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Join your Chamber at the Oro Valley Festival of the Arts! We'll have a table and be giving away $2,000 in gift cards, ornaments, Oro Valley hats and other goodies, as well as sharing information about this year's holiday shop local campaign, our Ornament Hunt!
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, 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 El Conquistador Tucson.
| | 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 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
| | RTA Next open house Wednesday at town hall | | |
------Everyone is invited this Wednesday, Dec. 10, to Oro Valley Town Hall, where representatives of the Regional Transportation Authority conduct an open house about RTA Next.
------The event runs 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the town hall, 11000 N. La Canada.
Officials are providing residents with an opportunity to learn more and ask questions about the proposed plan, which goes to the voters on March 10, 2026.
------RTA Next is a 20-year, $2.67 billion regionwide commitment to Pima County’s transportation network. The ballot also asks voters to continue the current half-cent sales tax approved by county voters in 2006.
------The RTA Next Plan will appear on ballots as Proposition 418; the half-cent tax as Proposition 419. Voters would need to approve both propositions for the plan to move forward, the town release said.
------The March 10 vote is an all-mail election, conducted by the Pima County Recorder’s Office. For more information, visit www.recorder.pima.gov and select “Voter Information” from the left-hand menu.
------Citizens may visit RTANext.com to learn what’s in the plan, how it was developed, and how it could impact local travel, safety, and mobility. The website includes interactive maps, frequently asked questions, and details about the plan’s key elements.
------“As chair of the RTA Board, I see firsthand the importance of regional collaboration to keep our communities safe, connected and moving efficiently,” Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield said. “I encourage residents to stay informed and engaged ahead of the March 2026 vote.”
------The Regional Transportation Authority was established by voters in 2006 to manage regional transportation investments funded by a half-cent sales tax.
| | Chamber suggests 'yes' on RTA Next initiatives | | |
------Your Chamber is endorsing RTA Next, the 20-year, $2.67 billion regional transportation plan and half-cent sales tax extension that goes to the voters on March 10.
------Kristen Sharp, president / CEO of the Chamber, told the State of the Town audience in October that RTA Next offers “a real opportunity to shape what comes next for our region.”
------RTA Next would fund road improvements and some road maintenance, safety projects, and other transportation needs “including Oro Valley’s beloved Dial-A-Ride, that help people get where they need to go and keep our economy moving,” Sharp said.
------“Our Chamber proudly supports RTA Next,” she said. “We know that reliable, well-connected transportation is essential to economic growth and quality of life. I encourage you to learn about the plan, have conversations, and most importantly, vote ‘yes’ when the time comes.”
------Regional efforts like RTA Next “show why working together across towns, cities, counties, and organizations matters,” she concluded. “Collaboration is how we build a stronger, more resilient Southern Arizona.”
| | 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. Each attendee will receive a complimentary drink ticket for wine & beer and can enjoy a delicious charcuterie spread courtesy of the Tohono Chul Bistro. 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.
| | Share your experience with USMCA | | |
------The Arizona-Mexico Commission is gathering feedback from small and medium sized businesses on how the US Mexico Canada Trade Agreement is affecting operations here in Arizona. Any company can take the survey, but they’re especially hoping to hear from businesses that import or export with Mexico or Canada.
------Southern Arizona is underrepresented in the responses so far, so this is a great chance to make sure our region’s voice is part of the final report. The survey has 16 questions and takes about ten to fifteen minutes to complete. The deadline is December 19.
------If your business works across the border or you know someone who does, please take a moment to share your perspective. You can access the survey here.
| | 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!
| | Donate treat to Fairwinds Desert Point & get something sweet | |
------Fill up your holiday spirit by donating to Fairwinds Desert Point!
------Bring four canned food items to donate and receive a box of signature cookies. All donations will benefit a local food bank.
------The event will take place on Thursday, December 11th from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fairwinds Desert Point is located at 10701 N La Reserve Dr.
| | Elite Theater stages 'A Christmas Miracle' 12/13 | |
------Chamber member Elite Theater Academy presents “A Christmas Miracle” on stage Saturday, Dec. 13, at Flowing Wells High School.
------Showtime is 6 p.m. at the school, 3725 N. Flowing Wells Drive, Tucson, 85705.
------Tickets are $13 per person. To purchase tickets, go to elitetheateracademy.com.
------Chamber member Elite Theater Academy is an Oro Valley-based “creative studio that incorporates theater, dance, and singing for grades K-8,” its website said.
------Founder Anahi Walters sees “a great need for children to experience the world of live theater. It gives them an outlet to express themselves and be free to be creative,” she said.
------The phone is 520-275-2811, the email contact@elitetheateracademy.com.
| | Friends' golf event raises $8K for Audobon project | |
------Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf raised more than $8,000 toward its Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program certification effort at a Nov. 7 golf and lunch event.
------A total of 96 golfers, aided by El Conquistador Golf team members and 39 Friends’ volunteers, put on the event at the Pusch Ridge 9. Sponsors and donors helped with the cause.
------A luncheon was held at The Last Territory, “one of El Conquistador’s wonderful venues,” the Friends said.
------Mayor Joe Winfield, Karl Shaddock from the town manager’s office, El Conquistador Golf general manager Darryl Janisse, and Friends’ member Carolyn Weinig addressed the group.
------“The work ahead is significant to meet the requirements,” the Friends said. “With your help as volunteers and through your generous donations and participation, our vision will become a reality.”
------The website is friendsofpuschridgegolf.org.
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------Sol Dog Lodge is identifying strong candidates for a key leadership role: Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager.
------This position will guide fundraising efforts, lead a capital campaign for the new low-cost veterinary clinic, grow donor relationships, and support grants, sponsorships, and community partnerships. The Donor Relations & Stewardship Manager also staffs the Business Advisory Committee and provides strategic leadership on development planning. It is an important next step in Sol's organizational growth, and they want to find someone who believes in the mission as much as they do.-
------If you know anyone with solid nonprofit fundraising experience, strong relationship-building skills, and a passion for community impact, please share this opportunity with them. Candidates can apply right on the website. There you will find the job description and other information about the position.
| | OVHS celebrates the holiday season | |
------The Oro Valley Historical Society wants to welcome you back to the Pusch House Museum where they continue their exhibit – Holidays are for Everyone! See the many multi-cultural traditions that have been practiced in our area for decades, and there is still time to get a letter off to Santa right from the front porch!
------In keeping with the “Be Our Ranch Guest” promotion, Rotary will be on-site with students from the Edge High School requesting donations of tangerines, Haribo Gummy Bears, and snack bags of chips. Joining them will be Gap Ministries with their request for new and unwrapped dolls, books, Lego® sets, ear pods, craft kits, sports balls, games, RC cars, makeup sets and mirrors, Fidget toys, and trains.
------The Museum is located at the historic Steam Pump Ranch at 10901 North Oracle Road and will be open from 9 a.m. to noon. Tours are self-guided with volunteers available to answer any questions, and the tours are FREE with donations gladly accepted. Shop at the Heirloom Farmers’ Market, make a donation, and then take a stroll through history to add to your Saturday activities.
| | 'Elf Hunt' has begun at El Conquistador Tucson | |
------The magic of the holidays has arrived in the desert ... and, specifically, at Platinum member El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort.
------The Oro Valley resort is celebrating the season with the launch of its highly anticipated holiday campaign, “El Conquistador Elf Hunt,” alongside a month packed with family-friendly events, festive dining, and cherished traditions.
------El Conquistador Elf Hunt: A Holiday Adventure begins Friday, Dec. 5.
------“Santa’s Christmas elves have arrived in Tucson for a short vacation in the Sonoran Desert before the holidays,” the resort said. “However there’s one big problem. Santa needs his elves back at the North Pole to prepare for Christmas Eve! We must find them and help Santa!”
------From Dec. 5-25, guests staying at El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort can help Santa by finding his missing elves throughout the resort. Every participant will receive an Elf Hunt wristband and map upon check-in, guiding them on where the elves have been last spotted and where they may be hiding out.
------Those who complete the Elf Hunt are rewarded with a Santa’s Little Helper Prize Pack filled with Santa’s favorite goodies.
------To join in the fun this holiday season, book your stay online between Dec. 5 and 25. Click here.
| | 'Solopreneurship 101' online Monday, Dec. 8 | |
------“Solopreneurship 101,” a workshop for those ready to work for themselves, is being offered through Chamber member SCORE Southern Arizona on Monday, Dec. 8.
------The Zoom event runs from noon to 2 p.m. The fee is $10. To register, click here.
------“Working for yourself is amazing … provided you know how to make it work,” an invitation said. “If you’ve ever felt like you’ve got a great idea or are good at your craft yet don’t know exactly what you’re doing in running a business, you’re not alone.”
------Participants learn the basics for success, to include mindset and motivation; policies and procedures; branding and promotions, and more.
------“Whether you’re looking to make the jump, are just starting out, or needing a kickstart … and whether you call it freelancing, consulting, solopreneurship or the like, this session will give you the tools you need to rock the self-employed life,” it said.
------All paid registrants will receive a hyperlink to the video recording around one week after the webinar, “so you can view on your schedule.”
| | ICS seeks help with produce distributions | |
------Volunteers are needed for 5 free produce giveaways slated for upcoming Saturdays at the Ina Road campus of Chamber member Interfaith Community Services.
------“Looking for a simple, joyful way to make a real difference in our community?,” an invitation said. “We’d love to have you join us for a hands-on volunteer experience that’s perfect for individuals, families, friends, coworkers, and groups of all sizes.”
------ICS is partnering with the Community Food Bank to host the giveaways, helping to bring “fresh, healthy food to neighbors who need it most.”
------Each week, the food bank delivers pallets of produce to six sites across Tucson. “With your help, we can ensure that every last apple, carrot, and pepper gets into the right hands,” the invite said.
------It’s a fun, fast-paced assembly-line style drive-thru, according to Elida “Ellie” Killian, community outreach coordinator for ICS.
------Volunteers help sort, bag, and load fresh fruits and vegetables into cars. “Expect teamwork, good vibes, and a whole lot of community spirit,” Ellie continued. “It’s a small-time commitment with a huge heart impact.”
------Operating hours at the ICS Northwest Food bank are 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. Saturdays on Dec. 6, Jan. 10, Feb. 7, April 11 and May 2. To register, click here.
------Interfaith Community Services is located at 2820 West Ina,
Tucson, 85741. The website is icstucson.org.
| | Tucson Marathon runs thru OV Sunday, 12/14 | |
------More than 3,000 participants are expected Sunday, Dec. 14, when the Tucson Marathon brings its various events to Oro Valley and Northwest Tucson.
------Chamber members play a big part in this 54th annual staging.
------Everyone’s on the move by 7:15 a.m. that day at 2 starting places, Biosphere 2 operated by Gold member the University of Arizona, and at Catalina campus of Chamber Diamond member the Golder Ranch Fire District.
------Courses run the length of Oro Valley, with finish lines at the Northwest Campus of Chamber Silver member Pima Community College.
------Chamber member Aravaipa Running puts on the event, which has a 50-kilometer “Ultra” competition, a 26.2-mile marathon, a 13.1-mile half-marathon, a marathon relay and a wheelchair division. Participants go along the Chuck Huckelberry Loop through much of Oro Valley and points south.
------A race expo is set for Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Northwest Campus on Shannon Road. Event partners, sponsors and a newly upgraded merchandise store are planned for the expo.
------Entries and volunteers are welcome. Go to aravaiparunning.com/Tucson.
| | 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.
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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!
| | Enjoy these ads. Click on them for more! | | Interested in High-Level Membership? Email Leah for more information! | | |
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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