdom Wednesdays! This Wisdom Wednesday will focus on Vision Boarding for the New Year. Join us to create a vision board filled with the goals that you have for 2026. We'll see you there!
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Executive Committee
Chair: Susan Swan, Swan Pilates
Vice Chair: Zoe Burcham, Kinghorn Law | Financial
Secretary: Mary Schulz, Schulz Financial Group
Treasurer: Bruce Barnett, Pima Federal Credit Union
Board Members
Cody Barnhart, Oro Valley Hospital
Lisa Bayless, The Lisa Bayless Team at Long Realty
Lydia Camarillo, Golder Ranch Fire District
Casey Carrillo, University of Arizona Center for Innovation
Shelby Francom, El Conquistador Tucson A Hilton Resort
Renee McCuistion, America First Credit Union
Lee-Anne Palin, Southwest Solutions
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
Member & Operations Coordinator
Shelley Fitzgerald
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