Lynette Jaramillo, co-founder of Casa de la Luz with Agnes Poore, and Casa’s CEO and visionary, died unexpectedly last week at age 78.
We are sad about this loss for our community. Our hearts and prayers go out to Agnes, to Lynette’s family, to everyone at Casa de la Luz, and to all who have been graced by Lynette’s life.
We didn’t get to say “goodbye,” which is what Casa has helped thousands of people do. And we didn’t get to celebrate Lynette’s life with her, another founding value of Casa. What a life it was. The Daily Star’s Carmen Duarte wrote a good story; you can find it here.
Lynette Jaramillo had a great passion for hospice, building one of Oro Valley’s largest businesses on the foundation of caring for people in an inevitable and difficult moment. She was classy, smart, gracious, tough when she needed to be, candid when warranted. Yet even in those moments, when Lynette was telling you (me) something you should know, she guided you toward the light. Hacia' La Luz.
Lynette was a consistent, vocal supporter of your Chamber, always offering praise, ideas and wisdom. As a successful entrepreneur, she counseled and encouraged women in business and career. She showed up. She cared deeply for this place and its people.
In 2014, Lynette and Agnes summoned us to their immaculate Oracle Road campus, where Lynette told us Casa wasn’t investing enough money in your Chamber, then became a $2,500 Copper member. That doesn’t happen every day. And, for years before the pandemic, and we hope after it, Casa de la Luz has graciously hosted our monthly board meetings in its board room.
In 2016, Lynette and Agnes were recipients of your Chamber’s Legacy Award, given to people whose accomplishments will live on. Lynette, and Agnes, are such people, and we feel lucky to have celebrated the work of Lynette's life with her those years ago.
Truly, Lynette Jaramillo was one of the greats. In the words of David Fitzsimmons, Daily Star cartoonist, writer and Lynette’s friend, she lived “a life rich with meaning and purpose.”
May we all do as well.
- Dave Perry
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This Week's
Update
Friday, Feb. 19, 2021
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Ribbon flies at Spenga, 2 Weds.
Cut a ribbon with us at 2 p.m. this Wednesday, Feb. 24!
Chamber member Spenga Tucson opened their doors this past summer. Due to the pandemic, we haven’t been able to cut a ribbon, until now!
Mayor Joe Winfield will officiate. Join us!
Spenga is located in the Oracle Crossings shopping center, 7621 N. Oracle Rd., Ste. 150. Their website is tucsonaz.spenga.com.
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Tohono Chul
spring plant
sale 3/17, 20-21
Chamber member Tohono Chul presents its Spring Plant Sale March 17, 20 and 21.
The members preview runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 17. The plant sale is open to the general public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 20 and 21.
At the Spring Plant Sale, guests can find more than 1,200 species of cacti, succulents, shrubs, trees and flowers. The sale takes place in Tohono Chul’s main parking lot, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte. No reservations are required.
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Pinal County’s
Tim Kanavel
passes at 64
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For years, Pinal County Economic Development Director Tim Kanavel ventured from Florence to Oro Valley annually to speak at Lyra Done’s Chamber Public Policy Committee.
Everyone enjoyed Tim’s energy, and appreciated the many big ideas – and major successes – achieved by Tim and his team in Pinal County.
This week, we’ve learned that Tim died earlier this month. He was 64.
Pinal County Supervisors Chair Stephen Miller paid tribute to Tim.
“There was nobody more dedicated to his job and to Pinal County than Tim,” Miller said. “He was a person that was always trying to advance Pinal County and what was best for our constituents. This is devastating news and a tough loss for Pinal County."
“What he's done for this county and our communities is truly beyond measurement, we're going to see the impact of Tim's work for decades,” Vice Chair Mike Goodman said. “What's going to be challenging is to continue that legacy."
In OV, median
price of a sold
home up 15 %
since Jan. ‘20
In Oro Valley, resale home inventory is down 2/3rds, closings are up nearly half, “months of inventory” is now less than 1 month, and the price of homes sold in January was up 15 percent from a year ago, according to the most recent OV market report from Long Realty’s Kevin Kaplan.
According to the report, active inventory during January 2021 stood at 67 homes, a 67 percent decrease from a year ago. There were 74 closings in January, a 45 percent increase from the previous January. Months of inventory was .9, down from 4 months in January 2020.
And the median price of a sold home was $367,500 in January, up 15 percent from the mark 12 months back.
The Oro Valley area had 103 new properties under contract in January 2021, up 21% from January 2020.
New hours at The
Garden Bistro
The Garden Bistro at Tohono Chul has new hours.
Brunch is served from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Happy hour runs from 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays.
“If you’re in need of refreshment, our beverages satisfy any thirst,” an invitation said. “Not to mention, each dish is plated to look as lovely as the gardens surrounding the Bistro and the flavors are amazing, truly!”
The Garden Bistro is located within Tohono Chul, Oro Valley’s desert oasis. For information, go to tohonochul.org.
IdeaFunding pitch
contest entries
needed by 2/22
A deadline is near for applications to IdeaFunding, Southern Arizona's largest pitch competition, focused on helping and highlighting early-stage companies.
Firms must apply before Monday, Feb. 22 to go head-to-head for a chance to win $25,000 in cash and services.
In total, StartUp Tucson is giving away more than $65,000 on April 15 for startups, small businesses, and even creative entrepreneurs.
IdeaFunding is a free digital event, register today! To learn more or to sign up, click here.
Tucson AdFed
calls for entries
in ’21 competition
Challenge inspires creativity, the Tucson Advertising Federation believes.
That’s why it’s calling for entries in its annual awards competition, this year called “Corona Can’t Stop Creativity, Tucson American Advertising Awards.”
The national competition is the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, with more than 50,000 entries a year through local competitions. The local competition is the first of a three-tiered competition.
Put your best work forward toward an ADDY award, all you creative people! Both professional and student categories are open. To learn more and to enter, click here.
Desert Palms has
a BOGO discount
during February
Chamber member Desert Palms Physical Therapy, Movement Studio and Institute is offering a buy one / get one 25 percent off special during February.
The discount applies to acupuncture, massage, personal training, pilates, Thai body work or TuiNa. Single sessions are available through February. Some limits apply. Gift certificates can be purchased.
Desert Palms is located in the Safeway shopping center, Tangerine and Rancho Vistoso in Oro Valley. The address is 12142 N. Rancho Vistoso, Suite 150, the phone 520-338-2728, the website desertpalmspt.com.
Several ways
to get the ‘21
Book of Lists
Sign up now to get your copy of the 2021 Book of Lists, published by Chamber Silver member Tucson Local Media.
The 2021 Book of Lists contains data collected in 2020 from more than 2,000 companies and organizations across 116 categories. To order copies at $25 each, call 520-797-4384, or click here.
You can also purchase a digital, user-friendly version of the book here for $149.
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Check out this video with Chamber President / CEO Dave Perry and Oro Valley assistant town manager Chris Cornelison as they speak about the OVSafeSteps program.
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Amphi Foundation has spring grants
Chamber member Amphi Foundation is announcing its spring 2021 school funding opportunity. Amphi teachers, principals and employees can seek awards from $500 to $5,000 as they prepare for the switch back to hybrid learning. Email Amphi, or click on this link.
Pima Federal Credit Union has scholarships
Diamond member Pima Federal Credit Union is proud to award five education awards to graduating high school students each year. Applications for the Pima Federal Education Award are now being accepted through March 31. Visit the website for more information and to apply. Click here.
Tickets on sale
for 10th ‘Empty
Bowls’ event
Tickets are now on sale for the 10th annual Empty Bowls, a fundraiser to fight hunger and feed hope presented by Chamber member Interfaith Community Services, the estate of Dorothy D. Vanek, and by Richard and Judy Weill.
Tickets, at $30 each, are available here. Proceeds benefit the ICS food banks and services.
Guests can sign up for drive-through bowl pickup from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, March 5, and Saturday, March 6 at the Northwest ICS campus. A virtual program is being livestreamed Saturday, March 6, from 10 to 11 a.m.
There is an online silent auction and raffle, with proceeds bringing “help and hope to local families.”
Students, get an
application for
’21 scholarships
Your Chamber and its Foundation once again plan to award scholarships this year in the name of the late Steve Engle, one of Oro Valley’s first mayors.
Application forms are now available for the 2021 Steve Engle Memorial Scholarship / Oro Valley Chamber Foundation scholarship.
To get an application, email Duane Macklin, Chamber member services director.
Applications are needed by the close of business Friday, April 2.
Applications have been emailed to 12 area high schools, Pima County JTED, and Pima Community College.
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JOBS
Service and
Supplies
Chamber member E-Konomy Pool Service and Supplies is hiring renovation technicians, repair technicians, hot tub service technicians and pool cleaning technicians. To see job description and to apply, click here.
Havven Beauty Salon
Chamber member Havven Beauty Salon is hiring stylists for the commission program and booth renters looking for a new opportunity. Call Tammy at 520-975-9804 to inquire.
Arizona Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgeons
Chamber member Arizona Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is looking for multiple, highly motivated dental assistants at both its locations, to include Oro Valley’s Innovation Park. AZOMS offers medical and 401k benefits. Send your resume to Christina here, or fax it to 520-745-0014.
The Temp Connection
From accounting to warehouse, Chamber member The Temp Connection is actively recruiting for more than 30 positions, right now.
Pima Library
Chamber member the Pima County Library System is hiring library technical assistants for multiple locations. No college degree required. Click here.
Vantage West Credit Union
Chamber Copper member Vantage West Credit Union is now hiring for multiple positions. If you have a passion for helping people, let’s talk! Click here.
Tucson Federal
Chamber Copper member Tucson Federal Credit Union has a number of open positions. It seeks people-focused, service-oriented, passionate colleagues to accomplish its mission, “Creating Exceptional Experiences for Each Person, Each Day.” Go to tucsonfcu.com to learn more.
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Where to go for help with new PPP
The federal Small Business Administration has reopened the Paycheck Protection Program, based on legislation signed by President Trump on Dec. 27.
Within your Chamber, financial institutions able to help in this next round of PPP funding are:
Commerce Bank of Arizona, Paul Tees, 520-321-0412;
Diamond member Pima Federal Credit Union, Mario Haller, 520-887-5010, extension 4405.
For information on “first draw” PPP loans, to help keep workers employed during the pandemic, click here: First Draw.
For information on “second draw” PPP loans, if you have received PPP funds, previously, click here: Second Draw.
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ShopOVAZ.com
Have you visited ShopOVAZ.com, our growing compilation of Oro Valley businesses? Check it out. You’ll find direct access to more than 310 – and growing – Oro Valley businesses.
To get your business on the site, please email information to Anstar Productions or click on the “Get Listed” button at the upper right of the menu on the website.
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Director of Business Development
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Our Board
of Directors
Chair
Nancy Boyle
Splendido at Rancho Vistoso
Vice Chair
Anne-Marie Braswell
Golder Ranch Fire District
Secretary / Clerk
Dinny Cosyns
NorthStar Strategies
Treasurer
Eric Renaud
Pima Federal Credit Union
Members
Veronica Apodaca
Northwest Healthcare
Ron Arenas
Picture Rocks Cooling,
Heating and Plumbing
Jeff Artzi
OOROO Auto
Lisa Bayless
Long Realty
Lila Chapman
Sierra Tucson
Mark Davis
Canyon Community Bank
Cindy Webb Hanson
OneAZ Credit Union
Tom Hebner
Roche Tissue Diagnostics
Robert Ramirez
Robert Ramirez CPA
Otton Suarez
El Conquistador Tucson,
A Hilton Resort
Jack Talmage
Oro Valley Country Club
Jeremy Thompson
Cox
Ex-officio
Paul Melcher
Town of Oro Valley
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Unwind from your day with a snack, a drink, the chance to win prizes, and great conversation with fellow Chamber members at 5 p.m. this Thursday. Feb. 25.
Each person will get to quickly (name and title, that's it!) introduce themselves to the entire group. We'll divide into smaller break-out rooms to facilitate stronger connections and provide more information about your business. Come prepared to share "a contact you think everyone should know" with your breakout room.
Zixers are free!
P.S. donate a door prize (valued at $15 or more) and get 30 seconds in front of the entire group! Email Kristen@orovalleychamber.com to let her know you'll be donating a door prize!
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Thank to our members renewing in January!
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Renewing members of your Chamber in January are Anstar Productions Group; Bay Equity Home Loans; Cadden Community Management; Casas Adobes Dentistry; Edward Jones / Rudy Graf; Habitat for Humanity Tucson; Jacobson Custom Homes, LLC; John Lebbs CPA, PLLC; McDonald’s, Magee / Oracle; MHC Healthcare; Midwest Regional Bank; Miles Label Company, Inc.; Mountain View Retirement Village; Oro Valley Historical Society; Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty / Christina Tierney; Russell Cellular; Savaya Coffee Market; Thryv; Trico Electric Cooperative; Tucson Orthopaedic Institute; Walmart SuperCenter Store #3379; Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa; WLB Group, Inc.
Thank you!
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Thank you, Hughes,
for Silver renewal!
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Your Chamber had 2 new members in January, Freytag Orthodontics and Faces Artistry Permanent Makeup.
Welcome to the Chamber!
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Rachel at Dogtopia and Matt at Bank of the West have made the OVSafeSteps promise.
Photos by Martin Reichgott
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OVsafesteps nears
$500K in assistance;
an April 1 date looms
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Through Wednesday, 176 Oro Valley businesses have received $486,000 in total reimbursement for pandemic-related expenses through ovsafesteps, the $1 million effort created by Town of Oro Valley leaders.
Assistance has been “incredibly helpful to those businesses who have needed it,” Jacobs told the mayor and town council Wednesday.
She thanked members of her staff, led by Assistant Town Manager Chris Cornelison, as well as your Chamber for doing “an outstanding job getting the word out.”
A deadline for submission of ovsafesteps promises and receipts is looming. Businesses will be asked to seek reimbursement – up to $1,500 in each of 3 expense categories – by Thursday, April 1.
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Learn about Oracle
Road, housing and
more Thursday, 3/4
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Our first event of 2021 is a virtual look at what's happening in the Greater Oro Valley economy. We'll talk to informed people about housing, infrastructure, jobs, and what's ahead. You'll want to tune in; click here to register. Click here to view sponsorship opportunities.
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Golf may have new life
on the Pusch Ridge 9
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Golf may have new life on the idle Pusch Ridge 9-hole course that wraps around Chamber Gold member El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort.
After hours of public comment, staff presentation, and lengthy parliamentary procedure Wednesday night, council voted 6-1 to “direct staff to return with a plan for operating the Pusch Ridge golf course, to be evaluated within three years as to its continued feasibility, capital improvement requirements while also looking at alternates to look at water usage and potential new configurations and a third-party lease.”
Staff’s assignment, then, is to create an operating plan, seek someone to operate the course, identify necessary capital investments, examine ways to reduce water consumption and possibly move toward something other than the current 9-hole configuration.
Then, an evaluation of the operation would be needed within 3 years of operation, which may resume before 2022.
The Pusch Ridge 9, acquired as part of Oro Valley’s 2015 $1 million purchase of golf, swimming, clubhouse, tennis courts and related facilities, has been idle and dry for some time. As they have done for months, on Wednesday owners from within the 227 homes along the Pusch Ridge 9 urged council to resume golf on the course. Homeowners associations along the course have offered to pay a total of $34,050 a year for at least 5 years to help pay for golf operation.
On Wednesday, town staff presented 2 alternatives for the Pusch Ridge 9 – the continuation of golf, or the conversion of the land to natural open space with passive recreation. The proposals came after a number of meetings among area homeowners associations, town staff, and representatives of resort owner HSL Properties to identify options and seek solutions.
No public speaker expressed support for the second choice.
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Regardless of your
vaccine policy, be
sure to be consistent
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Attorney Mike Boreale of Boreale Law shared broad insights into the complications of COVID-19 vaccination and employment for a Chamber Let’s Connect audience of 57 guests Thursday morning.
According to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance, employers can require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before returning to the physical workplace, Boreale said.
Such a mandate may be premature, given the uncertainty of vaccine distribution and the time it will take for broad distribution, he added.
Employers must ensure vaccine policies are consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Boreale cautioned. When an employee declines a required vaccination based upon ADA or Civil Rights Act principles, the employer “must consider possible options for (reasonable) accommodation” before that individual is excluded from the workplace, Boreale said.
Union agreements have their own particular effects, he continued.
Whatever the vaccination policy is within a business, “the best defense is to not discriminate” from one employee to another. “Treat everyone the same.”
To see Mike’s PowerPoint presentation “COVID-19 Vaccines, Legal & Practical Issues for Employers,” click here.
To watch our Let’s Connect program, about an hour long, click here.
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Trico makes semi-annual
awards to 10 non-profits
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Chamber member Trico Electric Cooperative has awarded a total of $35,000 to 10 non-profit organizations providing critical services in southern Arizona.
Trico awards grants twice a year to charities throughout southern Arizona. Nonprofits are selected through an application process and reviewed by a seven-person committee made up of Trico employees, members and board members.
Receiving grants of $5,000 each are Arivaca Action Center, Autism Society of Southern Arizona, Make Way for Books and SARSEF – Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Foundation.
Receiving grants of $2,500 each are Great Expectations Academy, Integrative Touch for Kids, Chamber member Interfaith Community Services, Open Doors Community School, Chamber member Treasures 4 Educators Inc., and United Community Health Center.
Since 2008, the POWER Grant program has awarded more than $650,000 in grants. For more information or to apply go to www.trico.coop/power-grants.
Trico Electric Cooperative, Inc., is a not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 44,000 customers in Marana, Corona de Tucson, Saddlebrooke, Mount Lemmon, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Three Points and Arivaca. Formed in 1945, Trico is owned by the people it serves.
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OV Outings help Children’s Museum, kids, families find fun
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Families can enjoy a private play date at Chamber member Children’s Museum Oro Valley with Oro Valley Outing, a private play time fundraiser.
Oro Valley Outing is a way to help both the Museum and families who need a break from the house or just a change of scenery. The Oro Valley Outing fundraiser offers private, 1-1/2-hour outings at the Oro Valley location for families or social bubbles of 10 or fewer for a donation of $150 to the Museum. “These funds are vital to keep the Museum functioning until we can welcome visitors back on a daily schedule,” a release said.
Oro Valley Outing sessions are available Fridays-Sundays. Families who are unable to donate can register to win and Outing on Give Back Wednesdays, which are possible with support from the Town of Oro Valley.
Anyone who donates or registers for a Give Back play date from now through March 28 will be eligible to win a free stay at Chamber Gold member El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort.
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Update to ACA free boot camps to help your business thrive
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The Arizona Commerce Authority continues its “boot camp” sessions next week with two new sessions. They are:
"How Distracted Driving Laws Impact Your Business," Tuesday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m.
Join us for an interactive webinar to discuss how distracted driving laws could impact your small business, featuring the Vice President of Risk Management Services, Tom Goeltz. Click here to register.
"Work Productivity Hacks for Small Businesses" Thursday, Feb. 25, 9 a.m.
Join the organizational experts at Digitile for an interactive discussion on work productivity tips to help the business grow. Learn how to manage your business virtually and implement new ways to communicate, manage tasks and deliver customer service from afar. Click here to register.
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Virus testing at Adultcare Assistance Homecare
Chamber member Adultcare Assistance Homecare is a Pima County COVID-19 testing site. Krystal and her team welcome walk-ins for testing each Monday from 12:30 to 1 p.m. The office is located at 7040 N. Oracle, Suite B, near the southeast corner of Oracle and Ina.
Arizona Central opening its lobbies
Chamber member Arizona Central Credit Union is looking forward to seeing and serving its members in branch lobbies this Wednesday, Feb. 24. Remember to stay home if you are sick. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing when you go into the branch just north of Ina adjacent to Foothills Mall.
Kinghorn Law workshop Saturday, OVCC
Chamber member Kinghorn Law presents an estate planning workshop this Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon at fellow Chamber member the Oro Valley Country Club. Register at kinghornlaw.com/seminars.
Special guests at T&B North Saturday
Stop by Chamber member Tap & Bottle North, just above the northeast corner of Ina and Oracle, from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday for a “meet and greet” with friends from Simple Machine + Tap that AZ Podcast. The brewers are bringing their Collaboration Hazy IPA to T&B North, featuring 4 beers on tap and 4 in cans.
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Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce
p: 520.297.2191
7435 N. Oracle Road, #107, Oro Valley, AZ 85704
Our Mission
Maximizing Greater Oro Valley's unmatched assets.
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