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Join local retailers, law enforcement, and prosecutors to learn how we're tackling organized retail theft in oro Valley. Hear real success stories, get updates on trends, learn what to expect when reporting incidents, and discover helpful resources and upcoming trainings.
| | Please join us to celebrate Urban Wellness Center! We'll cut a ribbon and then enjoy the open house. See you there! | | |
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!
| | RTA ballots must be signed, mailed by 3/3 | |
------Ballots for RTA Next, the 20-year, $2.67 billion transportation improvement proposal, must be in the mail by Tuesday, March 3, to be counted ahead by Election Day on Tuesday, March 10.
------Pima County voters are being asked to vote on 2 measures – Proposition 418, the plan itself; and Proposition 419, extension of the half-cent sales tax to fund transportation improvements.
------This is an all-mail election. The last day to request an early ballot is TODAY Friday, Feb. 27.
------A voter’s signature is required for the vote to be counted. The signature and date line are on the back of the yellow return envelopes.
------Besides the U.S. Postal Service, ballots can be dropped off at the Pima County Recorder’s office, 240 N. Stone; the Country Club office, 6550 S. Country Club; or the city of Tucson Ward 2 office, 7820 E. Broadway.
------Your Chamber has recommended “yes” votes on both propositions. To read Chamber president / CEO Kristen Sharp’s take on RTA Next, click here.
------To learn more, go to rtanext.com.
| | AZ Tech Week 2026 comes to Oro Valley | |
------Optics Valley is joining Arizona Tech Week 2026 with Innovators Unleashed, a pitch competition designed to build stronger founders and spotlight Southern Arizona’s growing tech ecosystem.
Innovators Unleashed focuses on helping founders sharpen their story, pressure test assumptions, strengthen investor pitch decks, and build the skills needed to attract partners, talent, and capital. Participants will pitch to experienced venture capital and angel investors while gaining exposure during AZ Tech Week.
------The competition is open to Arizona headquartered tech startups across three stages: Idea to Validation, Launch, and Growth. Applicants must have less than $1.5 million in 2025 sales and less than $1.5 million raised in funding. Approximately 60 startups are expected to compete in the semifinal round on March 27, with the top five advancing to the Final Pitch Competition on April 8. An additional 15 teams will participate in Demo Day.
------Applications open February 3, 2026 and close March 4, 2026.
------Learn more and apply here.
| | Giraffe calf born at Reid Park Zoo | |
------Tucson’s Reid Park Zoo is welcoming a significant new addition. Penelope, one of the zoo’s adult female reticulated giraffes, gave birth to a calf on the afternoon of Monday, February 23. Reticulated giraffes are endangered and the birth is part of Reid Park Zoo’s participation in the Giraffe Species Survival Plan to maintain viable populations of these animals.
------“The new calf was born at 4:10 p.m. on Monday, was standing a little over an hour after his birth and nursing shortly after that. That is exactly where we wanted him to be,” said Adam Ramsey, Director of Animal Care.
------Penelope and the calf are behind the scenes having some quiet bonding time. Guests can expect to see the pair on habitat after a few days. More details will be announced via the zoo’s social media. “We don't quite know when he will go onto the main habitat yet, we will let his behavior and mom's behavior guide that decision,” said Ramsey.
------Penelope, also known as “Penny,” came to Reid Park Zoo in 2020 as a part of the Species Survival Plan, or SSP, with a breeding recommendation for Jasiri, the Zoo’s male giraffe and father of the calf. This is the pair’s second offspring. Their first-born, Moyo, moved to another Zoo in 2025, also on recommendation from the SSP to ensure long-term sustainability of giraffes.
------“As an accredited zoo, we work very closely with the SSPs for the species that call Reid Park Zoo home. It helps to ensure the longevity and health of our animals and their future generations,” said Ramsey. “Penny was wonderful and attentive as a first-time mom, and she has been immediately attentive to her newborn calf. She has been grooming him, being patient while he’s nursing, and is aware of where he is at all times.”
------The animal care team has noted that the yet-unnamed calf has a marking pattern very similar to Jasiri’s marking pattern but that his spots themselves have light colored center markings just like Penelope's spots. He was born weighing 180 pounds and is currently standing 6 feet tall.
------Reid Park Zoo supports the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Giraffe SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) Program, providing fieldwork in Uganda to stabilize wild populations of the endangered reticulated giraffes. By supporting Reid Park Zoo, guests are also helping support these programs and the calf’s wild cousins.
| | Free shredding event with Ameriprise | |
------Get a head start on spring cleaning at the upcoming document shredding event hosted by Ameriprise Tucson Advisors & Staff. On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, community members are invited to stop by the Ameriprise Financial branch at 1715 E. Skyline Dr. #151 to securely dispose of old paperwork. The shred drop-off service runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is provided at no cost or obligation to attend.
------Beyond document security, the event features a social lunch opportunity starting at 11:00 a.m., with the "Daniela's Cooking" food truck on-site until 2:00 p.m. This community gathering, sponsored by Jose Collazo of PGIM Investments, encourages neighbors to bring or invite a friend to utilize secure destruction services they can trust. To RSVP or for more information, contact Alan Willenbrock at 520-877-5601 or via email at alan.willenbrock@ampf.com.
| | Tohono Chul's public mural reveal Feb. 28 | |
------A public unveiling of Ignacio Garcia’s mural Twilight Sonoran is planned for Saturday, Feb. 28, at Chamber Silver member Tohono Chul Park.
------The 1,200-square-foot mural, painted in blue, black and white on the long wall of Tohono Chul’s Garden Pavilion, captures a serene night on the Sonoran Desert. It is an eye-level creation drawing rave reviews, and is now Tohono Chul’s largest public art installation.
------Guests can enjoy live art demonstrations, hands-on painting activities, live music, food and fun for all ages. Garcia will be there to speak with guests.
------“I Heart Art” is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. that Saturday. Members can come for free. Admission is $5 for the general public.
------Go to tohonochul.org for more information.
| | FC Tucson 2026 season schedule announced | |
------Chamber Copper member FC Tucson's 2026 season schedule was just announced last week!
------They’re happy to announce that Chamber members will receive a 10% discount code as well. Interested members can use code FCTM26 at checkout (enter the code before selecting seats) to claim the offer.
------Don't miss out on a great season! Click here to secure your tickets today.
| | OVPD hosting free women's self defense class | |
------The Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) System teaches practical self-defense tactics and techniques designed to help you escape an attacker. Be empowered to make a plan of action to defend yourself no matter physical condition or age. This course is instructed by the Oro Valley Police Department.
------Class consists of two Thursday classes held on March 5 & March 12. They will run from 5-9 p.m. Both classes must be attended to earn a certificate.
------Email, call the number, or click here to register for this class.
| | Workman Insurance selling its office | |
------Long time Chamber member, Workman Insurance and Investments want to sell their office. The one-story Josler architecturally designed building is located at 6812 North Oracle Road, #120 in the Casas Adobes Office Park. It has 1044 square feet, high ceilings, and a restroom. Parking is accessible in front of the office.
------Management maintains all landscaping, outside lighting, and parking areas. There is daily mail service and weekly trash pick-up.
------The owners gladly accept referrals if you know someone interested!
------For more details, contact Bob Workman at (520)531-1300 or email him at bob@workmaninsurance.com.
| | 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.
| | Celebrate Arizona's statehood with OVHS | |
------The Oro Valley Historical Society has two events this week you won’t want to miss!
------Join them on Friday, February 27th at the Oro Valley Public Library from 3 - 4:30 p.m. to hear a presentation by Royal John Medley, member of the Oracle Historical Society. He will tell us the story about a pioneer, adventurer, miner, a man who traveled to his own beat – Earl Linwood Francis. Stories about this man and his amazing short life (1931-1966) in Oracle are still told in bars, cafes, and around campfires. And wait until you hear the ending!
------Then celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial and Arizona Statehood on Saturday, February 28th at historic Steam Pump Ranch. The Pusch House Museum will be open from 9 a.m. – noon with a display featuring the independence of the United States and the birth of our great state. Why did it take almost 150 years for us to be a part of the Union? Volunteers will be available to answer questions and provide you with additional information.
------Tours are complimentary with donations gratefully accepted.
| | Please join us to celebrate the opening of Bloom Tea in the Oro Valley Marketplace! We'll cut a ribbon and support this new Oro Valley business. | | Please join us for an open house to celebrate Visiting Angels Tucson's new office location. They're opening their doors to celebrate this new development with the OV Chamber community. Please join us! | | |
This month we meet at the "garage" offices of the Parks and Recreation Department of Oro Valley on Steam Pump Ranch at 9am. The topic of discussion will be Donor Cultivation. Bring your ideas and questions for the group!
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The OV Chamber is joining forces with TENWEST and networking organizations across Southern Arizona for a Mega Mixer. This is a chance to interact with new faces while still having the comfort of seeing some folks that you already know.
Use the code OVCMember when registering or register using this link to reserve your space.
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Start your morning with connection and community impact at the Oro Valley Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Breakfast on Thursday, March 26th!
Join fellow business leaders, community partners, and local changemakers as we reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and honor those who make Oro Valley thrive. This signature event is one of the Chamber’s most anticipated gatherings, and you won’t want to miss it.
The nonprofit fair opens at 7:30 a.m. where you can meet and support incredible local nonprofits making a difference in our community.
A delicious breakfast buffet available until 9:00 a.m. Be sure to arrive early to allow time for parking, networking, visiting the nonprofit fair, and enjoying breakfast before the program begins.
Space is limited, secure your seat today! Early bird ticket pricing ends Monday, March 9th. Ticket sales close Monday, March 23rd.
Expo booths and sponsorships are still available! Purchase online or email Makenna for more information.
| | 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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