Inside Tucson Business 032522

Legal Perspective Developing Artificial Intelligence: Are your lawyers involved?

Page 2 March 25, 2022

Volume 30 • Number 6

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Weather Warnings TECH TALK

Transportation Technology and the Optics Valley Page 8 TAX SEASON

CHILD TAX CREDITS What to know this year

University of Arizona scientists contribute to new international climate report warning of increasing peril Jeff Gardner

Page 7

Inside Tucson Business / Page 10

LOCAL BUSINESS

HAPPY CAR CLUB

OOROO Auto offering at-home service

Page 12 BOOK OF LISTS

THIS YEAR’S NUMBERS

Venture capitalists & manufacturing firms

PEOPLE IN ACTION

ON THE MENU

New promotions, hires and awards Page 3

Surrender to the inevitable at 4th Ave’s Portal Page 13

Page 15

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Chamber Chatter Engaging in the Political Process

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May 7, 2021

Volume 29• Number 10

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Nonprofit Perspective Education Acceleration Would your business benefit from lower energy and water costs? | Page 2

May 21, 2021

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An Outpouring of Optimism

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TECH TALK

Improve Local Workforce Development Efforts

TECH TALK

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Engineering Awards, Solar-Powered GoKarts and Martian

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BUSINESS SUPPORT

EQUITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

| Page 6 in a virtual year Volcanoeslearning Pima JTED balances hands-on

Local First Arizona and YWCA

Page 8

LOCAL Gardnertheir Local venues are once again scheduling shows andJeff opening doors Inside Tucson Business / Page 4 STARTUPS

‘HOWL-ITOSIS’

TECH TALK

UA researchers study how to cure bad breath in dogs

Space bucks and robot surgeons

Margaret Regan Inside Tucson Business / Page 10

PEOPLE IN ACTION

THIS YEAR’S NUMBERS

New promotions, hires and awards THIS YEAR’S Etherton Gallery to move locations after three decades NUMBERS Page 5 Page 3 Art Galleries

BOOK OF LISTS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

PIVOT PLAYBOOK REAL ESTATE

BOOK OF LISTS

Texas-based Builders FirstSource acquires Arizona building materials supplier for $400M | Page 4

BOOK OF LISTS

Page 8 PEOPLE IN ACTION

THIS YEAR’S NUMBERS REAL ESTATE

New promotions, hires and awards Page 3

Page 10

VENUE GRANTS

Sen. Kelly tours Rialto, highlights aid program

UA researchers stops COVID reports

Page 6

Hospitals, hospice, and assisted living facilities

Pages 14 & 15

REAL ESTATE

Colleges, universities and optics companies

Page 15

Page 14 DEVELOPMENT

Sunawards Corridor releases post-COVID plan Tucson ranks among hottest rental markets in nation New promotions, hires and Page 10 Page 5 Page 3

PEOPLE IN ACTION

LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

Understanding health care law changes

FEDERAL FUNDING

PANDEMIC RECOVERY

“PAST THE WORST OF IT”

COBRA SUBSIDY

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Page 13

Healthcare Heroes

Nurses look back on lessons learned during the past year Christina Duran Inside Tucson Business / Page 8

Photo courtesy UA / NASA

Galactic Maps and Cancer Treatments

Chamber Chatter

June 4, 2021

Plaza Liquors and Fine Wines Still in business after 43 years

ON THE MENU

Culinary Confluence

Zio Peppe fuses classic Italian with flavors of the Southwest

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INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

MARCH 25, 2022

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LEGALPERSPECTIVE

BY TODD KARTCHNER

SPECIAL TO INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS

FENNEMORE LAW

Developing Artificial Intelligence: Are your lawyers involved?

A

rtificial intelligence, or “AI” as it is commonly known, is becoming more prevalent as businesses have come to realize that AI can accomplish many basic tasks more efficiently and economically than a human employee.

AI refers to machines or systems that simulate human intelligence in performing functions and solving problems. AI frequently uses algorithms to make decisions and can, with help from real-time data, learn from experience to become better problem solvers.

Most people interact with AI regularly, with examples ranging from Amazon’s virtual assistant, Alexa, to route optimization tools like Waze, to Netflix’s recommendations for a viewer’s next series binge.

AI really shines when it comes to reviewing and culling vast amounts of data to provide business owners with important insight to make more informed decisions. For example, a medical group that has a shortage of radiologists may use AI to review patients’ computerized tomography (CT) scans to flag early indications of cancer for physician follow-up. The transportation industry has also utilized AI in developing driverless vehicles. Beyond providing autonomous functionality, the AI collects and uses the data to better prepare early warning systems for pre-

dicting vehicular problems safety issues that need to be addressed.

the visitors have approved the information being acquired. Otherwise, there is the risk of violating privacy Legal compliance is crucial rights here and abroad. For instance, European privacy Innovative developers laws are more stringent seem to find more apand, in some cases require plications for AI all the consent before using data time, and their capacity to collected by the website. expand the efficiencies of the industries to which they More oversight is around are introduced are only limthe corner ited by their imaginations.

However, one limitation Some may believe that, that is often overlooked, because AI is not transparbut could prove disastrous, ent, it will be difficult for a is failing to ensure that the law enforcement agency or decisions AI is making are potential plaintiff to prove compliant with any applithat an AI’s analytics do cable laws and regulations. violate a particular law. One For example, a company should not take comfort in might use an AI assistant such circumstances, howevto sift through countless er, for at least two reasons. resumes for job openings First, regardless of how to flag the best candidates. the analytics are developed, In so doing, the AI may in some cases, it will be try to see patterns or find evident from patterns or relationships in the data it outcomes that an AI tool is is reviewing to help stream- not complying with a parline that process. Business ticular law. If a large bank is owners need to know that denying loans to people of the resulting analytics are color despite having credit not discriminatory against, scores compared to others among others, a candidate’s being approved, it may race, sex, religion or sexual prove difficult for the bank orientation, which would to contend the loan review violate federal law. analytics are not, in fact, As another example, a discriminatory. developer may create an Second, and perhaps AI program that makes more importantly, it will recommendations about not take long for governwhat products to market to ments and private compawebsite visitors based on nies to develop AI oversight the information it gleans programs that can monitor from them. Business owners and assess what another need to ensure that visitors’ Continued on P6 privacy is respected and that

WEEKLY TOP

BY LISA LOVALLO

Workplace wellness

A

wellness program is beneficial to both your employees and your business. By promoting wellness in the workplace, you give employees the support they need to thrive personally, and to boost their motivation at work. The pandemic has highlighted how important it is to prioritize wellness and support employees in order to maintain morale and productivity. Consider these tips to create a healthy workplace and successful wellness program.

1. Listen to employees’ needs. Instead of just instilling what you think is best, listen to your employees. Distribute a survey in order to get a better understanding of the type of wellness programs they would like to participate in.

2. Create a healthy work environment. Exercise is known to boost productivity.

Encourage employees to get moving during break periods.

Employees can connect to nearby Cox Wi-Fi hot spots to listen to music during their walks without using up data.

3. Blend wellness and company culture. Give your employees a space to de-stress by turning an empty office into an exercise room.

4. Offer education. Wellness education is important for promoting a healthy lifestyle. Consider offering online classes on topics like nutrition and disease prevention. Many health insurance providers offer free educational sessions that you may look into.

5. Be a leader. Do your part by participating in your team’s wellness activities. Cox’s leadership actively participates alongside its team at company-sponsored nonprofit walk events.

6. Make it social. Wellness is about having fun. Engage employees and encourage conversation about wellness goals.

Consider hosting a challenge to boost interaction around your new wellness program.

7. Set goals as a team.

When everyone is working toward a common goal, it fosters interaction and teamwork in the workplace. Create a goals chart to hang up in the office and have employees contribute to completing it. During the work remote period, we hosted virtual 5K walk/runs, where our employees could log their miles and win prizes.

8. Know your numbers.

This is not just a statement; it’s actually an annual program that Cox offers its employees.

We bring in medical staff to conduct free biometric screening tests that measure glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, blood pressure and waist circumference, to name a few. During the event, we stock employee break rooms with fruit, energy drinks and healthy snacks.

9. Use technology to reach fitness goals. Encourage employees to use mobile apps to monitor and track fitness goals. This allows them to access popular workout tutorials on the go. From time to time, we offer Fitbits as prize incentives when employees log their walking progress.

10. Incorporate volunteering. Many volunteer opportunities incorporate physical activity, such as working in a community garden or building houses for those in need.

Lisa Lovallo is the Southern Arizona market vice president for Cox Communications. Reach her at lisa.lovallo@ cox.com.

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PEOPLEINACTION

Michael Lopez

MARCH 25, 2022

EMAIL YOUR PEOPLE IN ACTION DETAILS TO JEFF@TUCSONLOCALMEDIA.COM

The nonprofit Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona has hired Michael P. Lopez as a new food service director and executive chef. With more than 30 years of culinary experience, Lopez has worked as a director of culinary experience, food and beverage director, and executive chef.

“I am looking forward to this next chapter in my culinary journey,” Lopez said. “I am very pleased that my knowledge and skills will be put to use in such an essential endeavor and I am most enthusiastic about the opportunity to meet the volunteers who make the meal deliveries possible.”

Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona home-delivers meals five-days week, 52-weeks a year to those homebound, disabled, or unable to care for themselves so they can continue living in their home, and remain independent.

Lopez holds a culinary arts degree from the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, and previously held a 15-year position as part of the opening and design team for the University of Arizona Marriott. In addition to his education and experience, Michael has received multiple awards such as the Scottsdale Culinary Institute Le Cordon Bleu Student Leadership Award, Marriott Rising Chef Award, and the Aramark Culinary Excellence Award.

Bill Westcott

Potoff Private Philanthropy commits millions to PimaJTED Casey Carrillo

Erna Dubravic

Ernesto Portillo

Courtney Henson

The University of Arizona Center for Innovation has promoted Casey Carrillo to assistant director. Carrillo manages UACI’s “Sponsored Launch” program, where local businesses and towns finance community startups.

“I am thrilled to work alongside passionate entrepreneurs, assisting their startup for success. There is such a growing momentum here at UACI with new regional and international collaboration opportunities in addition to a growing pipeline of startups to support,” Carrillo said.

Carrillo graduated from the UA with a bachelor’s in communications and a master’s in higher education.

BeachFleischman has promoted Erna Dubravic to Accounting & Assurance Senior Manager. In this position, Dubravic plans and conducts audits, reviews, and compilations for a variety of privately-owned companies and nonprofit organizations.

She also provides value-added assurance services and is a member of the firm’s Nonprofit and Healthcare segment teams.

Dubravic earned a bachelor’s in business administration: accounting, and a master’s in accounting from the University of Arizona. She is a member of the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

The City of Tucson’s Department of Housing and Community Development has hired former Arizona Daily Star journalist Ernesto Portillo as the department’s new public information officer. Ernesto brings nearly 40 years of journalism experience to the new position. He previously served as an aide to Ward 3 City Council Members Paul Durham and Karin Uhlich.

“I’m excited that in my new role I will remain connected to Tucson’s residents and neighborhoods,” Portillo said. “My goal is to provide the public with correct information about HCD’s growing list of programs and initiatives to support individuals, families, and our neighborhoods.”

Courtney Henson has been elected as a new partner at Snell & Wilmer law firm. Henson’s practice is concentrated in complex commercial litigation, class actions and business disputes.

In addition to class action lawsuits, her diverse practice includes business separation disputes, contract disputes, pre-litigation business dispute resolution and whistleblower investigations, among many others.

She has previously offered pro bono work and advocacy on autism issues.

Henson is a 2013 graduate of University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law.

3

The Tucson foundation Potoff Private Philanthropy recently contributed $1 million to the Pima Joint Technical Education District to support their skills-based training model. PimaJTED works with 14 public school districts to offer technical and career-based training to high school students with no tuition fees. Students in PimaJTED programs can earn high school credit, and in some cases, college credit, industry certifications, and/or state licenses.

“We can do a better job explaining to our kids the financial realities of paying for a college education can mean a lifetime of debt that can interfere with other life goals like owning a home and having a family,” said Bill Westcott, executive director of Potoff Private Philanthropy. “Obtaining a skills certificate in high school can be a way for the student to gain maturity and earn income to reduce the overall debt burden and time commitment of acquiring a postsecondary education.”

In addition to this initial donation, Potoff Private Philanthropy has committed to invest “millions more dollars” over the next five years.

PimaJTED offers classes such as aviation technology, HVAC, healthcare technician, construction, cosmetology, graphic design, welding and more.

Participating districts include Catalina Foothills, Marana, Tucson, Sahuarita, Sunnyside, Vail, Nogales and more.

4

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

MARCH 25, 2022

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

EMAIL YOUR REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS TO JEFF@TUCSONLOCALMEDIA.COM

Northside shopping center sells for $14M Jeff Gardner

Inside Tucson Business

I

n early February, real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield announced the sale of the Tucson Fiesta Shopping Center, which houses a PGA Tour Superstore, Burlington Coat Factory, and Bob’s Discount Furniture. The shopping center, located at the corner of Oracle and Limberlost, was sold to Idaho-based Alturas Real Estate Funds for $14. 6 million.

In addition to the three anchors, the 93,005-squarefoot shopping center also contains multiple fast food buildings. Cushman & Wakefield’s Chris Hollenbeck represented the buyer in the transaction.

“Tucson Fiesta was a very attractive investment acquisition with a super tenancy of well-established, high quality brands and a desirable location along heavily trafficked Oracle Road and across the street from the premier dining and entertainment district of Tucson,” Hollenbeck said in a press release. “Buyers from across the country remain drawn to commercial properties in Arizona.”

Although brick-and-mortar retail stores continue to struggle across the United States with the rise of online shopping, the rapidly increasing rents of Tucson are enough to counteract those

struggles from a real estate buyer’s perspective. The Tucson Fiesta Shopping Center is one of multiple multi-million-dollar retail sales in the Tucson area this year.

SALES LJN PROPERTIES, LLC purchased 6,389 square feet of retail space at 151 W. Esperanza Blvd. in Green Valley, from JPMorgan Chase Bank NA for $1.1 million. Dave Hammack, Principal, Retail Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the seller in this transaction. Zdravko Manov with GILE Healthcare Real Estate, represented the buyer.

Blockhouse Holdings, LLC purchased 4141 E. Lee St. in Tucson. Dawn Mobile Home Park, a 25-unit property, was purchased from Dawn MH Park, LLC for $1,030,000. Allan Mendelsberg, Principal, and Conrad Joey Martinez, Multifamily Specialists with

T and T Motivators, L.L.C. renewed their lease with Pegasus Tucson Owner LLC for 2,400 square feet of office space at Midway Business Park, 4500 E. Speedway Blvd., suite 31-32 in Tucson. Paul Hooker, SIOR, Principal, Andrew Keim, and Molly Mary Gilbert with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Courtesy photo Intech Aviation Services, LLC renewed their lease Tin Cup Properties, Cushman & Wakefield | with Pegasus Tucson Owner LLC, purchased 3,315 PICOR, represented both LLC for 2,314 square feet of square feet of industrial parties in this transaction. industrial space at Midpoint space located at 2620-2622 Business Plaza, 3949 E. Rillito Internal Medicine, LLC purchased 3,031 S. Alvernon Way in Tucson. 29th St., Suite 710-711 in square feet of office space at The single-tenant industri- Tucson. Paul Hooker, SIOR, Tucson Medical Park, 2330 al property was purchased Principal, Andrew Keim, N. Rosemont Blvd., Unit B from Myron R. Stoeckman, and Molly Mary Gilbert Trustee Under the Georgia with Cushman & Wakefield in Tucson, from Clyde M. Robinson III, Trustee of the A. Stoeckman Family Living | PICOR, represented the Trust, for $215,000. Ron Clyde M. Robinson Revolandlord in this transaction. cable Trust for $500,000. Zimmerman, Principal, and Silver State Refrigeration Industrial Specialist with Thomas J. Nieman, & HVAC, LLC renewed Principal, Office Specialist Cushman & Wakefield | PI- their lease with Pegasus with Cushman & Wakefield COR, represented the seller Tucson Owner LLC for in this transaction. | PICOR, represented the 2,120 square feet of inBenson Hospital purseller in this transaction. dustrial space at Ruthrauff David Montijo with CBRE, chased a 4,781-square-foot Commerce Center, 2420 W. medical office building Tucson, represented the Ruthrauff Road, suite 120 in located at 300 S. Ocotillo buyer.

Tucson. Paul Hooker, SIOR, Gols Technologies, LLC, Ave. in Benson, AZ. The Principal, Andrew Keim, purchased 7,150 square feet medical office property was and Molly Mary Gilbert purchased from Progresof industrial space located with Cushman & Wakefield at 4765 S. Tennessee Place sive Healthcare Group, | PICOR, represented the in Tucson. The single-ten- Inc. Richard M. Kleiner, landlord in this transaction.

MBA, Principal, and Office ant industrial property The D.M. Caldwell CorSpecialist with Cushman was purchased from BJB, poration renewed their lease & Wakefield | PICOR, LLC for $425,000. Ron with Pegasus Tucson Owner Zimmerman, Principal, and represented the buyer in this LLC for 1,440 square feet of transaction.

Industrial Specialist with industrial space at Exchange Cushman & Wakefield | PIPlace, 1870 W. Prince Road, COR, represented the seller LEASES Suite 26 in Tucson. Paul in this transaction.

Hooker, SIOR, Principal,

Andrew Keim, and Molly Mary Gilbert with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Arizona Pool Restorations, Inc. renewed their lease with Pegasus Tucson Owner LLC for 1,440 square feet of industrial space at Exchange Place, 1870 W. Prince Road, suite B-18 in Tucson. Paul Hooker, SIOR, Principal, Andrew Keim, and Molly Mary Gilbert with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Hot Bamboo LLC renewed their lease with Pegasus Tucson Owner LLC for 1,200 square feet of industrial space at Town Central Business Park, 4951 E. 29th St. in Tucson. Paul Hooker, SIOR, Principal, Andrew Keim, and Molly Mary Gilbert with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Connected AZ LLC leased 1,200 square feet of office space at Clairemont Plaza, 1684 S. Research Loop, Suite 522 in Tucson, from Pegasus Tucson Owner LLC. Agents with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR handled this transaction. Paul Hooker, SIOR, Principal, and Andrew Keim, Industrial Specialists, represented the landlord. Molly Mary Gilbert, Office Specialist, Continued on P11

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

MARCH 25, 2022

5

Guest Commentary: A real estate market like no other Randy Rogers

Special to Inside Tucson Business

I

n 2020 as COVID started to change the world, real estate became one of the fastest growing industries. According to the National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun, “real estate has been a positive surprise in this difficult market.”

The surge of REALTORS® in the business and the buzzing of the market was soon obvious as it trickled into the Tucson Association of REALTORS® (TAR).

TAR’s membership grew from 6,400 in 2020 to now with over 6,500 members today. Jodi Koch, 2022 President of TAR, marveled that “in all my years as a member of the Association, I have never seen anything like it in terms of the demand in the market and the interest in membership. TAR has done an amazing job with moving with these uncertain times and making them beneficial for us REALTORS® to do our business.”

In 2021, TAR celebrated its 100th birthday. Historically, the association has always looked at ways to better serve its members and partner on a local level with the community.

For its members, TAR’s purpose is to “Champion real estate and strengthen the success of those we serve.”

Through committees, membership events, professional development, a mid-town membership office open for members to do their work, state of the art facilities for education and events offered in-person and through Zoom, TAR continues to be relevant for the ever-growing business.

For the community, TAR is not slowing down.

REALTORS® GIVE BACK Over the past ten years the Tucson REALTORS® Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which makes funds available to organizations through a grant application process from donations by its REALTOR® and Affiliate members and friends, has donated over $300,000 in grant money to local charities. In 2021, grant recipients included Care Fund, Casa de los Ninos, Habitat for Humanity, Youth on Their Own and Arizona Theater Company. The list continues and the plans for 2022 are hefty in fundraising and events

open to both association members and the community. Giving back is at the foundation and REALTORS® core. Not only are they experts in building relationships, but they know where they live, they know the impact of giving back and they want to help make our community thrive. The foundation board is already busy at work looking at new ways to engage, fundraise and build upon the previous years’ successes, including such events as the ever-popular annual Veteran’s Day Golf Tournament which sold-out for the first time in history in 2021.

The tournament’s fundraising efforts helped support the Women Warriors of Tucson, a local non-profit that gives back to women veterans.

REALTORS® and Advocacy REALTORS® remains an influence in industry related advocacy. One of the most effective tools for REALTORS® making a difference in industry related politics is through the REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RAPAC).

Earlier in the month TAR hosted an Advocacy Forum lead by its 2022 committee.

Guest speakers includ-

ed Liza Morales on city staff with the Housing Affordability Strategy for Tucson (HAST), Blythe Edmondson, Landlord, tenant, and real estate attorney, Ben Buehler-Garcia, Arizona Multihousing Association, Morgan Abraham, REALTOR®, housing provider and developer, and AZ Representative District 10, Matt Contorelli, Arizona REALTORS® Government Affairs Director Denise Holliday, Landlord tenant attorney in Phoenix. With over 100 attendees, and lots of input from the

audience, the plans are already in the works for the second forum.

Looking ahead As an association, TAR began 2022 with a community build with Habitat for Humanity; was presenting sponsor of the Ft. Lowell Soccer Shoot-out; is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross at the TAR location; and is the presenting sponsor for the spring Oro Valley Chamber Economic Outlook. TAR knows the benefits to giving back locally and strives

to continue to partner with the community.

There are countless ways for members to become involved through committees and fundraising. TAR has so much to offer to our members, the industry and the community. These are showcased both in the work we do and on our website. This website can be viewed at tucsonrealtors.org ITB Randy Rogers, CEO of the Tucson Association of REALTORS, Tucson REALTORS® Charitable Foundation and the Multiple Listing Service of Southern Arizona

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INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

MARCH 25, 2022

LEGALPERSPECTIVE Continued from P2

tool is doing and the underlying bases for its algorithms and analytics. Such programs can conceptually accomplish more than a human overseer could in a fraction of the time and resources they would take, and, most importantly, would hold AI users accountable to applicable law.

California has already proposed a statute called the Automated Decision Systems Accountability Act, which provides that state agencies using AI need to develop algorithms that minimize the risk of adverse and discriminatory impacts from resulting decisions. Other states are likely to follow. Similarly,

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York has offered a bill in the U.S. Senate that would create a federal agency that would, among other things, be responsible for conducting impact assessments for AI that uses consumers’ personal data Involve attorneys in AI development It would be unfortunate to spend considerable money and effort to develop AI to create a competitive advantage only to be later fined by a government agency or sued by a customer for failing to comply with legal requirements.

This outcome can be averted by including a lawyer during the AI development process to establish the AI

includes and accounts for such legal requirements in determining its analytics.

Most companies already include attorneys as part of teams convened to make critical decisions. Developing AI should be no different and may save a company considerable loss, both in potential fines and harm to its reputation.

Todd Kartchner is an attorney with Fennemore where he focuses his practice in the areas of data privacy, telecommunications, cybersecurity, intellectual property, blockchain and cryptocurrency law.

He oversees litigation throughout the firm. In 2020, Todd was recognized by SuperLawyers as one of the top 50 attorneys in Arizona.

Reach Todd at tkartchner@fennemorelaw.com.

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Arizona’s public universities lift mask mandates under new CDC guidelines Endia Fontanez Cronkite News

T

he University of Arizona will lift its indoor mask requirement for students, faculty and visitors beginning March 21, following similar moves by Arizona’s other two public universities.

Northern Arizona University stopped requiring masks on campus on March 7, and Arizona State did the same beginning Monday. The protocol changes came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidelines on Feb. 25, stating that masks may no longer be necessary in U.S. counties with medium to low transmission rates. Maricopa, Pima and Coconino counties currently are at medium risk of transmission.

UArizona President Robert Robbins said during a weekly briefing Monday that the university waited until March 21 to lift its mask requirement so that students and faculty would have a week to monitor their health after spring break travel, to avoid another spike in cases.

“As these changes go into place, I want to again emphasize the vital importance of compassion for one another, especially for those who are most vulnerable to this still deadly virus,” Robbins said. “Fellow members of

our community might ask you to wear a mask when near them in a classroom, office or meeting space. I ask that you respect their needs and be mindful that others have varying levels of risk from COVID 19.”

Arizona never had a statewide mask mandate.

Gov. Doug Ducey tried to restrict local governments and schools from instituting them but was hindered by the courts. With the recent drastic drop in cases and deaths, combined with the updated CDC recommendations, schools and cities that had mandates are lifting them.

The Arizona Department of Health Services website reports that as of March 9, there were 6,549 new cases across the state, compared with nearly 150,000 a week at the peak of the pandemic in January,, propelled by the omicron variant. Since the pandemic was declared in March 2020, nearly 2 million COVID-19 cases have been reported in Arizona.

Phoenix lifted its indoor mask requirement Feb. 28 following the updated CDC guidance.

Exceptions exist at Sky Harbor International Airport and on airplanes, on Valley Metro buses and light rail, and at Municipal Court.

The CDC still recommends that those who are immunocompromised or at high risk for illness wear masks in areas of medium risk of transmission.

All three state public universities still will require masks on public transportation, such as campus shuttles, at testing and vaccination sites or other campus health services, and in areas that already required personal protective equipment before the pandemic began.

UArizona reported Monday that as of March 11, the percent positive rate for COVID-19 testing at the university was about 1% in the past 10 days. This is down from the overall 4.1% positivity rate at the university since August.

The university reported that 80.7% of eligible Pima County residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, compared with 71.8% in the state overall.

Although masks are no longer required on campus for now, university officials reiterated that the guidance may change again as the CDC continues to monitor the pandemic and make changes as necessary.

“There’s still opportunity for other mutations to occur and variants to come out that could set us back. We’re certainly hoping that doesn’t happen,” said Dr. Richard Carmona, Distinguished Professor of public health at UArizona and a former U.S. surgeon general.

“But our scientists are monitoring this all the time with sequencing to make sure that nothing emerges.” ITB

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

MARCH 25, 2022

Child tax credit to military pensions: What to know about filing for your tax refund this year Sara Edwards Cronkite News

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ax season will look a little different this year, from normal deadlines to IRS staffing shortages that could delay refunds. But help is available for the tax-phobic, and it’s free for those who qualify.

Unlike the previous two tax years, when the filing deadline was delayed because of COVID-19, the due date for federal and state tax filings is back to mid-April.

The normal tax filing deadline is April 15, a Friday, but because the District of Columbia will observe Emancipation Day that day, 2021 taxes are due April 18, said Rory Wilson, tax policy lead counsel for the Arizona Department of Revenue.

“The (2020) due date got pushed back to July 15, and then the following year we had the deadline pushed back to May 17, so we are finally back to what we call ‘normal due day,’” he said.

The IRS expects to receive about 3.4 million individual income tax returns in Arizona, and it is projecting that 300,000 Arizonans will file for a six-month extension.

“The IRS strongly encourages taxpayers to prepare accordingly this filing season,” said Yvi Serbones Hernandez, an IRS spokesperson. “They should also file electronically and choose direct

deposit for a faster refund and visit Where’s My Refund on IRS.gov to check their refund status after they file.”

As of Feb. 18, Hernandez said, the IRS has delivered more than 22 million refunds worth more than $78 million, with the average refund being $3,536. She also said 9 out of 10 taxpayers can expect to receive their refund within 21 days if they file electronically and have direct deposit.

Wilson said there are many factors that make this tax filing season different – from a backlog of cases to staff shortages – that could lead to delays in dispersing tax returns.

The business group Government Executive said the staffing shortages are so great that in the “first half of 2021, the IRS had one employee for every 16,000 calls that came in.”

“Arizona doesn’t have that same backlog, but to that extent, you can e-file because it’s definitely much faster to get your refund that way,” Wilson said. “What we found in looking at the data is if you’re expecting a tax refund, if you use e-file, you’ll get your refund six times faster.”

Child tax credit, stimulus checks add wrinkles The American Rescue Plan added some temporary changes to the child tax credit, such as increasing the amount of

the money taxpayers can receive, making the credit available for qualifying children who turn 17 in 2021, making the credit fully refundable for most taxpayers and allowing multiple taxpayers to receive half of the estimated 2021 credit in advance, according to the IRS. Before 2021, the tax credit was worth up to $2,000 per child with the refundable limit to $1,400. The IRS said the new law increases the credit up to $3,000 per child ages 6 to 17 and $3,600 per child 5 or younger.

Taxpayers who received an advance child tax credit should have received a letter from the IRS in January with “the total amount of the 2021 advance Child Tax Credit payments issued and the number of qualifying children used to calculate their advanced payment,” according to the Tax Time Guide. The same goes for stimulus checks.

People eligible for stimulus checks who already received their third one shouldn’t include information about it when they file 2021 taxes, but others could be eligible for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, which could reduce taxes owed for 2021.

Taxpayers can find the total amount of their third stimulus check through their online IRS account, or wait until they receive an official letter.

Changes involve small businesses, military pensions Taxes at the state level have a few changes for some filers. One of the bigger changes, Wilson said, regards small business income tax.

According to the state Department of Revenue, this “allows individual taxpayers to elect to have their ‘Arizona small business adjusted gross income’ removed from their regular individual income tax return and taxed on a separate ‘Arizona small business income tax return.’”

Wilson said this is also the first year that all mili-

tary pensions for Arizona veterans are totally excluded from taxation.

“Historically, military taxpayers got a $2,500 subtraction,” Wilson said.

“In more recent years, it increased to $3,500, and, for the first time ever, this starts with the 2021 tax year to file in 2022 with a 100% exclusion, so that’s a really big benefit.”

Other changes are related to AZ529 Education Plans and the American Rescue Plan, Wilson said.

AZ529 plans are “state-sponsored savings plans designed to provide a parent, grandparent or future student an opportunity to save for

7

educational expenses in a tax-deferred manner,” according to the Arizona Department of Administration Benefits. In previous years, these plans would allow taxpayers to contribute $2,000 for single filers and $4,000 for those who are married filing jointly. Now, Wilson said, those caps apply per beneficiary.

Under the American Rescue Plan, passed

by Congress last year, the federal government excluded unemployment income of up to $10,200 for those who make less than $150,000. Wilson Continued on P12

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8

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

MARCH 25, 2022

TECH TALK

Transportation Technology and the Optics Valley Jeff Gardner

Inside Tucson Business

W

ith a major research university right in our backyard, a strong military presence and innovative companies throughout the metro region, there’s often a plethora of interesting science, medical and technology news to be found in Southern Arizona.

Here’s a breakdown of the most interesting recent developments.

Transportation Technology. From self-driving cars to solar-powered go-karts, the

University of Arizona has a history of working on the cutting edge of transportation. Now, they’re making it official with the creation of the Center for Applied Transportation Sciences. The new center has already secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding from both the state and the county to improve transportation systems, with a focus on “smart cities.”

“We want to use data to measure demand in the region so we can make recommendations about how people can adjust their travel behaviors,” said center director Yao-Jan Wu, an associate professor of civil and architectural

engineering and mechanics at the UA. “Our goal is to combine emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence with existing multimodal infrastructure to make traffic move more efficiently.”

But what exactly do they mean by “smart cities” and efficient traffic? UA researchers are monitoring traffic patterns, freight management, stop lights and emergency responders for a better understanding of how to reduce congestion. For instance, Wu argues Arizona’s roadways have greater capacity than is realized, and rather than building new infrastructure, researchers plan to develop strategies for

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using the existing resources more wisely.

“We are fortunate to have this collaborative relationship with CATS to evaluate and implement transportation management strategies through the use of modern technology,” said Pima County Director of Transportation Ana Olivares. “The vast research resources, and transportation knowlTucson Local Media file photo edge and experience of CATS staff will be used to The University of Arizona has announced a new research center to better advance smart transporunderstand and mitigate traffic problems. tation.”

The center’s creation comes after the federal problems at a fraction of to attract when we first government passed the the cost of conventional conceived of the Sahuarita Infrastructure Investmethods.”

Advanced Manufacturing ment and Jobs Act, which and Technology Center,” authorizes $50 million International said Sahuarita mayor Tom a year for five years for Lasers. A Scotland-based Murphy. “It’s a huge win transportation research. laser company recentfor our community.”

And it’s a topic increasly announced plans to According to a release ingly discussed. A 2019 expand operations in from the town of Sahua“Mobility Report” from Sahuarita south of Tucson. rita, PowerPhotonic’s US the University of Texas PowerPhotonic, which expansion will allow it to at Austin found that the designs and manufacbetter support customers average U.S. commuter tures advanced lasers and in the defense sector, who spent nearly twice as much optical systems, has signed require U.S.-based design time sitting in city traffic a long-term lease for man- and manufacturing of key in 2017 as compared to ufacturing facilities in the high technology compo1987.

Sahuarita Advanced Mannents and modules.

“This partnership will ufacturing and Technology “I am delighted to anallow the city to tap the Center, the company’s first nounce this very signifiknowledge of academUS manufacturing facility. cant milestone for Poweric professionals in the Established in 2004, Photonic on our journey region, nation and world,” PowerPhotonic designs of rapid expansion into said Blake Richards, inter- and manufactures “laser the U.S. market,” said im deputy director of the beam shaping and other PowerPhotonic founder Department of Transbeam corrector optics” for and CEO Roy McBride. portation and Mobility defense, industrial, medi- “Our U.S. customer base for the City of Tucson. cal and cinema markets. is keen to see PowerPho“These types of partner“We’re excited to see a tonic establish a strong ship opportunities are global leader like PowU.S. presence and Southrare for local government erPhotonic expanding ern Arizona is an excellent agencies, so we are proud their operations and choice for an advanced to be a partner. This new choosing to establish their optics company because of organization will assist our new facility in Sahuarita. the strong optics commudepartment in applying This is exactly the kind of nity in the region.” ITB solutions to real-world business we were looking

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

MARCH 25, 2022

A year later, city officials call American Rescue Plan aid a lifesaver Reagan Priest Cronkite News

P

resident Joe Biden came to the National League of Cities conference here this week to tout the success of the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package approved last March.

It was not a tough sell.

Many were like Mesa Mayor John Giles who said the billions that went to local governments “has given us the resources needed to develop programs and initiatives to continue to address homelessness, fight food insecurity, bridge the digital divide and strengthen our small businesses as they rebound.”

Besides tax credits, rental assistance and expanded jobless benefits, the plan directed $130 billion to county and city governments, with 24 Arizona cities getting just over $1 billion, according to the Treasury Department. That ranged from $4.3 million for Douglas to $396.1 million for Phoenix.

“I urge you all to use the flexibility we built into the law to spend these funds wisely: to reduce violence in your communities,” Biden said during a nearly half-hour speech Monday to a cheering audience.

“To address homelessness and affordable housing … to expand high-speed

Internet … or to train people for good-paying jobs.”

Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said his city was able to use funds from the program to buy a Rodeway Inn that it converted into a shelter with the capacity to house 40 homeless people.

“Imagine if you’re unhoused and living on the street and how seriously challenging that time was,” Woods said at the conference Tuesday. “So the fact that we were able to purchase that motel was really big in terms of helping 40 people to get off the street and begin the process of turning their lives around and getting them the services they need.”

The Rodeway Inn project used $3.5 million of the $45.8 million in American Rescue Plan funds the city got. Tempe Councilmember Jennifer Adams said the city has not yet determined where the rest of the money will go.

Mesa City Councilmember David Luna said his city also plans to use some of the $105.5 million it received on efforts to combat homelessness in the city.

“We are going to be using some of those funds to provide relief in providing housing opportunities, as well as direct services to our homeless and providing some wraparound services, working with our nonprofits,” Luna said.

The plan included $350 billion for state and local

governments, but Biden said it intentionally sent $130 billion “straight to local governments.”

“A big part of the reason we’re so successful is because the Rescue Plan went directly to you without having to pass ‘Go,’ without having to go to the statehouses,” said Biden, who credited local officials for best understanding the needs of their communities.

Adams praised the administration for the funding, but emphasized that more money would help cities as they work to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID hit us hard and we have a lot of residents that are in need, and you can never have too much money when you are a city government, because the needs always, always exceed what the money is,” she said.

Giles echoed Adams’ sentiments about the toll COVID took on cities.

“During the height of the pandemic, the City of Mesa became a food bank and many of our staff became skilled community service providers,” he said in a prepared statement.

“We learned so much through those experiences.”

Luna, Adams, Giles and Woods were among almost 100 local Arizona leaders who attended the three-day conference, which hosted about 2,000 municipal leaders from

across the country. Besides sessions on infrastructure, broadband connection, technology and more, attendees heard from Biden Cabinet members and were able to lobby their members of Congress.

“I plan on taking all of the information that I’m learning as a result of being here through the sessions or having conversations with colleagues and really taking pieces of that back to continue to help to improve the city of Tempe,” Woods said.

“I keep thinking that the future is going to be extremely bright under this president and all the work that he’s doing,” he said.

For many it was one of the first in-person conferences since the pandemic began in March 2020.

Luna said that ability to meet with peers face-toface in the nation’s capital, to network and share ideas with leaders from other cities, is invaluable.

“As politicians, we tend to want to hug and embrace each other,” Luna said. “This gives us the opportunity to do that, very limited, because we still have to wear our masks, but it was great to see each other’s faces, and to have that camaraderie that we haven’t been able to have for the last two years.” ITB For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs. org.

Marana Chamber Workforce Development Luncheon: Employee Recruitment & Retention The Marana Chamber is presenting the second in a series on Workforce Development Luncheons on March 30th from 11:30 to 1 pm. It is the hope of the Marana Chamber of Commerce that this luncheon will be a resource and a catalyst for collaboration of businesses to solve their own and the community’s obstacles in workforce development, specifically in employee recruitment and retention. We will be hearing the best strategies and resources that our expert speakers and panelists will share regarding their businesses and industry, plus the unique or most recent challenges that they are working to solve.

Evelyn Wright, Workforce Development Specialist at Pima County One-Stop will present an overview and impact trends for our community. Our Moderator, Kerry Barrette, Vice President of Human Resources at CTI, Inc., and the Co-Director of Programs for the Greater Tucson Chapter of SHRM will conduct an interactive panel discussion with our presenting experts. Our allstar panel will discuss the stats, trends, successful (and not so successful) strategies and planning, current challenges, untapped resources, solutions, and more!

Hear from Mike Goodwin with Climatec and ABA, Martin Lopez, Owner, Omni Pool Builders & Design, LLC., Ruhi Acuña, HR Business Partner FLSmidth Inc., Rob Sandner, District Manager ADP Total Source, Oscar Diaz, HIA | Vice President of Business Development.

Join us at The Highlands at Dove Mountain to learn more about the current issues affecting our business community.

4949 W Heritage Club Blvd, Marana, AZ 85658.

For registration, please email info@maranachamber. com, call 520.682.4314 or go to https://members.maranachamber.com/events/calendar/

9

10

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

MARCH 25, 2022

UA scientists contribute to new international climate report warning of increasing peril Jeff Gardner

Inside Tucson Business

F

ew places in the world are quite like the Sonoran Desert, but according to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, it might not be so unique in the coming years.

The report’s forecast: Increased temperatures and drought pose a risk to every continent, including to roughly 3.5 billion people who live in areas that are highly vulnerable to climate change.

The IPCC report, released every six years, is a major international collaboration of hundreds of scientists.

The reports examine the impacts, mitigation strategies and physical evidence of climate change in regions across the world. Two faculty members from the University of Arizona worked on the sixth annual report, released in February 2022, to assess the “vulnerability of socio-economic and natural systems to climate change.”

Carolyn Enquist, an adjunct faculty member with the UA’s School of Natural Resources and the Environment, is a lead author for the North America chap-

ter of the report. Her work focuses on climate change’s impact on ecosystems and adaptation.

Enquist said the goal of the report is not to conduct new research, but to provide an update and expert assessment of new information available since the last report.

“In terms of impact, our work focused on the rapid transformation of ecosystems. We’re seeing die-back and loss of regeneration in some places, like forests.

What has really accelerated are these large, high-severity wildfires that have accelerated the transformation of ecosystems that were already underway,” Enquist said.

“Last report, we saw numerous mortality events in our forests linked to drought stress, pests and pathogens overwhelming species’ innate capacity to adapt. And this time, we’re seeing that, with these wildfires, particularly in the Western U.S. and Western Canada.”

The report states with high confidence that in the Sonoran Desert, there will be further reduced vegetation and rainfall alongside increased temperatures and wildfires.

For instance, Enquist said 2020’s Bighorn Fire was an example of these dangerous changes

coming together. The Bighorn Fire burned more than 100,000 acres across the Catalina Mountains, fueled by drought, invasive grasses and build-up of fuels from fire suppression.

“It’s really unprecedented in some ways.

These extreme fires are not what we’re prepared to fight, so it puts a lot of lives, property and ecosystems at risk,” Enquist said. “So you have this vicious circle that we’re seeing now, with multiple synergistic events that really challenge our ability to adapt effectively. So we’re looking at adaptation in conjunction with mitigation. We need the two, because we can only adapt so much to climate change that is already in the system. There’s this multi-pronged approach we need.”

The report also states that climate change impacts and risks are becoming increasingly complex and more difficult to manage.

Multiple climate hazards will occur simultaneously, and multiple risks will interact, resulting in compounding overall risk and risks cascading across sectors and regions.

The 3,000+ page report discusses much more than the blunt facts of increased tem-

peratures and environmental stress. Chapters also cover the changing culture around climate action, the inequality of climate change impacts, developing human systems for a more resilient climate and more.

“What we really found was that the federal government started to step back, and the cities have really stepped up.

There’s lots of action and activity in cities across North America, leading the charge on climate adaptation in recent years,” Enquist said. “This report also finally acknowledged the contribution of Indigenous knowledge to climate adaptation, and what we as Western scientists can learn and share with our Indigenous partners… We have such a rich cultural heritage in the Southwest with Indigenous knowledge, and we need to bring all our tools, not only for survival, but to thrive.”

UA Regents Professor in the School of Geography, Development and Environment Diana Liverman served as a review editor for the report’s final chapter on climate resilience development.

“This report confirms that even at the 1.1 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit) global warming already

Courtesy photo

July 2020 was the hottest month ever recorded in Tucson, only to be beaten by August 2020.

observed, we are seeing dangerous impacts on lives and ecosystems, with increasing losses of life and species projected if we continue to heat the planet,” Liverman said in a prepared statement. “These impacts are exacerbated by poverty, land use change and oppressions that make many people and places more vulnerable.”

Anthropogenic climate change remains a needlessly political topic in the face of evidence.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, the warmest six years on record have all been since 2015, with 2016, 2019 and 2020 being the top three.

NASA, the American Chemical Society, the American Medical Association, the Geological Society of America and many more agree that “human activities are

the primary cause of the observed climate-warming trend over the past century.”

“The jury is no longer out on the human role in climate change,” Enquist said. “Our conclusion was that we need all hands on deck and we need to be moving from an incremental approach to adaptation, to something that looks more transitional, that we can do faster and more efficiently. Individuals play a role, but governments absolutely do.

People do have power to affect what’s going on around them. Numbers can make a difference.

We should all be working together as North Americans and bringing different things to the table. No one entity can do it alone.” ITB For more information, visit ipcc.ch

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

MARCH 25, 2022

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION Continued from P4

represented the tenant Settled Nomads Interiors leased 1,047 square feet of retail space at 219 N. 3rd Ave., Suite 2 in Tucson, from Iron Partners, LLC. The premise will be used as a home interior retail shop, real estate broker/ agent office, and interior design firm. Andy Seleznov, CCIM, Retail Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented both parties in this transaction.

Create Your Space With Class, LLC renewed their lease with Pegasus Tucson Owner LLC for 680 square feet of industrial space at Ruthrauff Commerce Center, 2430 W. Ruthrauff Rd., Suite 134 in Tucson. Paul Hooker, SIOR, Principal, Andrew Keim, and Molly Mary Gilbert with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

PrimadonnaLux leased 7,432 square feet of industrial space at Clairemont Plaza, 1668 S. Research Loop, Suite 332 in Tucson, from Pegasus Tucson Owner LLC. Paul Hooker, SIOR, Principal, and Andrew Keim, Industrial Specialists with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Level 5 Companies LLC leased 4,828 square feet of industrial space at 5990 S. Country Club Rd., Suite 160 in Tucson, from EastGroup Properties, LP. Robert C. Glaser, SIOR,

CCIM, Principal, Industrial Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this Transaction. Tom Ellixson with Menlo Group Commercial Real Estate represented the tenant.

Inked Goddess Creations LLC leased 4,560 square feet of industrial space at Clairemont Plaza, 1674 S. Research Loop, Suite 430 in Tucson, from Pegasus Tucson Owner LLC. Paul Hooker, SIOR, Principal, and Andrew Keim, Industrial Specialists with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Michael Coretz with Commercial Real Estate Group of Tucson LLC, represented the tenant Santana On The Move LLC leased 3,000 square feet of industrial space, at Tucson Industrial Center, 4151 E. Tennessee St., Suite 231 in Tucson, from Tic Tac Properties, LLC. Cintya Denisse Angulo Garcia, Commercial Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Karlus Owagoke renewed their lease with Pegasus Tucson Owner LLC for 2,954 square feet of retail space, at Midpoint Business Plaza, 3949 E. 29th St., suite 701705 in Tucson. Paul Hooker, SIOR, Principal, and Andrew Keim, Industrial Specialists with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Nationwide Vision

Center, LLC, renewed their lease with Blue Hat, LLC, for 2,400 square feet of retail space located in Santa Cruz Plaza, 3788 S. 16th Ave., Suites F-02 and F-03 in Tucson. Greg Furrier, Principal, and Retail Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction. Stewart Yates with Colliers International, represented the tenant.

Proper Villains leased 2,233 square feet of office space at Williams Centre, 310 S. Williams Blvd., suite 315 in Tucson, from DHS Property Investments, Ltd. Partnership.

Ryan McGregor, Office Specialists, and Thomas J. Nieman, Principal with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Unified Women’s Healthcare, LP, leased 1,970 square feet of office space, located at 4600 S. Park Ave., Suite 6B in Tucson, from Ohio Street Building No 2 Ltd., LLLP. Ryan McGregor and Robert C. Glaser, SIOR, CCIM, and Principal with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction. Julian Willetts and John Hamner, CCIM, with RE/MAX Excalibur, represented the tenant.

Sub in the Sun, LLC dba Jersey Mike’s leased 1,440 square feet of retail space at Spanish Trail Plaza, 9431 E. 22nd St., Suite 107 in Tucson, from 22nd Harrison, LLC. Greg Furrier,

Principal, Retail Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Benjamin Craney with NAI Horizon, Tucson, represented the tenant.

CertaPro Painters of East Tucson renewed their lease with Pegasus Tucson Owner LLC for 1,400 square feet of industrial space at Town Central Business Park, 5033 E. 29th St., in Tucson. Paul Hooker, SIOR, Principal, and Andrew Keim, Industrial Specialists with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Leonardo Garcia Sierra renewed their lease with Pegasus Tucson Owner LLC for 1,300 square feet of industrial space, at Ruthrauff Commerce Center, 2470 W. Ruthrauff Rd., Suite 100 in Tucson. Paul Hooker, SIOR, Principal, Andrew Keim, and Molly Mary Gilbert with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Princeton Vineyards, LLC, leased 1,200 square feet of retail space from

Sunrise & Kolb East, LLC, located in The Shops at Ventana, 6960 E. Sunrise Dr., Suite 160 in Tucson.

Dave Hammack, Principal, and Retail Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Precious Metals Refinery, LLC, dba PMR, leased 1,200 square feet of retail space from MA2, LLC, located in Silverbell Plaza, 2120 W. Grant Rd., in Tucson. Dave Hammack, Principal, and Retail Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Qilosophy LLC leased 1,120 square feet of office space at Broadway Midtown Plaza, 2530 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite H in Tucson, from LLJ Holdings, LLLP. Molly Mary Gilbert, and Ryan McGregor, Office Specialists with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Robert Munshower renewed their lease with Pegasus Tucson Owner LLC for 600 square feet

11

of industrial space at South Dodge Business Center, 3621 E. 44th St., Suite 9 in Tucson. Paul Hooker, SIOR, Principal, and Andrew Keim, Industrial Specialists with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

Tofel Dent Construction, LLC renewed their lease with Pegasus Tucson Owner LLC for 600 square feet of industrial space, at South Dodge Business Center, 3621 E. 44th St., Suite 8 in Tucson. Paul Hooker, SIOR, Principal, Andrew Keim, and Molly Mary Gilbert with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction.

George and Diana Rodriguez leased 529 square feet of office space at 4099 E. 22nd St., Suite 111, in Tucson, from Rinly R. Gecosala, MD, PC. Molly Mary Gilbert, Office Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction. Cameron Casey with Oxford Realty Advisors, represented the tenant.

Texas Instruments is looking for people to fill engineering positions working with semiconductor technologies. We are recruiting @ various education and experience levels.

Tucson, AZ: Apply for Job Using This Link: Analog Design Engineer: https://tinyurl.com/cm8zm82d Analog Design Manager: https://tinyurl.com/u9dtjpjc Digital Design Engineer: https://tinyurl.com/y5zv95pd Product Marketing Engineer: https://tinyurl.com/4kvx9z4w Analog Design Engineer: https://tinyurl.com/cm8zm82d Analog Design Manager: https://tinyurl.com/u9dtjpjc Digital Design Engineer: https://tinyurl.com/y5zv95pd Some positions may require travel.

Please send in resumes using the individual URL code for the position listed. EOE.

12

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

MARCH 25, 2022

OOROO Auto Offering ‘Happy Car Club’ Tax Credits Continued from P7

Jake O’Rourke

Special to Inside Tucson Business

W

e all know the dread that ensues once service lights illuminate the dashboard. Dealing with that stress and time led one local business to reimagine what an auto shop can be. And after nearly a decade in business, they’re still thinking of new ways to keep the community rolling.

OOROO is a full-service car care company founded in May 2014 by Jeff Artzi, who is also the CEO. The idea behind the company is to bring auto repair directly to the customer. With a call, a visit to the website or by using the mobile app, mechanics come to customers’ work, home or wherever is most convenient if the customer is unable to make it to one of the OOROO auto shops.

“OOROO is a reimagining of what an auto care experience should be,” Artzi said. “I tried to think about how we would do this if we did it from scratch—how we would rebuild the automotive experience both internally and, of course, for the consumer. The reviews that we’ve received on our website, the awards we’ve received, and the recognition are testament to the fact that we’re really making this happen. The whole experience is very different than you can find elsewhere.”

After opening their first location in Oro Valley, they expanded a second location to Green Valley in August 2020, a third to Vail in February 2022, and have offered the Happy Car Club since December 2021.

The Happy Car Club is a monthly subscription that covers oil changes, towing up to 10 miles, safety inspections, fluid changes and other yearly routine maintenances, making it convenient for drivers to know when their car needs servicing. From there, an appointment is scheduled to either have a mechanic go to the customer or for the customer to go to one of the OOROO auto shops.

“It offers all these awesome yearly routine maintenances that you should be doing on your vehicle anyway but just in a more convenient way so there’s no excuse, and it’s providing that ease and experience that we bring through the mobile services too,” said Savannah Ellwood,

community ambassador for OOROO. While the car club fits into OOROO’s larger mission, it is also in line with the growing “subscription economy” of the digital age. As such, the Happy Car Club also comes with a smartphone app.

However, the company strives to make sure OOROO doesn’t become just another one of many subscriptions clouding the bank statement.

“A lot of times, people sign up for subscriptions and then they don’t end up using the services they’ve signed up for,” said Lindsey Wiederstein, chief of staff for OOROO. “We’re really focused on reminding people to try and make it as easy as possible for them to utilize the service.”

Being locally owned, OOROO works with the Tucson community. They give back to the community and their customers through various programs, loyalty rewards, and community partnerships.

said 2020 Arizona returns still can be amended if filers were unemployed in 2020, to account for the exclusion of up to $10,200 for that year as well.

“Thousands of taxpayers may be unaware that they should have amended their 2020 Arizona return, so they should bring it up when they meet with their tax preparer to file their 2021 taxes due in 2022,” Courtesy photo Wilson said.

“If you don’t have all Joy Ride is one of the your information yet, file ways OOROO gives back. an extension. Arizona Started in 2016, the honors the federal exprogram involves commu- tension, and the federal nity members nominating extension pushes it out this someone in need of car year until Oct. 17.” care who may be down on Wilson also recommended consulting with a volunteer their luck or experienctax aid group, such as the ing financial instability.

Volunteer Income Tax AsA couple of winners are sociation (VITA) or AARP, selected every December, to help the filing process for and OOROO fixes as people who qualify. much as they can within their budget to support How to get free tax help those individuals and get them back on the road VITA is an IRS free-file safely. In addition to this service for taxpayers who program, OOROO Cares make $58,000 a year or and OOROO Gives Back less, have a disability or are programs that partner limited English-language with companies to give skills. Taxpayers can go to OOROO services to their their local VITA location employees. with all tax forms, where “We really are commit- a volunteer will file their ted to Tucson,” Artzi said. taxes and process their “We want to have a fourth return. store in Tucson and beAlan Floth, the VITA site come even more engaged coordinator at the Mesa in the community. It’s all Community College main about giving back howevcampus, has been helping er we can, whether that people file their taxes for means our bread-and-but- 12 years. He said most proter business of taking care fessional preparing services will do federal taxes for of people in their cars or free but charge for filing doing great work in the state taxes. But through community.” ITB

VITA, it’s all free.

“A lot of people who come to us are math-phobic, they’re tax-phobic, but (taxes) really aren’t that hard,” he said.

Floth said people think doing taxes is hard because of the different filing statuses and life situations, such as whether a filer is a head of household or qualified widower.

Taxpayers who want to file through VITA fill out a form listing all statuses, life events, income and expenses from the previous year, and, along with tax information on such forms as a W-2, 1099 or 1098, a volunteer will go line-by-line with them to verify all the information. If all the information is correct, the volunteer will take the taxes to a volunteer accountant, who will electronically file for state and federal taxes and await processing from the IRS. “You give us the documents, and we do the taxes from there,” Floth said.

Taxpayers who go through VITA need to bring all relevant tax paperwork and documents, a social security card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number and a picture ID. Luis Martinez has been filing his taxes through VITA since he started doing his own taxes three years ago. He said it’s better than trying to file them on his own because the volunteers make the process much easier for him.

“I really like how the volunteers assist you through the process,” he said.

“They’re very good about assisting you and telling you where to put what in the forms.” ITB For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

MARCH 25, 2022

13

ON THE MENU

Surrender to the inevitable at 4th Ave’s Portal Matt Russell

Special to Inside Tucson Business

W

ith mask mandates expiring, and many of us rightfully dragging our Zoom apps into the recycle bin, local businesses across Southern Arizona are celebrating what it means to be social again.

At Portal, an intimate cocktail bar located at 220 N. Fourth Ave., they are taking the idea of social rather seriously and that is a real boon for bar manager Breya Zur. “My team and I are a lot happier now that our guests can see our faces again,” said Zur. “Being social means that we can display our emotions while serving them, like giving vibes out and getting them back, and if our guests can see how proud we are of something that we have created, it gives them a special feeling of what hospitality is all about.”

This concept also extends to Zur’s cocktail menu, with a section devoted to the communal connection. Its occupants are what she calls “social bowls,” with nary a mention of distancing, which are cocktails intended to serve several “participants” that are presented to them in large vessels handmade by a local potter.

I guess it is a mark of maturity when you advance from simple patron to full-on participant in a

cocktail encounter.

One expression of Portal’s social story is the Swamp Thing, made with Midori melon liqueur, passionfruit, soda, Prosecco, and a purple Hawaiian yam known as ube that has the flavor profile of sugar cookies.

“This one has a social throwback vibe, especially with the Midori, that will put you right into a Studio 54 kind of mood,” she said.

Another social sipper is the Jupiter Bowl, with gin, coconut rum, Falernum, orgeat, passionfruit, hibiscus, lime, and pineapple. Before it is presented to participants, the drink is set on fire and sprinkled with cinnamon to produce a finishing spark.

“This is a fruity and floral cocktail that definitely gives off those big tiki and summer fun vibes,” she said.

This sounds great to me.

I will just have to remember to pack the cinnamon on my next trip to Maui.

These social bowls are designed to be enjoyed by three or more, served with individual straws matching the number of participants who will be sharing in their consumption. And to take them to even greater heights, CBD oil can be added, in either 17 mg or 34 mg doses, which Zur says may help to relieve muscle pain, soreness, and headaches.

For those who would rather fly solo, Portal features an impressive

line-up of cocktails made and served through more conventional means. Categories include Quickies, Porch Pounders, Nightcaps, Modern Classics, and Portal Cocktails.

Select beers, wines, spirits, and snacks are also available.

Guests are reportedly encouraged to “surrender to the inevitable” when they walk through Portal’s doors. So, what does that mean to Breya Zur? “For me, it means go ahead and give in, decide that you are going to have a good night,” she said. “If you are feeling anxious or stressed out about something, let it out and let it go.”

The pandemic served up anxiety and stress in spades, and it is good to know there is a place in town built on the importance of letting it all go. A place where the concept of social is part of its signature, where you can be a true participant in the culture they have created, and where a group of friends can simultaneously plunge their straws into a single cocktail and sip together in the spirit of solidarity. ITB Contact Matt Russell, whose day job is CEO of Russell Public Communications, at mrussell@ russellpublic.com. Russell is also the publisher of OnTheMenuLive. com as well as the host of the Friday Weekend Watch segment on the “Buckmaster Show” on KVOI 1030 AM.

Courtesy photo

Portal’s Jupiter Bowl, which contains gin, coconut rum, Falernum, orgeat, passionfruit, hibiscus, lime, and pineapple.

+ Join us at the next Chamber XChange—a members-only event where you can receive a chance to win a Southwest Airlines roundtrip ticket!

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MARCH 25, 2022

News and features for Tucson and Southern Arizona’s business and legal communities Chamber Chatter

Tucson’s momentum to spur success in 2021

1

Page 2 Jan. 15, 2021

InsideTucsonBusiness

Volume 29• Number 2

@AZBIZ

www.InsideTucsonBusiness.com

Chamber Chatter Engaging in the Political Process

Page 2 May 7, 2021

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

Local bars sue Pima County, saying they can’t survive COVID curfew

Pima County’s 2021 transportation projects

Nicole Ludden

Page 8

www.InsideTucsonBusiness.com

Chamber Chatter

Cyberinfrastructure, quantum sensing and pest eradication

Last Call?

@AZBIZ

Education Acceleration

TECH TALK

Feb. 12, 2021

InsideTucsonBusiness

Volume 29• Number 10

Nonprofit Perspective

Lessons learned from three years at the helm

Nonprofits still recovering from pandemic challenges

Page 2

Volume 29• Number 4

InsideTucsonBusiness

@AZBIZ

www.InsideTucsonBusiness.com

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TECH TALK

ROAD WORK Page 4 NEW BUSINESS

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CLOSED AND OPEN

Fourth Avenue restaurateurs see opening for opportunity

THIS YEAR’S NUMBERS Page 11Commercial

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2020’s Top Columns: Whiskey, meat boxes and, of course, COVID

real estate thriving despite pandemic

Austin Counts Inside Tucson Business / Page 8

www.InsideTucsonBusiness.com

Gardner Jeff Page 5

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COUNCILMAN RESIGNS

COBRA SUBSIDY

Mayor wants Uhlich to return as replacement

Understanding health care law changes

Page 10Putting an end-of-the-year spotlight on local nonprofits Staff Report

PUBLIC SERVICE

IN ACTION PEOPLE Financial trio donates to Gospel Rescue Mission

New promotions, hires and awards Page 3 6 Page

‘BUILT-TO-RENT’

New community planned for Rocking K Ranch southeast of Tucson

Page 4

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SEARCHING FOR SOLUTIONS

Colleges, universities and optics companies

Etherton Gallery to move locations after three decades Page 5

Commerical real estate brokers and management

LOGISTICS

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STRENGTHENED PARTNERSHIP

PEOPLE IN ACTION

Robots on campus and lasers in Oro Valley

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Page 4

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EQUITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Pima JTED balances hands-on learning in a virtual year

Building Momentum

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Engineering firms

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A Smartphone COVID Test and Virtual Science Fairs

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InsideTucsonBusiness

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Volume 29 • Number 26

Photo courtesy UA / NASA

Galactic Maps and Cancer Treatments

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Supply chain crisis continues

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Plaza Liquors and Fine WinesPEOPLE IN ACTION Still in business after 43 years

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ON THE MENU

Public relations and advertising agencies

Downtown cocktail lounges aim to make the season bright Page 20

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Volume 29• Number 10

InsideTucsonBusiness

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Chatter Workforce Chamber Local

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Arizona Sands Club reimagines UA stadium dining

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News and features for Tucson and Southern Arizona’s business and legal communities

InsideTucsonBusiness.com

BUSINESS CALENDAR Monday, March 28

• The Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce holds One-on-One Business • The Rotary Club of & Nonprofit Mentoring. DeMarana meets (weekly).

Details: 10 a.m.; Northwest tails: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; (520) Fire Dept., 5125 W. Camino 505-3636 to schedule an appointment; Free; tucsonde Fuego (in person first 3 Tuesdays of the month); via lgbtchamber.org.

• The Marana Chamber of Zoom (first 4 Tuesdays of Commerce host a business the month); maranarotary. connection luncheon for org or text 520-909- 9162 workforce development. for virtual meeting This is designed to be a information. resource and a catalyst for collaboration of businesses to solve their own and the community’s obstacles in • Southern Arizona SCORE workforce development and the Pima County specifically in employee Library offer a webinar recruitment and retention. specifically designed for Details: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. artists interested in making At The Highlands at Dove money from selling their art. Mountain. 4949 W. Heritage Details: 10 a.m. Free. south- Club Blvd. 520-682-4314 or ernarizona.score.org. maranachamber.com

Wednesday, March 30

EMAIL DETAILS FOR YOUR BIZ EVENTS TO SHERYL@TUCSONLOCALMEDIA.COM craving connection, seeking inspiration, and committed • The Oro Valley Chamto developing themselves. ber of Commerce holds Details: 3:30 p.m. $30 memtwo events today. A ribbon bers for $35 non-members. cutting for GAP Ministries UA Football Stadium, 565 new Campus of Hope grand N. Cherry Ave., 5th Floor; opening. Details: 9:30 a.m.

520-621-7674 or clubcorp.

2025 W. Highway Drive. com.

Free. They are also hosting a customer development event (a mixer) at Gateway • Oro Valley ToastMortgage. Details: 5 to 7 masters meets. Details: p.m. 10445 N. Oracle Rd. 6:15 p.m. (on Zoom); $5 for members and $10 for https://2854329.toastmasnon-members. orovalleytersclubs.org or 314-8008. chamber.com • Arizona Sands Club Send your biz events to calhosts their monthly Women endar editor Sheryl Kocher at Stepping Up series. These sheryl@tucsonlocalmedia.com. sessions are designed for women who are

Thursday, March 31

Monday, April 4

Making Life ! n o s Great in Tuc ®

520.762.4612 • GreatWesternBank.com

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

15

MARCH 25, 2022

School Districts in Southern Arizona Rank 2021 2020

Business Address

Phone School Email Website

No. of Students

Grade Levels No. of Offered Classroom Teachers

No. of Schools: Elementary/ Middle/High

Student / Location Teacher Ratio

Superintendant

Year Establ.

Locally

1

Amphitheater Unified School District 701 W. Wetmore Rd. Tucson, AZ 85705

(520) 696-5000 contactus@amphi.com www.amphi.com

14,000

PreK-12

794

22

18/1

Central - Northwest Tucson

Todd A. Jaeger

1893

2

Vail Unified School District 13801 E. Benson Hwy. Vail, AZ 85641

(520) 879-2000 cervantezl@vailschooldistrict.org vailschooldistrict.org

13,004

PreK-12

770.2

12/5/7

17:1

Vail

John Carruth

1903

3

Marana Unified School District 11279 W. Grier Rd. Marana, AZ 85653

(520) 682-3243 musd6@maranausd.org maranausd.org

12,200

PreK - 12

717.5

10 Elementary / 2 K-8 / 2 Middle / 3 High

N/A

Marana

Dr. Dan Streeter

1922

4

Sahuarita Unified School District 350 W. Sahuarita Rd. Sahuarita, AZ 85629

(520) 625-3502 suds30.us susd30.us

6,300

K-12

300

5/2/2

N/A

Sahuarita

Dr. Manuel O. Valenzuela

1934

5

Pima JTED Career and Technical Education District 2855 W. Master Pieces Dr. Tucson, AZ 85741

(520) 352-5833 N/A pimajted.org

2,400

10-12

48

N/A

N/A

Southern Arizona

Kathy Prather

2007

6

Tanque Verde Unified School District 2300 N. Tanque Verde Loop Rd., Bldg. 1 Tucson, AZ 85749

(520) 749-5751 cplace@tanq.org tanqueverdeschools.org

2,100

PreK-12

154

4

N/A

Northeast Tucson

Dr. Scott Hagerman

1886

Ranked by number of students Ranked information is provided by business representatives at no charge and is ranked alphabetically in case of ties. Other businesses were contacted but either declined or did not respond by deadline. There is no charge to be included in Inside Tucson Business listings.

N/A=not provided WND=would not disclose NL=not listed last year NR=listed last year but ranking criteria not provided

Private Elementary Schools Rank Business 2021 Address 2020

Phone School Email Website

No. of Students K-8

Grades Offered

1

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy 9500 N. Oracle Rd. Tucson, AZ 85704

2

No. of No. of Teachers Support K-8 Staff K-8

Yearly Tuition $

(520) 797-0107 kathy.elliott@prcak12.org www.prca.academy

386

DK-12

31

20

12298

Saints Peter & Paul School 1436 N. Campbell Ave. Tucson, AZ 85719

(520) 325-2431 croll@sspptucson.org sspptucson.org

350

N/A

27

12

6030.00

3

St Cyril Elementary School N/A N/A, N/A N/A

(520) 881-4240 N/A N/A

338

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

4

International School of Tucson 1701 E. Seneca St. Tucson, AZ 85719

(520) 406-0552 admissions@istucson.org www.istucson.org

265

PreK - 8

30

2

$9000 $10300

5

Immaculate Heart Academy 410 E. Magee Rd. Oro Valley, AZ 85704

(520) 297-6672 academyoffice@ihschool.org ihschool.org

160

Preschool - 8th grade

14

5

6

Redeemer Lutheran School 8845 N. Silverbell Rd. Tucson, AZ 85743

(520) 572-8136 office@redeemertucson.com redeemertucson.com

107

Preschool - 8th Grade

5 full time

7

Castlehill Country Day School 3225 N. Craycroft Rd. Tucson, AZ 85712

(520) 795-0008 Info@castlehillschool.com castlehillschool.com

80

Toddler 5th Grade

8

First Southern Christian School 445 E. Speedway Tucson, AZ 85705

(520) 624-9797 fscs4jesus@aol.com firstsouthernchristianschool.com

69

9

Kino School 6625 N. First Ave. Tucson, AZ 85718

(520) 297-7278 info@kinoschool.org kinoschool.org

35

Specialties

Top Local Executives

private, Christian, classical, athletics, arts, academics

Year Establ.

Locally 1998

Religion, academics, competitive sports program, resource accommodations and fine arts

Charlene Roll

1933

N/A

Thomas D. Dertinger

N/A

Language-immersion (Chinese, French, German, Spanish), chess, music, basketball, soccer, zumba

Jessica Palma

2005

6000

Religion, Academics

Sister Veronica Yvette Loya

1930

4 part time

$6500

Christian education

Wayne Baxmann

1948

13

6

10950

Rigorous academics, innovative science, art, music and theater, Spanish, technology labs, physical development, library

Stephanie Basiliere

1986

Preschool - 6th grade

N/A

N/A

Pres. $3100, Kinder- $4500, Elementary $5,000

Spiritual emphasis, P.E., art, computers, music and soccer shots.

Carolyn Burger

1981

K-12

10

2

$9500

Progressive, non-graded environment

Mary Jane Cera

1975

Ranked by number of students Ranked information is provided by business representatives at no charge and is ranked alphabetically in case of ties. Other businesses were contacted but either declined or did not respond by deadline. There is no charge to be included in Inside Tucson Business listings.

N/A=not provided WND=would not disclose NL=not listed last year NR=listed last year but ranking criteria not provided

Private Secondary Schools Rank Business 2021 Address 2020

Phone School Email Website

1

Salpointe Catholic High School 1545 E. Copper Tucson, AZ 85719

(520) 327-6581 jharris@salpointe.org www.salpointe.org

2

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy 9500 N. Oracle Rd. Tucson, AZ 85704

2 4

No. Students Grades 9-12

Grades Offered

Yearly Tuition

No. Teachers Grades 9-12

No. Specialties Support Staff

Top Local Executives

Year Establ.

Locally

Kay G. Sullivan Keith Gibalski

1950

1,250

9-12

$10,350

75

68

College preparatory, Catholic, Carmelite education. Project-based state-of-the-art STEM Program and rigorous cross-disciplinary Humanities Program, as well as 21 AP courses and four courses offered for dual enrollment college credit.

(520) 797-0107 kathy.elliott@prcak12.org www.prca.academy

348

DK-12

12298

35

19

private, Christian, classical, athletics, arts, academics

San Miguel High School - Cristo Rey Network 6601 S. San Fernando Rd. Tucson, AZ 85756

(520) 294-6403 info@sanmiguelhigh.org www.sanmiguelcristorey.org

348

9-12

N/A

N/A

N/A

College and career preparatory, corporate work-study, religion, core academic curriculum including honors and advanced placement courses, education for students from low income households

Dave L. Mason Michael Richards

2004

The Gregory School 3231 N. Craycroft Rd. Tucson, AZ 85712

(520) 327-6395 admission@gregoryschool.org gregoryschool.org

166

5-12

Varies by grade level

N/A

N/A

College Preparatory, MIT Fab Lab Network, Personalized Education and College Counseling

Julie A. Sherrill, Ph.D.

1980

1998

Ranked by number of students (9-12 only) Ranked information is provided by business representatives at no charge and is ranked alphabetically in case of ties. Other businesses were contacted but either declined or did not respond by deadline. There is no charge to be included in Inside Tucson Business listings.

N/A=not provided WND=would not disclose NL=not listed last year NR=listed last year but ranking criteria not provided

16

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