|
We’re kicking off the 2026 Women in Leadership series with Financial Confidence, a signature breakfast focused on helping women start the year feeling informed, empowered, and in control of their financial futures.
This event is made possible by our program sponsor, OneAZ Credit Union, whose commitment to financial wellbeing and community investment makes them a natural partner for this conversation.
Money doesn’t have to feel complicated to be powerful.
At this Women in Leadership breakfast, we’re breaking down investing in a way that’s practical, approachable, and judgment free.
Why this matters:
• Women control more than $12 trillion in assets, yet less than half feel confident managing their finances
• Women often outperform men as investors but are more likely to doubt themselves
• Nearly 40 percent of women say they know they should be doing more financially but don’t know where to start
Whether you’re building wealth, navigating career growth, or planning what’s next, this session is designed to give you tools and insight you can actually use. Start the year with clarity, momentum, and a stronger financial foundation alongside other women leaders from across Oro Valley and beyond.
| | Nominate businesses, individuals now | |
------Your Chamber is now accepting nominations for the upcoming Annual Meeting and Awards Breakfast.
------The categories include Outstanding Small, Midsize, and Large Business, Outstanding Small and Large Nonprofit, Outstanding Community Leader, and Outstanding Legacy.
------Nominations are free and a nomination committee will choose finalists based on submission responses, not quantity of submissions. It is free to nominate and to win an award, but businesses must be Chamber members to make it to the finalist round.
------Businesses and individuals may nominate themselves.
------Submissions are due Wednesday, February 11th. You can nominate someone here!
------For questions, please email Makenna.
| | |
Watch mailbox for RTA Next ballots
By Dave Perry
| |
------Watch your mail for RTA Next ballots.
------The Pima County Recorder’s Office plans to start mailing ballots on Wednesday, Feb. 11, for RTA Next, the $2.67 billion, 20-year transportation plan that would continue the original RTA.
------Election Day is Tuesday, March 10.
------Voters are being asked to say “yes” or “no” to 2 propositions -- Proposition 418, to approve a new regional transportation plan; and Proposition 419, to continue the half-cent sales tax first put in place in 2006. Both must pass for the plan to be enacted.
------Monday, Feb. 9, is the last day eligible people can register to vote in the election, according to the recorder’s website. The last day to request a mail ballot is Friday, Feb. 27. Ballots should be returned no later than Tuesday, March 3, a week before Election Day, according to Recorder Gabriella Cazares-Kelly. They can be mailed. The recorder’s office is also establishing early-voting locations. To find those, go to recorder.pima.gov/
------RTA Next’s divisions of projected revenue are:
-
Arterial roadway reconstruction: $177.6 million
-
Roadway corridor improvements: $1.42 billion
-
Transit: $726 million
-
Wildlife crossings and other environmental improvements: $50 million
-
Small business assistance: $10 million
-
Safety, ADA, and active transportation: $254.6 million
------Your Chamber has endorsed RTA Next. To learn more, click here: rtanext.com. We'll host an info session on RTA Next on Tuesday, February 10th at 10 AM in the Chamber office (1822 E. Innovation Park Dr.). Please join us to learn more and answer questions you may have.
| | |
2026 Sponsorships
are now available
| |
------Sponsorships for Annual Meeting and other major events throughout 2026 are open now. To learn more please view this guide. Sponsors that purchase two or more sponsorships before Feburary 14th will receive 5% off.
------To take advantage of this discount, please email Makenna or call the office at (520)297-2191.
| | Call for Wisdom Wednesday speakers | |
------The Oro Valley Chamber is looking for local experts to take the lead during its upcoming Wisdom Wednesday sessions. This popular series offers members a unique platform to share specialized insights or industry knowledge that can help the local business community thrive. If you have a topic you believe would benefit fellow members, you can get started by emailing a brief overview of your idea to Makenna.
------To ensure the series remains highly relevant, speakers are selected based directly on membership survey responses. If your topic aligns with what the community is currently looking to learn, Makenna will reach out to coordinate a presentation date.
------It is important to note that Wisdom Wednesdays are designed as education-forward events rather than sales platforms. While speakers are more than welcome to bring along brochures and sales information for attendees to take home, the presentation itself should focus on providing genuine value and instruction rather than a direct pitch for products or services.
| | We want to hear from you! | | |
------As we look ahead, our board recently completed a strategic planning session and we’re excited about what’s next. Whether you’re a current, past, or future member, your input helps guide where we go from here.
------Please take a few minutes to complete this short questionnaire and share your thoughts with us.
| | |
OV Coffee Roasting now open at hospital
By Dave Perry
| |
------Several dozen people helped cut the ribbon Wednesday at Oro Valley Coffee Roasting, now brewing in the coffee kiosk within the lobby of Chamber Silver member Oro Valley Hospital.
------Mayor Joe Winfield, Councilmembers Mary Murphy and Elizabeth Robb, town staffers, hospital board members, and others celebrated with Dave Bezona, the longtime owner of Oro Valley Coffee Roasting.
------Kristen Sharp, Chamber president and CEO, said Oro Valley Coffee Roasting has been a member for years, reaching back to the days Bezona split his time between work in Alaska and Oro Valley.
------“We could say ‘we have members in Alaska,’” Sharp quipped. While that’s no longer the case, “we’re excited he is putting down more roots locally,” she added.
------“Small business is the heart of every community,” Winfield said. Judging by the line awaiting fresh coffee, “you have a great product. There are a lot of happy faces.”
------Oro Valley Coffee Roasting opened in the hospital lobby in November. Bezona thanked hospital administrators. “It’s been fantastic working with you guys,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ll be here for a long time.”
------Bezona also praised his employees, Judy Grille, Sabrina Smith and Bri Huddleson. And he thanked the Chamber, which is “so supportive for every business.”
------Oro Valley Coffee Roasting sells espresso, house specials, frappes, and brewed coffee beverages, iced and hot, as well as whole bean coffee at the hospital from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 8-4 Saturday.
------The hospital location is the second for Oro Valley Coffee Roasting. In July 2024, it opened its roastery and retail location at 15631 North Oracle, Suite 179, in Catalina. Catalina hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
------The website is ovcoffeeroasters.com.
| | United Way's 21st annual business breakfast Feb. 19 | |
------United Way of Tucson’s 21st annual Business Breakfast is set from 7 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Tucson Convention Center.
------“This event is more than a breakfast, it’s a powerful opportunity to create meaningful impact in Southern Arizona,” an invitation said.
------“Your participation helps advance early childhood education, family support, and equitable educational opportunities that shape the future of our workforce and community.”
------Keynote speaker Dr. Chad Gestson is a nationally recognized education leader and founding executive director of the Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy.
------As the former superintendent of Phoenix Union High School District, “he is known for driving innovative, equity-focused initiatives that connect education to workforce and community success,” an announcement said.
------United Way also recognizes its Literacy and Business champion award-winners at the breakfast.
------The event always sells out, but tickets remain. Go to this website.
------“We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring morning,” the invite concluded.
| | Cruise, BBQ & Blues returns to OV Feb. 7 | |
------After a year off and a rainout, the Cruise, BBQ & Blues festival returns to Oro Valley Marketplace on Saturday, Feb. 7.
------The celebration of classic cars, flavorful meats, and live blues music runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Marketplace, 12155 North Oracle, the southwest corner of Tangerine and Oracle roads. Admission is $5 at the door. Kids aged 10 and younger are free; so is parking within the center.
------Each year, Cruise, BBQ and Blues draws from 3,000 to 5,000 guests, according to Matt Rolland, deputy director of presenter Art State Arizona.
------Cruise, BBQ & Blues is “a full-throttle celebration of creativity, flavor and sound,” Rolland said. It features Tucson’s largest barbeque competition, cold beer, and live tunes, along with family activities, a kids art tent and more than 150 classic and custom cars, all of them “rolling works of art.”
------Chamber members Fork & Fire and GAP Ministries are among the barbecue contestants.
------Oro Valley’s own Garrett James & The Wanderers open the stage from 10 to 11 a.m.
------Chamber Diamond member Hughes Federal Credit Union is the title sponsor.
------For information, go to artstateaz.org.
| | Amphi Foundation seek sponsors for Amphi Gala | |
------ The Amphi Foundation is hosting their annual Amphi Gala on Saturday, April 11th at Chamber Member Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. The event raised over $175,000 in 2025, and to repeat their success they need sponsor support!
------ To view their sponsorship openings, click this link. To purchase tickets or make a donation, click this link.
| | GRFD hosting community survey | |
------ Golder Ranch Fire District values every connection. If you've had an experience with them, they want to hear from you.
------Please take their community survey and share your feedback. Click here for the survey.
| | Pink's Window Services joins the Chamber | |
------Pink’s Window Services recently celebrated the opening of its Northwest Tucson location with a ribbon cutting attended by Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield and Chamber President & CEO Kristen Sharp.
------Founded in Tucson by Keir Cochran, Pink’s Window Service focuses on bringing a higher level of professionalism and reliability to residential and commercial cleaning services. The business offers a full range of services, including window cleaning, power and house washing, gutter and roof cleaning, solar panel cleaning, and more.
------Pink’s Window Service serves both homes and businesses throughout Northwest Tucson, with an emphasis on clear communication, dependable service, and attention to detail.
------To get a quote as fast as one business day, go to pinkswindows.com/northwest-tucson or call (520) 500-9664.
| | OV Optimist's 'scramble for youth' Saturday, 4/18 | |
------Oro Valley Optimist Club hosts its annual Scramble for Youth golf event on Saturday, April 18, on the Conquistador Course at the Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center.
------“We’re coming back to the El Conquistador,” said interim president Don Cox.
------Proceeds from the scramble help pay for events like Law Enforcement Drug Awareness Day, the Explorers youth program through the Oro Valley Police Department, Project Graduation, Camp Fury, and the Arizona Youth Partnership, among other programs “bringing out the best in kids.”
------Players and sponsors are being sought. The day begins with an 8 a.m. shotgun start, and concludes with a buffet-style lunch.
------Go to orovalleyoptimist.com.
| | Zuni fetish trunk show Sunday at National Parks Store | |
------A trunk show featuring authentic Zuni fetish carvings is open this Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the National Parks Store in Oro Valley’s Innovation Park.
------Guests can “browse and purchase from a selection of hundreds of authentic Zuni fetish carvings sourced from the Kachina House of Sedona,” an invitation said. “These carvings, made from stones and sometimes accented with wood, bones, or precious metals, feature different animals and beings, emphasizing the connection between the spiritual and human worlds.”
------The National Parks Store is located at 12880 N. Vistoso Village Drive, Oro Valley, 85755. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The phone is 520-622-6014, the website wnp.org/the-national-parks-store.
| | Tucson Media Partners has deals for Chamber members | |
------Chamber members can get an exclusive offer on advertising packages from Tucson Media Partners, publishers of The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson.com, and other media products.
------You get a choice -- an ad match dollar-for-dollar starting at $750, or a 15% discount on ad packages starting at $1,200 and up.
------The offer gives clients “omni-channel exposure across print, digital, social and high-traffic local platforms,” an invitation said.
------Activate your Chamber offer by emailing marketing@tucson.com.
| | Miles Label produced '26 membership decals | |
------Your Chamber is distributing 2026 membership stickers produced by Oro Valley-based Miles Label Company.
------“Proud Member, Oro Valley Chamber,” the 5-by-7-inch stickers proclaim. “Connections. Community. Collaboration.”
------Chamber member Miles Label is located in Oro Valley’s Innovation Park.
------“We can handle everything — from the smallest to the largest of label projects and from computer, UL labels to continuous, piggyback and individual labels,” Miles Label says on its Chamber listing.
------Its website is mileslabel.com.
| | Play District introduces summer camp expo | |
------Families in Tucson will soon have a new, convenient way to explore local schools, summer camps, and enrichment programs all in one place.
The Play District® and Second Sky are partnering to host the PLAY•LEARN•GROW School & Camp Expo on Sunday, February 22nd from 10:00am -1:00pm at Second Sky, located at 4141 E. Irvington Rd. This event is FREE and open to the public.
------Designed with families in mind, the PLAY•LEARN•GROW School and Camp Expo will bring together local schools, summer camps, and youth focused programs to help parents make informed decisions for the upcoming year and summer season. Families will have the opportunity to meet program leaders, ask questions, collect resources, and explore a wide range of educational and enrichment options in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Attendees will also have the chance to win a Summer Staycation courtesy of the Hilton El Conquistador, adding an extra incentive for families to attend and engage with exhibitors.
------In addition to serving families, the expo provides exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities for schools, camps, and youth-focused organizations looking to reach local families directly. Space is limited and participation is curated to ensure high-quality experience for attendees. A portion of your exhibitor/sponsor fees are tax deductible.
------Families can register for free, and businesses interested in participating can learn more by contacting Katie Yaeli.
| | UA brings back Innovation Expo for 2026 | |
------The Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona has announced its Innovation Expo 2026, marking the event’s 10th anniversary. The Innovation Expo 2026 will occur from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb 18.
------Taking over the University of Arizona Mall for the day, the Innovation Expo 2026 showcases student ventures and ideas, campus innovators and entrepreneurial opportunities that make up the college’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
------During the event, guests can see the innovative ventures developed by New Venture Development students at the University of Arizona. This event is free and open to the public.
------For more information about the Innovation Expo 2026, click here. For more about the Eller College of Management, visit https://eller.arizona.edu.
| | Get tickets now for '26 Empty Bowls fundraiser | |
------Chamber member Interfaith Community Services invites the community to Empty Bowls 2026, its largest annual fundraiser, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center.
------The signature event “brings together local businesses and community members to support individuals and families facing hunger and hardship,” an invitation said.
------Guests enjoy soups, breads, and desserts donated by local restaurants, a lively silent auction and raffle, and the opportunity to select a handcrafted bowl created by a local artist.
------Tickets are $40, and sponsorships begin at $540 at icstucson.org/emptybowls.
------“This is an excellent opportunity to support those in need while gaining meaningful recognition for your business or organization,” ICS’ Jennifer Humphries said.
| | Football before the Superbowl with FC Tucson at the Desert Showcase | |
------Professional soccer preseason returns this February as Tucson hosts the 2026 Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson. On Sunday, February 8, fans can kick off their Super Bowl Sunday with a high-stakes "football vs. futbol" doubleheader by catching USL giants New Mexico United as they take on the 2024 USL Champions, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.
------The action kicks off at 12:00 PM at Kino North Stadium (2817 E Ajo Way), making it the perfect pre-game warm-up before the evening's big broadcast. It’s an affordable outing for the whole family, with tickets starting at just $13.
------Aspiring young players can also get in on the action early; FC Tucson coaches and players will host a youth soccer clinic at the stadium prior to the match. It's a great opportunity for local kids to learn from the pros before watching them compete on the big stage.
Find out more:
| | |
------Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country with the Oro Valley Historical Society in the Pusch House Museum. Who was behind this daring venture, and how did they make it happen?------
------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 on Saturday, January 31. Tours are self-guided with docents available to answer any questions, and the tours are FREE with donations gladly accepted. Shop at the Heirloom Farmers’ Market and then take a stroll through history to add to your Saturday activities.
------Also on site will be Gap Ministries requesting donations for their Career Plus students to help build skills in culinary, logistics, or retail, while also growing in communication, conflict resolution, and character development. Your help is needed to donate 3 ring binders, spiral notebooks, folders, and pens. Your donations will assist our community scholars succeed!
| | Valentine's Card Embroidery Workshop with Corie Sue's Creations | |
------This season, skip the generic greeting card aisle and create something truly unique with local artist Corinne Babcock. Corinne is hosting a Valentine-themed Card Embroidery workshop designed to help participants stitch heartfelt, personal designs into one-of-a-kind keepsakes.
------The workshop will be held on Wednesday, February 4, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Chamber member Absolutely Art Gallery. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a total beginner, this class offers a relaxing way to prepare a special message for your favorite Valentine.
| | Lynda Weigel-Firor hosts spring grant writing workshops | |
------With grant funding becoming more competitive than ever, Tucson nonprofits have a prime opportunity to level up their strategy this spring. Renowned consultant Lynda Weigel-Firor is bringing her 25 years of expertise—and a track record of securing millions in funding—to a two-part workshop series designed to turn daunting applications into winning proposals.
------The series begins on Wednesday, February 11 (8:30–11:30 AM) with Demystifying Grant Writing, a session focused on building a "grant vault" of ready-to-use info and mastering the fundamentals. For those ready for the next level, the Advanced workshop follows on Wednesday, March 18 (8:30 AM–12:30 PM), diving deep into funder relations and sophisticated language.
------To make the workshops more accessible at a time when funding has been cut amid rising client needs, Weigel-Firor is offering the workshop and series at a discounted rate along with early registration discounts. Registration is $149 per workshop, with a discounted rate of $50 for additional team members. Now until January 31 early registrants will receive $25 off a single workshop and $50 off the workshop series using the following codes: EARLYBIRD1 for $25 off the single workshop and EARLYBIRDFULL for $50 off the workshop series.
------Secure your spot and start the year with the tools to get funded here.
| | | | |
RTA Next Informational Session
Free to attend, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce
1822 E Innovation Park Dr.
| | | |
Please join your Chamber to learn more about the upcoming RTA Next vote. We'll answer questions and go over RTA Next's plans.
| | |
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.
| | Please join us for a large open house to celebrate the grand opening of Fyzical Therapy! We'll cut a ribbon and celebrate this business. | | |
Join us for New Member Orientation, our quarterly Chamber gathering and refresher! Come, learn about the Chamber, refresh your membership, meet some people, and enjoy complimentary coffee and breakfast bites.
| | |
Join us for our first ever Speed Networking Mixer! Get to know people and exchange information through a fun and engaging process. Please make sure to bring at least 10-15 business cards for this event.
This event has a limit of 100 attendees. Don't miss out on the fun and register now!
| | Please join us for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the expansion of the BMO Bank Oro Valley location. There will be an open house from 10-4 with the ribbon at the beginning of the day to kick-off the festivities. We'll see you there! | | |
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!
| | |
Join us for an evening mixer! Connect with fellow professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The premier networking event you won't want to miss!
| | 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
| | |
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
| | | | |
