Dr. Suresh Garimella to lead University of Arizona

  a Suresh Garimella, PhD., was named the 23^rd president of the University of Arizona on Friday morning.

  a Garimella, now president of the University of Vermont, was officially selected to succeed Dr. Bobby Robbins. The Arizona Board of Regents voted unanimously for the appointment, following an interview with the candidate.

  a Before leading UVM, Garimella served as executive vice president for research and partnerships at Purdue University.

  a “He is celebrated in higher education for his innovative leadership, his profound commitment to the land-grant mission, and an exceptional record of putting students first,” the UofA said in a release.

  a At UVM, Dr. Garimella “stabilized tuition and spearheaded a scholarship program similar to the Arizona Promise Program, providing a tuition-free education for lower-income Vermont students,” the release said.

  a Dr. Garimella has recorded a video message, stating he is honored and humbled to serve as the next UofA president, and embracing the university’s “Bear Down” commitment to effort. You can watch it here.

  a The announcement concludes “a comprehensive national search fueled by the work of the UofA Presidential Search Advisory Committee,” the release said. “Over the last five months, an 18-member search committee met dozens of times to gather feedback from the campus community and vet all prospects in search of a leader who would match the qualities and experience needed to lead Arizona’s land-grant institution. The search committee members expressed support for Dr. Garimella.”

  a Dr. Garimella is meeting with shared governance group representatives throughout Friday. The board will work with Dr. Garimella to finalize his employment contract and determine a start date. President Robbins will remain in his role until Dr. Garimella begins, which will likely be later this fall.

  a Robbins “has driven significant improvement in student retention and success, has overseen an increase in annual research expenditures to $955 million, and has spearheaded the most successful fundraising campaign in the history of the UofA at nearly $2.3 billion,” the release said.

  a The University of Arizona is a Gold-level member of your Chamber. Oro Valley is home to the UofA College of Veterinary Medicine as well as the UofA Center for Innovation Oro Valley in Innovation Park.

Annual Meeting coming up 8/13

  aYour Chamber’s 2024 Annual Meeting and Awards Breakfast is this Tuesday, Aug. 13, at Platinum member El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort.

  a Your Chamber welcomes guests to the annual Nonprofit Fair, which opens at 7:30 a.m. The breakfast buffet closes at 9 a.m., when the program begins.

  a Each year, your Chamber recognizes outstanding businesses among many nominated for recognition. This year, award finalists are:

  a Outstanding Small Business: Acacia IT, Nautical Bowls, and Stacks Book Club.

  a Outstanding Midsize Business: OOROO Auto, Senior HomeCare of Tucson, and Spawell.

  a Outstanding Nonprofit: Bayada Home Health Care, Interfaith Community Services, and Startup Tucson.

  a Outstanding Community Leader: Fernanda Almeida, Margie Adler, and Renee Deeter.

  a Legacy Award: Bob Workman, the Golden Goose Thrift Shop, and Golder Ranch Fire District.

  a Pima Federal Credit Union is the 2024 Annual Meeting Presenting Sponsor. HSL Properties is the Awards Sponsor, El Conquistador Tucson the Host Sponsor.

The Cottage, Les Cheveux up next in OV '50 for 50' promo

  a Through Sunday, Aug. 18, The Cottage at Immaculate Heart and Les Cheveux Salon are the featured businesses in your Chamber’s 50 Businesses for 50 Years shop-local promotion.

  a Guests who stop by those 2 businesses are entered to win prizes in the promotion, which is also presented by the Town of Oro Valley in celebration of its 50th anniversary.

  a The Cottage offers “thrift shopping at its best” at 420 E. Magee in Oro Valley. It is open 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday-Friday during the summer. The phone is 520-405-4613.

  a Les Cheveux Salon and Spa is a full-service hair and spa salon located at 10325 La Canada. The phone is 520-308-5776.

  a Those who enter this special shop-local promotion are also eligible to win a $25 gift card at Tucson Cactus & Koi, a night’s stay and breakfast for 2 at El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, a family pass to Tohono Chul, a $25 gift card at Noble Hops, 3 private sessions at Swan Pilates, and a Chamber "Stanley" cup.

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!

Public comment period open for proposed Pima County Heat Ordinance

  a The Pima County Board of Supervisors and the County Health Department are seeking public input on a proposed Heat Ordinance to protect County employees and County contractors who work out in the Arizona heat.
A public comment period is open from now until August 6, 2024.

  a As part of the County’s Beat the Heat plan, this ordinance will include a set of minimum guidelines to protect people exposed to extreme temperatures. Members of the public can read the details here and are encouraged to provide their feedback to: HeatOrdinance@pima.gov. 

The Board will also hold a public hearing on Monday, August 19, 2024, about the proposed heat ordinance. The meeting will start at 9 a.m. in the Pima County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 130 W. Congress St. If approved, the ordinance would become effective 30 days after the date of adoption. 

  a NOTE: The only businesses expected to adhere to the proposed ordinance would be all Pima County Departments and any businesses that are contracted to work with the County. Any other businesses in Pima County are welcome to add this heat ordinance to their plans if so inclined. 

  a Visit the Beat the Heat website to learn about how to stay safe in the heat, descriptions of heat illnesses, find a Cooling Center, how to stay safe during power outages, and much more. 

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.”

Pima Community College hiring Adjunct faculty for fall '24

  a Pima Community College's AIT Department is seeking an adjunct faculty member for fall 2024 to teach: AIT 210 Programmable Logic Controller Programming and Troubleshooting. The course is 3 Credits, 5 Contact Hours; 2 lecture periods, and 3 lab periods.

  a This is an introductory course in Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Ladder Logic programming and troubleshooting PLC connected components and systems. Includes basic Human Machine Interface (HMI) navigation, connecting to a PLC, and program downloading.

  a The class is currently scheduled to meet 9:00am-12:15pm, Saturdays, 8/26/2024-12/18/2024. Class days and times can be rescheduled to meet instructor’s availability.

  a Compensation is $3,960 for semester ($990 per credit load; class is 4 credit load). Instructor Qualifications are a minimum of three (3) years industry experience.

  a Pima CC has 10+ students counting on this class for their May 2025 graduation.

  a For questions or to apply, contact AIT Department Chair Sarah Kirchoff at skirchoff@pima.edu or 520.206.7314.

  a Pima CC has AIT faculty needs beyond this one class. Please contact Sarah Kirchoff for additional AIT teaching opportunities!

'Shake Your Shamrocks' for Grace Hearing Center 8/17

  a You’re invited to “Shake Your Shamrocks” on Saturday, Aug. 17, when Grace Hearing Center raises funds to provide hearing healthcare to low-income adults and under-served children in Tucson.

  a The event – halfway to St. Patrick’s Day – is being held from 6 to 11 p.m. at Barrio Brewing, 800 E. 16th in Tucson. A ticket is $135, and includes 2 drink tickets. Special drinks and a food auction are planned.

  a Grace Hearing Center is the nonprofit operated by Chamber member Oro Valley Audiology and Judy Huch, AuD.

  a To purchase tickets, call 520-468-9976, or email gracehearing@hearintucson.com.

Northwest Urgent Care at Oracle now seeing patients

  a Northwest Urgent Care at Oracle is now open.

  a “Whether you’re under the weather and need walk-in care from a provider, or you’ve had a minor injury that needs urgent attention, our new location is close to you with the same quick, convenient care you’re used to from Northwest Healthcare,” an invitation said.

  a The business is located in a new building within San Dorado, the center on the east side of Oracle Road southeast of First Avenue. The address is 10568 N. Oracle, Suite 110.

  a Guests can walk in or schedule online at nwurgentcareoracle.com. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  a Northwest Urgent Care at Oracle is an enterprise of Chamber Silver member Northwest Healthcare and Oro Valley Hospital.

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.

Smokey turns 80; WNPA has online item discounts

  a Smokey Bear is 80 years of age this week.

  a To celebrate, Chamber member the Western National Parks Association is offering a 20% discount on online purchases of all things Smokey – t-shirts, strapbacks, bandanas, adventure hats, dog collars, camping mugs and more – through Thursday, Aug. 15.

  a To shop, 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.

Acacia IT wants you to be ready for monsoon threats

  a Monsoon’s not over! And Chamber Diamond member Acacia IT is on high alert.

  a “We think about the damage your business can experience, and how to negate that,” it writes.

  a To protect your business, be sure devices are plugged into a UPS. Be sure surge protectors are properly rated for what’s plugged into them. Make sure you have data backups. And have a business continuity plan for electrical and computer outages.

  a To learn more, reach out to Acacia IT at 520-751-0888, or go to acaciait.com.

Nest in the Desert is opening online store

  a During August, Chamber member Nest in the Desert is launching its own online store.

  a “We value your loyalty and support, and we can't wait to bring you this new additional way to shop with us,” owner Robyn Halperin said.

  a The specially curated home décor retailer, located in Plaza Escondida at Oracle and Magee in Oro Valley, is planning exclusive online collections, convenient shopping, special offers, “inspiration and ideas” at its store.

  a “Soon, you'll be able to browse and purchase our beautiful home decor and furniture collections from the comfort of your home,” the announcement said. “Whether you're looking to refresh your living space or find the perfect piece for a special room, our online store will make it easier than ever to find exactly what you need.”

  a Nest in the Desert is located at 7954 N. Oracle. The phone is 520-297-8299, the website https://nestinthedesert.com/

Time to vote in Star's '24 Readers' Choice

  a Voting has begun for It’s All About the Hustle, the Arizona Daily Star’s Readers’ Choice 2024 competition.

  a Voting is open through Aug. 11. Support your favorite local businesses by texting the code listed in the Daily Star’s Voting Guide to 520-214-8683.

  a Many Chamber member businesses – and your Chamber – are competing for recognition. Among this year’s sponsors are Chamber members Pima Federal Credit Union and the Better Business Bureau.

  a Readers Choice Awards are “going disco” this year. The big event is Thursday, Sept. 12 at Casino del Sol. Tickets are on sale at Tucson.com.

Splendido looking for team member

  a Are you a program/engagement professional who wants to make a difference in the lives of older adults? Silver Chamber member Splendido, a Life Plan Community in Oro Valley, is seeking a creative talent to design and oversee innovative wellness and engagement programs. The Resident Engagement Manager position offers a competitive salary, generous benefits, and a positive work environment!

  a Learn more and apply today: https://boards.greenhouse.io/mathersplendido/jobs/4193743007

Wendy Wise State Farm is Hiring

  a Are you looking for a new and rewarding career? The Wendy Wise State Farm team is looking to grow!

  a There are two opportunities for licensed team members. Positions are available in the Service Team and Sales Team.

  a The correct candidate will believe in the importance of Life Insurance, is self-motivated, coachable, customer focused, and has a positive attitude.

  a Candidates will need to become licensed in the insurance industry. This costs approximately $350 per license. The process includes studying a course, taking the test, passing with a 70 or higher, getting your fingerprints done, and applying for the State of Arizona to issue you a license. Candidates are eligible for a $1000 bonus if they become licensed in Property/Casualty and Life/Health within 4 weeks of employment, or $500 if licensed in 8 weeks of offer. For more licensing information click here.

  a Candidates interested should apply through this link.

  a Wendy Wise State Farm is a Silver Member of your Chamber.

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. 

Get ready for HallOVeen 2024!

  a Choose a theme, make it fun or spooky, wear your favorite Halloween costume and hand out candy to trick-or-treaters at the 2024 HallOVeen Spooktacular event! If you are a business, organization, group, or individual that would like to decorate your personal vehicle for the Trunk or Treat portion of the HallOVeen Spooktacular event, please complete this online registration or call the Community Recreation Center front desk at 520-544-1900, option 3. (1) personal vehicle per registration. Space is limited so sign up soon! 

  a Trunk or Treat registrants should bring and be prepared to hand out at least 3,000 pieces of candy. Handing out promotional materials is also acceptable. Please keep in mind the number of children and time it takes to get candy to all of them when selecting your theme. The Town doesn’t want to discourage additional activities; however, time is of the essence when dealing with a thousand kiddos! Any additional activities beyond handing out candy, please contact Bradley at bfriese@orovalleyaz.gov.

  a The event will take place on Saturday, October 26th from 5-8 p.m. at James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W Calle Concordia.