BizTucsonWinter2025

WINTER FALL 2012 2025

THE REGION’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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SPECIAL REPORT: Sun Corridor Inc.

WINTER 2025 • $3.99 • DISPLAY UNTIL 3/30/25

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BizLETTER NEXT GEN LEADERS 2025 22 Rising Stars to Watch!

BizTucson is proud to announce our 2025 Next Gen Leaders – 22 Rising Stars to Watch in the coming year.

You’re going to be impressed with Tucson’s next generation of talent.

Since 2021, BizTucson has annually given recognition to these great people leading our region forward. The 2025 honorees include entrepreneurs, nonprofit executives, community builders, medical professionals and leaders in construction, real estate, banking and more, who are passionate about making a difference and pursuing excellence.

Journalist Loni Nannini reports on these stars who leverage leadership with applied and collaborative skills—with a dedication to elevating the entire community. These 22 extraordinary individuals seek paths to prosperity for our current and future generations in Southern Arizona.

Journalist Jay Gonzales files an indepth report on Sun Corridor Inc.’s “Two Decades of Economic Growth in the Megaregion.” The region’s longest running economic development organization boasts a $39 billion impact here.

Gonzales writes that Sun Corridor Inc. “has worked diligently in partnership with corporate, government and community leaders to transform what was once a difficult business environment, to a successful one that is building a game plan for long-term success.”

Caterpillar and Amazon are two industry giants that have established a strong presence here. Longtime pillars Raytheon, Bombardier and Roche have expanded while also committing to stay and thrive in the region. Gonzales adds that companies invested in future technology such as American Battery Factory, Sion Power and PowerPhotonic have also decided to headquarter here.

To quote Sun Corridor’s longtime supporter, treasurer David Smallhouse: “I am most impressed by Sun Corridor’s unique ability to accomplish two things at the highest levels. First, Sun Corridor as a thought leader pushes our community’s elected and business leaders to focus on our most pressing regional issues with an emphasis to think big on solutions. Business site selectors have told us that our region is on 4 BizTucson < < < Winter 2025

Winter 2025

Volume 16 No. 4

Publisher & Owner

Steven E. Rosenberg Brent G. Mathis

Creative Director

Jay Gonzales Tara Kirkpatrick Loni Nannini

Editor Emeritus

Donna Kreutz

Contributing Editors

Contributing Writers

the cusp of greatness. But we do have work to do to get there. Second, Joe and his team get things done. In the last 20 years, Sun Corridor successes have been incredibly significant. The numbers are so impressive – over 200 company relocations and expansions, totaling nearly $40 billion in economic impact. These successes have positively impacted all sectors of our community. The Sun Corridor team’s ability to focus and execute major strategic issues is a rare combination.”

At press time, it was announced that Sun Corridor Inc. and the Tucson Metro Chamber will merge and become one organization, an influential and unified voice for the business community. Initial details will be reported in this edition’s special report.

Our region lost a true champion with the passing of former Raytheon President Wes Kremer. The decorated U.S. veteran and steadfast community supporter is fondly remembered by friends and colleagues. Through his two decades with Raytheon, his profound impact on the region’s business community and our nation will truly be missed.

Writer Jay Gonzales offers a tribute to his legacy of service.

For more than 15 years, we truly value and appreciate our readers. We look forward to a vibrant 2025.

April Bourie Rodney Campbell Jay Gonzales Tara Kirkpatrick Tiffany Kjos Christy Krueger

Thomas Leyde Loni Nannini Dave Perry Steve Rivera Valerie Vinyard Romi Carrell Wittman

Contributing Photographers

Phillip Bencomo Brent G. Mathis Chris Mooney BizTucson News Update (Email Newsletter)

Brent G. Mathis Tara Kirkpatrick

Contributing Technology Director

Mike Serres

Contributing Project Coordinator

Maricela Robles

Member:

American Advertising Federation Tucson DM-50 Metropolitan Pima Alliance Oro Valley Chamber Southern Arizona Leadership Council Sun Corridor Inc. Tucson Metro Chamber BizTucson Magazine Issue 4 (ISSN 1947-5047 print, ISSN 2833-6739 online) is published quarterly for $16 per year by Rosenberg Media, LLC., 4729 E. Sunrise Dr., PMB 505, Tucson, AZ 85718-4534. Periodicals postage pending at Phoenix, AZ, and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: BizTucson Magazine, 4729 East Sunrise Dr., PMB 505, Tucson, AZ 85718-4534 © 2025 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Opinions expressed in columns or articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.

BizTucson

Steven E. Rosenberg Publisher & Owner BizTucson

Phone: 520.299.1005 Subscription Information:

BizTucson.com subscriptions@BizTucson.com Advertising information:

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Steve Rosenberg 520.299.1005 or 520.907.1012 steve@BizTucson.com

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Winter 2025 > > > BizTucson 5

BizCONTENTS

FEATURES

WINTER 2025

VOLUME 16 NO. 5

COVER STORY: 125

NEXT GEN LEADERS Tucson’s Next Generation of Leaders 22 Rising Stars to Watch

125

DEPARTMENTS 48

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BizLETTER From the Publisher

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BizSPORTS 2025 Cologuard Classic BizMILESTONE La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo Kicks Off New Century

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BizINNOVATION IBM Renews Lease at UA Tech Park

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BizMILESTONE O’Rielly Chevrolet Celebrates 100 Year of Business Success

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Mister Car Wash Hits 500 with Newest Location in Vail

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SMALLBiz Modern House Numbers Creates Cool Addresses for the World

BizMEMORIAL $3 Million Arizona Heroes Memorial Unveiled in Oro Valley 120 BizHEALTHCARE Pima JTED Opens Mel & Enid 123 Zuckerman Center for Health and Medical Careers at The Bridges New Play Zone at Diamond Children’s Medical Center, Banner University 124 BizAWARDS Cornerstone Building Foundation 140 Awards BizCONSTRUCTION Pima Community College Expands Center of Excellence in Hospitality Leadership University of Arizona’s Grand Challenges Research Building BizDEVELOPMENT Epic Venue: First Phase of $425 Million Mosaic Quarter Breaks Ground

142 144 146

BizDESIGN ASID Commercial Design Awards BizARTS Tucson Desert Song Festival World’s Greatest Voices Dazzle the Region BizAWARDS Tucson Metro Chamber Copper Cactus Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Awards Tucson Values Teachers: Raytheon Leaders in Education Awards I-Squared Awards BizTRIBUTE Wesley D. Kremer: A Legacy of Leadership and Service

SPECIAL REPORT

65 BizSCIENCE University of Arizona Unveils Epic New Thermal Vacuum Chamber

SPECIAL REPORT 2025

THE REGION’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE

BizHEALTH Integrative Touch Celebrates 20th Anniversary

ABOUT THE COVER NEXT GEN LEADERS Creative Design by Brent G. Mathis

www.BizTucson.com

Sun Corridor Inc. Two Decades of Economic Growth in the Megaregion

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BizSPORTS

2024 Cologuard Classic winner Joe Durant and his wife, Tracey, pose with members of the Tucson Conquistadores

2025 Cologuard Classic

by Exact Sciences

Conquistadores Ready for 2nd Year at La Paloma

By Steve Rivera Aaron Crowley has walked the La Paloma Country Club course about 20 times in the last year. It’s a good bet he’ll walk it nearly that much in the final months before the Cologuard Classic by Exact Sciences returns here for its second year.

The 2025 tournament chairman will know every green, every bunker, every fairway. He’ll have everything down to a tee, as in tee box.

Building on the fan experience is paramount.

This year, there will be an expanded par-3 hole at No. 17, “making that fan experience greater by offering a more inclusive package but a bigger hospitality surrounding which will ‘bring up the vibe’ this year,” said Crowley.

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At least that’s the hope as they continue to tweak the first year at La Paloma, which Crowley said was a “first class upgrade” from years past. “We loved every bit of it,” he said.

“It was awesome,” said Geoff Hill, Tucson Conquistadores executive director. “After talking to players and the tour representatives and our title sponsors, they all thought it was a great success.”

The course was in prime condition and the amenities were great, Hill added.

“It was a great year, and we were able to give more to the kiddos,” Hill said.

And that’s why they do it.

More than $700,000 was raised last year for more than 150 charities, Hill

said. The 40,000-plus spectators – including those at the annual concert – contributed to the total. Hill called it an “uptick” in attendance − about 10% more − compared to years past. This year, there will be two concerts scheduled – Friday and Saturday.

“Of all the things we do all year, that moment when we hand over the checks to the charities that are in need of funds – no matter if they need one dollar or thousands of dollars – it’s so impactful,” Crowley said. “That’s what drives us to do what we do.”

The Conquistadores make it all happen and have for years. To date, they’ve helped raise nearly $38 million through elbow grease and managing the PGA Tour events in Southern Arizona. It’s www.BizTucson.com

Tucson Conquistadores

“

Of all the things we do all year, that moment when we hand over the checks to the charities that are in need of funds – no matter if they need $1 or thousands of dollars – it’s so impactful.

”

been that way since 1962, donating to local and national charities.

Instrumental in their donations are youth athletic programs, First-Tee Tucson and colon cancer advocacy organizations. Hill called it giving them “a runway to their future.”

“We are deeply grateful to the Tucson Conquistadores for their unwavering support of First Tee – Tucson,” said Judy McDermott, First Tee’s executive director and former executive director of the Conquistadores. “Their generous donations make an extraordinary impact, enabling us to empower young people with confidence, resilience and life skills through the game of golf.

“Having had the privilege of working with the Conquistadores previously, www.BizTucson.com

I understand firsthand the dedication and vision they bring to supporting our community. Every donation they make to First Tee – Tucson strengthens our mission and builds a brighter future for Tucson’s youth.”

Throw in Tucson, and Southern Arizona gets the benefit of a $25 million economic boost, according to the PGA Tour.

There are more than 200 Conquistadores involved in the event and at least 400 more volunteers helping to run the weeklong event.

“It doesn’t happen without them,” Crowley said. “They are the backbone of what we do. Yes, the Conquistadores are all volunteers, but if we did not have the local community to be hole

marshals or to be hospitality greeters and captains and all that’s involved, it just wouldn’t happen.”

It’s all to make the community a better place, and it’s why Crowley walked the course so much as he anticipated his time working the 2025 tournament as tournament director.

“We want to make it enjoyable to the spectator who isn’t in a hospitality tent, someone who wants to enjoy the venue and see golf,” Crowley said. “We want to make sure that experience is highlevel. We want to make sure everyone gets that first-class experience.”

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PHOTOS: COURTESY TUCSON CONQUISTADORES

– Aaron Crowley, 2025 Tournament Chairman, Cologuard Classic by Exact Sciences

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BizMILESTONE

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Cof entury odeo

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Tucson Rodeo Marks 100 Years

PHOTOS BY BRENT G. MATHIS

By Steve Rivera

www.BizTucson.com

It was about 55 years ago that Sam Merriman roamed the grounds of the Tucson Rodeo on the city’s south side doing his thing as a preteen, riding and roping cattle.

He has a long history with the Tucson Rodeo, which is celebrating 100 years of being part of the fabric of Tucson and its inclusive culture of Native Americans, Mexican Americans and the American cowboy.

“We are honored to present the centennial celebration of the Tucson Rodeo 2025,” said Merriman, this year’s Tucson Rodeo chair. “This iconic event is one of the longest consecutive running sports events in Southern Arizona. Our main goal is to provide a tradition of rodeo entertainment as well as giving a portion of its proceeds back to the community.”

The Tucson Rodeo has been a staple of the city’s lifestyle and culture for 100 years – impacting pretty much everyone who has ever lived in the city and its surroundings. After all, schools shut down during rodeo week – “rodeo vacation” as Merriman put it – and a big part of the city either goes to the popular rodeo parade or attends the rodeo.

Merriman remembers the crowds, the passion, the love for the sport back in the 1960s, when he was that preteen. How can he forget it? He lived it.

“It’s been a lifetime,” said Merimann, a former rodeo competitor turned NFL player turned rodeo authority. “This place is in my blood and always has been. It gets in your blood really fast – at least naturally

for me it did.”

The same can be said for many that lived the life or were touched by it.

It has seemingly been that way since 1925 when Tucson’s La Fiesta de los Vaqueros was established, marking the city’s frontier spirit amidst the prohibition era, according to Tucson Rodeo’s website.

The rodeo was established to highlight Tucson’s Wild West spirit and attract tourists.

“The guest ranch business here in Tucson was one of the main industries where there were about 30-plus guest ranches in Tucson proper,” said Mark Baird, a former Tucson Rodeo chairman and current vice chairman. “The owners of those all got together and tried to figure out how to keep the visitors here for the winter longer.

Why not try this?”

And so, the Tucson Rodeo was born.

Kids would cut class to go the rodeo, and their parents would either work at the rodeo or be in the rodeo, Baird said. By the 1930s, Baird said, school officials said, “why not have a holiday just because they kids were cutting class anyway.”

Thus, Tucson’s unique “rodeo vacation” came to fruition.

Ninety years later, Merriman estimates more than 3.5 million spectators have gone through the Tucson Rodeo turnstiles to see some the world’s best horsemen and women work their magic.

They went from prizes like a 750-pound block of ice and big cactus ham to more than $400,000 in prizes for this year’s continued on page 28 >>> Winter 2025 > > > BizTucson 27

BizMILESTONE

continued from page 27 event. More than $3 million in prize money has been handed out over the last 10 years.

Heck, even Hollywood has come through making its mark with movies like “8 Seconds” and “Ridin’ Wild” which were filmed at the Tucson Rodeo grounds.

But it was all the success from the early years, when locals and visitors came together, that made it a success that’s lasted 100 years.

“It evolved from something to occupy people to keep them in town to the event that it is today,” Baird said. “It’s grown into a major deal.”

Now, the Tucson Rodeo is the biggest outdoor winter rodeo and one of the best rodeos in North America, where the sports’ top athletes come to compete under ideal weather conditions in February. It’s ranked No. 4 as the biggest rodeo in the United States by the blog, usabynumbers.com.

Athletes like Trevor Brazile, Ty Murray, Joe Beaver, and the Wright family - Stetson, Rusty, Ryder and Cody – have all made their mark in Tucson. “(Competitors) really have to be on their game to win this thing,” Baird said.

And it’s not just a competition in the arena, but the fun all around it, that makes it the event it is.

“We are in the entertainment business and all of that is the rodeo event,” Baird said. “In order to keep that entertainment aspect, we have to make sure we put on the best rodeo we can so they keep coming back. We want to make sure we keep it in the upper tier.”

Baird said Tucson from year to year has 20 to 30 of the top contestants who compete at the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas.

“It’s a pretty competitive atmosphere here,” he said. “We draw the best of the best.”

Still, they keep it light on the bells and whistles in part because at the end of the day, it’s a rodeo and it wants to remain that.

“There are a lot of things that other people do that we don’t do,” Baird said, “We are a rodeo and, yes, we have food vendors and things like that, but we are in the rodeo business.

Yes, we do a concert every once and a while, and it’s nice to have it but we don’t have that for our sole draw. We rely on our performance, and it runs like clockwork. It’s a solid 2½ hours of entertainment.”

So, what’s been the secret to the rodeo’s success?

“We offer a good value for a family and a good source of entertainment that they can bring anybody from the age of two to 82 and everywhere in between,” Baird said. “Everybody will find something that they enjoy. It’s that atmosphere that we strive to maintain because that’s what keeps people coming back.”

What’s missing or who is missing from this big celebration is the late Gary Williams, long a staple of the rodeo since the 1980s. He, seemingly, was Mr. Tucson Rodeo, given his knowledge of the event.

“It was like working with an encyclopedia,” Baird said.

“We won’t find anybody who was dedicated as much to rodeo or our event. This event was his passion. He is missed dearly daily.”

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BizINNOVATION

“

We’re proud to be continuing our contributions to Arizona’s legacy of innovation and growth as IBM continues its investment in the region.

”

– Calline Sanchez Senior State Executive IBM

IBM Renews Lease at UA Tech Park Tech Parks Arizona’s recent renewal of a long-term lease with International Business Machines solidifies the tech giant’s continued commitment to Southern Arizona.

This significant milestone extends the lease 15 years and reaffirms IBM’s role as a cornerstone in the region’s thriving tech ecosystem, bringing sustained economic growth and quality job opportunities to the community.

The University of Arizona’s relationship with IBM dates back 30 years when the two organizations collaborated in the sale of the IBM campus off Rita Road and Interstate 10, establishing the UA Tech Park in 1994.

This renewed lease confirms that IBM, recognized by OnDeck as the nation’s No. 1 innovative company, will continue to leverage the unique resources of Tech Parks Arizona and the talent pool available through the UA, further30 BizTucson < < < Winter 2025

ing the region’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research and development.

“We’re proud to be continuing our contributions to Arizona’s legacy of innovation and growth as IBM continues its investment in the region,” said Calline Sanchez, senior state executive for IBM in Arizona.

Through purpose-built environments, Tech Parks Arizona supports companies of all sizes and facilitates universityindustry interaction. Strategically built, UA Tech Park has evolved into an interactive campus where startups and tech giants like IBM work side by side in addition to being a major employment hub boasting over 100 companies and 6,000 knowledge workers. The UA Tech Park has played a pivotal role in building the Southern Arizona economy, contributing a staggering $2 billion annually to economic impact and generating $52.8 million in tax revenues for

the state, county, and city governments.

“IBM’s commitment is a testament to the enduring value of the collaboration between our organizations,” said Carol Stewart, president & CEO of UA Tech Parks. “This reflects the strength of our innovation ecosystem and the exceptional business environment we offer to businesses. The renewed agreement not only continues IBM’s presence in Arizona but also aligns with Tech Parks Arizona’s mission to foster economic prosperity and community development.”

Tech Parks Arizona remains committed to redefining traditional business models and supporting companies that are driving innovation. The work with IBM exemplifies how industry leaders and academic institutions can come together to create a lasting positive impact on local communities.

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A Tribute to Service

BizMEMORIAL

$3 Million Arizona Heroes Memorial Unveiled in Oro Valley

IMAGES: COURTESY ARIZONA HEROES MEMORIAL

By Dave Perry Visitors to Oro Valley’s Naranja Park can’t miss the new Arizona Heroes Memorial.

The $3 million shrine, dedicated Nov. 16, is at once symbolic and alive, “a physical space to remember and learn,” according to its literature. It is a unique, inclusive tribute to America’s military, veterans and active duty, as well as police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and healthcare workers.

At its visible heart is an eye-catching, 24-foot-tall concrete and steel obelisk adorned with a five-point golden star beneath flowing red, white and blue metallic ribbons.

Patrick and Lindsey Spencer want that monument to catch the eyes of their three young children as well as the thousands of young people who come to play at newly expanded Naranja Park every day. Lisa Hopper, the memorial’s executive director, estimates Spencer Construction donated well over $1 million in labor and services to build the project.

“We don’t want to get any gratification out of it,” Patrick Spencer said. “I want to be able to educate the young people.” They need to know the “sacrifices of people that served the country.

Anything we can give back to our country, and the community, it’s great.”

“There’s a lot of heart work going on,” Hopper said. “Patrick is doing it for God and country.”

Such motivation beats as well within the memorial’s volunteers, some of whom have spent nine years working on a dream. That spirit also resides within more than 40 Tucson businesses that have given to the cause. www.BizTucson.com

The WLB Group, led by President Bill Walker, with landscape architect Gary Grizzle on the ground, has given more than $500,000 in civil engineering, landscape architecture, surveying and construction administration services.

Walker, who wrote a formal offer of help to the memorial board in 2016, appreciates the memorial’s dedication to people who serve the nation.

“We all have a commitment to those folks to make sure they’re remembered,” Walker said. “And we have a commitment to the town, for all the work we’ve done. It’s good for the whole region. We’ve been tickled to death to be involved.”

Borderland Construction and Granite Construction are building the parking lot. Parsons Steel donated metalworks for the amphitheater. Sabino Electric is giving labor and lighting discounts.

Overlay Concrete worked for free. Acacia Landscaping helped buy 25 trees and is installing the irrigation system donated by Rainbird. It’ll run on solar power donated by The Solar Store.

Perfect Garden Landscaping is helping with landscaping. Addisigns is hanging every medallion.

The Stowell Family Trust, created by Diane and the late Curt Stowell, is funding ongoing education. As they so often do, community citizens HSL Properties, the HSL Foundation and Jim Click have given significant amounts of money.

“That’s how humanitarian work happens,” said Hopper, an Oro Valley resident who founded and led the Tucson-based World Care International Humanitarian Aid Organization.

When the cause is right, “the people find you,” she said.

People are certain to find the memorial’s heart, its “absolutely stunning” central monument, representing “the strength and courage of our heroes,” Hopper said.

Ron Rice of CAID Industries donated design time, and master fabricator Daniel Scalzo created the star and ribbons. Bill Assenmacher, former owner of CAID, is “not only a passionate supporter” of the memorial, he also “led the team that created the incredible design,” said Ron Shoopman, a military veteran and a memorial ambassador.

The monument stands within a landscaped, bench-lined plaza, tied together by a five-point, 90-foot, ground-level star. To one side is the “awe-inspiring” amphitheater intended for learning and gathering; to another side, the Legacy Garden honors loved ones who have served. Guests walk the memorial’s circular Pathway of Heroes to walls representing branches of service. Pusch Ridge is on the horizon.

Spencer employees proudly wear memorial stickers on their hard hats.

“It’s amazing,” Patrick said. “All of us love it. It’s a one-of-a-kind project and we’re honored to be a part of it. We’re blessed, for sure.”

The Spencers “are just beautiful people,” Hopper said, noting Patrick just turned 40. “This is the younger generation really being social entrepreneurs.”

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BizAWARDS

LISA ROMERO

LUPITA MURILLO

ELLIE WOLFE

MANDY BETZ

JESSA B. TURNER

2024 IMPACT Awards

Tops in PR Honored for Excellence in the Industry The Southern Arizona chapter of the Public Relations Society of America announced winners of the IMPACT Awards for Excellence in Public Relations, which recognize outstanding industry projects and professionals across the region.

The 2024 IMPACT Awards took place Oct. 22 at Pima County Historical Courthouse, and honored 15 organizations with 31 awards.

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Lisa Romero, associate VP for research, communications and marketing for University of Arizona’s Office of Research, Innovation & Impact, was awarded the chapter’s Career Impact Award. Retired KVOA-TV reporter Lupita Murillo and Arizona Daily Star higher education reporter Ellie Wolfe shared the 2024 Media Person of the Year honor. Mandy Betz, Caliber Group account coordinator, was named PR Rookie of the Year, and Jessa B.

Turner, associate VP for marketing and communications for Tech Parks Arizona, was named the 2024 PR Professional of the Year.

The UA Institute for Computation and Institute for Computation and Data-Enabled Insight received the Best in Show Award, with the highest scoring submission for its AI Update newsletter and efforts to help the UA community navigate AI.

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1. Kathy Prather, Pima JTED superintendent and CEO with Jim Click. 2. Amy Zuckerman and Nicole Zuckerman Morris. 3. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. 4. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs 5. Veterinary Assistant surgical suite 6. Licensed Nursing Assistant classroom and clinical lab

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BizHEALTHCARE

A Boost for Healthcare Talent

New Mel and Enid Zuckerman Center for Health and Medical Careers and Potoff Private Philanthropy Veterinary Science Center

IMAGES: BRENT G. MATHIS & COURTESY PIMA JTED

By Jay Gonzales When the ribbon was cut last fall on a pivotal new center at Pima Joint Technical Education District, it was a tribute to the foresight, timing and generosity needed to help bolster our regional workforce.

Pima JTED celebrated the Oct. 4 opening with words from many of those contributors, including the donors who gave $17 million to help fund the project.

Officially, the new building, on the Pima JTED campus at 3300 S. Park Ave. in The Bridges commercial development, has two names to honor its donors. The Mel and Enid Zuckerman Center for Health and Medical Careers and the Potoff Private Philanthropy Veterinary Science Center is a 52,000-square-foot facility that will increase the region’s capacity to recruit young people into careers where talent is dramatically short, not only here, but nationally.

Studies forecast a shortage of healthcare workers over the next several years well into the hundreds of thousands.

That was not lost on Pima JTED, which was seeing a huge demand for the healthcare programs it had already been providing.

In 2019, Pima JTED was still a year away from opening its main career center where it offers a wide range of technical education programs from auto and aviation technology to information technology. But there was already recognition that a dedicated facility for healthcare training was needed.

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“We started to realize that the popularity of this location was such that we knew the demand for our programming at this location would be even greater than it was back when we opened the building in 2020,” said Kathy Prather, Pima JTED superintendent and CEO. Working with then-University of Arizona President Dr. Robert Robbins − a heart surgeon who formerly ran the University of Texas Medical Center − Pima JTED and its supporters embarked on a fact-finding mission to determine what a healthcare training facility should look like and if it would work in Tucson.

Robbins directed them to the Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions in Houston.

“He said he couldn’t believe that with the College of Medicine and the College of Public Health here at the UA, that Tucson did not have a high-schoollevel facility to feed into those colleges,” Prather said.

After a trip to DeBakey High School that included Pima JTED board members, Robbins and others from UA and Pima Community College, Prather said, “We all decided that this was something we should do here.”

What caught Prather by surprise was how quickly funding came together so the building could be up and running in fall 2024.

“We started putting out to the community that we were intending to build a health and medical career center school and the community responded,” she said. “What we thought would be five or six years actually was less than two years.”

The Mel and Enid Zuckerman family gave $5 million to the project. Government funding came in through U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly and U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, at a total of $5.7 million. The Connie Hillman Family Foundation, Potoff Private Philanthropy, longtime Tucson car dealer and philanthropist Jim Click, and the Thomas R. Brown Family Private Foundation were also major contributors.

The builders were Bourn Companies and BFL Construction in a joint partnership.

“We have an industry that is telling us we need more talent,” Prather said. “We have a talent shortage, and it’s going to get even more concerning in many areas, not just healthcare. But with healthcare, we had this momentum for the school and so many of our community members stepped up and said, ‘We want to help.’”

“My grandparents have been committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and disease prevention for 45 years,” Nicole Zuckerman Morris said at the ribbon cutting. She is the granddaughter of Mel and Enid Zuckerman.

“Before my grandfather passed away, Amy (the Zuckerman’s daughter) and I were able to share with him that we were working with JTED to help open a new campus to support more people pursuing careers in the healthcare field.

We could tell how proud he was of this project and the continuation of his and my grandmother’s mission.”

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Child’s Play

New Play Zone at Diamond Children’s to Offer Therapeutic Space for Patients

By Tiffany Kjos Banner-University is a stellar facility for lifesaving treatment including fetal surgery, adult and pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplants, congenital heart surgery for children, and inpatient dialysis for kids.

A new Play Zone, funded entirely by donations, will enhance the services that Diamond Children’s Medical Center at Banner already offers to young patients and their families.

“Diamond Children’s is the premier pediatric facility in the region. We do high-end medical care, and we do routine medical care – we run the gamut – and this adds another dimension to that care,” said Dr. Andreas A. Theodorou, vice chair and professor of the pediatric department for the University of Arizona, clinical leader of pediatrics

for Banner, and a pediatric clinician.

The 7,200-square-foot Play Zone, with recreational, educational, and therapeutic offerings, will give the hospital’s specially trained child life specialists a place to have honest conversations with patients about their scary and often lifethreatening ailments. It’s also a place for patients to get away from their hospital bed, and even take a break from their parents.

“I would not view that area as a big playground where kids go down and play – that’s not what it’s about,” Theodorou said. “The Play Zone is basically a tool by which the child life specialists can do what they’re so good at.

Child life specialists can help kids, for example, deal with painful procedures.

They help kids deal with issues around

chronic disease. They help siblings deal with the loss of a brother or sister. They also work on grief.”

The Play Zone, designed by Shepley Bulfinch and built by DPR Construction, is the brainchild of Hadley Trull, associate director of Child Life at Diamond Children’s, who has been involved in the development of three such facilities at other hospitals. Three years ago, she was approached by the then-CEO of Banner, who set aside the former Diamond Children’s Center lobby for the project and told her to “dream big.”

“So, I shared my verbal vision, and then the architect and the interior designers brought it to life, and that’s when the fundraising started,” Trull said.

“We had some design meetings to say, ‘We want this to be an uplifting, posi-

Jeremy Sharpe Developer & Member Banner Health Foundation Board 38 BizTucson < < < Winter 2025

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BizHEALTHCARE

“

It’s a wonderful project that will be incredibly impactful for the local community.

Banner has such a far reach that kids all over the region will be able to experience it.

tive, bright space that does not feel like you’re in the hospital.’”

And it definitely doesn’t. A 70foot mural is a focal point of the Play Zone, which was created to appeal to ages birth to age 21. Patients will enter through a locked door for safety reasons, then head to whatever draws them, from a spot with stuffed animals and other toys for preschoolers and toddlers to a virtual reality and video gaming area for older kids.

The Play Zone also features an art studio, a sensory room for children with special needs, a “medical play area” with pretend equipment so child life specialists can demonstrate how procedures will go, a basketball arcade, and a media room. There’s also a space with computers where children can attend

school virtually and engage in STEM activities.

The Play Zone will allow the child life specialists to serve up to 40% more patients and their siblings. It is a “very intentional, therapeutic place, with multiple levels of support, even to the point of very difficult conversations,” Trull said.

Another feature of the Play Zone is the Ronald McDonald Sibling Center, funded by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona, where patients’ sisters and brothers can go when their parents are visiting the patient.

Aside from that, the $3.6 million project was paid for by philanthropic efforts from the community here, Trull said.

The work that child life specialists do is

”

not billable by insurance, she explained, so a lot of their resources and some of their salaries are paid for through donations.

The fundraising for this pivotal project was led by Jeremy Sharpe, a respected developer and member of the Banner Health Foundation Board, who said, “It’s a wonderful project that will be incredibly impactful for the local community. Banner has such a far reach that kids all over the region will be able to experience it.”

Sharpe raised the money through dinners and other events, and many one-on-one conversations. In the end, more than 200 private and corporate donors gave from $25 to $100,000, but fundraising for the child life program is ongoing. https://tinyurl.com/bannerplayzone

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PHOTOS: COURTESY BANNER PLAY ZONE

– Jeremy Sharpe, Developer & Member, Banner Health Foundation Board

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BizAWARDS

Cornerstone Building Foundation Celebrating Excellence in the Construction Industry 30th Annual Cornerstone Awards THE 2024 WINNERS: 1. Subcontractor of the Year R. G. and Sons Plumbing Nathaniel Garcia & Rudy Garcia Jr. 2. Professional Service of the Year Ronstadt Insurance Jeff Ronstadt 3. Contractor of the Year – Less than $5 Million Building Excellence LLC Jamie & Tara Olding 4. Contractor of the Year – Greater than $5 Million CORE Construction Fred & Ryan Knapp 5. Design Consultant of the Year Schneider Structural Engineers Ron Schneider & David Gibbons 40 BizTucson < < < Winter 2025

6. Supplier of the Year Precision Tools & Construction Supply -The Tool LadiesMerry Bowman, Maggie Mozingo & Marla Endicott 7. Architectural Firm of the Year – Less Than $5 million David E Shambach Architect (DESA) Raymond Rash & David Shambach 8. Architectural Firm of the Year – Greater Than $5 million Shive-Hattery Architecture + Engineering Joel Mesikbach

10. Project Team of the Year UA Grand Challenges Research Building Owner - University of Arizona Architect - BWS Architects Contractor - Kitchell Construction Robin Shambach (BWS Architects) & Rick Hook (Kitchell Construction) OTHER AWARDS 11. Jerry Wyatt Community Service Award Brian Rundquist Sun Mechanical Contracting Inc. 12. Shirley Dail Service Award Sarah McCraren McCraren Compliance

9. Specialty Contractor of the Year Advanced Controls Corporation Chris Tober

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Winter 2025 > > > BizTucson 41

IMAGE: COURTESY PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BizCONSTRUCTION

Culinary Force

Pima Community College Expands Center of Excellence in Hospitality Leadership

By Christy Krueger Pima Community College aims to make an impactful influence in the fields of hospitality and culinary arts with the recent expansion of its Center of Excellence in Hospitality Leadership.

Located at the Desert Vista Campus in southwest Tucson, the program re42 BizTucson < < < Winter 2025

ceived a hefty boost from a $3.2 million federal Title V grant in 2019, allowing the school’s leaders to make several wish-list expansions. These physical and program revamps are close to completion and include the addition of classrooms, culinary kitchens, a restaurant

and more offerings for students.

“The program has grown dramatically. We went from 395 to 524 students,” said James Craig, Dean of Business, IT and Hospitality Leadership at PCC. “And the grant has increased our Hiscontinued on page 44 >>> www.BizTucson.com

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Winter 2025 > > > BizTucson 43

IMAGES: COURTESY PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BizCONSTRUCTION

continued from page 42 panic enrollment; we’re excited about that.”

PCC Academic Director of Hospitality Leadership Pablo Toscano added, “We created 20 new courses online. It expands our curriculum to people from all around the world.”

Technological additions to the facility include high-definition digital capture equipment to record presentations and demonstrations; automatic hands-free disinfectant light systems to sanitize the kitchens; and virtual reality learning opportunities with immersive simulation equipment similar to that used to train fighter pilots.

“We have a new baking and pastry kitchen. The Aztec Grill serves students during the week. The Bistro is a restaurant adjacent to the kitchens where students learn how a restaurant runs, both the front and the back of the restaurant,” Craig said. “It’s not open to the public, but we use it for special events and for courses.”

One of those special events was a January 2024 visit from two Italian chefs who performed cooking demonstrations for the students and members of the community. The chefs came from Parma, Italy, which is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy along with Tucson.

Toscano’s position on the Tucson City of Gastronomy board of directors allowed him to help arrange the guest chefs’ visit to PCC. “The visiting chefs needed a place to do the cooking demonstration,” he said.

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“The Center for Excellence allowed a place for them. Having it here at the Desert Vista campus freed up local restaurants from doing it since they could lose business by closing their kitchens for the demonstration.”

The students especially loved when the chefs taught them how to make real Italian pasta, recalled Craig.

“It showed a good connection between our students and the community.”

In exchange, PCC students impressed the guest chefs by preparing appetizers for them.

Students have choices in their career path at the Center of Excellence in Hospitality Leadership.

“We have a fundamental certificate for newcomers and they can stack on degrees,” Toscano explained. “It allows students to have experience on their resumes. A hiring manager sees they have a certificate and will understand the work they’ve already been educated and trained in.”

The associate’s degree in hospitality is a two-year business program. An advanced certificate can include food history, gardening and restaurant management classes. Culinary certificates can also be earned in baking and pastry.

Toscano noted that Northern Arizona University—known for its School of Hotel and Restaurant Management— and PCC have formed a great relationship.

“I’m an alum of NAU and I keep that pathway as approachable as possible,”

he said. “We want to make sure students come in for fundamental certification, then advanced, then associate degree and then transfer to NAU for a bachelor of science. There’s a lot of listening to students to ensure they’re moving through our program in a positive and meaningful way. I came from a hospitality background myself, so maximizing the experiences of others is very important to me.”

Craig confirmed that the collaboration with NAU creates a recommended choice for many of PCC’s hospitality students.

“The normal path is to graduate with an associate degree here in hospitality and finish at NAU and have a bachelor’s degree.”

The Hospitality Leadership program has partnerships with businesses where students can serve internships, including corporate-wide arrangements with hospitality institutions like Red Roof Inn, Chili’s Grill & Bar and The Cheesecake Factory.

“We’re very passionate about our student success here creating learning opportunities in the community in leadership and hospitality,” Craig said.

“We let them design most of the program. We’ve done a good job with Pablo’s leadership cultivating success in the community.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held for the new facility in early 2025 at the Desert Vista Campus.

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BizCONSTRUCTION

University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella cuts the ribbon on the Grand Challenges Research Building with other leaders. From left: Elliott Cheu, interim senior VP for research, innovation and impact; Thomas Koch, dean of James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences; Garimella; Michael D. Dake, senior VP for UA Health Sciences; and JP Roczniak, president and CEO of UA Foundation

University of Arizona’s Grand Challenges Research Building The University of Arizona’s $99 million Grand Challenges Research Building officially launched a new era of scientific innovation, opening in October.

The seven-story, 115,000-square-foot facility is located north of Cherry Avenue Garage and connected via walkway to the Meinel Optical Sciences Building.

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It will house laboratories, offices and research facilities for the James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences and the Office of Research, Innovation and Impact, as well as cross-campus interdisciplinary programs such as the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center for Quantum Networks,

the New Frontiers of Sound Science and Technology Center, the Center for Biomedical Informatics and Biostatistics and the Space4 Center.

Kitchell served as the general contractor.

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BizDEVELOPMENT

Epic Venue

First Phase of $425-Million Mosaic Quarter Breaks Ground

IMAGES COURTESY MQ DEVELOPMENT

By Tom Leyde The construction of Mosaic Quarter, one of Pima County’s largest economic development investments to date, is off and running.

A Nov. 20 groundbreaking ceremony at Kino South Complex, 2343 E. Tournament Way, ushered in the first phase of the $425-million sports and entertainment venue. The initial phase will include the MQ Iceplex, MQ Field House, MQ Central Utility Plant and infrastructure for up to four restaurants.

Pima County acquired the land south of Interstate 10 for the venue in 2014, and entered into a master development partnership agreement with Knott Development in 2021.

After entering into the agreement, Knott performed substantial pre-development design, financial and economic analysis work. In early 2024, the county’s Board of Supervisors approved the first phase of leases for the Mosaic Quarter. Granite Construction was awarded the civil scope of work for the first phase.

Once completed, Mosaic Quarter Phase 1 is projected to generate $8.3 billion of new local spending in addition to $917.7 million in tax revenue for the State of Arizona, City of Tucson and the Regional Transportation Authority over the course of the 40-year lease.

Frank Knott, president of Knott Development and CEO of MQ Development, which was formed as a separate entity for the project, developed the vision for the project. It stemmed from 48 BizTucson < < < Winter 2025

his experiences at the Baltimore City Fair, the event in his hometown that celebrates neighborhood comradery and enthusiasm for city living.

Knott said when he first visited Tucson, he found that a gathering place was missing. In meetings with city residents and groups, he noted desires for city living that were also missing.

They included: • A desire to avoid going to Phoenix for sports and entertainment events.

• A desire for athletic venues that

could serve a population of 1 million people.

• A desire for recreational sports

leagues in multiple sports for all athletes.

• A desire for participation equality regardless of socio-economic circumstances.

Knott and his team came up with a plan for the Pima County property and went to work presenting it to the board of supervisors.

“It isn’t for the privileged,” Knott said of Mosaic Quarter. “It’s for everyone. I can’t wait to greet you when the doors open in 2027.”

“We are standing at the very beginning of a new chapter,” said Lindsay Knott, executive VP of MQ Development, at the groundbreaking. “It is truly an honor to be part of this journey for

this vision, finally, finally coming to life.

We cannot wait to see all that unfolds here and I know, like me, you are all filled with excitement of all that is to come.”

“This is a phenomenal project,” said Matt Heinz, board supervisor representing Pima County’s second district, which includes Mosaic Quarter. “We’re going to have hundreds of jobs right here in District 2, to establish the project and also to sustain it.”

He added that the Mosaic Quarter Foundation has pledged $1.5 million annually to assure that children from low-income families will be able to make use of the facility’s programs.

Mosaic Quarter’s Iceplex will be home to the UA’s men’s and women’s hockey teams, as well as youth hockey leagues.

“This is going to have a huge impact, not just for our women’s hockey team, our men’s hockey team, but also all those young people who now get to play hockey here in Tucson,” said University of Arizona Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said, “The Mosaic Quarter will solidify Tucson as a destination for sports, especially youth sports. And Tucson will be able to host regional sports tournaments that will add to our region’s economic impact, supporting jobs and benefitting our small businesses, retail and hospitality industries.”

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Groundbreaking pictured from left – Steve Grauer, Regional Vice President, Hensel Phelps; Troy Vaughn, Director of Campus Recreation, University of Arizona; Supervisor Dr. Matt Heinz, District 2; Lindsay Knott, Managing Director, Mosaic Quarter Development; Frank Knott, CEO, Mosaic Quarter Development; Mayor Regina Romero; Supervisor Adelita Grijalva, Chair District 5; Jan Lesher, County Administrator, Pima County; Carmine Debonis, Deputy County Administrator, Pima County.

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PHOTO: COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

BizSCIENCE

A Leap for Space Exploration University of Arizona Unveils Epic New Thermal Vacuum Chamber

By Tom Leyde It’s 30 feet long, weighs 80,000 pounds, was found on eBay and represents a giant step in space exploration at the University of Arizona.

The largest thermal vacuum chamber at any university in the world was introduced to the public Oct. 3 at the 50 BizTucson < < < Winter 2025

UA’s Applied Research Building, which was built around the chamber.

Curtains were raised revealing the TVAC, positioned behind large glass windows on the first floor of the new $85 million building. The chamber will simulate the temperature and pressure

of a space environment.

“Anytime you send anything into space or to the stratosphere ... such as orbiting a telescope, going to a venue or other planets, you have to test it in the environment it’s going to be in,” said continued on page 52 >>> www.BizTucson.com

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BizSCIENCE

“

It’s going to foster workforce development for decades to come.

It’s going to also provide a sense of reliability and technical capability.

It presents a vision of ... a nicer way of doing research.

”

– Erika Hamden

Director Arizona Space Institute continued from page 50

Erika Hamden, director of the Arizona Space Institute and associate professor of astrophysics at Steward Observatory. “Because If you send it up there and it doesn’t work, you’re kind of out of luck.”

NASA and big aerospace companies have their own TVACs. The UA has had small ones, which meant packing any larger space instruments and shipping them out of state or out of country to test.

“We build so many instruments, now we can just do it (test them) here,” she said, adding that it streamlines the process for UA. Also, it’s a resource for other academic partners and outside groups that may want to use the equipment.

“It’s going to foster workforce development for decades to come,” Hamden said. “It’s going to also provide a sense of reliability and technical capability. ... It presents a vision of ... a nicer way of doing research.”

The TVAC can hold objects as large as a pickup truck and can perform tests ranging from a day to two weeks.

Its capabilities mimic deep space with fluctuating pressure and the ability to cool to the temperature of liquid nitrogen at -315 degrees Fahrenheit.

The UA’s new TVAC was built by Northrup Grumman, which built the lunar lander for the Apollo missions.

The company used the TVAC for about 20 years in Long Island, N.Y., then decommissioned it.

A surplus scientific hardware vendor bought the TVAC and posted it on eBay, listing it as a do-it-yourself bomb shelter. “I’ve seen the inside of it. It would be really grim as a bomb shelter. I wouldn’t want to live in that,” Hamden said.

UA representatives located the TVAC in a warehouse outside of Newark, N.J, said Brian Duffy, research man52 BizTucson < < < Winter 2025

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PHOTO: COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

ager at Steward Observatory. “We decided we can do something with this.”

That was about the time the COVID-19 pandemic began, and the TVAC began an arduous journey to Tucson. The cost with shipping was $1 million. “Some of the (Applied Research Building) architects, their eyes lit up when they saw this steampunk-looking thing,” Duffy recalled. “This has been the singlemost gratifying project that I’ve worked on in 20 years.”

After arriving in Tucson, university scientists took it apart and re-engineered it for use here. “We actually did a pretty good job of refurbishing it,” said Ruben Dominguez, senior mechanical engineer at Steward Observatory. “It’s a big piece of metal.”

The TVAC is now the centerpiece of the award-winning three-story, 89,000-square-foot ARC, one of UA’s three new buildings. The ARC was built as a partnership between integrated design firm SmithGroup and contractor McCarthy Building Companies. It connects faculty and students across four colleges and eight departments.

Besides the TVAC, the building features high payload assembly areas for building high-altitude stratosphere balloons and nanosatellites; a non-reflective echo-free room to test antennae for command, control and data relay purposes; a large, dynamic testing lab for testing the performance of such objects as airplane wings and sensors; clean rooms and laboratories.

There also is a shaking device that simulates earthquakes and the launching of space vehicles.

“You come into this building and it’s beautiful and is a really nice space to be in ...,” Hamden said. “I really appreciate all the attention to detail and care that went into designing this. You never see a TVAC chamber in a research building. They’re always hidden in a corner or in a dank, dark room. I love that this ... highly technical work is showcased here.”

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BizHEALTH

Heal it Forward

Integrative Touch Celebrates 20th Anniversary

PHOTOS COURTESY INTEGRATIVE TOUCH

By Valerie Vinyard While attending UCLA for a graduate degree in public health, Shay Beider thought she’d become a pediatric surgeon.

She ended up creating something much bigger – Integrative Touch, a healing movement in Tucson that can serve as a model for other cities worldwide. The organization celebrated its 20th anniversary in October.

The idea came to Beider during her studies at UCLA. The Kansas City, Mo., native was working at a Los Angeles hospital and witnessed a young girl being admitted for an appendectomy.

“From her perspective, she was really scared and alone,” Beider said. “I saw all of her fear.

“I had an epiphany. I said to myself, ‘It doesn’t have to be this way.’” So, Beider co-wrote a $1 million grant to bring therapy and massage into Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Beider stayed at Children’s Hospital from 2000 to 2005, while earning her graduate degree in public health. Because of Beider, that hospital continues to offer a comprehensive program in pediatric integrative medicine.

When she moved to Tucson in 2005, she wanted to create a model that addressed the entire family, not just those with illness or trauma. In 2009, she created integrative medicine retreats. The first year was at White Stallion Ranch, with future retreats taking place at Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort. Today, Integrative Touch provides support for people of all ages—anyone who has experienced or is experiencing pain, trauma, or illness—through a variety of integrative therapies.

In 2014, she started at Banner-University Medical Center Tucson, but when COVID-19 hit, she focused on creating the Integrative Touch Healing Center. “We were going places,” Beider said. “I always knew there would be a healing center.”

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Integrative Touch opened its 3,500-square-foot healing center in October 2023 near Ina and Oracle roads. It provides about 50 treatments a week and will help approximately 3,000 people this year. “This center is a prototype,” Beider said. “It can be laid down in any community.”

Integrative Touch uses a “heal it forward” model. “Ninety percent of what we think of health care happens outside of health care facilities,” she said. “We look at (Integrative Touch) like an ecosystem.”

At the Oracle Road center, there are five treatment rooms, each named after

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Ninety percent of what we think of health care happens outside of health care facilities.

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– Shay Beider Founder & CEO Integrative Touch

a young patient; a classroom; and a kid sanctuary. A recent Sunday featured a dance class and other activities including Compassion Camps, massage and counseling. “All of the activities are inclusive of all people and abilities,” Beider said.

As a nonprofit, Integrative Touch remains affordable, with scholarships available and services offered on a sliding scale fee. Its $1.2 million-budget is fueled by donations and grants.

Its biggest fundraiser will be the Feb. 8 Butterfly Gala at El Conquistador Resort. The $195 early-bird tickets must be purchased by Jan. 20. Tickets will then cost $225 and are available online at www.integrativetouch.org. The event will include a live and silent auction and a dance party to the cover band Gigi & the GLOW. Integrative Touch helps with “every kind of illness and health challenge you can imagine,” Beider said. “We can help them on an emotional, psychological and spiritual level.”

Griselda Ramirez is a single mom to Allyson Carmona, who had cerebral palsy. Early in Carmona’s life, she applied to Integrative Touch for help.

One of Carmona’s early experiences was visiting a ranch, where she benefited from a variety of therapies. “It was an amazing experience to be there,” Ramirez said. “At the time, she wasn’t able to walk. Now she’s able to walk. Everything came from that place.”

Now 13, Carmona continues to receive therapy. Her mom has noticed a dramatic change.

“She’s looking like she really wants to enjoy life,” Ramirez said. “She’s alive now.”

Morgan O’Crotty is the VP of strategy for Phoenix-based Convey Communications. “I’ve been a volunteer with InTouch for over a decade, and each experience has given me more than I could have imagined,” she said. www.BizTucson.com

1. The team from Cultivate Real settles in for a Workplace Wellness staff retreat filled with Sound meditation & a day of other wellness-focused activities

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2. Kids, volunteer, and staff gather for Adaptive Dance Camp at the Integrative Touch Kids Sanctuary 3. Sound Healing instructor, Allen, plays meditative sounds for caregivers at the Healing Center 4. A volunteer and camper spend time talking together in the Integrative Touch Kids Sanctuary during after school kids camps 5. Families and staff join together to celebrate the opening of the Kids Sanctuary in the Healing Center last year 6&7. Scenes from the Integrative Touch Butterfly Gala, its annual fundraising event

“It’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside others toward a shared goal and to contribute, even in small ways, to an organization that’s making a real, meaningful impact in Tucson and beyond.”

Over the years, O’Crotty has served on Integrative Touch’s marketing committee. She assisted as a volunteer at healing retreats, helped launch its podcast in 2020; and currently serves on the gala committee.

“This organization has taught me so much about health and wellness and has deeply enriched my life,” she said.”

I’m incredibly proud to see Shay’s vision come to life, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Katie Frazee, the VP of programs and community wellness, has been involved with Integrative Touch for 13 years – three as a volunteer and 10 as an employee.

“I fell in love with the concept and the seed of the dream and the mission of the organization and the integrity,” Frazee said. “I started volunteering more and more until I became a staff member.

“We are connecting people who are really isolated with each other and we are providing safe, affordable quality of care,” she added. “Within this model, my well-being is connected to yours.”

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INTEGRATIVE TOUCH BUTTERFLY GALA 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, 2025 El Conquistador, A Hilton Resort

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BizMILESTONE

A

Century of Cars O’Rielly Chevrolet Celebrates 100 Years of Business Success

By Dave Perry local companies that have been around 100 years, El Charro, Garcia’s Cleaners and Laundry, and the Tucson Museum of Art. They’re all deeply intertwined within the fabric of Southern Arizona.

The dealership was founded after Frank O’Rielly tried but couldn’t get a Studebaker franchise in Tucson. He opted for the Chevrolet brand and opened O’Rielly Chevrolet at 55 N. Sixth Ave. in March 1924.

Frank O’Rielly “never wanted to be rich,” his son, Buck said. “He wanted to have a little business of his own where he could sell a product he believed in and make a comfortable living. It turned

out he was very fortunate starting a business in a town that had so much growth ahead of it.”

Across a century of massive change, O’Rielly Chevrolet is one of America’s oldest, largest Chevrolet dealerships, all the while owned by the O’Rielly family.

In its early years, Frank’s wife Josephine was a steady force. Buck and his wife Bobbie O’Rielly continued the journey. Buck, now 94, “spent most of his life in the business,” said Draper, who is married to Buck and Bobbie’s daughter Amy. Buck’s twin sister Pat was a shareholder, and her widower Chuck Pettis remains one.

PHOTO BY BRENT G. MATHIS

O’Rielly Chevrolet has been around so long, it needed two years to commemorate its 100th anniversary.

“It’s been a coming together as a company, to rally around, and to thank everyone who got us to our 100 years,” said O’Rielly President Rob Draper.

Gratitude has been expressed to hundreds of current and past employees, numerous vendor partners, a supportive community, and tens of thousands of customers.

In its entertaining, celebratory advertising, Draper said, O’Rielly Chevrolet has been “acknowledging the thin company we have in our space,” other

Rob Draper President O’Rielly Chevrolet 56 BizTucson < < < Winter 2025

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“

We took it a year at a time, to try to do a good job each year. Pretty soon, 40 years had gone by, then 60, then 100.

As a boy more than 80 years ago, Buck worked as a go-fer in the dealership’s parts department, physically running to nearby suppliers. “I couldn’t even drive a car,” Buck said.

But Buck discovered as a young man that he loved to fly aircraft, completing tours with the U.S. Air Force and serving in Korea. “That’s one thing in life I’ve really enjoyed thoroughly, and felt I was pretty good at,” he said.

Buck soon had to make a choice – piloting aircraft or piloting O’Rielly Chevrolet.

“My father wanted me to decide if I wanted to be in the car business,” Buck

said. “Otherwise, he was going to sell it. He wanted to do other things in his life and not worry about running a business. He never pressured me other than to make a decision.”

Buck resigned his Air National Guard commission “and spent all my time worrying about the car dealership,” he said.

“It was the right decision.”

Buck ran the dealership for 49 years.

“I’ve never been a car guy,” Buck said. “To me, cars were just commodities. They were something you bought and sold and made a business out of it.”

Buck’s motivation “was to run a business that was the best of its type in the

”

area. Somebody has to be No. 1, and I thought, ‘That’s going to be O’Rielly Chevrolet.’”

In the early 1960s, “we could prove we had sold a third of all the cars and trucks registered in Pima County,” Buck said. “That was the challenge for me and what I enjoyed about the business.”

In addition to running a successful business, Buck O’Rielly has had a hand in “shaping the landscape of Southern Arizona,” Draper said. Buck helped found the Davis-Monthan 50, is one of the original Tucson Conquistadores, was influential in getting Central continued on page 58 >>>

PHOTOS: COURTESY O’RIELLY CHEVROLET

– Buck O’Rielly Retired President & CEO, O’Rielly Chevrolet

Groundbreaking of the dealership at Broadway Boulevard and Wilmot Road

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BizMILESTONE continued from page 57 Arizona Project water to Southern Arizona, bolstered Junior Achievement, and is “the single-greatest champion” for St. Augustine Catholic High School.

“When there was an undertaking to try to improve things in Southern Arizona, he was there,” Draper said.

“I knew we certainly needed to have a vibrant economy,” Buck said. “I had the time, and I wanted to see the community prosper. I might have had a 5 handicap in golf if it hadn’t been for all this other stuff you get involved in. Pretty soon, the golf game goes to hell.”

For Buck, extending CAP water into the region “was a natural. You knew sooner or later we were going to grow to a point where we didn’t have adequate water supply.”

The DM50 was created “to help solve problems the military might have with the community,” Buck said. “It’s taken on a life of its own now.”

Draper, current chair of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, is “following Buck’s example,” he said. Draper is committed to “being a good citizen, and helping to make change for the better.”

Draper “has done a marvelous job learning the car business,” Buck said. “He’s kept the business going and made it even more successful than what it was. And the employees seem to be so much better off. They’re happy. He has great people skills.”

O’Rielly Chevrolet has 190 employees, and they stay.

Dwayne Warren recently retired as parts manager after 54 years. Warren’s son and son-in-law work there today. “All three of those people met their wives here,” Draper said.

Chris Holcomb has been with the business for 32 years, rising through the ranks to become general sales manager. His career illustrates O’Rielly’s commitment to employee growth.

“What separates us from other businesses is the same as what keeps me here,” Holcomb said. “Everything starts at the top, and the O’Rielly family has instilled values in their business that do not get compromised. It’s simple, always deal honestly and ethically,” with customers and colleagues alike.

Then “make sure to deliver top-rate customer service, which means genuinely caring when concerns arise.”

It’s also a “fun” work environment, Holcomb said. The O’Rielly Chevrolet team is “a great group of people, inside or outside of work.”

“That’s how it all fits together,” Draper said. Loyal employees become experts, and loyal customers notice. “It’s what drives the business. It’s what has kept us in business 100 years.”

At 100, O’Rielly Chevrolet’s business is “excellent,” Draper asserts. Its inventory is “recognizable again” post-pandemic, with a strong Chevrolet lineup. “We’re on a good roll.”

Tucson is “a far cry from the little town it was in the 1960s and ‘70s,” Buck said. “It’s amazing how the town has grown.

It’s a hard place to beat when it comes to having a nice place to live.”

Buck paused to reflect on the 100th anniversary.

“I know my dad never thought of it, or I ever thought of it,” he said. “We took it a year at a time, to try to do a good job each year. Pretty soon, 40 years had gone by, then 60, then 100, and we’ve had a successful business all that time.”

Draper added, “We’ve had a lot of fun celebrating such a unique milestone. It’s been amazing. The party continues.”

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PHOTO BY BRENT G. MATHIS

Clockwise from top – Mister Car Wash 500th Store new location at Houghton Road; John Lai, Mister Car Wash CEO; Mister Car Wash team at the New York Stock Exchange; Houghton Road Ribbon Cutting

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BizMILESTONE

Mister Car Wash Hits 500

Tucson Company Reaches Milestone with Newest Location

PHOTOS COURTESY MISTER CAR WASH

By Tom Leyde Mister Car Wash just made history by opening its 500th location in the United States.

A celebration was held Sept. 20 at the new location at 7471 S. Houghton Rd. Free car washes were offered that day and during the next two weekend days.

Employees sported lapel pins bearing “500.”

Tucson-based Mister Car Wash operates in 21 states and 70 cities, and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

“It’s a huge milestone for the organization,” said Mister Car Wash CEO John Lai at the event. “When I started 22 years ago, we had 32 stores, and it’s been a long journey. We did it one store at a time. But for us to get to become the No. 1 car wash company in the United States is something we’re very, very proud of.”

A few weeks earlier, Mister Car Wash opened another new location on Tangerine Road in Marana.

Mister Car Wash went public in June 2021 and has since enjoyed tremendous growth. “Our footprint stands as far east at Maryland and as far west as California, and from Minnesota down to Texas and Florida, said Lai, a 1987 University of Arizona graduate.

“California is our fastest growing market, where we have over 50 stores now,” Lai said. “Our vision and dream is to create a network of stores where we’re synonymous with the car wash category, similar to Starbucks.”

“Mister Car wash is proud to contribute to the local community by creating www.BizTucson.com

jobs, supporting local initiatives and providing top-notch car wash services that help keep our neighborhoods looking their best,” said Edgar LaMadrid, Mister Car Wash region manager.

“The company is passionate about our people, and we’ve created a culture based on caring, hard work and fun that allows employees to grow as the company continues to grow,” LaMadrid said.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said, “Congratulations to Mister Car Wash on their 500th store opening. Starting with locating their national headquarters in Tucson, CEO John Lai and Mister Car Wash have been great partners to the city of Tucson.”

Mister Car Wash was founded in Houston in 1969, offering its unity chemistry system. The company was acquired by Car Wash Partners Inc. in 1998. It set out to become a national brand in 1996 and continually redefined the car wash experience. Mister Car Wash pioneered its Unlimited Wash Club in 2003. Three club membership tiers offer unlimited washes for the membership fees.

By 2012, Mister Car Wash took the lead as America’s largest car wash chain, with more than 1.5 million Unlimited Car Wash members. Lai said the company focuses on five fundamental stakeholders: employees, customers, shareholders, the community and the environment.

“We have 6,500 employees that show up every day and wave and smile and show a general level of appreciation,”

Lai said. “How we’re able to achieve that level of customer services again and again across such a large network of stores that’s geographically spread out is that we take care of our people.”

The company focuses on paying employees well, treating them well, training them well, and supporting them and creating career opportunities for them to excel, Lai said.

“We put our people at the center of our universe,” he said. “And by doing so, we call it the virtual cycle. We’re taking care of people who take care of the customers, and if the customers feel that general level of appreciation, and we think they do, then they’re going to be happier and more loyal and they’re going to tell their friends, which then will allow us to become more profitable, which will please our shareholders.”

Lai said the company is significantly more efficient than home washing. Mister Car Wash recycles over 30% of the water it uses, “so it’s super, super environmentally friendly.”

To further bolster its environmentally friendly image, the company is partnering with the city of Tucson to raise $250,000 for the Tucson Million Trees program. It committed $100,000 to a kickstart fund and is committed to matching an additional $50,000. The goal is to increase the tree canopy in heat-vulnerable communities.

“If we can focus on doing good in all of those five (fundamental) areas, we should get special credit as a company,” Lai said.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

BizHEALTHCARE

How the C-suite can influence the future of health care in Southern Arizona Submitted by Heather Kane, Health Plan CEO for Arizona & New Mexico, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual Encouraging a healthier workforce has long been a priority for Arizona employers aiming to attract and retain top talent. But how to achieve that goal is not always clear to many employers.

In some areas of the state, employers saw medical costs increase by 10.3% last year as compared to 2023. With employer health care costs nationwide rising another 9% this year, it’s more important than ever for business leaders to maximize the value of the benefits they offer.

When employers stick with the status quo for their health benefits, they can miss out on opportunities to improve access to high-value care and lower medical costs for their organization and employees. However, C-suite leaders across Southern Arizona can make decisions that positively impact plan offerings, costs, and create a better overall experience for their employees.

Shining a light on health care cost variation To that end, it is vital to help your employees take more control over their health care decisions.

Until recently, consumers have been asked to navigate the health system with less information than they may need to make informed decisions. Imagine shopping at the grocery store without seeing labels, prices or ingredients until after you’ve checked out. Without this kind of information for health care services, it’s no surprise many consumers (62%) don’t believe that health care bills are easy to understand.

It doesn’t have to be that way. The Transparency in Coverage rules require hospitals and health insurance plans to publicly disclose cost information, including via websites. While helpful, this type of information is most useful when

it is easy to understand and based on the member’s specific health plan and contracted rates with care providers.

Moreover, while many U.S. hospitals have posted online machine-readable price transparency data, a separate study found only 34% of reviewed hospitals were currently fully meeting federal transparency requirements. This can contribute to wide variation in costs for the same service within Southern Arizona and across the country, despite the fact research has shown there is often little or no corresponding improvement in health outcomes for services performed by higher-priced care providers.

a service. These so-called “copay forward” plans can help members better understand their out-of-pocket costs and care options before scheduling appointments.

With this approach, copays vary based on the provider and facility, with higher-value options costing less. Providers are evaluated on certain criteria like effectiveness and cost efficiency.

Members have the potential to save thousands by choosing higher-value providers. Recent studies found this value-based copay model can lower consumer out-of-pocket costs by 50% on average while reducing claim costs by over $400 per member per year.

Creating a consumer-centric approach To help make comparison shopping easier, new approaches, like the UnitedHealthcare Surest health plan, are replacing deductibles and coinsurance with value-based copays – the member’s financial responsibility for

Remove financial barriers to care In addition to lower costs, this model can encourage consumers to access preventive care more often. Compared to people enrolled in traditional plans, consumers with a value-based copay plan were 9% more likely to access preventive physical exams, including a 15% increase in mammograms and a 34% increase in colonoscopies. Importantly, a 2022 Gallup poll found that 38% of Americans avoid or delay health care due to costs, so making medical services more affordable is imperative to improve access and promote a more equitable system.

Heather Kane Health Plan CEO for Arizona & New Mexico, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual

Bottom line According to the World Economic Forum, businesses that invest in the health and well-being of their workforce enjoy a competitive advantage and increased profitability. Prioritizing employee health, safety and well-being is not only likely to reduce costs and increase revenue, but it also fosters a culture that motivates employees and strengthens their commitment to a company’s success.

Footnotes 1. Study comparing Surest financial and utilization outcomes to a matched control group composed of non-Surest members from the same employers, using the same network. Members were matched on age, gender, geography and chronic conditions. March 2023. 2. Aon’s Cost Efficiency Measurement of Surest 2022, March 2024. 3. Business benefits of boosting employee health and well-being | World Economic Forum (weforum.org) 62 BizTucson < < < Winter 2025

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SMALLBiz Brandy & Rick McClain Co-Owners Modern House Numbers

Modern House Numbers

Local Business Creates Cool Addresses for the World

By Valerie Vinyard You might not think twice about the address numbers that adorn the front of a home or business.

But maybe you should.

“Even if you have a house that’s not that interesting or exciting, our numbers can make a big impact on any home or building,” said Modern House Numbers Co-Owner Rick McClain. “It can help express the modern style that a customer may aspire to.”

The Tucson company, tucked away in a strip mall on East Speedway, caters to home and business owners who want their addresses and signage to create a statement.

The shop isn’t for browsing, however.

It’s where a team of about 25 employees create every number, letter, directional sign, decal and logo before shipping them to customers around the world.

Most customers browse the website, modernhousenumbers.com, and choose their letters and numbers in five sizes, 4 to 15 inches, seven fonts and five finishes. The fonts include Palm Springs, Soho and South Beach, and the finishes include brushed aluminum, matte black, white or dark bronze. Custom sizes and fonts are also available.

Modern House Numbers just celebrated its 16th anniversary in October.

The business started as a side hustle in McClain’s shop, Repp + McClain De64 BizTucson < < < Winter 2025

sign and Construction, but eventually grew too large and moved to the Speedway location about 10 years ago.

Though the business is mainly online, co-owner Brandy McClain uses her University of Arizona degrees in architecture and urban planning, along with her artistic eye, to consult, to help guide customers.

“I think the most important thing to consider is visibility,” McClain said.

“The other thing is to create contrast.”

The McClains, both 43, met as UA architecture students in 1999. They’ve been married for 19 years and have three children.

In 2008, they couldn’t find house numbers they liked while renovating their Tucson home, so they decided to make their own. Modern House Numbers was born.

As the company’s website states: “Our numbers were everything we had envisioned: stylish, modern and durable. After we put them up, lots of people knocked on our door to ask us about our new numbers. We jumped at the opportunity to help people just like you create your own head-turning, modern curb appeal.”

Brandy estimates that 75% of their orders are for residences. In addition to houses and apartments, Modern House Numbers supplies its wares to hotels,

condos, malls and corporations around the world.

And the testimonials couldn’t be more glowing. On a variety of sites, customers tout the “incredible customer service” and “beautifully hand-crafted numbers.”

Numbers and letters start at $24.50.

Every order comes with an installation template that makes for a professional final product. Customers can flush mount the numbers and letters or use the provided spacers.

“The bang that I think you get with the upgrade in quality is inexpensive,” Brandy said.

She is proud of the eco-friendly products and processes they use, including a local waterjet cutting company that doesn’t use chemicals or oils.

Employee Michele Borowski, who has an architecture degree from the University of Illinois, has worked in production for about 4½ years. Her duties include photography, videography and managing inventory.

“I started in archeology and went into education for about 20 years,” Borowski said. “Now I’m back working with great designers. What I love about the numbers is that they’re a modern touch to any house.”

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SPECIAL REPORT 2025

THE REGION’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Chamber Merger Update Inside www.BizTucson.com

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BizECONOMY

Sun Corridor Inc. Boasts $39 Billion Impact, Economic Synergy for Region

By Jay Gonzales

With a series of significant scores under its proverbial belt in its 20 years of existence, Sun Corridor Inc. knows it’s never time to just start running clock and play defense.

The region’s longest running economic development group has worked diligently in partnership with corporate, government and community leaders to transform what was once a difficult business environment, to a successful one that is building a game plan for long-term success.

Caterpillar and Amazon are two industry giants that have planted

roots here since 2015. Longtime local employers Raytheon, Bombardier and Roche have had major expansions while also making commitments to keep their presence in the region. Companies invested in future technology such as American Battery Factory, Sion Power and PowerPhotonic decided to headquarter here.

Those notable successes, along with over 200 other company locates and expansions, have added up to an estimated $39 billion impact, primarily through job creation.

As the organization begins its third continued on page 70 >>>

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BizECONOMY 20 YEARS OF SUN CORRIDOR INC. SUCCESS

2004

Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities, or TREO, founded by Blue Ribbon Committee.

2005

TREO officially opens for business. Pella Corporation announces expansion to Tucson.

2006

2007

La Costena/Arizona Canning Company expands to Tucson.

Economic Blueprint published establishing targeted industries.

Target.com announces new fulfillment center in Tucson.

2009

“Tucson: Job One” plan published.

2010

2011

Roche Tissue Diagnostics announces major expansion in Oro Valley.

TREO moves to private-sector model.

Bombardier announces major expansion.

2012

2014 2015

Entrepreneurial Blueprint published.

Accelerate Diagnostics announces move to Tucson.

Economic Blueprint Update published.

FALL 2016 2012

TREO expands geographic focus and announces name change to Sun Corridor Inc. Caterpillar announces new regional headquarters, HomeGoods announces major distribution center in Tucson. +

continued from page 69 decade, Sun Corridor Inc. is keeping its offense on the field with a plan to understand how the region is being perceived to continue its competitive edge in the game of economic development.

It sounds simple – create jobs and you win – but it’s not.

Joe Snell, president and CEO of Sun Corridor Inc., says there’s way more to it, in particular because the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed how business works and consequently completely changed the game.

“Looking back 20 years, good things have happened and there have been some missed opportunities. But with COVID, we’ve seen a major fundamental shift in how business is done,” said Snell, the first and only president of Sun Corridor Inc. since it changed its name from Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities, or TREO, in 2015.

“You’re talking about sea shifts in the way the economy is operating,” he said. “Companies relocate for a couple reasons. One, they’re leaving a bad regulatory environment. But mostly, they’re leaving because it’s easier to attract companies or employees to a high quality-of-life place like Arizona. The game changed because people can live anywhere and work wherever.”

The new environment has brought into focus the fact that employers don’t fund job growth in communities, “they fund economic growth and job growth is a by-product,” Snell said. Understanding that, he said, the question now is how to get competitive and stay competitive for long-term economic growth.

The so-called “sea shift” also got Snell thinking that Sun Corridor Inc., and the region as a whole, had work to do that was different from the previous strategic plans that have helped trigger some of the economic development victories of the last 20 years.

The 2007 Economic Blueprint, its 2014 update, and the 2021 Pivot Playbook have guided Sun Corridor Inc. and economic development in the region to where it is today. But the environment has changed.

“That change got me thinking that we better go figure

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out how we’re being perceived because what we were counting on 10 years ago is just not valid,” Snell said.

Sun Corridor Inc. spent the last year conducting a comprehensive study: “Competing at a Higher Level: Increasing Southern Arizona’s Economic Competitiveness.”

In its introduction, the study states, “The last several years have caused fundamental shifts in the economy that impact not only what we are competing for but also how we compete. To continue to be competitive and build upon our successes, Southern Arizona must refocus its economic development efforts around the factors that drive economic competitiveness, build on its strengths, and commit to a strategy that prioritizes addressing its biggest challenges.”

“This is just a time of opportunity that we’ve never seen before with all of the onshore tax incentives, and manufacturing, data center and mining growth opportunities,” said Susan Gray, president and CEO of Tucson Electric Power. Gray is in her second year as board chair for & + Sun Corridor Inc. “As a region, we’re always in the conversation,” she said. “This is a good opportunity to see some trends, where are we possibly improving, where are we still lagging, and identify some areas that we want to focus on.”

The report, which was authored by Susan Dumon, executive VP at Sun Corridor Inc., focuses on five “key competitive opportunities:” 1. Develop bold, collaborative solutions to regional issues by aligning and strengthening business voices 2. Support new leadership at the University of Arizona to strengthen the institution and continue its legacy of academic excellence 3. Build sustainable economic partnerships between Southern Arizona and Mexico 4. Grow the talent base 5. Accelerate access to Arizona state land to meet market demand Each of those five points has already seen some action.

SPRING FALL 2012 2022

THE REGION’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Raytheon announces major expansion of campus at TUS.

2016

Sun Corridor Inc. hosts Site Selectors Guild in Tucson. Hexagon announces new mining division headquarters in Downtown Tucson.

2017

Amazon announces major fulfillment center in Tucson leading to five locations in the region. Schnitzer Properties enters Tucson market, planning multiple future spec buildings. GEICO and Texas Instruments announce expansions.

2018

PLUS

AEROSPACE/DEFENSE SECTOR $12.2 Billion Economic Impact

REGION’S SPACE ECONOMY

U.S. MILITARY INSTALLATIONS IN THE REGION

&

SPRING FALL 2012 2023

SPECIAL REPORTS: Raytheon Missiles & Defense Universit y of Arizona College of Science SPRING 2022 • $3.99 • DISPLAY UNTIL 06/30/22

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THE REGION’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Tucson International Airport Blueprint developed. Modular Mining announces expansion.

PVB Fabrications announces expansion in Tucson.

SPECIAL REPORTS: Metropolitan Pima Alliance Tucson Airpor t Authorit y Commercial Aviation Sector

2019 2020

SPRING 2023 • $3.99 • DISPLAY UNTIL 06/30/23

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Pivot Playbook released. Thrive in Tucson talent attraction campaign launched. CIS Global expands. BD announces new facility in Tucson.

American Battery Factory announces new headquarters in Tucson. Sion Power, Roche and NW Healthcare announce expansions. PowerPhotonic announces new Sahuarita headquarters.

Sun Corridor Inc. hosts Site Selector Forum. Belden, MHIRJ, and Skywest announce expansions in Tucson.

Sun Corridor Inc. signs Sonora Global Mexico agreement. Thrive in Tucson healthcare talent campaign launched.

2021

2022

Ascent Aviation announces expansion. MicroStar expands to Tucson.

2023

2024

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BizECONOMY

“

It’s easier to attract companies or employees to a high quality-of-life place like Arizona.

– Joe Snell President & CEO Sun Corridor Inc.

”

continued from page 71 In mid-December, Sun Corridor Inc. and the Tucson Metro Chamber announced a merger to address Item 1 in the competitiveness report. They are merging to begin consolidation of the “voices” representing the region’s businesses. (See story on Page 74) Sun Corridor Inc. has established a formal partnership with Sonora Global, the economic development arm for Sonora, Mexico, to promote trade and economic development as a megaregion.

There’s a new president at the University of Arizona, Suresh Garimella, and Sun Corridor Inc. wants to ensure that he gets the business, government and community support to strengthen the “town and gown” relationship and further focus on developing the talent businesses across the region need. As our region rises, Snell says, so does the UA – and vice versa.

At the outset of developing those five opportunities, Snell said he learned that while there are significant issues the region has to deal with, significant progress has been made in 20 years by Sun Corridor.

“The positivity of the outsiders was different from what I saw 20 years ago,” Snell said. “In that first perception study in 2006, the locals, by far, thought this was a more competitive place than the outsiders did.”

While “locals” felt Tucson was a great place, with a strong university and a strong talent base, Snell said, outsiders weren’t as impressed with UA, the talent was just so-so, and as for living here, it’s hot.

Since then, impressions have changed about what was driving perception of the region. The resurgence of downtown has dramatically improved the quality-of-life factor, Snell said. Site selectors are saying the region is “on the cusp of greatness” but not quite there, which is why Sun Corridor Inc. is looking at competitiveness to develop strategies to get there.

Another burning question: Where is “there?” What does Tucson want to be? And can the five key opportunities in the study get the region “there?”

“I think to a large degree, what it really means is, corporations are going to come and put in nice quality companies here if you can get this figured out. I think what it also means − and it’s a very sensitive subject – is it going to convert you from a sleepy Southwestern town to a town that has business growth, jobs, and income that’s achieving our mission of wealth creation for all. That’s the greatness we can achieve.”

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BizECONOMY

JOE SNELL

SUSAN GRAY

MICHAEL GUYMON

LINDA WELTER

Upcoming Merger Consolidates Region’s ‘Voice’ Sun Corridor Inc. and Tucson Metro Chamber to Become One

By Jay Gonzales Two of Southern Arizona’s leading and most influential business organizations are merging into one to create an organization with more resources and a more unified voice for the community, it was announced in December.

Sun Corridor Inc., the region’s economic development arm, and the Tucson Metro Chamber, founded nearly 130 years ago and currently representing 1,500 businesses, will become one to address the many emerging business issues brought about by a massive change in how companies operate and postpandemic industry trends.

The merger is in response to a finding in a competitiveness report Sun Corridor Inc. completed in 2024 which suggested that the region has too many business organizations with varying interests and strategies, and that there should be some consolidation. The report cited 20 different local and regional business organizations operating in the region.

“This move will be transformational to Tucson and Southern Arizona’s success in building an even stronger economic foundation,” said Joe Snell, President & CEO at Sun Corridor Inc., said in a news release. “This new chamber will represent a unified voice to effectively meet regional challenges for decades to come.”

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Chamber President Michael Guymon was named chief advocacy officer. Susan Gray, president and CEO at Tucson Electric Power and current board chair of Sun Corridor Inc., will be the new organization’s chair.

“I am immensely proud to serve as the first chair of this newly formed chamber,” Gray said. “Both our boards recognized the need for a powerhouse organization that will advocate for a strong business center in Southern Arizona. We applaud both boards’ vision to make this happen and look forward to working together with our business memberships, elected officials and others to launch this in 2025.”

Linda Welter, chair of the Tucson Metro Chamber and CEO at The Caliber Group, a prominent local brand marketing and public relations firm, added: “Our Boards supported this merger because we believe that our region needs a stronger chamber that is more effective in creating an environment where current and relocating businesses can thrive. The time is right for this merger to take place, for both organizations will be able to accomplish more together than what each can accomplish alone.”

In the news release, the two organizations said the primary benefit of the merger is to create a unified strategy on behalf of the region’s business community. The two staffs will be combined with no reductions.

The Tucson Metro Chamber, formed in 1896, has 1,500 members that it advocates for. According to Sun Corridor Inc., its membership represents 90% of all employment in Pima County.

“I applaud our collective vision and continued commitment to adopt innovative approaches that challenge the status quo to achieve even greater success,” Guymon said. “I am excited about the merger and look forward to working with our new board leadership, staff, investors, members and volunteers of both organizations to become bolder advocates for the businesses in our region.”

The organizations said their new mission is “to drive economic growth and prosperity through job creation in the region by uniting business advocacy and development efforts, fostering an environment where businesses thrive, and promoting Tucson and Southern Arizona as a vibrant economic hub on both domestic and international stages.”

The combined functions will include business attraction, retention and expansion; talent attraction; competitiveness; advocacy/public policy; emerging leaders; and small business support.

The new organization will have a new name to be announced at a later date, and will include a board of directors, investors, committee members and staff representing both entities.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. LEADERSHIP

SUSAN GRAY PRESIDENT & CEO TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER

Sun Corridor’s cooperative, regional approach to economic development has helped us secure some significant wins over the past two decades.

One highlight is the South 32 Hermosa mine in Santa Cruz County. This will be a great new resource not only for our region but for the country at large. The mine will produce critical minerals for our clean energy transition while also practicing “next generation” mining to minimize its impact on the environment. Because the project is located outside of Pima County, it might not have been a focus for economic development officials working separately in Tucson or other local jurisdictions. But Sun Corridor brings together representatives from throughout Southern Arizona, giving us greater opportunities to attract projects that create broad benefits for our entire region.

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

Personally, I’m excited about the opportunity to help our community thrive. We’re seeing incredible growth opportunities right now, including increased investment in domestic manufacturing and onshoring supply chains, and I enjoy working together with other local leaders to secure our share of those

investments. Professionally, I lead companies that serve as Southern Arizona’s primary energy providers. Both Tucson Electric Power and UniSource Energy Services, which provides both electricity and natural gas to customers in Santa Cruz County, are heavily invested in our region’s economic success. Unlike other companies, we can’t seek growth by expanding to other cities. We are literally hard-wired into our local economies. So, the best way for us to succeed is to support the prosperity of the communities we serve, and Sun Corridor is focused on that same goal.

What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

Our location provides many well-known advantages, including natural beauty and warm weather that attract visitors and provide residents with so many recreational opportunities. But we’re also in a geologically stable region that’s relatively safe from the natural disasters that seem to be occurring more frequently in so many other areas.

We don’t have to worry about hurricanes or earthquakes, and our summer monsoon storms are not nearly as damaging as the extended winter freezes that are becoming more common even in warmer states like Texas. This helps us keep our roads clear and our electric service reliable. That kind of stability is becoming less common as our weather grows more extreme, giving Southern Arizona new opportunities to attract technology providers, manufacturers, and others who need reliable, around the clock energy and other services.

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PHOTO BY CHRIS MOONEY

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

What’s the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. LEADERSHIP

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

What’s the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

Sun Corridor has defined itself as the authority on growing business in our region. It crosses community lines and serves as a facilitator in the recruitment of complementary new businesses and the growth of existing companies.

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc? JUDY RICH PRESIDENT & CEO (RETIRED)

What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

To think as a region and collaborate to create opportunities that benefit the whole rather than any one area.

PHOTO BY CHRIS MOONEY

TMC HEALTH

I am involved because I see the unique and successful role Sun Corridor plays with the region’s largest employers.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. LEADERSHIP

SECRETARY/TREASURER

DAVID SMALLHOUSE MANAGING DIRECTOR MIRAMAR VENTURES

What’s the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

I am most impressed by Sun Corridor’s unique ability to accomplish two things at the highest levels. First, Sun Corridor as a thought leader pushes our community’s elected and business leaders to focus on our most pressing regional issues with an emphasis to think big on solutions. Business site selectors have told us that our region is on the cusp of greatness. But we do have work to do to get there. Second, Joe and his team get things done. In the last 20 years, Sun Corridor successes have been incredibly significant. The numbers are so impressive – over 200 company relocations and expansions, totaling nearly $40 billion in economic impact. These successes have positively impacted all sectors of our community. The Sun Corridor team’s ability to focus and execute major strategic issues is a rare combination.

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

My family dates back several generations in Southern Arizona. With my family’s roots, I care deeply about the success of our community. I have not been involved in a group that has had more success in terms of impacting our regional economy than Sun Corridor.

Being on the cusp of greatness, it is an exciting time to be involved in the big ideas and bold solutions that will drive our economy forward. We are all beneficiaries of the superb work that Sun Corridor has and will continue to accomplish.

I am most excited about the opportunity for the region to have a more unified business voice. Conversations are happening to drive this forward in a very impactful way. Our regional competitors in most cases have more resources than us. A unified business approach allows us to more effectively utilize our limited resources. We cannot continue to operate in silos. The current and future issues we face are overarching and interconnected. Combining complementary efforts and reducing duplication creates an immensely powerful means to positively transform our economy.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. LEADERSHIP

What’s the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

I don’t think it is just one thing. I do recognize that Sun Corridor has acted as a thought leader in the development of issues / ideas that have helped transform our economy. Our ability to rise above the transactions and focus on the issues that are transformational is what separates us from the other organizations.

What keeps you up at night?

JOE SNELL PRESIDENT & CEO

What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

It is clear that we are a region poised to win. We have the critical assets necessary to win big. The biggest opportunity is for us is to simply go out and make that happen. It will require working together with unity and purpose to achieve this success. No one leader or group will achieve this. It will take diversity and will to achieve success.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC.

What keeps me up is ensuring we have the ability to win the talent wars. As a market, are we creating a community that can compete with others in our quest to attract and retain talent. Are we providing the plethora of assets necessary to attract and retain the best and the brightest?

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

What’s the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

Sun Corridor’s biggest success has been organizing a regional effort for economic development. Having a regional agency represent the desires and benefits of Southern Arizona to interested businesses makes our region more competitive for projects that are a fit for the community.

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

• TAA, like the rest of the community, benefits when DANE T TE BEWLEY PRESIDENT & CEO TUCSON AIRPORT AUTHORITY

Sun Corridor brings new business to the region.

Their success building commercial activity has bolstered community economic development, which in turn, adds community support through an increased passenger base for Tucson International Airport.

• Sun Corridor represents the interests of TAA to

those who wish to invest their businesses in and around our airports. They are a force multiplier for outreach to site selectors and potential industrial partners looking for a place to expand their business.

• Sun Corridor also helps steer interested investors

to the airport. They work in concert with our business and commercial development team to cultivate business leads.

• Sun Corridor adds organization to our business

development efforts. They serve as a one-stop shop for business prospects as well as local partners.

Talent attraction for high tech industries, such as aerospace and defense and the medical industry, is extremely important. As a community, we must work to ensure that education and technical training is available, and we are attracting and graduating the next generation of workforce for the region.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

What’s the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

Among the successes of Sun Corridor, Inc., what stands out is the progress that has been made in helping to evolve a new mindset and framework for planning.

Through its efforts, the vision and planning for the region has expanded from isolated, silo-like approaches to broader, more cohesive thinking that is open to the unlimited opportunities Arizona has to thrive. That challenging, but critical progress has enabled the meaningful growth of the Sun Corridor and positioned our state to be a leader in innovation, sustainability, technology and so much more.

MICHAEL CROW PRESIDENT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

I am involved in Sun Corridor Inc., because I believe that Arizona has the talent, creativity and natural capital to continue growing as one of the top megaregions in the country. One that can foster incredible social, economic and cultural outcomes capable of competing with the most competitive nations around the globe. To be clear, that is the scale of growth and potential we are talking about, and Sun Corridor Inc., is dedicated to making it happen. That level of progress can only occur through our collective imagination, collaboration and innovation.

What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

The biggest opportunity for the region is to capitalize on the vast perspectives and experience in Arizona to think beyond limits. The opportunity to pursue the possibilities of what it means to live in a place that boasts a genuine pioneering spirit, natural beauty, an abundant energy source, a strong and growing network of experts, leaders and entrepreneurs, an enviable quality of life, and an excitement for the future. We have all the ingredients and enthusiasm to distinguish our region, but we need the collective will to seize our chance to dream big, make bold decisions and lead.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

ALISON FLYNN GAFFNEY CEO BANNER-UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER TUCSON BANNER-UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH

Tucson and Southern Arizona’s unique blend of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture captivated me. The stunning mountain ranges, diverse landscapes and abundant sunshine offer an unparalleled quality of life. Tucson’s internationally renowned research university, growing tech scene, and proximity to Mexico provide a dynamic environment for business and personal growth. I see many opportunities here and look forward to collaborating with our business, civic, healthcare, and university leaders to ensure we continue our traditions and trajectory that make the region so attractive.

Banner – University Medicine’s non-profit, academic mission was a key reason I chose to become part of this community.

I feel we can collectively make an impact across generations in our region. I have already felt the kindness of Tucson, and the fact that it’s a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and its residents are crazy about Arizona sports doesn’t hurt either! My family and I are excited to call Tucson home, and I’m honored to lead our Banner University-Medicine teams as we support the healthcare needs of the region.

As a newcomer to Tucson, what are your initial thoughts about our strengths?

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support one another in good times and challenging times, as well. That commitment to unity amplifies Tucson’s many other strengths—excellent healthcare, strong higher education offerings, dedication to the arts, incredible outdoor activities, and more. Leveraging these strengths will benefit our economy by helping to attract and retain a talented workforce, growing businesses and attracting new ones.

How do you hope to lead Banner – University Medicine into the future?

I firmly believe in Banner – University Medicine’s mission as a top non-profit, academic medical center that supports the health and wellness of our families, neighbors, students and friends. In partnership with UA, we educate future physicians, nurses, pharmacists and healthcare professionals, and advance medical science and innovation through research. Part of my role is to champion the vision, inspire our teams, and together create a healthcare system where patients and their loved ones feel cared for at every step.

I am committed to fostering an environment that supports our team members and enhances our ability to provide exceptional medical care as seamlessly as possible. To me, exceptional care includes providing clinical excellence in an environment where patients and team members feel seen, heard and respected. There is a culture that prioritizes safety, and whether in one of our hospitals or other care locations, we remain attuned to the needs of one another and our communities.

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What attributes of this region attracted you here?

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What attributes of this region attracted you here?

SURESH GARIMELLA PRESIDENT UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Naturally, the first thing that drew me to this region was the University of Arizona. I have long admired the UA and its stature in the state of Arizona and far beyond. The institution possesses the best qualities of a land-grant university, with exceptional faculty and staff dedicated to the success of a diverse student population and focused on serving Arizona every day through the application of research. I have since spoken to many university community members and supporters, and it’s clear to me how much people care about our success.

There are tremendous opportunities ahead of us, and I’m looking forward to working with our local community to build upon our strengths as an institution and continue to excel for the benefit of our community here in Tucson and across the world.

Of course, Southern Arizona is beautiful, with a rich history and culture that make it a wonderful place to call home.

As a newcomer to Tucson, what are your initial thoughts about our strengths?

I have seen so much. On my first day, I got a tour of the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab where we make the world’s largest mirrors for the world’s largest telescopes. In my third week, I experienced my first UA Homecoming and the unique Bear Down spirit that permeates our community. I have also been learning more about the amazing collaborative efforts between the UA and our 90 BizTucson < < < Winter 2025

partners, such as the Center for Quantum Networks, a national consortium led by our College of Optical Sciences; the Comprehensive Center for Pain and Addiction, which our health sciences division launched with Oklahoma State; and The France-Arizona Institute for Global Grand Challenges, a groundbreaking partnership with France’s national research agency. Through all of this, I’ve seen the passion of the people who live and work here, which I consider one of Tucson’s greatest strengths. On top of all this, Tucson is rightly named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

How do you hope to strengthen research and enterprise at the University of Arizona?

The University of Arizona has an admirable history of discovery, innovation and impact.

Every day, I am learning more about the many areas of excellence we have, as well as our existing collaborations with local industry. What I’ve seen so far reveals a strong foundation of bringing research to bear on challenges facing our region and beyond. I’m looking forward to working with our UA faculty, staff, students, and community partners in strengthening this foundation as we continue to connect Arizona businesses and entrepreneurs to our university, provide students opportunities to intern at organizations across the state, and translate worldchanging research into services and products that will uplift our region.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

What’s the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

The one thing that stands out is that Sun Corridor has survived and thrived! Twenty years of economic development impact is a significant milestone! Hoping for at least 20 more.

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

VICE PRESIDENT & MARKET LEADER (RETIRED) COX COMMUNICATIONS

What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

Going forward, I see four opportunities for our region. We need to find a solution for the lack of affordable childcare in our community. We need the University of Arizona to lean in more to help our local economy thrive. We need our business organizations to find new ways to collaborate so we can speak with one voice and be more effective at public policy advocacy.

We need to ensure that our healthcare system has the doctors and nurses needed to take care of all of us.

These challenges will require a community effort and creative solutions.

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LISA LOVALLO

Cox is involved in Sun Corridor because we are committed to this region and the city of Tucson. Our business success is tied to the strength of our local economy.

The more successful Sun Corridor is, the more people Cox can hire, the more infrastructure we can build and the more community investment we can make.

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What is the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

ERIC MAJCHRZAK CEO BEACHFLEISCHMAN PC

One major stand-out success for Sun Corridor over its 20-year history is its effective role in driving economic transformation for Southern Arizona by attracting diverse industries and high-quality jobs. Through strategic initiatives in sectors like aerospace, healthcare, logistics, and technology, Sun Corridor has played a vital role in diversifying and strengthening our regional economy. Our collaborative approach engaging businesses, educational institutions, and local governments has significantly enhanced the region’s economic profile, making it a competitive and attractive destination for investment and talent. Also, Sun Corridor has done a terrific job at building strong relationships with site selectors and highlighting our culture, arts, and climate to attract investment. I am excited to see what the next 20 years will bring!

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

I engage in Sun Corridor to serve our community in a way that creates maximum positive impact. The decisions we make today will affect future generations, so we have an obligation to set them up for success.

Seeing the results of Sun Corridor’s efforts has been rewarding, and meeting various stakeholders throughout the community has helped me gain tremendous knowledge and understanding. One of the highlights of my involvement are the new relationships that I have gained. Meeting community leaders, volunteers and other CEOs has only strengthened my commitment to the mission of Sun Corridor.

I believe the biggest opportunity for Tucson and Southern Arizona lies in expanding its thriving aerospace, smart technology, and mining technology sectors. With established infrastructure and partnerships with educational institutions, the region is well-positioned to attract high-tech industries, supporting longterm job growth and economic resilience. We must continue to expand the availability of large industrial sites, specialized workforce programs, and major logistics routes that access Mexico, California, and Texas.

This will further enhance Tucson’s appeal to investors inside and outside of Arizona. This growth potential offers a solid foundation for building a technology-driven, sustainable economy that leverages regional assets and advances quality of life. Our future is bright!

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

What is the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

The recruitment of Caterpillar to Tucson. We were heads up against Denver, and Illinois-based CAT employees preferred ice fishing and skiing. We made it irresistible with Rio Nuevo incentives and won the kind of competition we are not known for. The economic impact is over $2 billion.

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc? To help our region grow with and to improve Tucson’s reputation on an international scale.

FLE TCHER McCUSKER

What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

CEO

Coordinated efforts-county, city, state, other regional cities, Rio Nuevo, private sector, chambers of commerce must speak with one voice. If we can pull that off, we have the potential to be a mega-region with significant cross border trade and two ports: Port of Tucson and Port of Guaymas, connected by rail and I-10.

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UAVENTURE CAPITAL

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

What is the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

Sun Corridor has been an epicenter for collaboration in this community. I have seen this in community efforts to recruit and retain local employers, to attract potential businesses, and in bolstering awareness of our region’s strengths. I think the collaboration between Sun Corridor, the State of Arizona, the City of Tucson, and Pima County in the recruitment and onboarding of Caterpillar for their Tucson Mining Center was an outstanding example of bringing regional partners together.

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

IAN McDOWELL VICE PRESIDENT & REGIONAL DIRECTOR TUCSON SUNDT CONSTRUCTION INC.

We all work for our individual businesses during the majority of our day. Sun Corridor gives me an opportunity to participate in improving our community in a tangible way with a broad group of leaders. I enjoy the fact that a diverse group of businesses from organizations that include healthcare, government, defense, local utilities, education, biotechnology and construction (to name a few) all band together to help in creating economic success for everyone in the region. When we all get in the same boat and row in the same direction, good things tend to happen.

What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

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Continued collaboration. Finding ways to demonstrate our commitment to each other attracts businesses to Southern Arizona and helps create job growth and stability. Things like the re-authorization of the RTA shows that we act as a region to improve our communities, which helps not only our existing organizations and businesses but also catches the notice of businesses who are considering relocation.

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What is the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

Sun Corridor Inc.’s dedication to regional prosperity is truly impressive. Of all the significant achievements over its 20-years history, what stands out to me is the remarkable economic development of the Tucson region. By promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors, Sun Corridor Inc. has succeeded at job creation and impressive economic growth. The focus on key strategic initiatives has diversified the local economy and enhanced the quality of life for all residents. This success is evident in the thriving business environment of the communities that it represents and the growing infrastructure to support regional commerce.

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

Bombardier, formerly known as Learjet until its acquisition in 1990, has a notable history in Tucson, Arizona. The Bombardier Tucson service center for Learjet, Challenger, and Global aircraft provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. The presence of Bombardier’s service center in Tucson has contributed to the local economy by providing jobs and supporting the aviation industry in the region. Sun Corridor Inc. plays a key role in supporting Bombardier to maintain the high standards of service and support that our customers expect. Being part of Sun Corridor Inc. enables us to contribute to building a thriving region that supports our business initiatives.

MARCO MELANÇON GENERAL MANAGER BOMBARDIER AVIATION

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What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

The biggest economic opportunity for the Tucson region lies in its growing technology and innovation sector. By leveraging its strengths, Tucson can drive economic growth, create high-quality jobs, and establish itself as a leader in technological innovation. The University of Arizona provides a strong foundation in research and development. There is a solid aerospace presence supported by technical schools. A healthy biosciences sector, and an ever-growing renewable energy sector, all provide stimulus for the region’s future. Being located near the U.S.-Mexico border also enhances its potential as a logistics and trade hub. By leveraging its strengths, Sun Corridor Inc. can drive economic growth, create high-quality jobs, and support the region in establishing itself as a leader in technological innovation.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

What is the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

Sun Corridor’s impact extends far beyond the traditional metrics for economic development. Sun Corridor has long recognized that its success is intricately tied to the health and vitality of the legacy businesses and the people who call Southern Arizona home. Throughout its history, Sun Corridor has led efforts around healthcare to promote flu vaccinations, get people enrolled in Medicaid, and now the organization is turning its focus to addressing the critical shortage of physicians to meet the needs of our growing and aging community. This understanding of the interconnectedness of business and personal vitality is unique and a defining part of Sun Corridor’s success.

JENNIFER MENDRZYCKI PRESIDENT & CEO TMC HEALTH

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

As CEO of TMC Health, I am guided by a mission to provide exceptional health care with compassion – and as a nonprofit health system, that extends beyond the walls of our hospitals and clinics. To make our community healthier, we rely on a strong and growing business community to create jobs, innovate and help us grow as a community.

What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

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The biggest opportunity for the region is to come together - from Marana to Douglas, from Willcox to Ajo, from Tanque Verde Valley to Nogales. I am relatively new to the region, but have been told that Southern Arizona’s magic comes from our ability to work together for the common good and shared progress. Our opportunity is to work together to grow together – and when we do that, we will all be more successful.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

What is the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

Based on what I have learned, what really stands out is Sun Corridor Inc.’s ability to cast a vision, unify the stakeholders, and then set actions in motion to bring that vision to fruition. Sun Corridor had the vision of expanding OEM and tier 1 industries in our region, such as advanced manufacturing and aerospace and defense. This vision and direction was a key factor behind Pima Community College’s Centers of Excellence initiative at the college, and we built and now operate one of the largest advanced manufacturing education and training centers and aviation technology centers in the greater American Southwest to support Sun Corridor’s attraction and expansion efforts in these industries, and have already seen mutual success.

We at Pima CC will build upon these successes to ensure more of our learners attain quality jobs as a result of Sun Corridor Inc.’s efforts, and that we do our part to help Sun Corridor Inc. bring these jobs to our community.

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

JEFFREY NASSE CHANCELLOR PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Essential to the success of Pima CC is fulfilling our vision: “As a premier community college, Pima Community College will be a catalyst for personal transformation, economic growth, and cultural prosperity that enriches our diverse community.” Supporting the strategy and work of Sun Corridor Inc. helps us fulfill this vision to ensure that we develop and strengthen the education and training programs that align to key industries, and that our learners attain the high-quality jobs that come about by growing and supporting these industries. We want the very best for our learners and our community, and this connectedness of education and economic development helps us do more to break the cycle of generational poverty, provide new opportunities to our students, and strengthen our region.

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What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

It’s really hard to choose one “biggest” opportunity because there is so much potential in all of the business attraction and expansion opportunities that continue to come our direction. If I really have to choose one, I would choose an alignment of focus in our economic development priorities and efforts. We have so much to offer in our region, and with increased alignment, we only strengthen our opportunities to focus our institutions, resources, and expertise to those opportunities that will yield the greatest economic development outcomes for the region.

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What is the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

Sun Corridor Inc.’s collaborative and inclusive approach cultivated a competitive, attractive environment for growing industries in aviation, healthcare, technology, logistics, and many more to thrive in Southern Arizona. Over the last 20 years, Sun Corridor Inc.’s strong brand and strategic investments leveraged a longstanding relationship with Mexico to further support the economic vitality of the region.

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

ALICIA NUÑEZ PRESIDENT & CEO CHICANOS POR LA CAUSA

Chicanos Por La Causa and Sun Corridor align in the mission to drive economic empowerment in our communities. When businesses and economy thrive in an area, so do the opportunities for health, education, and housing. Our entire state feels the positive impact when cities along our borders and Southern cities have strong economic opportunities flourish. Our efforts together have been comprehensive to target these needs.

What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

Southern Arizona’s proximity to Mexico, United States’ largest trading partner, uniquely positions the region with rich cultural roots and geographic strengths.

Southern Arizona and Northern Mexico working together as a region is a distinguishing characteristic that cannot be found anywhere which is optimal for job creation, workforce growth and sustainability for longterm economic success.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

What is the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

DOD LIAISON

Tucson has always been an incredible place to live and work, leading to tremendous growth over the past 20 years. The Tucson community and surrounding region has become a prime destination for young professionals, small businesses, start-up companies, innovation, industry, and technology. Tucson is where people can bring their ideas and bring them to life in a community where public and private entities thrive together alongside academic and nonprofit partners.

The vitality of our region coupled with Sun Corridor’s vision to foster collaboration across a broad range of interests has paved the way for this growth and continued economic success for years to come.

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

Morris Air National Guard Base has been a part of the Tucson community since 1956 and like our community, has experienced significant growth. Growing from a flying operation with a dirt floor hangar, Morris is home to more than 1,800 military members trained and ready to project combat power anywhere in the world while also training the world’s greatest F-16 pilots for the United States and its allies. Our base has come to be known across the Air Force as the “small base with a big impact” and we couldn’t make such a great impact without the support of and in partnership with our tremendous community partnerships. The members of the 162d Wing are proud to call Tucson home and proud to support our neighbors, local businesses, and organizations. As a native Tucsonan, I am involved with Sun Corridor because I am committed to seeing this community that I am so proud of thrive and our economy prosper.

COL. BRANT A. PUTNAM COMMANDER 162ND WING MORRIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE

What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

Tucson is a welcoming community with top-notch institutions collaborating to leverage our collective workforce, creativity, and innovation. As leaders, it is our task to leverage the strengths of our natural resources, growing businesses, and highly skilled individuals to position our community to navigate the challenges of today and tomorrow while readying ourselves to capitalize on future opportunities that may present themselves. Our biggest opportunity comes from sustaining our current momentum toward improving upon the current environment of collaboration and partnership that creates and sustains jobs, growth, and innovation while meeting the needs of individuals and families looking to make Tucson their forever home.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

What’s the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

Bringing American Battery Factory to our region is an example of what is possible when we come together to reimagine the clean energy economy. Many years from now, when we look back at the global race to develop the clean technologies of the future, people will look to the Sonoran Desert. We know that Tucson is a hub for innovation and resiliency. Through Sun Corridor, we have been able to convene our regional partners to create the environment, the infrastructure and the community values to anchor Tucson and Pima County as leaders in new EV technology and energy storage.

REGINA ROMERO MAYOR CITY OF TUCSON

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

Sun Corridor is an essential economic driver in Southern Arizona contributing billions in economic activity and powering job creation. As mayor of Tucson and a member of the Chairman’s Circle, regional collaboration is so important to me. Through Sun Corridor, I get to collaborate with regional leaders and participate in trade missions across the country, and Mexico, welcoming CEOs and their companies. When we collaborate, it makes us more effective. Making sure we are on the same page makes Tucson more competitive and gives our region an advantage.

There is so much economic opportunity around the green economy and Arizona’s geographic proximity to Mexico. Tucson has emerged as a national leader in climate resilience thanks to our Climate Action Plan, Tucson Resilient Together. We are leveraging millions in federal dollars, and in collaboration with Sun Corridor, we have positioned Southern Arizona as a hub for clean energy in the Southwest. Mexico is Arizona’s biggest trade partner. Together, we are a part of each other’s story. This year I visited Mexico City as part of several visits to build on Arizona’s relationship with Mexico as our biggest trade partner. We must continue to find opportunities to leverage Tucson’s proximity as the largest border city to Mexico to grow our manufacturing, logistics and transportation clusters.

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What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

What is the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

The representation of so many important parts of our community within its membership makes me extremely proud to be part of Sun Corridor. Academia, business, government, healthcare and social services are all included in our membership. Each member knows that we can achieve so much more on behalf of our region by working in partnership. The broad-based commitment to collaboration and regionalism evident in the diverse composition of our membership sends a strong message to site selectors and others who want to expand or locate their business in Southern Arizona. It also gives them a powerful sense of all the entities that will contribute to the outstanding quality of life their employees will enjoy when this is their home.

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

Pima County has a longstanding partnership with Sun Corridor and its members since its inception. We are proud to be substantial financial supporters of the work of the organization. Recent changes made by the board of supervisors to the county’s Economic Development Strategic Plan enhanced its regional focus and will make the county, cities and towns more competitive for federal grants in support of each jurisdiction’s economic development efforts. Striving alongside Sun Corridor and our municipal partners to bring more major employers to our region is just one way that Pima County fulfills its leadership role in growing our local economy.

REX SCOT T VICE CHAIR PIMA COUNTY SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 1

What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

It is an honor to represent Pima County on the ninemember Regional Transportation Authority Board.

My colleagues include the mayors of our five cities and towns, the chairs of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and the Tohono O’odham Nation and the governor’s Southern Arizona representative to the Arizona State Transportation Board. We recently voted to send a draft RTA Next plan out for public review with the intent to have voters consider its adoption next year. It is vital that we have an RTA Next plan in place to cover the next 20year period. The implications for our regional transportation infrastructure and economic development efforts if we fail to put a new plan in place would be disastrous.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

What’s the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

Sun Corridor has mastered the ability to create a synergistic effect between state agencies, local municipalities, and the private sector as opposed to the more divisive and antagonistic relationships between the private and public sectors that we see in most locations in our portfolio. The ability to draw private sector business and investments into Tucson has clearly been a success and as Arizona continues to be a major relocation destination for Americans and the international community that capability will continue to be critical.

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

COOPER SUTHERLAND VP ACQUISITIONS & DEVELOPMENT SCHNITZER PROPERTIES

My involvement in Sun Corridor Inc. stems from a desire to improve the Tucson community as a whole, not only from a quality of life by providing efficient & reliable real estate solutions for businesses but also ensure that the appropriate drivers are in place that benefit all Tucsonans.

What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

PHOTO BY CHRIS MOONEY

The biggest opportunities for the region lie in Arizona being the direct beneficiary of the CHIPS act and the massive amount of investment that is committed to Arizona for the next five to 10 years. Arizona is no longer seen as a second-tier market, but due to the diversification of businesses operating in the state, has been escalated to a tier 1 market which has just happened since the Great Recession. The re-shoring of businesses has benefited Arizona, not only due to direct investment but also increased trade with Mexico which significantly impacts Tucson. Sun Corridor is in a unique position to continue to drive growth, in conjunction with the public sector and private investment, as Arizona continues its exponential growth into the foreseeable future.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

What is the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?

Sun Corridor has been instrumental in Southern Arizona’s rapid economic growth. With Sun Corridor’s targeted approach, Southern Arizona has become a magnet for high-tech industries including bioscience and health care, batteries, technology and more. Sun Corridor and partners have attracted industry leaders such as Sion Power, American Battery Factory, Ascent Aviation Services, BD and more. In addition, Southern Arizona’s leadership in aerospace and defense continues to grow with global leaders including Raytheon, Honeywell Aerospace and Meggitt.

Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?

To advance Arizona’s economy, it’s vital we work closely with all of our partners across the state, including those in Southern Arizona. We’re grateful for our valued partnership with Sun Corridor to collaborate with them on exciting projects in Tucson, Marana, Sahuarita and more. In partnership with Sun Corridor, we are able to identify and successfully win projects with companies that are investing in Southern Arizona communities and creating quality jobs. We look forward to continuing to work with Sun Corridor to advance Southern Arizona’s economy and create more opportunities for Arizonans.

SANDRA WATSON PRESIDENT & CEO ARIZONA COMMERCE AUTHORITY

What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?

Southern Arizona has many exciting opportunities – we’re continuing to see lots of activity taking place in the aerospace and defense, battery, bioscience, and technology industries. In addition, the region’s startup and innovation ecosystem, which includes Tech Parks Arizona and Startup Tucson, as well as startup programs at the University of Arizona, showcase the region’s attractiveness as a magnet for innovation and new technologies. In addition, the region’s technology workforce continues to grow to support the rapid economic activity and technology companies.

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kym Adair

Executive Director Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, Presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop

Mara G. Aspinall

Travis Anderton

Vice President Sterilization BD, Global Supply Chain

Sandra Barton

Partner Illumina Ventures

Senior Director Commercial Real Estate Alliance Bank of Arizona, a Division of Western Alliance Bank

Don Bourn

Amy Cohen

Chief Executive Officer Bourn Companies

Rafael Barcelo Durazó Head Consul Consulate of Mexico in Tucson

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Deputy President Air Power (retired) Raytheon, an RTX Company

Jenny Flynn

President & CEO Community Foundation for Southern Arizona

Jean-Claude Bernard Manager, Global Expansion Bombardier Inc.

Sarah Darragh

Medicaid Executive Director Arizona Complete Health

Edmundo Gamillo Executive Director Middle Market Banking/ Commercial Banking Chase Bank

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jill German

Head of Roche Pathology Roche Tissue Diagnostics

Guy Gunther

Vice President/General Manager Mass Markets Fiber Lumen

Brian Heithoff

Clark Goding

Vice President Commercial Sales & Service Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Ryan Hartman

Lawrence M. Hecker

Chief Executive Officer World View Space

John Kehoe

Chief Executive Officer General Manager Trico

Chief Operating Officer ark data centers

Mike Kocsis

Senior Director of Strategy & Communication Banner Health Tucson

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Mike Groeger

Partner Beasley, Mitchell & Co.

Managing Partner Hecker & Pew

William Kelley

Chief Financial Officer Diamond Ventures

Adriana Kong Romero Senior Vice President Bank of America Tucson

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Clinton Kuntz

Dennis R. Minano

Chief Executive Officer El Rio Health

Omar Mireles

Retired General Motors

President HSL Properties, Inc.

Farhad Moghimi

Executive Director Pima Association of Governments Regional Transportation Authority

Tom Murphy

Shaima Namazifard

John Officer

Himanshu Parikh

Vice President of Business Services Tucson Federal Credit Union

Tony Penn

Councilmember Town of Marana

President & Chief Executive Officer United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona

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Mayor Town of Sahuarita

Vice President of Manufacturing Operations Roche Tissue Diagnostics

Brett Plains

Market Leader Corporate & Institutional Banking Arizona/New Mexico PNC Bank

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kathy Prather

Superintendent & Chief Executive Officer Pima Joint Technical Education District

Steve Redmond

Humberto Quintana

Senior Manager Economic Development, Public Policy-Economic Development Amazon

Barbi Reuter

Interim Chief Executive Officer Tucson Association of Realtors

Chief Executive Officer/Principal Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR Commercial Real Estate Services

Ian R. Roark

Steven E. Rosenberg

Vice Chancellor Workforce Development & Innovation Pima Community College

Publisher & Owner BizTucson

Jeffrey S. Rothstein

Counselor & Executive Advisor, Vice President & Head of Legal (retired) Roche Tissue Diagnostics

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Walter Richter

Senior Legislative Policy Advisor Southwest Gas Corporation

Elisa Ross

Vice President of Marketing & Sales Hughes Federal Credit Union

Joshua Rubin

Chairman Greater Nogales & Santa Cruz County Port Authority

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Corey Saba Basha

Jeremy Sharpe

Director Commercial Banking Leader Wells Fargo Commercial Banking Office

Keri Silvyn

Managing Partner Rancho Sahuarita

Brian Sinotte

Scott Stace

Partner & Owner Lazarus & Silvyn, P.C.

Chief Executive Officer Northwest Healthcare

Chief Executive Officer Bluespan

Kerry Stratford

Jeff Wilkins

Neal Weitman

President & Chief Creative Officer Caliber Group

John Winchester

Director Government & Community Engagement Arizona State University

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Town Manager Oro Valley

President New Car Dealers Association

Steve Zylstra

President & Chief Executive Officer Arizona Technology Council

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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SUN CORRIDOR INC. RANKINGS & STAFF

2025 RANKINGS & ACCOLADES Tucson Listed No. 15 Up and Coming Market for Tech Talent Tucson ranks No. 13 on CBRE’s list of up-and-coming North American tech-talent markets in the annual Scoring Tech Talent report, which ranks 75 U.S. and Canadian markets according to their ability to attract and grow tech talent.

Tucson’s local tech employment has grown by 3% in the past five years and its tech wages have increased by 13%. CBRE also noted Tucson’s total tech talent employment of 16,970, increased by 3% from 2017 to 2022; its average tech wage of $87,206, grew by 13% since 2017; Tucson’s average software developer wage of $110,530 has grown by 26.1% since 2017, and Tucson generated 1,269 tech talent degree graduates in 2021.

Tucson Named a Top U.S. City in West for Gen Z in 2024 Tucson ranked No. 8 among the country’s top cities for Gen Z with a total of 57.7 points while also placing No. 1 regionally. The ranking on Commercialcafe.com showed12.1% of Tucson’s residents are Gen Zers aged 20-24, the largest share of this age cohort among the cities compared for this ranking. As many as 46.9% of Tucson’s adult Gen Zers are enrolled in some form of education, with the No. 8 city ranking for this metric

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among all cities analyzed. Tucson came in No. 3 among the West’s top cities for Gen Z for its share of the population aged 20 to 24 enrolled in a form of education as of 2022.

World’s Best Cities List Ranks Tucson No. 37 The city was listed No. 37 among the 100 top performing cities in the world with a metro population of a million people or more by worldsbestcities.com. The report noted Tucson’s distinction as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, its James Beard Award-winning chefs, dynamic culture and stunning mountain landscapes as reasons for its ranking. It also credited the region’s bold leadership.

Frommer’s Includes Tucson Among Best Places to Go in 2025 Continuing the legacy of founder Arthur Frommer (1929–2024), Frommer’s renewed its commitment to transformative journeys that unite people across borders and oceans with the brand’s list of the Best Places to Go in 2025. The venerable list lauded Tucson as “ turning 250 with Southwestern flair and culinary events coinciding with hitting a decade as the USA’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy

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Susan Dumon Executive Vice President

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Daniela Gallagher VP, Economic Development

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Angela Kish Senior VP, Finance / CFO

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Skye Mendonca Corporate Administrator

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Jeff Powell Economic Development & Research Director

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Laura Shaw Senior VP

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Joe Snell President & CEO

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David Welsh Senior VP, Strategy

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BizPEOPLE

Alison Flynn Gaffney

Banner Health has named Alison Flynn Gaffney as CEO of Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South. She joins Banner Health from JLL, a Chicago-based global real estate and investment management company, where she was president of the health care division. Flynn Gaffney also was COO of hospitals and clinics for the University of Utah Health System.

Jordan Schnitzer Schnitzer Properties President and CEO Jordan Schnitzer received the prestigious Cornerstone Award at Sun Corridor Inc.’s annual luncheon last fall. This rare award recognizes community leaders for their significant contributions to strengthening Southern Arizona’s economy. Schnitzer Properties is the only company in Tucson building new industrial developments catering to tenants seeking small or mid-sized workspaces, creating the opportunity for hundreds of new Tucson jobs.

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BizAWARDS

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BizAWARDS 1

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2024 ASID Arizona South Commercial Award Winners

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COMMERCIAL NEW CONSTRUCTION

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1ST PLACE

J SWEET COMMERCIAL DESIGNS, LLC

Designer:

Jill Sweet, ASID & Michelle Wootten

Photographer:

Kevin Korczyk

2ND PLACE

180° DESIGNS LLC

Designer:

Jennifer Kea, Allied ASID & Brandy Holden, Allied ASID

Photographer:

Solaris Photography

3RD PLACE

ANDREA RODRIGUEZ, ALLIED ASID INTERIOR DESIGNER

Designer:

Andrea Rodriguez, Allied ASID

Photographer:

Dave Carter

COMMERCIAL REMODELED SPACE

4. 1ST PLACE

Eva Murzaite, ASID & Brandy Holden, Allied ASID

Photographer:

Solaris Photography

Designer:

5. 2ND PLACE 6

ANDREA RODRIGUEZ, ALLIED ASID INTERIOR DESIGNER

Designer:

Andrea Rodriguez, Allied ASID

Photographer:

Dave Carter

6. 3RD PLACE

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INTERIORS IN DESIGN

DELUXE DESIGNS OF ARIZONA

Designer:

Bry Pavlov, Allied ASID

Photographer:

Ron McCoy

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BizARTS

JOSHUA BELL & LARISSA MARTINEZ

STEPHEN COSTELLO

SUSANNA PHILLIPS

SASHA COOKE

RYAN SPEEDO GREEN

Tucson Desert Song Festival World’s Greatest Voices Dazzle the Region The 13th annual Tucson Desert Song Festival, a treasured annual gathering of great voices, great music and beautiful weather in Southern Arizona, brings a fanfare of celebrated artists here Jan. 10 through Apr. 19.

Each year, the festival brings to the Old Pueblo the finest singers from the world’s most important stages to work with Tucson’s outstanding performing arts organizations.

The 2025 renowned artists include Metropolitan Opera stars, baritone www.BizTucson.com

Ryan Speedo Green and soprano Susanna Phillips. TDSF partner Tucson Symphony Orchestra presents Mahler’s

13TH ANNUAL TUCSON DESERT SONG FESTIVAL Jan. 10 – Apr. 19, 2025

BizEVENT

For tickets and more information, tucsondesertsongfestival.org

Third Symphony, featuring festival alum mezzo soprano Sasha Cooke. American tenor Stephen Costello brings worldwide experience to the recital stage.

The TDSF Composer project continues with a newly commissioned work by John Corigliano, the dean of American composers, to be premiered by violinist Joshua Bell and his wife, soprano Larissa Martinez.

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2024 Copper Cactus Awards The Tucson Metro Chamber honored the winners of the 27th Annual Copper Cactus Awards on Sept. 13 at an event presented by Wells Fargo and Tucson Media Partners. The

awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of Southern Arizona’s small businesses and recognizes their contributions to the region’s economic growth and innovation.

PHOTOS: COURTESY TUCSON METRO CHAMBER

WINNERS OF THE 27TH ANNUAL COPPER CACTUS AWARDS BIPOC-Owned Business 1. Regal Fierce Media Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Best Place to Work 2. 3 to 50 Employees Youth On Their Own 3. 51 to 300 Employees Higher Ground A Resource Center Business Growth 4. OOROO Auto CopperPoint Small Business Leader of the Year 5. Jeremy Sharpe, Rancho Sahuarita 124 BizTucson < < < Winter 2025

Diversity & Inclusion Champion 6. Southwestern Fair Commission Inc PIMA COUNTY FAIR

Tucson Metro Chamber Shirley Wilka Perseverance Award 10. Nohemy Hite, The Erik Hite Foundation

Gibson Employer/ Employee Development 7. Snell & Wilmer

Tucson Electric Power Social Impact 11. Up to $2,000,000 Revenue Children’s Advocacy Center of Southern Arizona

IT Solutions Innovation 8. Community Investment Corporation Tech Parks Arizona Start-Up of the Year 9. Macula Vision System

12. $2,000,001+ Revenue Tohono Chul 13. Woman-Owned Business Let All Thrive Counseling

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BizHONORS

By Loni Nannini BizTucson is proud to announce our 2025 Next Gen Leaders – 22 Rising Stars to Watch.

This annual recognition highlights the next generation of talent leading our region forward. This year’s group includes entrepreneurs, executives, community builders, medical leaders and more who are passionate about making a difference and pursuing excellence in our community.

(All profiles by Loni Nannini)

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BizHONORS JOSE ARIAS

VP BUSINESS BANKING, FIRST CITIZENS BANK HONORARY COMMANDER, DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE

Through business banking and lending, Jose Arias helps local and regional businesses move to the next level.

“I find purpose through my banking career and view my occupation as an opportunity to help someone’s passion and hard work result in regional economic growth, improving the quality of life for families in our community,” said Arias, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Arizona Eller College of Management and an MBA from University of Phoenix. He uses a consultative approach to formulate lending solutions, treasury management services and risk management strategies for local and regional businesses.

Arias also finds purpose through community involvement and said Tucson embraces young professionals who “demonstrate a level of maturity, work ethic and willingness to engage and collaborate with others.”

He is board president for Greater Tucson Leadership and with Tucson Youth Development; a 2023 Flinn-Brown Fellow and a Tucson Metro Chamber Emerging Leaders member.

DR. BETHANY BRUZZI

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER-CLINICAL EFFICIENCY BANNER – UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER TUCSON BANNER – UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH

Dr. Bethany Bruzzi believes that good health begins with putting people first.

The youngest female CMO at Banner, Bruzzi led through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership style extends to caring for patients by “treating them as if they are family” and educating residents and students as a board-certified family medicine physician and assistant professor at the University of Arizona.

Bruzzi graduated from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and began residency in Tucson in 2008. The lifelong learner also earned an MBA from Eller College of Management and received the prestigious Eller Way – Excellence Award.

Bruzzi has championed initiatives like “Connecting the Community with BOMBAS,” which provided food, clothing, and medical care to more than 250 people without permanent housing. She and her husband co-own WAGS, a pet grooming spa in northwest Tucson. Bruzzi was named a UA Women in Medicine Torchbearer in 2023.

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2025 Tucson’s Next Generation of Leaders RISING STARS

FRANK CAMP

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BRAND STRATEGY UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Frank Camp is a red and blue brand strategy guru.

The University of Arizona grad has a lifelong connection to the institution where he oversees creation and execution of a comprehensive brand strategy aimed at elevating the university’s reputation and broadening its reach on a national and global scale. Through U of A MarCom (Marketing & Communications), Camp is a key contributor to development of the university’s international presence who shares his expertise at conferences worldwide.

He draws on years of experience at Tucson institutions—the Camp family operated the Triple C Chuckwagon and he previously led marketing for Summit Hut—to highlight the uniqueness of the region.

“I have always loved the dichotomies of Southern Arizona. Everything from the desert floor to the top of Mount Lemmon, from the peacefulness of nature to the activity of downtown, works together to create a unique place that allows U of A to do groundbreaking research, creates a vibrant creative community AND makes this a wonderful place to raise a family.”

CASEY CARRILLO

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA CENTER FOR INNOVATION

Casey Carrillo is dedicated to incubating innovation and scaling startups.

The Arizona native handles day-to-day operations for University of Arizona Center for Innovation, which has attracted more than $105 million in capital since 2003. Her responsibilities include management of staff, members, and contractors; high-level strategy; business development and recruitment of startups. She also oversees grant management and funding; collaborates with Tech Parks Arizona; and manages relationships with state and local entities to support the startup ecosystem.

“Southern Arizona’s startup scene is thriving, fueled by innovation, collaboration, and a strong sense of community, shaping a bright economic future.”

Carrillo, who holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s in higher education from UA, began incorporating innovation in education through roles at the Eller College of Management McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship and the UA Office of Digital Learning.

Carrillo also serves on the board of directors for Southern Arizona Research and Science Foundation.

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BizHONORS ROBERT CHOROST

OWNER PRECIOUS METALS REFINERY

Tucson native Robert Chorost is a community leader who boldly implemented his entrepreneurial vision by founding Precious Metals Refinery as a teenager in 2011 in Arizona.

Determined to make a difference, he built the company from the ground up.

It now operates 14 locations in multiple markets with 65 employees and is recognized as a trusted name in the industry.

Personally and professionally, Chorost actively seeks opportunities to uplift and empower others.

“I understand the importance of opening doors and creating pathways for individuals to explore their full potential and want to inspire young minds to think outside the box,” said Chorost, who advocates for work-life balance and healthy living.

In his personal time, Chorost prioritizes spending time with his wife and son and mentoring local youth. He also helps to bolster youth innovation and creativity as a member of the board of directors for Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson.

IRLANDA CUEVAS-LEYVA

MEMBERSHIP & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER HUGHES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Irlanda Cuevas-Leyva was born in culturally rich Ambos Nogales, and shares the wealth by fostering community and advocating for gender equity in the workplace.

Dedicated to empowering those around her, the UA grad is committed to bringing Hughes’ innovative programs to life in the community to enhance member engagement and promote financial literacy. As part of a dedicated team, she helped implement the notable 70 Acts of Kindness campaign celebrating Hughes’ 70th anniversary. The initiative highlights community service and encourages members and employees to engage in acts of kindness, fostering generosity citywide.

She encourages young professionals to take advantage of Tucson’s unique opportunities for growth and leadership. “It is a tight-knit community. The support I’ve received from mentors and seasoned leaders is unmatched. They look out for you!”

Cuevas-Leyva serves on the board of Junior Achievement of Southern Arizona and is a leader for the Global Women’s Leadership Network Sister Society in Southern Arizona.

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2025 Tucson’s Next Generation of Leaders RISING STARS

KURTIS DAWSON

PRESIDENT AND CEO YMCA OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA

For more than 25 years, Kurtis Dawson has encouraged people of all ages to live their best lives through the YMCA. Since 2017, Dawson—who began his Y journey with a part-time job as a teenager—has worked to address community needs while advancing program impact at the YMCA of Southern Arizona. He led a $6 million capital renovation for the Lohse Family YMCA; upgraded facilities and equipment; and implemented performance and service-centered metrics to boost community impact. Dawson, with his team, helped facilitate emergency childcare for first responders during COVID-19 and has championed the Y’s Safety Around Water initiative for kids.

“The Y is the heartbeat of our community and has been since 1914. . .We are committed to ensuring everyone has the chance to thrive.”

The husband and father of four, who “loves Tucson’s people, food and the five minutes it takes to go through airport security,” is a member of Southern Arizona Leadership Council and is current president of the Rotary Club of Tucson.

TINA DORSEY

VICE PRESIDENT, COMMERCIAL BANKING—MIDDLE MARKET JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.

Since 2008, Tina Dorsey has built a distinguished career in commercial banking, with steadfast commitment to the financial sector and advising companies of all sizes—many with annual revenues above $20 million—that impact the region.

Professionally and personally, the UA alum aims to make a positive difference in Southern Arizona.

“I have a vested interest in helping to foster a safe and economically vibrant region for my family and the entire community, and I am deeply passionate about civic and community engagement,” said Dorsey, who was named a 2024 Flinn-Brown Fellow by the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership.

Dorsey serves on numerous nonprofit boards, including Tucson Values Teachers; CREW Tucson; and TMM Family Services. She mentors through Southern Arizona Leadership Council and Tucson Young Professionals and volunteers with other organizations—and coaches youth girls’ softball. The wife and mother of a blended family relishes the opportunity to “nurture young athletes and foster a love for the sport.”

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BizHONORS EMILIA ELDRIDGE

HUMAN RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

To Emilia Eldridge, building relationships builds strong businesses.

The fourth-generation Tucsonan, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics and a master’s in public administration from Eller College of Management, embraces service leadership, creating psychological safety for employees and supporting others in achieving their goals. She mentors staff in the workplace and promotes volunteerism with professional development organizations such as Greater Tucson Leadership.

A graduate of the Greater Tucson Leadership 2021 Civic and Political Leadership Academy and the 2018 Lead Tucson class, Eldridge is currently board chair for Tucson Young Professionals and manager of UA’s TYP team of 350plus members. She also serves on the board for Southern Arizona Leadership Council and Greater Tucson Leadership.

“Tucson is a welcoming place where young professionals can easily find community. There are opportunities with organizations to volunteer, take workshops, or find a mentor. . .and phenomenal partnerships with the business community who are eager to attract and retain talent in the region.”

LAURA JONES

SENIOR MARKET RESEARCH CONSULTANT CATERPILLAR INC.

In work and life, Laura Jones makes it her mission to leave every space better than she finds it.

A graduate of Missouri University of Science and Technology, Jones’ 17-year career has spanned traditional lab engineering to dealer- and customer-facing commercial work including aftermarket sales and support. She has led the internal employee experience council, working to create a more inclusive workplace environment for employees.

Since relocating to Tucson from the Midwest in 2018, Jones has been a key supporter of Young Leaders United with United Way, working to promote awareness and raise funds for Pima County Opportunity Youth (ages 16 to 24) who lack permanent shelter and basic needs. She is on the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Executive Leadership team and is a six-year member of the Kappa Delta National Leadership Team.

For young professionals, Jones appreciates Tucson’s access to abundant amenities and opportunities and the fact “that it can still feel like a very small-town community.”

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2025 Tucson’s Next Generation of Leaders RISING STARS

DR. ADAM C. KAISER

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON CASAS ADOBES ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Adam Kaiser champions oral health as a cornerstone of community wellness. As a partner in Casas Adobes Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery–Southern Arizona’s largest locally-owned oral surgery practice—Kaiser helps to serve more than 20,000 patients annually while “ensuring that everyone is treated like family.”

The Tucson native, who holds a bachelor’s degree in physiology from the University of Arizona and a D.M.D. from Case Western Reserve University, completed an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at Nassau University Medical Center. Since 2019, he has helped grow CAOS to four locations in Tucson, Vail and Sierra Vista and implemented the area’s first robot-assisted dental implant system and other cutting-edge technology.

The husband and father credits great mentors and partners for his success and said, “the support and effort you give to growing the Tucson community is reciprocated in the support the community gives you in growing your business.”

Kaiser is a donor/sponsor for El Rio Vecinos and a board member of the Pima Dental Study Club.

COURTNEY LEON

VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING RANCHO SAHUARITA

Tucson native Courtney Leon puts her marketing and branding skills into practice on the daily for Rancho Sahuarita, a 3,000-acre, award-winning, masterplanned community south of Tucson.

The University of Arizona grad implements a marketing strategy to build brand awareness, support homebuilder efforts, drive resident engagement and orchestrate community outreach. Her work has helped shape initiatives such as the First Responders Tribute and partnerships between homebuilders and nonprofits such as “Helping a Hero” to empower veterans.

“In marketing, it’s crucial to figure out your company’s story and develop a strategy to tell it. I’m proud to help tell Rancho Sahuarita’s story because it can truly become the backdrop for life stories of our residents.”

Leon models Rancho Sahuarita’s mission of “creating a better life” through benefit drives for the Sahuarita Food Bank and Community Resource Center and the Arizona Diaper Bank. She has also coordinated Rancho Sahuarita Cancer Walks, helping to raise nearly $3 million for the National Brain Tumor Society.

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BizHONORS TANA LOPEZ

CO-FOUNDER AND ASSOCIATE BROKER LOPEZ & LOPEZ, REALTORS® AT LONG REALTY COMPANY

Tana Lopez is an expert in the art of matching clients with their dream homes.

Co-founder of Lopez & Lopez REALTORS® at Long Realty Company, she has leveraged dedication and personalized customer service into monumental real estate success with her husband and partner, Tyler Lopez. The team ranks in the top 1% of salespeople nationwide, averaging over $50 million in annual sales and helping 150-plus families find homes each year.

The University of Arizona grad also manifests the team’s motto—“Investing in Our Clients’ futures through Giving, Grace and Gratitude”—through community service. She is a three-year board member of Angel Charity for Children, helping to spearhead the 2024 campaign to raise $1.3 million for local children’s organizations.

Her philanthropic contributions earned her the 2023 Roy P. Drachman Community Achievement Award from the Tucson Association of REALTORS® and the 2023 Service Firm of the Year award from the Minority & Small Business Alliance of Tucson. She and her daughter, Belle Newton, are members of the National Charity League.

ADRIANA G. MARTINEZ

PRESIDENT & CEO CASA MARTINEZ

As president & CEO of Casa Martinez, Adriana Martinez elevates Hispanic culture and culinary traditions through entrepreneurship.

Under Martinez’s leadership, the gourmet food company’s artisanal, natural products—including Casa Martinez Salsas—have expanded to more than 12,000 stores nationwide and globally.

The UA alum graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s in accounting. She is a member of the Eller College of Management National Board of Advisors and was Tucson’s 2024 Hispanic Businesswoman of the Year.

A wife and mother of three, Martinez was named a Latino Leaders Magazine Top 100 Latina and a Shelby Report “Woman of Influence in the Food Industry.”

Integrity, respect and a good work ethic are guiding principles for the family enterprise.

“Be tenacious, resilient and driven. When you start a company, ask for that one opportunity over and over. Don’t give up, because that could be the opportunity that makes the difference.”

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2025 Tucson’s Next Generation of Leaders RISING STARS

JOEY MARTINEZ

PRINCIPAL MULTI-FAMILY & INVESTMENT PROPERTIES CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD|PICOR

Since 2019, Joey Martinez and colleague Allan Mendelsberg have closed more than $350 million in sales transactions for multi-family and investment properties.

Martinez’s in-depth business approach is based on development of long-term relationships with clients and phenomenal communication.

“Regardless of the field you are in, there is so much opportunity in Tucson for young, hungry, hard workers. It is a smaller market where you can meet big players and influential people and make connections to develop your business quickly.”

The Tucson native graduated from New Mexico State University in the school’s PGA Golf Management Program. Prior to joining PICOR, he played four years of professional golf, competing in more than 80 events worldwide.

During his free time, Martinez loves spending time with his wife, Tori, and his son, Grady. He also serves as a board member for Empower Coalition Inc., a Tucson-based nonprofit that supports veterans, active-duty military and their families.

LANCE MEEKS

VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Literally and figuratively, Lance Meeks promotes goodwill.

As VP of community engagement for Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona, Meeks oversees four Youth Reengagement Centers and Reentry programs, including initiatives that connect Opportunity Youth (ages 16 to 24) to educational programs, job training, basic needs assistance and community service.

Meeks, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice, has championed at-risk youth for 15-plus years.

His extensive volunteerism includes the Tucson-Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness; Pima County Juvenile Justice Steering Committee; and Network for Equity and Education Development Collaborative. A 2020 Greater Tucson Leadership graduate, Meeks is a member of the NAACP Tucson and Pantano Rotary. He has served on the board of directors for Greater Tucson Leadership, Boys to Men Tucson, the Juneteenth Festival and Pio Decimo Center.

“Tucson is a great place for young professionals to embrace culture, history, and community. They can build strong career pathways while positively impacting the community through service, advocating for policy changes, and engaging in philanthropy.”

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2025 Tucson’s Next Generation of Leaders RISING STARS

LACEY (NYMEYER) JOHN

CHIEF OF STAFF TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER/UNS ENERGY

Lacey (Nymeyer) John believes that success in the workplace isn’t much different from winning in the pool.

“Coach Frank Busch had four rules: Show up, pay attention, tell the truth, honor your team with your effort,” said the 2008 Summer Olympics silver medalist and University of Arizona Women’s Swimming and Diving Team standout.

Now Chief of Staff to UNS Energy President and CEO Susan Gray, John lives those rules each day while driving strategic initiatives and effective operations at the executive level. She also guides company leaders on change and facilitates business goals by balancing content, people and processes.

Prior to her career at TEP, John spent 12 years pursuing her passion for serving and developing leaders at UA as the former director of alumni career and professional development.

As her career evolves, the 2009 NCAA Women’s Athlete of the Year continues to parlay her past athletic achievement into professional success while paying it forward through volunteerism and support of women and youth sports.

ELI PEART

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER PORT OF TUCSON

At the Port of Tucson, an inland port and intermodal hub connecting the region to global markets via rail access to major southern California ports, Eli Peart plays a pivotal role in land development and property management.

She oversees development and general contracting of 700-plus acres and manages leasing for 17 buildings. Additionally, Peart leads logistics of industrial and agricultural products, including dry and frozen warehousing, transloading, and cross-docking.

“Carving out paths for impactful personal and professional development” for young people is a priority for the wife and mother of five.

“Building a network of supportive, inspiring people happens naturally in Tucson. The moment you dip your toes into community engagement, you’re instantly surrounded by enthusiastic peers linking arms with you, ready to push, pull and cheer you on.”

Peart’s extensive community service includes 2024 board membership in the Tucson Metro Chamber and chairmanship of the Public Policy Council and Emerging Leaders. She is board vice chair for Junior Achievement of Arizona and co-founder of Once Lost Ministries.

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2025 Tucson’s Next Generation of Leaders RISING STARS

STEVE REICHLING

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TMC HEALTH

As senior VP and CFO of the region’s fastest growing health care system, Steve Reichling seeks to contribute to a culture that will revolutionize health care in Southern Arizona and beyond.

At TMC Health, Reichling oversees planning, finance, and business development. This includes managing financial affairs, real estate management, revenue cycle and payer contracting, treasury, capital and operational budgeting, and structuring transactions.

“I have a passion for improving lives through health care innovation that positively impacts patient outcomes,” said Reichling, who earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and entrepreneurship from University of Arizona.

The CPA also holds a degree in international business from London Guildhall University.

Reichling came to TMC from Accelerate Diagnostics Inc., a bioscience company that builds new technology and tests to accelerate lab results. He also worked with Spring Bioscience, a subsidiary of Roche, and Ernst & Young.

PATRICK SPENCER

CEO & CO-FOUNDER SPENCER CONSTRUCTION SPENCER TRUCKING SPENCER MATERIALS

Like community and country, construction is a calling for Patrick Spencer, whose companies serve heavy civil- and security-infrastructure projects focusing on federal, private and local contracts. Spencer Construction and affiliated businesses specialize in work for the Department of Homeland Security, covering areas across Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas and the East Coast—including the White House.

“We are here to serve our communities and safeguard our country,” said Spencer, who graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He co-founded his companies with his wife, Lindsey, after working with a local contractor for more than a decade.

“Our people and culture are the heart of our success. I believe through hard work and dedication, you can do anything you set your mind to, and I love giving people the opportunity to do so.”

The father of three has championed the Arizona Heroes Memorial Project and expansion of Zion City Church. He also helps coach football for his kids.

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BizHONORS

2025 Tucson’s Next Generation of Leaders RISING STARS

ARIKA J. WELLS

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER UNITED WAY OF TUCSON AND SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Arika J. Wells understands the business of nonprofits.

A Certified Nonprofit Professional with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of San Diego and a master’s in public administration from National University, Wells has worked with the City of Tucson, UA, Pima County, and Tucson Unified School District.

Her extensive volunteer footprint includes nine-plus years on the United Way Women United Advisory Board, where she helped create the Literary Champion Award for teachers. She is a board member for Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce, a member of Women Leading Southern Arizona, a resource advocate and an active volunteer for her two sons.

“Tucson offers a vibrant and growing landscape for young professionals, with countless opportunities for community service. My United Way journey began more than eight years ago as a volunteer—a path I couldn’t have anticipated, but one I’m deeply grateful for. With hundreds of local nonprofits eager for young talent, I encourage everyone to match their passion with Tucson’s needs and ‘Find Your Purpose’.”

AUSTIN WRIGHT

CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER TUCSON AIRPORT AUTHORITY

Austin Wright models the mantra, “work hard, play hard,” for the Tucson Airport Authority, where he leads air service development, marketing and communications, and airline affairs.

The University of Arizona grad, who holds a master’s in public administration from the University of Texas, has overseen record growth at Tucson International Airport, which served more than 4 million passengers in 2024.

“My passion is aviation, which makes the challenge of being a senior leader at an airport fun,” said Wright, whose resume includes an internship with Walt Disney company and 12 years in senior management at Southwest Airlines.

A board member for Visit Tucson and a volunteer with Greater Tucson Leadership and Tucson Young Professionals, Wright enjoys outreach to inspire the next generation of aviation leaders.

“I am proud of the community relationships we have built with Visit Tucson, Tucson Roadrunners, Reid Park Zoo, Tucson Botanical Gardens, Old Tucson, UA and other organizations. Key market players in travel and tourism working together will mean great things happen for Tucson.”

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BizAWARDS

2024

Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Awards The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held the 2024 Orchid Gala and Bi-National Awards ceremony on Nov. 2. The event celebrates the achievements of outstanding individuals and organizations in the Southern Arizona and binational community.

The 2024 honorees represented a diverse group of leaders, innovators and community pillars who made significant contributions to business, culture and heritage in the region.

Adriana Martinez

Paul Dias

Mike Gomez

Alfonso Dancil

Mateo Otero & Angie Palma Otero

Jimmy Lopez

THE 2024 WINNERS:

Hispanic Businessman of the Year: Paul Dias President/Owner Dias Management Inc. Corporation of the Year: Southwest Gas. Award received by Mike Gomez of Southwest Gas Heritage Award: Tucson International Mariachi Conference. Award received by Alfonso Dancil, Board Chair of the Tucson International Mariachi Conference Small Business of the Year: Rollies Mexican Patio. Award received by chef/owner Mateo Otero and his wife Angie Palma Otero.

Legacy Award: The Lopez Family, formerly of Mi Nidito.

Accepting the award was Jimmy Lopez

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PHOTOS BY PHILLIP BENCOMO PHOTOGRAPHY

Hispanic Businesswomen of the Year: Adriana Martinez President/CEO, Casa Martinez

BizPEOPLE Denise Watters

Denise Watters, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson was awarded the prestigious Boys & Girls Club CEO of the Year for Arizona by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for her commitment to leadership and community impact. Under her leadership, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson has expanded services, programming, and professionally developed staff for all six Tucson clubhouses.

Tomás Díaz de la Rubia

Tomás Díaz de la Rubia was named the next senior VP for research and innovation at the University of Arizona. He will oversee approximately $1 billion in research activity, in addition to leading the UA’s commercialization arm. Díaz de la Rubia served over five years as VP for research and partnerships at the University of Oklahoma.

Anne Miskey

Social Venture Partners Tucson appointed Anne Miskey as its new president and CEO. Miskey brings a wealth of nonprofit leadership experience and is recognized for her expertise in tackling poverty, homelessness, and domestic violence. She previously served as president and CEO of both Union Station Homeless Services and the Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles, transforming both into nationally recognized leaders. www.BizTucson.com

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Raytheon Leaders in Education

Honorees Recognized at Stand Up 4 Teachers Event Tucson Values Teachers, in collaboration with Raytheon, an RTX business, announced the recipients of the Raytheon Leaders in Education Awards, presented during the Stand Up 4 Teachers celebration on Nov. 7. The nonprofit fundraising event, presented by Tucson Electric Power, recognized the dedication and impact of local educators, highlighting their essential role in shaping the future.

The Raytheon Leaders in Education Award program rewards Pima County teachers in grades PreK-12 who are achieving outstanding classroom performance, demonstrating leadership

in their schools and communities, and supporting their peers in a committed teacher workforce.

The four distinguished honorees, chosen from 12 exceptional finalists, exemplify excellence in education across various divisions: Lindsey Lara – Pre-Kindergarten Division Play and Learn Preschool, Marana Unified School District Amee Legarra – Elementary School Division Richardson Elementary School, Flowing Wells Unified School District

Ethnee Taylor – Middle School Division Lawrence W. Cross Middle School, Amphitheater Public Schools Danielle Schroeder – High School Division Mountain View High School, Marana Unified School District Raytheon presents the four awardees with separate $2,500 gifts, plus an additional $2,500 in matching gifts to each of the teachers’ respective schools. The eight remaining finalists also receive $500 each.

Biz

1. From left – The four awardees of the Raytheon Leaders in Education Awards: Lindsey Lara, Ethnee Taylor, Amee Legarra, and Danielle Schroeder 2. From left – The 12 finalists of Raytheon Leaders in Education Awards with Tucson Values Teachers CEO, Dr. Teresa Hill : Danielle Van Derlaske, Nancy Webber-Graff, Lindsey Lara, Ethnee Taylor, Holly Wright, Amee Legarra, Dr. Teresa Hill, Tawney Petiti, Martha Isiderio, Jeanne Wages, Danielle Schroeder, Kareina Lee, and Leslie Ferre 3. From left – Tucson Values Teachers CEO, Dr. Teresa Hill, with representatives of JPMorganChase, Keri Tignini, Edmundo Gamillo, and Tina Dorsey as they accept the Spirit of Education Award.

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2024 I-SQUARED AWARDS Honoring the top inventors and startups from the University of Arizona, Tech Launch Arizona hosted the 2024 I-Squared Awards and Expo on Sept.

25.

During its 12 years operating at UA, TLA has worked with over 3,000 invention disclosures, executed over 600 licenses for companies to bring university inventions to market, and launched over 140 startups.

Along with awards presentations to the honorees, the event included a strolling expo of more than a dozen entrepreneurial faculty and student teams showcasing their impactful innovations and startups.

1. Inventor of the Year: Hong Hua, James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences Pictured from left – Interim Senior VP for Research & Innovation Elliott Cheu, Inventor of the Year Hong Hua, and TLA Associate VP Doug Hockstad.

4. Campus Collaboration: TIMESTEP Pictured from left – Interim Senior VP for Research & Innovation Elliott Cheu, TIMESTEP Program Manager Rebecca Lipson, and TLA Associate VP Doug Hockstad.

6. David N. Allen Award for Leadership & Vision: Thomas Grogan Pictured from left – Interim Senior VP for Research & Innovation Elliott Cheu, Professor Emeritus Dr. Thomas Grogan, and TLA Associate VP Doug Hockstad.

2. Startup of the Year: Anivive Lifesciences Pictured from left – Interim Senior VP for Research & Innovation Elliott Cheu, Marc Orbach, Lisa Schubitz, and TLA Associate VP Doug Hockstad.

5. Ecosystem Impact: Thomas R. Brown Foundations Pictured from left – Interim Senior VP for Research & Innovation Elliott Cheu, Thomas R. Brown Foundations President Sarah Smallhouse, and TLA Associate VP Doug Hockstad.

7. #MADEITHAPPEN: James E. Rogers College of Law Pictured from left – Interim Senior VP for Research & Innovation Elliott Cheu, Professor of Practice and JD-Next Principle Investigator Jess Findley, and TLA Associate VP Doug Hockstad.

3. Student Innovator of the Year: Sara Sheikhlary Innovator of the Year Sara Sheikhlary, Ph.D. student in biomedical engineering with minor in pharmaceutical science.

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BizTRIBUTE

Wesley D. Kremer

A Legacy of Leadership and Service As president of Southern Arizona’s of Raytheon Missile Systems in 2019 and served until his retirement this year. largest private employer, Raytheon, Kremer served 11 years in the U.S. Air Wes Kremer was in a position to heavily Force, which included more than 1,500 influence the region’s economic develhours as a fighter pilot. He held a bachopment fortunes. elor’s degree in electrical engineering And he did before he retired last Janfrom Montana State University and a uary, actively participating in improving master’s degree in technology managethe region’s competitiveness, embracing ment from City University of Seattle. the idea of making the region a corridor for the aerospace and defense industries, and partnering with educational institutions to address the need for local talent.

Kremer died in November and he is fondly remembered by friends and colleagues.

“Wes Kremer was arguably one of the most impactful private sector CEOs in Tucson’s history,” said Joe Snell, president and CEO of Sun Corridor Inc., the region’s economic development organization. “The region will miss his leadership, and I will miss him personally.”

Among the many business and community organizations Kremer was actively involved in, he was a Chairman’s Circle member for Sun Corridor Inc. throughout his time at the helm of Raytheon, and he served on the board of Southern Arizona Leadership Council.

“Wes was a true advocate for Wesley D. Kremer our community,” said SALC President & CEO Ted Maxwell. “His “Wes was a friend and mentor to a leadership in organizations such as Sun Corridor and SALC impacted the direcgeneration of his RTX colleagues, with tion of our efforts. His personal collabowhom he shared an unwavering commitment to defending our nation,” said ration with the University of Arizona RTX President and CEO Chris Calio. directly led to the continued expansion of the hypersonic wind tunnels at the “He dedicated his life to America, both university.” in uniform as a U.S. Air Force pilot, and Originally from Montana, Kremer, then as the driving force behind some a U.S. fighter pilot, joined Raytheon of the nation’s most critical defense sysin 2003. He was appointed president tems.”

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One of the interesting aspects of Kremer’s long career with Raytheon is that he had first-hand experience with the systems the company produced before he joined.

“I actually used Raytheon products,” Kremer said in a 2019 BizTucson interview. “While in the Air Force, I learned first-hand that Raytheon represents the gold standard in providing qualityengineered military defense products. The things we accomplish in this company to protect our warfighters and give them a technological advantage on the battlefield is absolutely amazing. It’s been interesting coming full circle on that.”

“Wes’ 11 years of experience in the U.S. Air Force, including 90 combat sorties, gave him a unique insight into leading Raytheon Missile Systems,” said Maxwell, a retired U.S. Air Force major general.

“He truly understood the concept and importance of Raytheon’s nofail focus on their systems supporting those defending our country and our principles.”

As Raytheon’s leader in Tucson, Kremer helmed a company that has been here more than 70 years and currently employs more than 12,000 people with more than $2 billion in annual economic impact.

According to Sun Corridor Inc., $600 million of that is what the company spends with local suppliers.

“It’s no understatement that the ripple effect of Raytheon is massive, and their presence reaches everyone,” Snell said. “Behind the numbers, however, Wes was a leader who endeavored to create a hub of technology right here in our backyard. He did just that, and he was really proud of Raytheon’s contribution.”

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PHOTO BY BRENT G. MATHIS

By Jay Gonzales

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