Taste of Oro Valley Life Auction benefits families in need

  a Windy weather may have caused the annual Taste of Oro Valley Life event to be cancelled, but the Silent Auction and spirit of giving back to the community lives on! You can still get a “Taste” of Oro Valley Life by bidding on exciting goods and services online in the Taste of Oro Valley Life Auction, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Oro Valley.

  a Bid on a chauffeured dinner excursion in a vintage Rolls Royce to the Westward Look; Tucson restaurant gift packs; rounds at scenic golf clubs surrounded by the beautiful Santa Catalina Mountains; health and wellness services; or beachside Mexican vacation packages.

  a All proceeds go to the primary beneficiaries: Edge High School, Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse, IMPACT of Southern Arizona, and the Oro Valley Rotary Foundation. These nonprofit organizations address critical issues such as high school dropout rates, domestic abuse, and stabilizing families and seniors.

  a To bid, click here.

  a Bidding ends on: 8:00 PM AZ Mountain Time on May 23, 2024

MPA to honor Solomon, others at May 16 event

  a Oro Valley Town Councilmember Steve Solomon, retired Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson, retired County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry, and a project in Oro Valley’s Vistoso Highlands are being recognized by Chamber member the Metropolitan Pima Alliance.

  a MPA’s annual event Common Ground Awards are being presented at “Best in the Wild West,” an event Thursday, May 16, at The Fox Theatre in downtown Tucson.

  a Solomon is retiring from the Oro Valley Town Council after 10 years of service.

  a Redevelopment in Vistoso Highlands has been nominated for an MPA Award of Distinction. The closed Golf Club at Vistoso is now a 202-acre nature preserve, with just over 6 acres set aside for an apartment community.

  a “Congratulations to this year's winners and honorees, who have all gone above and beyond, finding creative ways to tackle complex problems, by collaborating and working together to the betterment of our region,” an invitation said.

  a The website is https://mpaaz.org

Annual awards breakfast 8/13; nominate a member!

  a Nominations are open for annual awards presented by your Chamber.

  a Forms are online; click here.

  a Nominations are needed for the outstanding small, midsize, large and nonprofit business or organization, as well as for the Chamber’s Community Leader and Legacy Awards. They’re due by Friday, July 5.

  a The Chamber’s 2024 annual meeting and awards breakfast is planned for Tuesday, Aug. 13, at Platinum member El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort.

  a Anyone with questions may contact Leah Noreng at the Chamber office, 520-297-2191, or by emailing leah@orovalleychamber.com.

Bigger shade structure to be built for OV farmers market

  a A $579,000, 26- by 180-foot shade structure is going to be installed at Oro Valley’s historic Steam Pump Ranch to cool vendors and guests at the Heirloom Farmers Markets held each Saturday.

  a Installation of the new steel structure was approved by the Oro Valley Town Council in April. It’ll replace 3 12- by 50-foot wood structures that were smashed the night of July 21 by an unidentified motorist in a white pickup truck. Since then, vendors and guests at the farmers market have borne the heat beneath pop-up tents.

  a To pay for the facility, Oro Valley would pair $89,295 in expected property insurance claim payments with $489,705 from its General Fund contingency account.

  a The new structure is larger than a 16-foot-wide structure recommended by town staff.

  a “We may be a little shortsighted with the 16-foot,” Councilmember Josh Nicolson said. “I assume the structure’s going to last 30, 50 years.”

  a “I would favor doing the larger structure,” Councilmember Tim Bohen said. “I think there’s more value to it.”

  a “It potentially makes sense to add a further investment to it,” Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett said.

  a Nick Szumowski, executive director of Chamber member Heirloom Farmers Markets, said the Oro Valley Farmers Market has grown from 30 vendors and perhaps 700 customers a week to 55 vendors – “55 local small businesses” – and more than 1,000 customers each Saturday. It has become “one of the busiest and most successful farmers markets in southern Arizona,” he added.

  a “We rely heavily on shade, especially in the summer months,” Szumowski said. “Market attendance took an immediate hit” when the shade structure was lost. Every vendor reported “well below-average sales during the summer.”

  a Heirloom Farmers Market pays the town of Oro Valley 10 percent of its vendor fee income, amounting to about $5,600 in 2023, town staff reported.

Free workshop on sales tax rules at noon Tuesday, 5/7

  a “Arizona’s Transaction Privilege Tax – The Basics” is a free webinar presented by the Small Business Development Center at Pima Community College at noon this Tuesday, May 7.

  a Representatives from the Arizona Department of Revenue are presenting the program and answering questions.

  a The event is free, and virtual. To register, click here.

  a Participants can get “valuable, firsthand information on TPT licensing and reporting, including tax rates, exemptions, deduction codes, calculating and reporting taxes, and much more,” an invitation said. “Bring your lunch and your questions to this virtual session.”

  a People interested in SBDC’s no-fee business counseling can call 520-206-4580 or register here. SBDC business counselors have years of experience helping small businesses. Their services are confidential.

Comment now on county's 5-year transportation plan

  a A 30-day comment period is open now on Pima County’s draft 2025-’29 Transportation Improvement Program.

  a Comments are being accepted by the Pima Association of Governments, the greater Tucson region’s federally required metropolitan planning organization.

  a To read the document, click here.

  a The five-year program allocates available federal, state and local funding, including 2006 voter-approved Regional Transportation Authority funds, for transportation improvement projects in the greater Tucson region during fiscal years 2025-2029. To comment click here.

Chamber begins "Gen Z Committee" mixer

  a Your Chamber is forming the Gen Z Committee, a new networking opportunity for members typically 30 or younger.

  a Events Director Makenna Markley, herself a Gen Z-er, is gathering people for the inaugural event on Wednesday, May 29, at 5:30 p.m. at Chamber member Stacks Book Club, located on the west side of Oro Valley Marketplace.

  a The gathering is free. Treats are available for sale.

  a “This is a networking group designed for Gen Z, which officially is anyone aged 12-29, but we’re just saying under 30!” Makenna said.

  a “I think after the COVID-19 pandemic, our generation has been thrust into the workforce without some of the socialization familiarity that previous generations have had,” she continued. “This is a space for us to get together, talk about life, and support one another. I’m really excited to make new connections and friends through this group!”

  a Questions? Contact Makenna at makenna@orovalleychamber.com.

Chiropractic USA, Supercuts next in Chamber's '50 for 50'

  a Your Chamber’s special Shop Oro Valley campaign, 50 Businesses for 50 Years, is now highlighting Chiropractic USA and Supercuts.

  a Through May 12, people who visit those 2 businesses are entered in a raffle to win prizes.

  a Dr. Robert Watson is giving away 2 1-hour massages with a consultation. Chiropractic USA is located at 1820 E. Innovation Park Drive, right next door to your Chamber office. Supercuts, located at 7929 N. Oracle, is giving 2 $100 gift cards.

  a You also get a chance to win a 1 night’s stay and breakfast for 2 at Platinum member El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort; a family pass to Tohono Chul; a $25 gift card at Noble Hops; or 3 private sessions with a student teacher at Swan Pilates.

  a Remember to Shop OV! Go to orovalleychamber.com.

Vantage West celebrates Golder Ranch grand opening

  a Vantage West Credit Union celebrates the grand opening for their new branch located at 15250 N. Oracle Road Suite 150 in Golder Ranch Plaza in Catalina, AZ. This is a relocation of their Catalina Branch, previously located at 16460 N. Oracle Rd in Catalina, AZ.

  a The public is invited to join the Vantage West team and Members on May 14, 2024 for a celebration with refreshments, drawing prizes, special offers, and networking. The event will run from 10 – 12 am with a ribbon cutting hosted jointly by the Oro Valley, Tucson Metro, and Marana Chambers of Commerce at 10:30 am. Attendees are invited to bring donations of pantry items to benefit Impact of Southern Arizona.

  a The new location will feature an ITM (Interactive Teller Machine) vestibule so Members can quickly self-serve their everyday transactions. The lobby is designed to support Relationship Bankers as they serve Members with their more in-depth financial needs. 

  a Jimena Valdés-Walls, SVP of Member Experience shared, “The decision to relocate the Catalina Branch to our new Golder Ranch location is in response to Member and employee feedback. The new branch model will offer convenient, everyday banking options in addition to more in-depth, holistic financial wellness planning and coaching.”

  a Shawn Ostrander, Golder Ranch branch manager added, “Relationship Bankers will be ready to offer concierge service to Members, based on their needs. Whether they need to conduct a basic transaction, are interested in learning about online account management, or have more involved financial needs, they will find the assistance they need at the branch.”

  a Vantage West branches serve as community anchors connecting neighbors and local businesses to critical resources that meet their financial needs and help them build a prosperous financial future.

  a The goal of Vantage West’s approach to modern banking is to meet Members where they are in their financial journey and build relationships that will ensure more of their short- and longer-term financial needs are met.

Roche, SAACA open annual photo exhibit at event May 22

  a “It Happened One Night,” the annual virtual and in-person photography exhibition hosted by Chamber Diamond member Roche Tissue Diagnostics, opens with a free, RSVP-required reception Wednesday, May 22, from 5 to 7 p.m.

         The exhibition is presented in partnership with Chamber member the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance.

         Each year, Roche asks colleagues from across its U.S. sites in Arizona, California, New Jersey, Indiana and Massachusetts to share the life moments they’ve been documenting throughout the year through photography.

         This year’s exhibition theme focuses on imagery captured in the nighttime. “You'll experience images of colorful urban lights, spectacular night skies, beautiful family moments and more,” an invitation said.

         Complimentary libations, light snacks, and music are planned. RSVP here.

         The Ventana Gallery is located on Roche’s Oro Valley campus, 1910 E Innovation Park Drive, Oro Valley, Az., 85755.

PFCU hosts golf event, honors 2 of its own, shares '23 year-end performance

  a Chamber Diamond member Pima Federal Credit Union hosted its 11th annual Pima Federal Golf Classic on Thursday, May 2, at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain.

  a This year’s beneficiaries are Chamber member IMPACT of Southern Arizona and Youth on Their Own.

  a Since 2013, Pima Federal’s golf event has raised $628,000 for community organizations, all of them “committed to make our community a better place,” a report said.

  a Pima Federal has also recognized two employees “who live our common purpose of helping others.” Carolyn Vinal, member service representative, and Lynda Mahoney, director of the member support center and a longtime Chamber participant, were presented the I AM PIMA award by president / CEO Eric Renaud.

  a “In addition to performing their job duties in a manner that consistently exceeds expectations, they are both passionate about giving back to the community,” said Renaud, former chair of your Chamber board.

  a Pima Federal closed 2023 with $1.2 billion in total assets, $969.6 million in deposits, and net income of $15.9 million, Renaud reported. In 2024, the credit union plans to open a new branch in Marana.

  a Go to pimafederal.org.

OV Wellness Bingo runs 5/1-15 across community

  a The inaugural Greater Oro Valley Wellness Bingo runs May 1-15.

  a Health and wellness businesses across the community have created the event as an “easy way for the community to ‘test drive’ all of the different options Oro Valley has to offer,” an invitation said.

  a “From 1-on-1 assisted stretching, sauna sessions, cryotherapy, group strength training and more, there is so much to offer right here in Oro Valley,” said Kelley Duffy of Chamber member StretchLab.

  a StretchLab, Body Fit Training, 3 Degrees, Fuchsia Day Spa, Icebox Tucson, Flourish Yoga and Nautical Bowls are joining forces in the promotion.

  a Cards, with 1 square assigned to each participating business, are available at each business, as well as at your Chamber office. Each business is offering one free service, class, session or item for a 2-week period.

  a “Participants will alert us when they have visited enough businesses and have BINGO on their card; then they will be entered into the final drawing,” Duffy said. Winners receive a grand prize – one month free at the studio of their choice.

Northwest Healthcare shares its '23 numbers

  a Chamber Silver member Northwest Healthcare had a regional economic impact of more than $567.1 million during 2023, according to its annual community benefit report.

  a “We play a dynamic role in our community around the clock, every day of the year, to help people get well and live healthier,” said Brian Sinotte, market CEO for the company that operates Northwest Medical Center, Oro Valley Hospital, and related facilities in Northwest Tucson and across the Tucson metro area. “Our dedicated clinicians and caregivers use their skills, experience and compassion in service to the patients who count on us.”

  a During the year, Northwest Healthcare paid more than $55.5 million in taxes, and had a payroll of more than $316.5 million. “Our employees, in turn, infuse the Southern Arizona economy each and every time they purchase local goods and services,” Sinotte said.

  a Systemwide, Northwest Healthcare had more than 845,000 patient encounters, to include more than 131,000 visits to its emergency departments. It provided more than $112.8 million in charity and uncompensated care to the community’s most vulnerable, it said.

  a Northwest Medical Center, at La Cholla and Orange Grove, is the largest of its four hospitals in the market. NMC had 472,000 patients, and gave $76.6 million in uncompensated care. Capital investment totaled $10.5 million. It had a payroll of $187 million, and paid $36.4 million in taxes, the company said.

  a Oro Valley Hospital had encounters with 172,500 patients, and provided $16.4 million in uncompensated care, the report said. It had payroll of $70.5 million, $13.8 million in taxes paid, and $3.6 million in capital investment.

  a Northwest Healthcare includes Northwest Medical Center, Oro Valley Hospital, Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita, Northwest Medical Center Houghton, Northwest Emergency Centers in Vail and Marana, Northwest Urgent Cares, Northwest Women’s Center, Northwest Primary & Specialty Care, Northwest Tucson Surgery Center, Tucson Surgery Center and Northwest Transitions, an inpatient rehabilitation facility.

  a Its parent company, Community Health Systems, operates healthcare delivery systems in 40 markets across 15 states. It is headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., outside Nashville.

  a To learn more, visit HealthierTucson.com.

Carbon Health, not just an Urgent Care

  a As Oro Valley’s oldest and largest operating urgent care, Carbon Health recognizes that serving our community doesn’t just look like testing for flu or by helping out the working parent with their discounted sports physicals. Business owners and operators are just as vital to their community focused mindset. That’s why they have a robust Occupational Health service line.

  a By marrying their tech focused philosophy with their workplace health expertise, they provide a second to none service with lower rates than their competitors. Their board certified team provides a swath of services including DOT physicals, immunizations, and drug tests. 

  a Their app makes it easy for you to look up your employees' results, which means no more running after employees for that negative TB test. With 10 locations across Pima county and two in Oro Valley, flexible scheduling won't be an issue with them. Using someone else? No worries! Their contract doesn't restrict you to using only them, they just know you won't want to go back to anyone else.

  a If you're interested in next steps, please reach out to Christopher Cosico, Miguel Nava, or check out their website here. 

Barney new CEO of Humane Society of Southern Arizona

  a Kristin Barney is the new CEO of Chamber member The Humane Society of Southern Arizona. She’s due to take the helm of the 80-year-old organization on Monday, May 13.

  a “We’re thrilled and are looking forward to working with Dr. Barney,” said Robert Garcia, chair of the HSSA board of directors. “She is exactly who we need to move HSSA forward.”

  a Barney has a career in animal welfare and shelter services. From 2014 to 2016, she served as the chief of operations at Pima Animal Care Center, one of HSSA’s critical partners.

  a “I am excited to take on this leadership role,” Barney said. “Looking at the history of this 80-year-old institution, HSSA is poised to be visionary in how it approaches the important lifesaving work of animal welfare, setting new trends and building collaborative environments to implement national best practices.”

  a Barney has called Tucson home for over 20 years. She recently served on the board of Friends of PACC and was named Tulsan of the Year by the Tulsa World Magazine. She and her husband love hiking with their three dogs and walking their cats in their stroller.

Music throughout May at OV's Westward Look resort

  a Guests are invited to the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa throughout May to hear live music on selected Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

  a The upcoming schedule is:

  a DJ Jonas Hunter, poolside Sunday, May 5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

  a Dayjob plays classic rock Friday, May 10, from 6 to 8 p.m.

  a Classical guitarist Eduardo Costa performs on Mother’s Day Sunday, May 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. That evening, the Paul Green Trio plays jazz from 5 to 7.

  a Jonas Hunter is back from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 18.

  a Sheryl Ann McKinley performs jazz Sunday, May 19, from 5 to 7 p.m.

  a The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance is helping to bring various jazz, rock, Americana and Latin musicians to “one of Tucson’s most popular resort destinations,” an invitation said.

  a “The partnership reflects an important relationship between businesses and the arts, granting opportunity to local artists while enhancing the vibrancy, community connections, and atmosphere of a popular hospitality location,” SAACA said.

  a Most performances take place on the Palm Terrace at the Westward Look.

  a The Westward Look is located at 245 East Ina, Oro Valley, Az., 85704. Tables are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

'Cool to be Kind' installs refrigeration for Gospel Rescue Mission's walk-in

  a Chamber member Gospel Rescue Mission has been given an installed refrigeration system for its walk-in refrigerator unit.

  a The gift comes through Cool to be Kind, a collaborative among Heatcraft Refrigeration Products, American Refrigeration Supplies and Cool Willy’s Air & Plumbing. Cool Willy’s installed a new Larkin condenser and unit cooler.

  a Gospel Rescue Mission provides meals, shelter, recovery, housing and workforce development for homeless people. “The installation of this new refrigeration system is more than an equipment upgrade — it’s a lifeline that strengthens GRM’s ability to serve Tucson’s homeless population effectively,” Chamber member Biz Tucson reported.

  a “The collaborative effort this took is incredible, and we are so grateful for the support, which allows us to reallocate vital donor dollars into meals and life-changing programs,” said Lisa Chastain, CEO of Gospel Rescue Mission.

  a The website is https://grmtucson.com/

SunVan accepting comments aimed toward its improvement

  a SunVan, which provides free transportation services across Greater Tucson for people with special needs, is in the midst of a comprehensive operational analysis.

  a The public is invited to comment by completing a survey before the close of business Friday, May 17. To access the survey, click here.

  a An analysis of SunVan’s service, policies and procedures is being conducted with an eye toward “potential improvements,” according to an invitation.

  a “Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of Sun Van and ensuring that Sun Van continues to meet the transportation needs of our diverse community,” the invitation said.

  a To learn more, visit Suntran.com/sunvancoa, or watch one of the previous recorded virtual public meeting on Sun Tran’s YouTube @SunTranTucson.

'Beyond Banks' workshop set Tuesday, 5/14 at OV town hall

  a A free workshop, “Beyond Banks: Alternative Avenues to Business Financing,” is being presented by the Town of Oro Valley and StartUp Tucson on Tuesday, May 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Oro Valley Town Hall.

  a A virtual option is also available.

  a The presenter is Danny Knee, executive director of Community Investment Corporation, a Tucson nonprofit that finds financing for small businesses and nonprofits.

  a People with business ties to Oro Valley are welcome to attend. To register, click here.