BizTucson Summer 2024 Tucson Metro Chamber

SPECIAL REPORT 2024

THE REGION’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE

TUCSON METRO CHAMBER Special Report Corporate Sponsor

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Michael Guymon President & CEO Tucson Metro Chamber

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BizLEADERSHIP

Tucson Metro Chamber The Voice of Business

PHOTO: BRENT G. MATHIS

By Loni Nannini The Tucson Metro Chamber is a conversation-starter, a change-maker and a community-builder for businesses of all sizes throughout Southern Arizona.

“As a voice of business, we are working to create a stronger business ecosystem here in our region, and we want businesses to trust us to do that work,” said Michael Guymon, Chamber president and CEO. “We have members on all sides of the political spectrum, but they all agree that the work we do collectively builds a stronger economic environment.

“They all support business and business growth. They support growth in the sense of hiring more employees and growth in the sense of selling more products, which creates a stronger tax base. All of that helps to grow our overall economy.”

Founded in 1896, the Chamber is a membership-based business advocacy and community development organization representing 1,400 businesses and more than 160,000 employees in Tucson and Pima County.

The Chamber offers five tiers of membership. Entry-level is $495 annually for Connectors; followed by Promoter, Champion and Catalyst. Keystone Investors are the highest tier and include prominent leaders in the industries of defense, finance, utilities, healthcare, major manufacturing, real estate and development.

Since Guymon was promoted to Chamber CEO in 2022, Keystone membership has more than doubled to 31 Investors. Connectors—comprising entrepreneurs, sole proprietors, restauwww.BizTucson.com

rants and small businesses—remain the largest group.

“As a Keystone Investor, the Port of Tucson very happily supports the Chamber’s efforts to represent well the interests of all of Tucson’s businesses,” said Eli Peart, COO of Port of Tucson. “Many of our own customers and

“

As a voice of business, we are working to create a stronger business ecosystem here in our region, and we want businesses to trust us to do that work.

”

– Michael Guymon,

President & CEO Tucson Metro Chamber

tenants are local small businesses, so it serves us well that these businesses have a strong advocate with the Chamber, which ultimately results in a strong business ecosystem for Tucsonans.”

Big Vision for Business

Small, medium and large businesses are booming in the region, resulting in a wealth of opportunities and challenges.

The Chamber is updating its strategic plan with a comprehensive approach that embraces Advocacy, Connection and Education. At the forefront is a laser focus on local issues that directly impact businesses and their success. That includes emboldened advocacy with governance such as the Tucson City Council, Pima County Board of Supervisors, Pima Community College Governing Board, Rio Nuevo and more.

“We have learned that there are issues in the community that we need to focus on to increase our ability to compete against other markets our size,” Guymon said. “A lot of that relates to transportation infrastructure, access to talent and workforce development, public safety, and quality of life issues.”

As Tucson continues to grow—the population now tops 1.2 million in the metro area—another priority is collaboration with economic development agencies such as Sun Corridor Inc., Visit Tucson, Southern Arizona Leadership Council, Tucson Industrial Development Authority and more.

“Tucson has the charms of a small, closely-connected community, but we are gaining the scale of a larger city,” said Joe Salkowski, senior director of communications and public affairs at Tucson Electric Power and a Chamber board member. “We need to make sure to hold on to the connectedness that is so important to our business community, while scaling to meet the needs of a larger city, and part of that is working in tandem with economic development agencies to promote job creation continued on page 70 >>> Summer 2024 > > > BizTucson 69

BizLEADERSHIP continued from page 69 in sectors that will be best aligned with our community and the desires of local elected leaders and residents.”

Workforce Development

Over the past seven years, the Chamber has become increasingly involved in workforce development, culminating in a Workforce Development Blueprint launched in 2021 that incorporates five strategies built on innovative educationindustry partnerships.

“Our recommendations relate to making sure we are addressing supply and demand—the demand being the open positions that exist throughout the industry—and making sure that Pima Community College, UArizona, local school districts and other educational institutions are developing the right kind of skills to meet that demand,” Guymon said.

Key to the effort is the Chamber’s director of workforce advocacy, who engages employers and educational institutions to address policies including access to transportation, food security,

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housing affordability and quality childcare.

“Employers care more about these now than in the past because if talented employees can’t get to work because they can’t afford childcare, their talents are completely moot,” he said.

Thinking Local

Perhaps one of the Chamber’s greatest triumphs is its devotion to all things local, as evidenced through its Tucson Restaurant Advisory Council, for example.

“TRAC is one of the most creative and dynamic things the Chamber has done, which speaks volumes to the operating style of this Chamber to be flexible and innovative and to think local,” said Ray Flores, president of Flores Concepts, a Tucson-based management and creative company overseeing restaurants, concessions and catering businesses.

Flores said TRAC aims to represent Tucson restaurants at all levels and advocate for good policy and good rela-

tionships with the Pima County Health Department, Tucson Planning & Development Services, Pima County Wastewater, fire and safety departments and others.

“We have been able to gain access to city, county and state leadership and messaging on topics that may be federal issues as well,” he said.

As the ultimate advocate, educator, connector and communicator, the Chamber is truly the pipeline for the many voices of Tucson business.

“We are proud to be members of the Tucson Metro Chamber,” said Garrett Workman, government relations manager for South32’s Hermosa Project.

“The Chamber provides helpful opportunities for us to tell our story to an important audience as well as advocating for us and other members in order to keep our economy growing and continuing to attract new investments and opportunity.”

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Linda Welter Board Chair Tucson Metro Chamber Founder & CEO, Caliber Group 72 BizTucson < < < Summer 2024

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Q&A with

Board Chair

Linda Welter Q. What are the major

enable more affordable homes in our community.

A. 1 challenge that businesses of

Public Safety. The rising number of people using illegal substances, vandalizing business property and committing retail theft has caused some local small businesses to close and eliminate jobs. Other businesses are relocating to safer communities. Those that stay are passing along increased security costs to their customers through higherpriced goods and services. The Chamber is leading discussions with local law enforcement, policymakers and prosecutorial offices to find solutions to this growing public safety problem.

local challenges the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is working on that businesses in the region currently face to remain competitive?

Access to Talent. The No.

PHOTO: BRENT G. MATHIS

all sizes experience is finding qualified individuals to fill their job openings.

The Chamber facilitates conversations between business, government, education, and community leaders to address workforce barriers including training, education, access to quality childcare, affordable housing and transportation.

Addressing these issues will connect qualified job seekers to local employers, which our community needs.

Affordable Housing. The rising costs of homes in Tucson have become a challenge for job seekers and employers. The Chamber works closely with policymakers to advocate for responsible land use within our community.

By identifying solutions to streamline the entitlement processes and ease the regulatory burden on subsequent development, the Chamber plays a key role along with other community partners such as the Southern Arizona Homebuilders Association, Metropolitan Pima Alliance, and the Tucson Association of Realtors in shaping policies that www.BizTucson.com

Transportation. The Chamber is working with Pima Association of Governments staff and regional representatives on the Regional Transportation Authority board to advocate for a more accessible transportation system throughout the region that links employees to jobs and customers to local businesses.

Q. How is the Chamber

collaborating with other organizations to support local business expansion and job creation?

A. with Sun Corridor, Southern The Chamber works closely

Arizona Leadership Council, Chamber Alliance of Southern Arizona, and oth-

er organizations that excel in addressing statewide issues that impact local businesses. Those partnerships are crucial when working with the City of Tucson and Pima County to advance policies that bolster our region’s business competitiveness. Site selectors and company executives state that regional partners who solve problems collaboratively are the areas that achieve the greatest business growth and expansion.

Q. How is the Chamber

different today than it was five years ago?

A. today is on solving local business The Chamber’s primary focus

issues within the city and county. Our partners, including SALC and Greater Phoenix Chamber, are effectively addressing state regulations impacting Arizona businesses. Rather than duplicate efforts at the state level, the Chamber realigned its staff, strategic plan and resources to achieve greater impact locally. The primary local policies and initiatives the Chamber’s business advocacy team is engaged with in 2024 include RTA Next, prevailing wage ordinances, Plan Tucson, Pima Prospers and others to ensure the business community is an active participant in these important conversations that impact growth. continued on page 74 >>> Summer 2024 > > > BizTucson 73

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Q. Why should businesses join and get involved with the Chamber?

A. only business, but also nonprofit organizations and the

We’ve been working very hard to collaborate with not

community at all levels. Our aim is to be a connector and a collaborator. Along those lines, a goal of mine this year is to meet all the local elected officials. While we may not always agree politically, we can work collaboratively to advance our shared interests. We’re fostering relationships that perhaps were broken down before.

Q. What do you plan to accomplish in your role as Board Chair?

A.

My ultimate goal is to create a pro-business community where businesses can grow and succeed in our region. When businesses are successful here, they are creating jobs, paying taxes, donating to causes, and contributing to the prosperity of our region. I see the direct connection very clearly, and moving the needle through the Chamber’s work is a goal I am passionate about. The Chamber has a

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diverse, experienced, talented board and staff capable of accomplishing this goal. However, the Chamber still has work to do, including narrowing its strategic focus and realigning resources to increase its impact, strengthening and expanding its relationships and partnerships, increasing its membership base, building its PAC, and elevating its reputation as a diverse, effective organization through outcomes. The Chamber board, staff and I are making progress, and I am encouraged about the possibilities that we can achieve together.

Q. What does leadership look like to you?

How does the Chamber lead?

A. smart people, many of whom think differently than

Leaders have a vision. They surround themselves with

themselves. Leaders are willing to make tough decisions, even if it will subject them to criticism, because the tough decision is the right decision. Leaders also listen to their team and pivot when needed. That’s what the Chamber has done and will continue to do. We’re helping people and making a difference.

Take the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chamber is connecting people to resources, while working remotely. I’m proud to be part of an organization that selflessly helps others.

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PHOTO: BRENT G. MATHIS

TUCSON METRO CHAMBER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE From left – Michael Guymon, Chamber President & CEO; Lisa Lovallo, VP & Market Leader, Cox Communications (Vice Chair of the Board); Linda Welter, Founder & CEO, Caliber Group (Chair of the Board); Edmund Marquez, Agencies Owner, Edmund Marquez Allstate Agencies (Immediate Past Chair); Travis Jones, Accounting and Assurance Senior Manager, BeachFleischman PC (Treasurer)

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Advocacy Tucson Metro Chamber is the Ultimate Advocate for Business

By Loni Nannini The Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce is a champion for businesses of all sizes.

“We are a bold advocate for probusiness policies and want to educate businesses about why they should care about the issues, how they can get more involved, how they ultimately benefit if pro-business policies go through,” said Michael Guymon, Chamber president and CEO. The Chamber’s Business Advocacy Team and seven Advocacy Committees help shape government affairs, develop initiatives and other public policy at city and county levels.

The committees include the Coalition Against Retail Theft; Military Affairs Committee; Tucson Restaurant Advisory Council; Tucson Metro Chamber Political Action Committee; the Candidate Evaluation Committee; and two roundtables—the Mining and Construction Workforce Collaborative and the Health Science and Healthcare Workforce Collaborative.

Another key player is the 31-seat Public Policy Council, which guides public policy for the Chamber and is proportionally reflective of its member industries. “Because of this, the recommendations that come out of this council are true representations of our members,” said Zach Yentzer, Chamber VP of business advocacy.

“We ask business owners what keeps them awake at night and what gets them up in the morning,” Yentzer said. www.BizTucson.com

“There are major challenges that make it harder than ever to do business and they need the Chamber’s Business Advocacy Team to tackle these issues. That is how we build public policy from the bottom up.”

Action Plan for Public Policy

The Chamber recently released its Public Policy Guide 2024, which highlights timely issues identified by member businesses: a diversified economy; transportation, infrastructure and water; crime and public safety; land use and regulatory policy for development and construction; workforce development; and homelessness.

“I like to say our Public Policy Guide is the most comprehensive regional snapshot of what businesses are thinking about and the conditions they believe are necessary for their businesses and the community to thrive,” said Yentzer.

Advocacy committee leadership and membership is open to all Chamber members to give small, medium and large businesses equal voices. At monthly meetings, committee members often find that issues and challenges are interconnected.

“Mine is not traditionally a retail business, but the Coalition Against Retail Theft factors into my business since I am constantly buying things for my family. Prices are becoming impossibly high and retail theft is part of that. Plus, my business is located downtown near

retail businesses and there is a spillover effect if they are having issues, and I am inherently concerned about the community where I live and raise my kids,” said Ron Stauffer, a member of CART and owner of Leider Digital, a digital agency specializing in website marketing and SEO. Building Bridges

Advocacy committees also help bridge the private and public sectors.

For example, for 95 years, the Military Affairs Committee has supported Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and other branches of the military throughout Southern Arizona.

“We want to educate people who may not be familiar with the military about what they do, the sacrifices they make, and how they support the United States on the world stage. We also want people to know the military is an economic driver for Tucson,” said Katie Moore, chair of MAC and hotel operations manager of Desert Diamond Casinos.

MAC spearheads programs not covered by federal tax dollars, such as Thanksgiving meals for officers at Davis-Monthan, and Operation Otter Pop, which supplies them with frozen treats and water.

“The Chamber is a strong advocate for businesses, and they want to make sure the business community is heard,” Moore said. “They are out front, working hard to make it easier to do business in Tucson now and in the future.”

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Education

From Candidates to Emerging Leaders, Tucson Metro Chamber Does its Homework

By Loni Nannini Education is the hub around which successful business revolves.

“With education and information— and opportunities to be involved with different Chamber committees and programs—our members both bring their subject matter expertise and also grow in their knowledge and awareness of local issues,” said Zach Yentzer, VP of business advocacy for the Tucson Metro Chamber. “This will move the needle for challenges that we are facing in our business community and help us form a platform that is reflective of our members’ expertise and their lived experiences.”

The Chamber’s Education initiatives are often intertwined with Advocacy and Connection and include everything from seminars and meetings to its www.BizTucson.com

Candidate Evaluation Committee and Emerging Leaders.

“At the Chamber, we are focused on the ‘How’ of Advocacy, and that involves using Education to get members plugged in with us to co-advocate on issues in the community,” said Yentzer.

A Powerful Ally for Political Education

The Chamber educates its members about the platforms of current and prospective local politicians through its Candidate Evaluation Committee.

The committee is a mix of business owners, executives, major employers, and community partners of different political outlooks that are also representative of varied industries.

Each year, the committee develops

a questionnaire and invites submitted responses, resulting in score cards that rank the stance of each candidate on key issues. The committee also produces video interviews with candidates.

“We don’t endorse candidates, but instead go through a lengthy and in-depth education process to produce a package for members and the community that shows where candidates are in relation to business and growing the economy in Southern Arizona,” said Yentzer.

That helps cut through the clutter and bring clarity to what can be a chaotic legislative process.

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BizLEADERSHIP continued from page 79 think through,” Yentzer said. “Having organizations like the Chamber focus on metro issues and bring that information to our members is very valuable.”

“

At the Chamber, we are focused on A Culture of Civic Activism the ‘How’ of The Chamber advocates for civic activism, philanthropic involvement and Advocacy, and professional development through its Emerging Leaders.

This cohort of motivated leaders, that involves using ages 25 to 40, is dedicated to boosting Education to get local business—and career trajectories—through a five-year program that pairs participants with accomplished se- members plugged nior executives. EL members also must in with us to serve on a Chamber committee and volunteer with a regional nonprofit. co-advocate on The experience has been educational and enjoyable for Amanda Bruno, comissues in the munity affairs administrator for Pima Association of Governments and Vice community.

Chair of EL. Bruno, 31, is currently paired with Lisa Lovallo, VP and market leader for Cox Communications. Her past mentors included Pima County Administra-

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”

– Zach Yentzer VP of Business Advocacy Tucson Metro Chamber

tor Jan Lesher and Amber Smith, CEO of Pipeline Arizona.

She credits each of them with providing positive coaching on multiple levels, from assistance with job searches, development of leadership and management skills, and the necessary mindset for professional advancement.

“My first year, I was in the process of looking for a new job and Amber helped me sort through opportunities and prepare for interviews,” Bruno said. “Having her insight when she had been on the hiring side of the process was really valuable and I owe a lot of my success in that process to her support.”

She’s also gratified by the opportunities to network and forge lasting business relationships.

“I appreciate the opportunity to build rapport and relationships with people that I plan to work alongside and serve the community alongside in the future,” said Bruno, who serves on the boards for the Arizona Association for Economic Development and the Junior League of Tucson. She is also incoming Chair of Planned Parenthood of Arizona.

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Congratulations, Ambassadors of the Quarter/Year

KAT ROBEY

Kat Robey, Licensed Professional Counselor & Founder of Let All Thrive Counseling and Coaching, is a dedicated advocate for personal and professional growth. With over 20 years of counseling experience in Arizona, Kat empowers clients to thrive.

As 2023 Ambassador of 1st Quarter, she champions Tucson businesses. Contact Kat at Let All Thrive for compassionate counseling and coaching services that inspire positive change.

DAWN GERHART

Dawn Gerhart, GMD Notary Services: Notary Public & Loan Signing Agent, named 2023 Ambassador of the Year & 2nd Quarter. With a focus on customer service, Dawn assists clients with vital documents including adoptions, refinancing, and power of attorney. Proud member of the Tucson Metro Chamber, fostering connections and celebrating business achievements.

520.344.2747

520.284.6887

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NANCY GUNGOR

Nancy Gungor, 2023 Ambassador of the 3rd Quarter, is an agent with Farm Bureau Financial Services in Tucson and Oro Valley. She offers personal and commercial insurance and wealth management services. Nancy is a true cheerleader of Tucson businesses. Contact her at Farm Bureau Financial Services for more information.

520.989.7467

EUGENE CARTER

Eugene Carter, LegalShield Independent Associate, named 2023 Ambassador of 4th Quarter & 2024 Ambassador of 1st Quarter.

LegalShield offers affordable access to legal services for individuals and business owners, including assistance in writing a will, addressing traffic violations, fighting identity theft, and helping companies with business matters. Contact Eugene for dedicated local business support.

520.808.3068

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Connection

More than 100 Events for Members

By Loni Nannini A good network means good business.

Tucson Metro Chamber hosts more than 100 networking events and programs annually for its members.

“While our main focus is on advocacy, we have many, many members who join for a variety of other reasons such as networking and connecting with other businesses,” said Carrie Gilchrist, Chamber VP of membership relations.

“We are the voice of business in Tucson, and we are working to better the business community locally.”

The opportunities run the gamut, including monthly breakfast meetings, happy hours, mixers, and speed networking; weekly mission-driven Advocacy Committee meetings; and annual events such as a regional gathering, a business summit, a holiday legislative reception and a University of Arizona Athletics mixer.

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The Chamber’s signature event, the 27th annual Tucson Metro Chamber Copper Cactus Awards Presented by Wells Fargo, recognizes businesses and nonprofits for leadership and innovation.

Networking to New Heights

Innovative offerings include Good Morning Tucson, a high-energy monthly breakfast featuring five to seven speakers on topics such as the workforce, business resources, community events and policy. Through these “Lightning Talks,” each speaker is given just seven minutes per presentation to cover a broad range of ideas and concepts.

Recent speakers include Arizona Bowl Executive Director Kym Adair, who discussed the new partnership with Snoop Dogg; a presentation about the benefits of hiring employees with dis-

abilities by WorkAbility; talks highlighting La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, the Tucson Airport Authority and others. Programs have also covered insurance needs, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

“It is fast-paced, informative and educational,” said Gilchrist. “A lot of the information is unusual—these aren’t topics that you would typically think of—and you hear it all in an hour. We have had incredibly positive feedback.”

The breakfasts also offer unique interactions, said Kat Robey, owner of Let All Thrive, which provides mental health counseling for all ages. “These are power-packed conversations with awesome networking where you get breakfast and then move forward with your day.”

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“

Tucson is a small, close-knit town, and being a Tucson Metro Chamber member makes it more accessible. I am able to connect with other members on resources, supplier issues, and general small business issues.

”

– Erica Yngve, President/Owner, AZ Stitch Lab

Ambassadors of Connection

The Chamber’s Ambassadors Program utilizes about 40 members who volunteer at events, meet and welcome new members, and assist with recruitment. Ambassadors also attend business openings and ribbon-cutting ceremonies and present new members with signature swag bags.

The Ambassadors act as extensions of the Chamber staff and as “buddies” to new members, said Robey, who became an Ambassador in 2020.

“We understand what it means to be a business owner in today’s economy in Tucson,” Robey said. “Each new business helps the community thrive and Ambassadors are able to do a lot of business-to-business networking that is very beneficial.”

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Super Summit

The Chamber’s popular annual Business Summit & Expo has attracted 400-plus attendees since it began three years ago. The high-powered event helps forge business connections while offering strategic information, said Michael Guymon, Chamber president and CEO. The Spring 2024 event included sessions on access to capital; employee recruitment; employee retention/culture; and employment law.

“These are things that businesses pay consultants and lawyers to assist them with and we provide the information as a service as part of the Summit and Expo. They learn very valuable information that would normally cost them a lot,” said Guymon.

The Expo functions as a resource fair where members can generate new con-

tacts, promote goods and services, and learn about current events.

“Tucson is a small, close-knit town, and being a Tucson Metro Chamber member makes it more accessible. I am able to connect with other members on resources, supplier issues, and general small business issues,” said Erica Yngve, president/owner of Sonoran Stitch Factory & Postcraft Products and Manager of AZ Stitch Lab, a nonprofit that trains industrial sewing machine operators.

She is also a member of the Chamber Public Policy Committee.

“They do a great job of highlighting small businesses that otherwise would go unnoticed,” Yngve said. “Their annual Copper Cactus awards mean a lot to our community. They recognize the work of so many individuals, businesses and nonprofits that do good work here in Southern Arizona.”

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BizLEADERSHIP TUCSON METRO CHAMBER HIGH-LEVEL INVESTORS KEYSTONE

AGM Container Controls, Inc. Arizona Complete Health Arizona State University Banner - University Medical Center Casino Del Sol Resort Caterpillar Surface Mining and Technology Division Chase Bank Citi Cox Communications, Inc. Desert Diamond Casino - Sahuarita Diamond Ventures D2 Dispensary Fry’s Food Stores Hexagon Mining HSL Properties, Inc. Jim Click Automotive Team Lovitt & Touche’, Inc. Nextrio PNC Port of Tucson Raytheon Missile System South32 Hermosa Inc. Tucson Airport Authority Tucson Electric Power Co. Tucson Medical Center UnitedHealthcare University of Arizona Business Affairs Vantage West Credit Union Verizon Wells Fargo Bank

CATALYST

Alliance Bank of Arizona Amazon Distribution Center Arizona Lotus Corp Arizona Party Rental Bank of America BFL Construction BizTucson Magazine Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona CAID Industries, Inc. Caliber Group Carondelet Health Network Casa de la Luz Cigna Crest Insurance Group, LLC Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR Denova Collaborative Health DPR Construction El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort El Rio Health Empire Southwest, LLC Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospitals Exact Sciences Corporation Finley Distributing Co. Gibson’s Office Solutions

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HDS, Inc. Holualoa Companies HUB International iHeart Radio Institute for Better Education Intuit JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa Long Realty Company LUMEN Meridian Wealth Management, LLC Modular Mining Systems NextEra Energy Norville Investments NuPOINT Marketing Parsons Steel Builders Pima Community College ProVentures, Inc. Rancho Sahuarita Si Charro Sol Flower Dispensary Sonora Quest Laboratories of Tucson Southwest Airlines Southwest Gas Corp.

Sundt Construction, Inc. Swaim Associates Ltd Architects Trico Electric Cooperative, Inc. Tucson Association of Realtors Tucson Convention Center Tucson Federal Credit Union Tucson Local Media Tucson Media Partners Tucson Media Studio Tucson Water U-Haul Moving & Storage at Automall Universal Wallboard Corporation Visit Tucson Walmart Supercenter

CHAMPION

AAA Landscape AC Hotels Advance Auto Parts Afni, Inc. Alpha Fleet Services Arizona Correctional Industries Arizona Mohs Surgery, PLLC Arizona Sands Club Bain Law Firm, PLLC Barker Contracting, Inc. BeachFleischman PLLC Bin Masters Chamberlain Group Chasse Building Team Circle K CODAC Health, Recovery & Wellness, Inc. Columbia Southern University Comfort Systems USA Southwest CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company

Dave & Buster’s Dias Management, Inc. Elements Fitness + Coaching LLC Farhang & Medcoff Film Creations, Ltd. First Interstate Bank Hamstra Heating & Cooling, Inc. HeinfeldMeech Higher Ground a Resource Center HomeGoods Tucson Distribution Center Hughes Federal Credit Union Kalil Bottling Co. KB Home KE & G Construction KGUN9/The W.W. Scripps Company Kyte Enterprises Lapan Sunshine Foundation LoveBlock M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation Mesch, Clark & Rothschild, P.C. O’Rielly Chevrolet, Inc. OOROO Auto Pacific Premier Bank Pain Institute of Southern Arizona Paragon Space Development Corporation Pima Federal Credit Union Pizza Hut PMI Global Services, Inc. Psomas, Inc. Pueblo Mechanical and Controls, Inc. PuroClean of Southeast Tucson Rain Bird Corporation Republic Services of Arizona Royal Automotive Group Saguaro Solar Santa Rita Landscaping, Inc. Sears, Gerbo Architecture, LLC Seldin Real Estate Sion Power Corporation Strategy1 Stantec Sunbelt Holdings Swire Coca-Cola, USA The L Office Tomlinson Financial Group Tucson Fire Fighters Association, Local 479 Tucson Games & Gadgets Tucson Orthopaedic Institute Tucson Roadrunners Hockey Club Union Pacific Railroad Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge Vista Point Properties WaFdBank Watermark Retirement Communities WaterWalk Tucson South Winsor Consulting Group, LLC Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona

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BizLEADERSHIP TUCSON METRO CHAMBER 2024 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Linda Welter Founder & CEO Caliber Group

Lisa Lovallo Vice President & Market Leader Cox Communications

Chair of the Board

Vice Chair of the Board

Travis Jones Accounting and Assurance Senior Manager BeachFleischman PC Treasurer

Edmund Marquez Agencies Owner Edmund Marquez Allstate Agencies Immediate Past Chair

TUCSON METRO CHAMBER 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rob Assenmacher Managing Principal MACH Ventures

Julie Katsel Assistant VP of Community Relations University of Arizona

Kathy Prather Superintendent & CEO Pima JTED

Carol Stewart VP Tech Parks Arizona University of Arizona

Dr. Eric Cornidez Chief Medical Officer Pain Institute of Southern Arizona

Paul Kramkowski Senior Director of Facilities and Real Estate Raytheon

Steve Reichling Senior VP & CFO Tucson Medical Center

Priscilla Storm VP Diamond Ventures

Ray Flores President Flores Concepts

Kathi Kyger Director of Government Relations Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Ian Roark Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development Pima Community College

Devon Underwood Founder & Principal The Talent Store

Barney Holtzman Partner Mesch, Clark & Rothschild

Mike Levin CEO Port of Tucson

Joe Salkowski Director of Communications & Public Affairs Tucson Electric Power

Arika Wells VP & COO United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona

Eli Peart Chair Emerging Leaders

Kameron Norwood Investment Sales & Leasing Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR

Bryan Schachter Chief Investment Officer Watermark Retirement Communities

John Winchester Director of Government & Community Engagement Arizona State University

TUCSON METRO CHAMBER 2024 STAFF Michael Guymon President & CEO Carrie Gilchrist Vice President of Membership Relations Zach Yentzer Vice President of Business Advocacy

Frank Velásquez Jr. Director of Workforce Advocacy David A. Bowers Regional Partnership Specialist Stephanie Spencer Business Advocacy Specialist

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Melissa Rosciano Communications and Marketing Manager

Tammy Jensen Member Services Manager

Lucinda Del Rincon Events and Program Coordinator

David Long Creative Manager

Diana Cortez Office Administrator

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