OV's 50th celebration at JDK this Saturday

  a Oro Valley’s celebration of its 50th anniversary continues this Saturday, April 13, with festivities and fireworks at James D. Kriegh Park on Calle Concordia.

  a The 50th Anniversary Community Celebration runs from noon to 9:30 p.m. Saturday at the park. Fireworks fly at 9:30. During the day, guests can enjoy entertainment for all ages, including live performances, kids’ crafts and games, an array of food trucks, and a wide selection of food and drink (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) available for purchase.

  a It’s all free.

  a Saturday’s event is closest to the town’s birthdate 50 years ago. According to Chamber member the Oro Valley Historical Society, a resolution to incorporate Oro Valley was adopted by the Pima County Board of Supervisors on April 15, 1974. The first mayor and council were appointed on April 17, 1974.

  a “Whether it’s 50 years of marriage, 50 years of being in business, or 50 years of incorporation, a 50th anniversary is something to be celebrated and to be very proud of,” said Mayor Joe Winfield. “April will be the highlight of our year-long celebration, and I personally invite every Oro Valley resident to join us as we create lasting memories in honor of our community’s first 50 years.”

  a The “50 Trees for 50 Years” community tree planting is Saturday, April 27, starting at 9 a.m. “Roll up your sleeves and help us plant trees at four Oro Valley locations: Naranja Park, James D. Kriegh Park, Riverfront Park, and Steam Pump Ranch,” an invitation said.

Brooklyn Bedding, Noble Hops latest in '50 for 50'

  a Brooklyn Bedding and Noble Hops Gastropub are the current featured businesses in your Chamber’s 50 Businesses for 50 Years promotion, in conjunction with the Town of Oro Valley’s 50th anniversary.

  a Brooklyn Bedding, located at 10785 N. Oracle in Oro Valley, is giving away two mattresses in a drawing open to people who visit before Monday, April 15.

  a Noble Hops, on Lambert just east of La Canada, is holding a drawing for a meal for two worth up to $50.

  a Support those businesses by stopping by and shopping, and be eligible for those prizes as well as a stay at El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, two tickets to Tohono Chul Gardens, Galleries and Bistro, a $25 gift card to Noble Hops, or a Stanley-style Chamber mug.

  a “Discover new businesses, or revisit old favorites,” the Chamber urged.

Request for scholarship sponsors from the OV Chamber Foundation

  a The Chamber Foundation is currently reviewing 33 applicants for scholarships. They need your help to provide additional scholarships. These students are well deserving, have great futures as employees and members of our communities and need financial aid to attend college or a trade school. Please consider providing a scholarship for $1500 or a partial scholarship. You will be invited to the breakfast when the scholarships are awarded and be named on the Chamber’s news.

  a Please join the other Chamber members who are providing a scholarship to these students. You can contact either Dave Perry or Kristen Sharp to get information and your tax-deductible donation can be mailed to the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 1822 E. Innovation Park Dr.

Friends' spring book sale April 17-20 at OV library

  a Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library host the Spring Book & Jewelry Sale Wednesday through Saturday, April 17-20, at the library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive.

  a Sale hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

  a Wednesday and Thursday are full price and best selection days. Friday is half-price day; Saturday is bag day. Jewelry is priced as marked each day.

  a The Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library are volunteers who encourage and receive gifts, endowments and bequests to the library, and to support the freedom to read. They operate two book shops. Go to orovalleyfriends.org.

Pima County encourages participation in challenge to improve home internet access

  a Pima County is asking residents, especially those in certain ZIP codes, to take and report home internet speed tests that could help direct federal funds to improve broadband access in those areas.

  a Any County resident can access the speed test via pima.gov/speedtest and start by putting in their address in the search bar at the top left. The tests must be taken on a desktop or laptop computer and three tests, one per day, are required.

  a The goal is to gather data on internet speed, especially in areas that are considered unserved or underserved by high-speed internet, defined as an upload speed of at least 100 megabits per second (Mbps) and a download speed of 20 Mbps.

  a Pima County’s Office of Digital Inclusion will use the speed test information to inform a challenge for federal funding through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

  a Pima County is targeting the following ZIP codes as having the potential to qualify for part of the $42.45 billion available to states: 85629, 85641, 85653, 85658, 85715, 85730, 85735, 85739, 85746, 85747, 85748, 85749, 85756

  a Tests can be reported through May 14.

  a Residents in the targeted areas will be receiving postcards in the mail about the speed tests, although data from other areas is welcome as it provides a more detailed map of internet access in Pima County.

  a “This is a great opportunity for residents to help us close the digital divide and correct any inaccuracies in the state’s broadband map,” said Michelle Simon, director of the Office of Digital Inclusion. “An accurate map of broadband access will help us guide funds to those areas and those individuals who need it the most, whether it be for home, school or work.”

  a This BEAD challenge is part of the Office of Digital Inclusion’s mission to develop broadband access, increase availability to devices and technology, and improve digital literacy.

  a In June 2023, NTIA awarded Pima County $30.3 million to expand broadband infrastructure to unserved and underserved areas of the county.

  a These efforts from the Office of Digital Inclusion align with the Board of Supervisors-approved Economic Development Plan and the County’s Prosperity Initiative, a multi-jurisdictional set of 13 policy strategies aimed to reduce generational poverty and improve economic opportunity for all.

Reach for the Stars event Monday at OV's The Buttes

  a Reach for the Stars, the Chamber member nonprofit that uses astronomy and education to improve mental health and wellness among young people, is hosting “Cocktails and Cosmos” this Monday, April 15, at The Buttes at Reflections in Oro Valley.

  a The event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. RSVP is required. Click here.

  a Guests are able to “contribute to the vision of our nonprofit, and be a part of Tucson’s history,” an invitation said. They’ll enjoy complimentary food, cocktails and charcuterie.

  a Reach For The Stars is a pioneering and inclusive nonprofit that harnesses the transformative power of astronomy and STEAM to promote mental health and wellness among children, youth and the community. To learn more, click here: https://www.rftstars.com/

  a Chamber member The Buttes at Reflections is a wedding and special events venue below Pusch Ridge. It is located at 9800 N. Oracle. The phone is 520-229-0627, the website https://www.buttesatreflections.com/

'Power of Real Estate'

Summit Friday, 4/19

  a A lineup of high-powered speakers awaits guests at The Power of Real Estate Summit, presented by Chamber members the Tucson Association of Realtors and the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association on Friday, April 19, at the Tucson Convention Center.

  a M. Nolan Gray, author and research director for California YIMBY, offers the keynote address, “Urban Zoning.”

  a Dr. Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist and vice president of research at the National Association of Realtors, gives the economic outlook.

  a Joe Snell, president and CEO of Sun Corridor, is a speaker. Rory Juneman, attorney with Lazarus & Silvyn, is the fireside moderator. A panel discussion features Jim Tofel of Tofel Dent Construction, Kevin Kaplan of Long Realty and Anjela Salyer of Mattamy Homes, moderated by Jeremy Sharpe of Rancho Sahuarita.

  a Edmund Marquez, vice chair of the Rio Nuevo board, is the master of ceremonies.

  a The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at the TCC. Happy hour and networking extend from 4 to 6 p.m.

  a Tickets are $125 per person, and $50 for students. To buy and register, click here.

  a Realtors can get three hours of legal issues continuing education credit when they attend.

Lisa Bayless earns top honor from Long Realty

  a In recognition of “her exemplary commitment to community service and selfless acts,” Lisa Bayless has earned the Samuel H. Woods Community Service Award from Long Realty.

  a Lisa leads the Lisa Bayless Team at Long’s Oro Valley office. Through her Community 1st program, now in its seventh year, Bayless has donated more than $450,000 to a number of organizations and good causes, among them the Arizona Heroes Memorial, the Oro Valley Police Department’s K-9 program, the Oro Valley Theatre Company, Oro Valley’s 50^th anniversary celebration, and many more.

  a Renee Gonzales, CEO of Long Companies, said Bayless and Debbie Goodman-Butler, recipient of the Barrington L. Long Lifetime Achievement Award, “epitomize the values and spirit of Long Realty Company. Their unwavering dedication to community service and outstanding contributions to the real estate industry are truly commendable. We are proud to honor their achievements and celebrate their remarkable legacies.”

  a Lisa Bayless serves on your Chamber’s board of directors. Her website is https://www.lisabayless.com/

Roadrunners' fan night with Make-A-Wish 4/20

  a Chamber Copper member the Tucson Roadrunners Hockey Club hosts fan appreciation night on Saturday, April 20.

  a The event, presented by Make-A-Wish Arizona, begins with the honorary puck drop performed by wish alumni. There is a silent auction and a 50-50 raffle, with proceeds supporting “life-changing wishes,” according to an invitation.

  a The Roadrunners are donating $5 from each purchased ticket to Make-A-Wish Arizona. Go to Arizona.wish.org/roadrunners-night to buy tickets.

  a Tucson hosts the San Jose Barracuda that night at Tucson Arena. The puck drops at 7 p.m.

  a Five games remain in the regular season – 4 of them at home – and the Roadrunners, 39-23-3-2 on the season, are bound for the playoffs. Calder Cup Playoff Passes are on sale now at tucsonroadrunners.com.

'Exploring the Desert' on 4/20 at National Parks Store

  a You’re invited to “Exploring the Desert,” a presentation Saturday, April 20, at noon and 2 p.m. at Chamber member The National Parks Store, located within Western National Parks Association in Oro Valley.

  a Get answers to “your common questions about our beautiful desert” from Doris Evans. She’ll teach you if that’s a snake hole, a jumpin’ cactus, how to age a saguaro, and how animals eat cacti.

  a Reservation is required. Go to www.thenationalparksstore.org, or call 520-622-6014.

  a WNPA is located at 12880 N. Vistoso Village Drive in Oro Valley. It is open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

CDO Project Grad needs volunteers before, during, and after party

  a CDO Project Graduation needs volunteers for its work week, event night and breakdown.

  a This year’s event, “Jazzed in New Orleans,” promises to have amazing activities for the more than 420 graduates at Canyon del Oro High School.

  a “But as we all know, the more kids, the more need,” said Tiffany Bucciarelli-Fay, CDO Project Grad internal chair. “Our mission is to protect the safety of our seniors and our community on graduation night.”

  a At this point, Chamber member CDO Project Grad has 12 percent of the volunteers it needs. Any community member is welcome to help.

  a To sign up, go to this link.

  a This year’s event features a foam pit, a full casino, an entire field of inflatables, an outdoor movie, coffee and dessert trucks, “endless food,” face painters, a DJ, three different music groups, a second line with band leaders, and a glow-in-the-dark DJ set.

  a New this year – a cheer line for past teachers and staff to congratulate the seniors.

Chamber Foundation gift aids Saguaro City Music Theatre with youth series

  a Your Chamber Foundation has granted $2,500 to Chamber member Saguaro City Music Theatre to help pay for its Spotlight Series, a 9-week inclusive, tuition-free, skills-building workshop for students ages 7-17.

  a Through Spotlight Series, young people take classes in dancing, singing and acting with trained professionals.

  a “Thank you so much for the wonderful news ... and for the generous award from the Chamber Foundation,” said Dena DiGiacinto, director of outreach and education for the theatre company. “We could not be more thrilled and grateful!”

  a The grant should allow 15 students to come and improve their theatre skills ... at our Spotlight Series program, completely free of charge,” Dena said. “What a privilege, with the foundation's support, to be able to provide this opportunity for our students.”

  a You can help the Chamber Foundation help other people. To learn more, email Chamber president / CEO Kristen Sharp at kristen@orovalleychamber.com, or Foundation board chair Dave Perry at daveperry56@yahoo.com

La Posada at Pusch Ridge sets lunch, presentations

  a Chamber Copper member La Posada at Pusch Ridge hosts lunch for guests on upcoming dates in April and May.

  a People can “learn why more and more seniors are joining our Life Plan Community’s pioneer group of residents” during events Friday, May 3, and Tuesday, May 14, at Chamber member the Oro Valley Country Club, 300 W. Greenock.

  a Presentations with lunch are also set for Tuesday, April 23, and Wednesday, May 8, in the ballroom at SaddleBrooke HOA 2, 38735 S. Mountain View in SaddleBrooke.

  a Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. each day. To reserve a space, call 520-531-3480, or go to laposadapuschridge.org. La Posada also has an information center at 9740 N. Oracle, Suite 102.

  a La Posada at Pusch Ridge is rising east of First Avenue in Oro Valley.

CrossFirst Bank expands leadership team in Tucson

  a CrossFirst Bank, a subsidiary of CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CFB), has expanded its leadership team and commitment to serving the community of Tucson with the recent hiring of veteran banker, Xavier Manrique, as its local market president.

  a “Xavier’s roots and dedication to the community, combined with his significant depth of banking expertise, position him to perfectly support the growing needs of our clients and lead our dynamic team in Tucson,” commented Kevin Halloran, Regional President, Arizona. 

  a Manrique has 25 years of banking experience with extensive knowledge in business and middle market banking. He is an award-winning leader with a track record in developing high functioning teams with a focus on providing the right guidance to help clients achieve their financial goals.

  a “I am excited to join CrossFirst Bank and lead an incredibly talented team of bankers,” said Manrique “CrossFirst is innovative and has a strong culture focused on character, competence, commitment, and connection, which aligns with my own passion for making an impact in the communities we serve.”

  a Manrique demonstrates a strong commitment to the Tucson community serving as an adjunct faculty member at the Catholic University of America-Tucson campus, volunteering as the Diversity Coordinator with the Notre Dame Club of Tucson, and serving as a Blue Blazer and Board Member of the Tucson High Badger Foundation.

  a CrossFirst entered Tucson in 2023, when CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. completed the acquisition of Canyon Bancorporation, Inc. and Canyon Community Bank, N.A. Don Jenks, who served as the local market president through the transition, will be taking on the responsibility of building a Tucson Advisory Board to help execute the strategic growth strategy of CrossFirst Bank.

  a “It has been an honor to serve the Tucson community for over 36 years,” said Don Jenks. “As we continue to grow, I am excited to chair the Tucson Advisory Board and make meaningful contributions to support Xavier and the CrossFirst team.”

Madaras celebrates 25 years with event 4/13

  a Chamber member Madaras Gallery presents the Diana Madaras Legacy Collection Show on Saturday, April 13.

  a The event, celebrating Diana’s 25 years of creating art, runs from 4 to 6 p.m. that Saturday at Madaras Gallery, 3035 N. Swan. It is free to attend, though rsvp is requested at Madaras.com. You may also call 520-615-3001.

  a Dana is offering a chance to win a $1,000 gallery shopping spree, and a champagne toast.

  a “I feel very, very fortunate, and I thank Tucson for it,” Madaras told Karen Schaffner of Chamber member Tucson Local Media. “My heart really is very grateful. I want people to know how much I appreciate all their support all these years.”

After acquisition, BMO has more for business, Sun City manager says

  a Laura Lytle-Allen, bank manager of BMO’s Sun City Oro Valley office, wants to share BMO’s offerings with Chamber members.

  a BMO acquired Bank of the West last September. It has “phenomenal small business solutions” with lending, business accounts, credit card services and more, Lytle-Allen said. BMO offers comprehensive business programs for women-, Black-, Latinx- and Native-owned businesses.

  a Along with the Sun City office, BMO has locations at Ina and Oracle, and First and Oracle in Oro Valley. The bank has “a much larger footprint in Tucson” since the acquisition. “We stay busy” serving customers in Sun City and Oro Valley. And Laura seeks more business.

  a She can be reached at laura.lytleallen@bmo.com, or by phone at 520-917-4448.

Chamber gets a new mural

  a A 10-by-18-foot photograph of Pusch Ridge near sunset now graces a wall of your Chamber office.

  a The picture was taken by Chris Grey of Chamber member Christopher Grey Fine Art. In turn, the image was enlarged, printed and adhered to a Chamber office wall by another Chamber member, AZ Litho.

  a The project began as “a casual conversation” between Chris and Chamber President / CEO Kristen Sharp “shortly after they moved in here” last year, Chris said. “She said ‘I want to do something cool with the mountains, or paint something,’” he recalled. “I said ‘it could be shot’.”

  a Chris scouted for locations to take the picture. This one was “nice and clean, and really in your face.”

  a He took the photograph – actually, multiple photographs -- from the #5 green at the Pusch Ridge 9 golf course.

  a “I kept my eyes out,” Chris said. “I like the way the light hit it.” He took the pictures at 5:14 p.m., on a day with clouds and relatively high pressure. That golf course green is “close enough to the mountains so the haze was minimal,” he said. “And the bird (flying above the horizon) was a bonus.”

  a Chris used a Canon 24-105mm lens set at 40 mm, mounted on a Canon 5D Mark IV camera. The image is, in fact, 4 images stitched together.

  a “We really needed a large file to get a sharp image,” Chris said. “The secret to a mural is giving the printer a big enough file so it doesn’t get super soft when it’s blown up.”

  a John Davis of AZ Litho met with Chamber staff to survey the site, communicate the installation process, take measurements and identify a plan.         

  a “Once ready, on our end, we separate the image into vertical panels for installation, with 1-inch overlap on each side,” John explained. “We then print the panels, laminate them if needed, trim off any excess material and number them for install.”

  a AZ Litho printed the image on five vertical panels of vinyl, and spent two hours installing it. There’s a time-lapse video of the installation here.

  a “Starting at one end of the wall, we temporarily hang and level the first panel, as this is critical for the rest of the installation,” he said. “Then we peel the backing off the top-most portion and Squeegee it in place.” Slowly, the first panel is hung top to bottom, then the next pieces are aligned and put in place.

  a “Printed signs and vehicle wraps usually have more challenges than wall wraps,” John said.

  a “The beauty of what we do is the transformation; taking a blank wall or vehicle, and turning it into a work of art that is visually pleasing and expresses a message,” John said. “That is something we can take pride in.”

  a “From a creativity and branding standpoint,” mural photography is “a real opportunity to get your brand out in a creative way,” said Chamber operations director Leah Noreng, whose family owns and operates AZ Litho.

  a “We think it’s great,” Sharp said. “We wanted to showcase the Pusch Ridge mountains. They’re part of Oro Valley’s identity. We couldn’t be more pleased with the work of Christopher Grey Fine Art and AZ Litho.”

  a To learn more about Chris Grey’s work, click here.

  a To learn more about AZ Litho, click here.