Welcome, new members of your Chamber's board

  a New Oro Valley Chamber board members are Bruce Barnett of PFCU, Cody Barnhart of Oro Valley Hospital, Renee McCuistion of America First Credit Union, Maria Parham of Splendido at Rancho Vistoso, James Piper of Piper Family Painting, Rick Price of The Views Golf Club, and Emma Reyes of Republic Services.

  a They join incumbents Lisa Bayless of the Lisa Bayless Team at Long Realty, Lydia Camarillo of Golder Ranch Fire District, Shelby Francom of El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, Don Pearson of Roche Tissue Diagnostics, Brian Stewart of Pima Community College, Dan Wesson of The Post Workspaces, and ex-officio board member Paul Melcher of the Town of Oro Valley.

  a They are led by board Chair Ron Arenas of Picture Rocks Cooling Heating and Plumbing. Ron is joined on the board’s executive committee by Vice Chair Susan Swan of Swan Pilates, Secretary Zoe Burcham of Kinghorn Law | Financial, and Treasurer Mary Schulz of Schulz Financial Group.

  a Kristen Sharp, president / CEO of the Chamber, said the board is “comprised of dedicated volunteers who bring vision, commitment, and strategic guidance to everything we do.”

Chamber says 'thank you' to 4 outgoing board members

  a Four Chamber board members have “termed out” after 6 years of service.

  a They are, from left, outgoing Past Chair Eric Renaud of Pima Federal Credit Union; Dinny Cosyns of NorthStar Strategies, who has served as the board’s Secretary / Clerk; outgoing Chair Jeremy Thompson of Cox; and Jack Talmage (not shown), representing the Oro Valley Country Club.

  a Each received a personalized plaque created by Chamber member and artist Joe Bourne at your Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards Breakfast on Tuesday.

Picture Rocks Ron Arenas new chair of Chamber board

  a Ron Arenas, operator of family-owned and operated Picture Rocks Cooling, Heating and Plumbing, is the 2024-’25 chair of your Chamber board.

  a Ron succeeds Jeremy Thompson of Cox Communications. Arenas took the helm at your Chamber’s Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

  a During his 6 years on the board, Thompson has watched the Chamber “build upon” its success “each and every year,” through times of economic uncertainty, a pandemic and a fire, he told the annual meeting audience.

  a “Despite all of those challenges, the Chamber is in a great position today,” Thompson said. Its success is driven by “making personal connections for its members and the community alike.” The Chamber strives “each and every day to make the community we work, live and play in even stronger.” He’ll miss the service, but is excited for the Chamber’s future success.

  a “Jeremy has been an outstanding leader, helping to steer our Chamber through a year of growth and success,” Chamber President / CEO Kristen Sharp said.

  a Arenas said it has been “an honor and a pleasure” to serve on the boad for 5 years. He expressed his thanks to outgoing board members.

  a “We will strive to continue the outstanding culture of the Oro Valley Chamber board,” Arenas said.

Gen Z Committee looks for hosts and presenters

  a The Gen Z Committee is planning out their 2025 schedule. Meetings are held once a month on Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m.

  a There are two opportunities to interact and get involved with this committee, as a host and as a presenter. If you have a space that can accommodate approximately 20 people and would like to host a group of up and coming professionals for an hour, check out this hosting guide!

  a Or, if your business has information that would benefit Gen Z-ers to know, you could have the opportunity to present for 15 minutes to the group. Reach out to Makenna describing what you'd like to present on, or for more information.

Chamber drops off VetMed welcome bags

  a Friday morning, the Chamber delivered welcome bags to Gold Chamber member, the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. Bags will be distributed to the incoming class of 110 students.

  a Items were collected from 17 Chamber members to fill up the bags. A big thank you to: the Town of Oro Valley, BizTucson, WaFd Bank, United Way Tucson, Joe Bourne Art, Golder Ranch Fire District, Carbon Health, Hoppy Vine, Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade, Vector Impressions, 3 Degrees Sauna, Body Fit Training Oro Valley, OOROO Auto, Dream Dinners, Rescue Me Tucson, Rock Ridge Apartments, and the Oro Valley Police Department.

  a If you'd like to contribute items for the bags next year, let Leah know!

Davis-Monthan prepares for 2025 Air Show

  a The "Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona 2025 Air Show" is set to take place on March 22-23, 2025, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. This thrilling event, featuring free admission and parking, promises a weekend filled with awe-inspiring aerial performances.

  a Businesses have the unique opportunity to sponsor the event, contributing to the base's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) fund, directly supporting Airmen and their families. Sponsorship packages offer significant promotional benefits, including prime exposure through digital, social, and print media, VIP experiences, and more. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to support our Air Force community and showcase your brand! For more details, click here or contact Renee Steers.

Pick Pima for the best in economic development news

  a The Pima County Economic Development Department has launched a bi-weekly newsletter on economic development events, news and updates throughout the region. Subscribe to receive the Pick Pima newsletter in your email inbox as well as news releases on all things economic development. Click here to subscribe!

Limited tickets available for Salsa, Tequila, & Taco Challenge

  a Menus have officially been announced for SAACA's Salsa, Tequila, and Taco Challenge, Southern Arizona's largest cultural food competition. With over 75 tacos, agave spirits, cocktails, and salsa samples, this event is bound to elevate cocktail craft and culinary creativity once again. Attendees of this trademark culinary competition can anticipate a variety of unique food and cocktail samples ready for their enjoyment.

  a Previous iterations of this event hosted such mastercraft creations as salsa infused with chicharrones, a dulce de leche dessert taco, and even a watermelon Sour Patch Kids margarita! There will even be live lucha libre wrestling, a mariachi band, and live painting.

  a The event will be hosted on Saturday, August 24 from 6-8:30PM at Platinum member El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, 10000 N Oracle Rd. A stay and play package can be purchased for only $180 a night plus tax. Reservations must be made by August 20th to receive the special rate.

  a VIP Admission tickets are sold out, but general admission tickets are still available. They include libation and menu samplings from 30 local professional and emerging restaurants and chefs, with custom salsa and tequila cocktails in over 25 categories as well as access to live entertainment all night. General admission tickets cost $100. You can get 10% off with code SAACA. Your ticket directly supports dynamic, year-round SAACA programming.

  a This years participants include: Amelia's Mexican Kitchen, Barnyard Crafthouse and Eatery, Casa Asada Taqueria y Cerveceria, Dante's Fire, El Cisne Restaurant, El Conquistador Tucson, Fork & Fire Smokehouse & Taproom, Hacienda at the Canyon, Isa Bey LLC, La Botana Tacos, Ranch House Grill and Brewery, Redbird Scratch Kitchen & Bar, Scratching the Plate, St. Joseph's Hospital, The Garden Bistro at Tohono Chul Park, and Tucson Tamale. There is also a new category for best ready to drink cocktail with participants: Ray Ray's Sonoran Spirit Tea, Cayman Jack Margarita, Heineken USA, Pabst Brewing Co - El Jimador, VMC Drinks, and White Claw Tequila Smash.

  a The event is put on by SAACA in partnership with El Conquistador Tucson A Hilton Resort, Pima Federal Credit Union, Shamrock Foods, Tucson Foodie, Gran Coramino, Renewal by Anderson, and This is Tucson.

StartupTucson partners with the TOV on Startup 101 lecture

  a Join TOV and StartupTucson for Startup 101 Oro Valley Edition! It will take place on Wednesday, September 11th from 3 pm to 5pm.

The workshop will be held at the Oro Valley Town Hall in the Council Chambers. Free parking is available onsite.

  a The Town sponsors this workshop which is free and open to all business owners with ties to Oro Valley (i.e., are OV Chamber members, live in Oro Valley, have a business located in Oro Valley, sell goods/services in Oro Valley, etc.).

  a Registration is required, click here to register.

  a In-person attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the elevator pitches to introduce their business idea and get feedback from the group.

  a There will also be a livestream viewing of the presentation portion for those unable to attend in person. For those attending via Zoom, the session will end when the elevator pitches begins.

Pinspiration Tucson hiring new Creative Assistant

  a Chamber member Pinspiration Tucson is hiring for a part-time Creative Assistant. The candidate should have great customer service to help prepare for project kits and tools for patrons and assist with special events and crafting during everyday shop hours. This position gets to inspire and create with people of all ages. You can apply for the position by emailing tucson@pinspiration.com.

Amphi Foundation welcomes new board members, officers

  a Chamber member the Amphi Foundation is “proud of and thankful for the passion and talent” its board members bring.

  a This year, it is welcoming new board members Josh Bassett and Carol Tracy.

  a Megan Page is the chair of the board for 2024-25. Michael McConnell is chair-elect, Megan George the secretary, and Jeremy Spruce the treasurer.

Coldwell Banker collecting clothes for Amphi to 9/6

  a Coldwell Banker Realty in Oro Valley is collecting new and gently used clothing through Sept. 6 to benefit the Amphi Foundation.

  a Your donations of clothing in sizes K-12 can be dropped at the Coldwell Banker office, 11165 N. La Canada, #175, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s on the southwest corner of La Canada and Naranja in Oro Valley.

Joe Bourne ready to sing in greater Tucson this fall

  a As summer begins to wind down, Chamber member vocalist Joe Bourne returns from San Diego to perform locally.

  a Joe and the 10-piece Cream of the Crop Band present “The Music of Motown and Other Soul Gems of That Era” on Monday, Sept. 2, Labor Day, at the Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway. The show starts at 6 p.m.

  a Joe presents the music of Johnny Mathis and other “Gents of Popular Music” on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the Community Performance Arts Center in Green Valley. The show starts at 7 p.m.

  a Joe is back in his hometown, Oro Valley, to perform with Joe Bourne and Group on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Gaslight Music Hall. The show features vibraphonist Homero Ceron. They’ll present “Upbeat and Sweet with a Holiday Twist” starting at 6 p.m. that day.

  a He’s got other dates on the calendar; go to joebourne.com.

  a Joe is exhibiting his encaustic and acrylic paintings at Chamber member Absolutely Art Gallery and Gifts in Catalina.

Sol Dog to lift modulars into place Tuesday, 8/20

  a You’re invited to Crane Day, when cranes are deployed to lift several of the 9 custom-built modular sections into place at the campus of Chamber member Sol Dog Lodge.

  a The event runs from 7 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, at the Sol Dog campus, 11835 N. Tangerine, Marana, 85658.

  a Sol Dog is providing tents, tables, and chairs. Chamber member Arizona Ice & Water is keeping everyone cool. Cookies and ice cream are being sold.

  a ESB Design + Build is placing the modular sections on the concrete pad of Sol Dog’s state-of-the-art campus. They’re like giant puzzle pieces, an invitation said.

  a “The sight of these massive sections being hoisted and positioned is quite a spectacle,” the invite said.

  a No RSVP is needed. For more information, contact Shelley at 520-345-0075, or email shelley@soldoglodge.com.

Addressing cognitive impairment in the workplace

  a As part of an important collaboration between Bank of America and the Alzheimer’s Association, a new resource has been developed to help employers recognize and support employees who may be experiencing cognitive impairment. This guide offers compassionate approaches to managing a hidden but growing concern in the workplace. We encourage you to explore this resource and integrate its insights into their organizational practices. Copies will be available at our upcoming Go Purple Business Breakfast on August 29th, and we look forward to sharing this valuable tool with our broader business community. Your support and proactive engagement are vital in fostering a dementia-friendly workplace culture.   a You can view the guide here.

Applications now open for EMT training scholarships from Rockin 4 Heroes

  a A local nonprofit is honoring the memory of a young Tucson EMT who was killed in the line of duty July 2021 by establishing the Rockin’ 4 Heroes Jacob Dindinger Memorial Scholarship in partnership with Pima Community College and Pima Foundation.

  a The scholarship underscores the critical shortage of EMS workers locally and nationwide. Jacob was a 2020 graduate of Pima Community College’s Public Safety Program. Two scholarships in his name will be funded annually. Candidates for the first scholarship recipient for the Fall 2024 semester are currently being reviewed. Applications are now being accepted for a second scholarship to be awarded for the Spring 2025 semester.

  a “I am still deeply saddened by the loss of Jacob. The fact that our EMT program will carry on his name with the generosity of the Rockin' 4 Heroes scholarship will ensure deserving men and women will have the opportunity to fulfill their goal of serving the citizens of Arizona. EMS providers are true heroes, and we are blessed to play a key role in the development of all that are drawn to the profession,” said Wright N. Randolph Jr.. Pima Community College EMT Instructor.

  a “We are grateful and touched by so many in our community who have supported our family,” said Corrine Dindinger, Jacob’s mother. “We thank the many donors, sponsors and supporters of Rockin’ 4 Heroes whose generosity makes this scholarship fund possible in honor of our son. Jacob made a difference during his short time as an EMT, and it is comforting to know that his service will continue as a result of this scholarship fund."

  a The fourth annual Rockin’ 4 Heroes Concert is scheduled for Sunday November 10 at James D. Kreigh Park in Oro Valley. More information and registration for this free admission concert is at www.Rockin4Heroes.org.

Amphi Foundation invites you to assist new teachers

  a As the new school year begins, Chamber member Amphi Foundation invites people to adopt a new teacher and support its New Teacher Startup Program.

  a More than 30 new teachers in Amphitheater Public Schools have received $250 startup grants, according to Foundation Executive Director Tim Kromer.

  a “By supporting this initiative, you empower teachers to cultivate the minds of our future leaders through innovative and creative classrooms,” Kromer said. “We hope you will help our classrooms remain dynamic spaces for learning and exploration, and help create a brighter future for students and our community.”

  a To help, click here.

  a The Amphi Foundation exists to “promote academic excellence through the expansion of resources that enrich the education, development and well-being of the students of the Amphitheater Public School District.”

Treasures 4 Teachers searches for ED

  a Nonprofit Chamber member Treasures 4 Teachers of Tucson is looking for an Executive Director!

  a The Executive Director plays a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of T4T by executing strategic plans, leading their resource center operations and maintaining key relationships with donors & stakeholders across Arizona. Key responsibilities include ensuring financial well-being of the organization, translating strategy into actionable initiative in the resource center and overall shaping of their organization. The ideal candidate believes in supporting Arizona educators & students and the mission & values of T4TT, embraces a servant leadership orientation and will focus on increasing fundraising and awareness to ensure long-term success for the organization.

  a Treasures for Teachers of Tucson’s mission is to provide educators with free to low-cost, hands-on interactive learning materials for use in their classrooms.

  a To apply click here.

Project Grad CDO seeks gifts for 8/30 'whodunnit'

  a Chamber member Project Graduation CDO is seeking donations for give-aways, silent auctions and a grant prize for its “Murder at the Speakeasy: Who killed Al Capone?” fund-raiser on Friday, Aug. 30.

  a Volunteers plan to be in the CDO T Building, on the west side of campus, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, to receive donations.

  a “Please, we need your support and generosity,” an invitation said.

  a Doors to “Murder at the Speakeasy” open at 5 p.m. Aug. 30 at Chamber member The Buttes at Reflections, 9800 N. Oracle. The 3-hour “whodunnit” begins at 6 p.m. There’ll be plenty of fun, activities and accusations, along with give-aways, prizes for the best costumes, and dinner from Edge Catering.

  a Tickets are $85 per person, with options for table purchases. All proceeds benefit CDO Project Graduation. To buy a ticket, click here.

Join the Chamber's team for the Tucson Walk to End Alzheimer's

  a Join the Oro Valley Chamber as we Walk to End Alzheimer's. The walk is free to participate in and will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26th. We'd love to have you join our team on the walking day by using this link. Or, show your competitiveness by signing up your business as a team under the Chamber! Prizes will be given to the team who raises the most money! If the walk isn't your speed, you can also make a donation to help us reach our goal. Support a Chamber member and help us support a great cause.