Bring your pasta for IMPACT to Chamber

------Your Chamber is collecting pasta for IMPACT of Southern Arizona.

------Anyone want to add canned tomatoes?

------Your help is requested with the month-long pasta drive. Drop off pasta at the Chamber office, 1822 E. Innovation Park Drive, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. If staff is away, leave your donation next door with Dr. Watson at Chamber member Chiropractic USA.

------Every month, IMPACT provides 300 clients a bag of food containing seven items recommended by the USDA. Those foods are cereal, peanut butter, canned meat (chicken or tuna), canned tomatoes, pasta, canned vegetables and canned soup.

------IMPACT has help paying for peanut butter and cereal.

------“We are now seeking businesses, clubs, churches or any groups that would like to help collect one of the staple items for our Impact bags,” said Impact’s Cody Wilkinson, director of food programs. IMPACT food bag sponsors help collect 300 needed items during a month.

------To learn more, call Cody at 520-825-0009, email him at cody@impactsoaz.org, or go to the website, impactsoaz.org. You could collect items for a month ... or longer.

------IMPACT is giving “a huge thank-you” to the Catalina Oro Valley Lions Club for volunteering to pack bags each month.

AZ Small Business Digital Academy Applications Open

------The Arizona Commerce Authority’s Small Business Digital Academy is a free, three-week program designed to help small business owners strengthen their online presence. Participants will gain practical knowledge on websites, social media, e-commerce, SEO, and analytics, with guidance from digital marketing experts.

------Live sessions will take place on Mondays from 3-5 PM, starting March 17. The program is designed for business owners at any experience level, breaking down digital tools into manageable steps.

------Applications are open through February 28, 2025.

------For more details and to apply, click here.

Catch big gem show before Sunday eve

------“Shades of Green – Experience the Magic!” is the theme for the 70th annual Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, the anchor event of Tucson’s expansive, annual Gem Show.

------This year’s show, presented by Chamber member the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, is open through this Sunday, Feb. 16, at the Tucson Convention Center.

------Show hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and 10-4 Sunday.

------The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is the oldest and most prestigious gem and mineral show in the world. It has enjoyed international stature since the 1970s.

------Go to tgms.org/show for more information.

Reception for Joe Bourne, his art this Sunday, Feb. 16

------Joe Bourne is showing 30 of his encaustic paintings, paintings with beeswax, at an opening reception this Sunday, Feb. 16, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Tucson Jewish Community Center.

------Joe’s 1-man show, “My Colorful Southwest,” is open through March 16.

------Talented guitarist Matt Mitchell provides music at the reception, which is free and open to the public. The Tucson J is located at 3800 River Road.

------Bourne is a multi-talented artist and longtime Chamber member. His mission is to “lift the spirits of those who I have the privilege of entertaining, and to have an abundance of fun while doing so.”

'25 Attraction Passport now on sale at Chamber, online

------Pima Community College invites everyone to its 2025 Futures Conference, to be held Friday, March 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Doubletree Reid Park, 445 S. Alvernon.

------Residents can join online, too.

------PCC, a Chamber Copper member is embarking on “a comprehensive planning process with the goal of transforming PCC into a future-ready institution that meets the needs of the community we serve,” an invitation said.

------The 2025 Futures Conference, sponsored by the PCC Foundation, “is your opportunity to provide input on our mission and priorities as we plan for the years ahead,” it continued. Faculty, staff, students employers and community members come together for “a collaborative, solutions-focused discussion. Your insights are vital as we work to ensure PCC meets our region's needs.”

------The day begins with registration and lunch, followed by the program. To register, click here.

------Anyone with questions may contact Nic Richmond at ncrichmond@pima.edu or Ian Roark at iroark@pima.edu.

------“Help shape the future of PCC,” the invitation said.

Rodeo Days Arts celebration features Rescue Me Marana

------Plaza Palomino invites the public to dust off their boots and hats and join the fun at their 15th Annual Rodeo Days Arts Celebration Saturday, February 22, 10 AM-4 PM, 2900 N. Swan Road. The western-themed event is free to attend and features more than 50 artisan booths, food vendors, and entertainment by Mariachi Herradura, Ballet Folklorico Tapatio dancers, the Cochise County All Stars, and Copper Moon with Jay Faircloth.

------The entertainment schedule is: Mariachi Herradura 10:00-11:00; Ballet Folklorico Tapatio dancing 11:15AM-11:45; Cochise County All Stars country music 12:00-2:00pm - Copper Moon country western music 2:00-4:00PM. 

------The event also features adoptable dogs from Rescue Me Marana, Hope of Deliverance, Cherished Tails, and Surrendered Souls rescues. Paws Patrol of Green Valley will offer crafts to benefit their cat rescue. Adoption fees and policies vary; all animals are spayed, neutered, microchipped and vaccinated to date.

------Attendees can view a variety of items and bid on a silent auction benefiting Rescue Me Marana Pet Adoption Center during the event. Bidding is live for the RMT Silent Auction for those who want to get a preview: Rodeo Days Arts Celebration 2025

------Plaza Palomino is providing space to the animal rescue groups free of charge to help spotlight the need to place adoptable animals and help the community find a variety of adoptable animals while enjoying a family friendly, free event. 

Pima Foundation hosts PCC 'Futures Conference' March 14

------Pima Community College invites everyone to its 2025 Futures Conference, to be held Friday, March 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Doubletree Reid Park, 445 S. Alvernon.

------Residents can join online, too.

------PCC, a Chamber Copper member is embarking on “a comprehensive planning process with the goal of transforming PCC into a future-ready institution that meets the needs of the community we serve,” an invitation said.

------The 2025 Futures Conference, sponsored by the PCC Foundation, “is your opportunity to provide input on our mission and priorities as we plan for the years ahead,” it continued. Faculty, staff, students employers and community members come together for “a collaborative, solutions-focused discussion. Your insights are vital as we work to ensure PCC meets our region's needs.”

------The day begins with registration and lunch, followed by the program. To register, click here.

------Anyone with questions may contact Nic Richmond at ncrichmond@pima.edu or Ian Roark at iroark@pima.edu.

------“Help shape the future of PCC,” the invitation said.

OVTC stages 'Rainmaker' at The Gaslight Feb. 21-23

------The Oro Valley Theatre Company stages “The Rainmaker” Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 21-23, at The Gaslight Music Hall in Oro Valley.

------There are five performances. The show opens at 6 p.m. Friday, followed by performances at 2 and 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. To purchase tickets, click here.

------“The Rainmaker” is “not a comedy, it’s not a tragedy,” director Judi Rodman said. “The author describes it as a romance.

------“If you don’t come in as a romantic, you might leave with some romance in your soul,” Rodman said. “It’s dreamlike,” but not melodramatic. “It feels magical, and almost real. You believe it in your heart, but you may not believe it in reality.”

------Members of the cast are Brandon Howell, Luke Howell, Daniel Hagberg, Stephanie Howell, Mike Shipione, Constantino Nuzzo and Stephen Anson. Stephanie Howell and Anson “create some interesting charisma on stage,” Rodman said.

------“It’s a down-to-earth setting, and yet there’s a lot of magic that comes into play,” she said. “By the end of the show, she’s worked magic on him. It’s a really good story. I really love the story.”

------After more than 200 shows, this is Rodman’s last play as a director. She’s retiring as a director, while planning to continue as artistic director of Chamber member the OVTC.

OVHS celebrates Arizona's birthday

------It’s Arizona’s 113th birthday, and the Oro Valley Historical Society is celebrating! Come visit us at historic Steam Pump Ranch for our new exhibit at the Pusch House – Arizona from Territory to Statehood! See the story about how we were almost one state combined with New Mexico, and how this area of cowboys, stagecoach drivers, miners, and more became statesmen and the process they had to go through. The exhibit will be at the Museum on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon through March 15 and is FREE to all, with donations gladly accepted. Volunteers will be on site to answer questions and provide additional information.

------Want to know more about the Ranch itself? You are in luck! Outdoor enthusiast, volunteer, and outdoor activity guide at Miraval, Paul Canez, will be giving two-hour long walking tours of the Ranch, the first at 9:15 a.m. and the second at 10:30 a.m. You will learn about the historical figures and the flora and fauna of Ranch life while enjoying the aromas of fresh coffee and home-made crepes from the Heirloom Farmers’ Market. Again, the tour is FREE and we are grateful for donations to keep Oro Valley History alive!

------Steam Pump Ranch is located at 10901 North Oracle Road. www.ovhistory.org

Freytag Ortho has positions open

------Are you or someone you know looking for an exciting job in the dental field? Apply now to start working as a Patient Manager for Freytag Orthodontics.

------You'll enjoy great hours, a flexible work week, rewarding wages, great benefits, and opportunities for advancement.

------Orthodontic Assistants work directly on patient's braces and assist patients with their Invisalign treatments so that all patients receive the highest level of on time service.

------This is a full time position with pay between $18-20 per hour. High school or equivalent certificate is required as well as radiology certification with some dental experience preferred. Candidates will work in person at both the Oro Valley and Marana locations.

------To apply click here.

A Wise Move PT offers open office space

------A Wise Move Physical Therapy and Pilates is offering office space. The space is a 9'x12' room inside a sole practice for physical therapy and Pilates. There is access to a kitchen/break room area with some additional storage space, if needed. Handwashing station right outside the door. The space could be workable for just an office space or for a treatment room for massage, acupuncture or other types of services. Please call or text Heidi Fisher at 520-488-6715 for more information or to arrange a time to see the space.

GTL accepting applications for 2026 Lead Tucson Class

------Greater Tucson Leadership (GTL), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to cultivating strong community leaders, is now accepting applications for the Lead Tucson Class of 2026. As GTL’s flagship leadership program, Lead Tucson is a 10-month immersive experience designed for dynamic, diverse, and driven professionals eager to expand their network, sharpen their leadership skills, and gain a deeper understanding of Tucson’s community, culture, and history. Participants will engage in meaningful discussions, embrace different perspectives, and step out of their comfort zones while making a lasting impact in their workplaces and communities. Graduates join a network of over a thousand alums shaping Tucson’s future across various sectors.

------Key Dates:

• Application Deadline: April 27, 2025
• Candidate Interviews: May 2025
• Acceptance Notifications: May 31, 2025
• Program Start Date: August 22, 2025

------To help prospective applicants learn more, GTL is hosting two virtual information sessions:

• Virtual Info Session 1, March 25, 2025, from 12 - 12:30 pm – Click HERE to register
• Virtual Info Session 2, April 15, 2025, from 12 - 12:30 pm – Click HERE to register

------Do not miss this opportunity to lead change and make a difference in our community. Apply today and become part of the legacy of leadership at Greater Tucson Leadership! Submit your application here: Lead Tucson Application

------Have questions? Check out Lead Tucson FAQ, contact GTL at (520) 209-2734, or email info@greatertucsonleadership.org.