Inside Tucson Business, May 7, 2021

Chamber Chatter Engaging in the Political Process

Page 2 May 7, 2021

Volume 29• Number 10

InsideTucsonBusiness

@AZBIZ

www.InsideTucsonBusiness.com

Education Acceleration TECH TALK

Photo courtesy UA / NASA

Galactic Maps and Cancer Treatments Page 12 BUSINESS SUPPORT

EQUITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Pima JTED balances hands-on learning in a virtual year Jeff Gardner

Local First Arizona and YWCA

Page 8

Inside Tucson Business / Page 4

LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

COBRA SUBSIDY Understanding health care law changes

Page 10 BOOK OF LISTS

THIS YEAR’S NUMBERS

PEOPLE IN ACTION

REAL ESTATE

New promotions, hires and awards Page 3

Etherton Gallery to move locations after three decades Page 5

Colleges, universities and optics companies

Page 15 DEVELOPMENT

Plaza Liquors and Fine Wines Still in business after 43 years

Page 6

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INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

MAY 7, 2021

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CHAMBERCHATTER

BY ROB ELIAS

SPECIAL TO INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS

TUCSON METRO CHAMBER

Engaging in the Political Process

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ith everything I do, I start with identifying the purpose. What am I trying to communicate and more importantly why does it need to be communicated?

I hope to create a spark in those reading to become more interested, and dare I say engaged, in the public policy as I address the following questions: What is public policy?

Why is it important?

What role does your local chamber play in public policy?

Why should anyone care?

Before I begin answering these questions, I think it’s important to provide some context about my perspective and an abbreviated story about what shaped it. I am a native Tucsonan who has been involved in the business community for nearly 20 years. I will admit that I have not always participated in the political process and had almost every reason that ranged from; “I’m trying to focus on other things” to “Politics are too ugly.” Somewhere along the way my opinion shifted, and I saw the powers that come with keeping an open mind, listening, learning, and believing that a better tomorrow is attainable. I know politics has the ability, when done correctly, to help people. I believe in it so much that I decided to run for City Council in 2019. I lost in a four-way primary, but the experience gained was invaluable and I enjoyed all of it, including spending time with those I ran against.

What is public policy?

Public policies are principles or beliefs on issues that are shaped through governments (i.e., elected officials).

taking action through multiple forms of communication.

This includes cultivating good relationships with our elected officials so we can share our support, opposition, opinions, concerns, advice, and suggestions on issues that will impact how we live, impact how we run our businesses, These issues can span from and impact how our city, local topics, such as water county, and state operate. A rates, transportation and city politician should welcome safety, to federal issues, such feedback from the business as healthcare, national securi- community because comty, and immigration. At every merce contributes mightily level, elected officials must to help shape the economic make decisions and enact vitality of our community. policies that represent the will of the people and do so with Why should anyone care? the intent of benefiting the Politicians are elected by greater good. “we the people” through our constitutional right to vote.

Why is it important?

Knowing how a candidate While many of us tend to or incumbent stands on an be drawn into debates with issue is incredibly important friends, family, and espeas their opinion publicly cially on social media, about displays what they believe and national issues, it is the state, what they value. It is through county and city policies that these beliefs and actions should garner just as much where a candidate earns your attention, if not more. These vote and gets elected, or an governments could imincumbent retains their job. pact more of our daily lives As much power and influthrough the introduction of ence as politicians have, they bills and ordinances on topics still work for the people. So, such as education budgets, if you want elected officials taxes on utilities, such as elec- who represent you and your tricity, gas, water, permitting values, you’ll first need to and regulations and many know the issues and which other “localized” issues. candidates either support or oppose those issues.

What role does your local Politicians are sent to office chamber play in public to represent you and your policy? interests. This, undoubtedTucson Metro Chamber is ly, will help you decide who an advocate for the business earns your vote and this is community. Being involved why you should care. The in policy is certainly one of Tucson Metro Chamber those areas we demonstrate monitors the issues that affect our leadership. To address the business community on a political advocacy, we created daily basis and I am proud to a process that includes rebe a part of a team that works searching and learning these with our members on what is issues, sharing the informaimportant as we convey our tion with our membership, thoughts and positions to our listening to feedback, then elected officials.

WEEKLY TOP

BY AUTUMN VAN DEN BERG

Foster employee development at the workplace

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nsuring your team is equipped with the latest knowledge and skills in their field will help create a powerhouse that will carry your business toward longterm success. At Cox, it is a measured accountability for each leader to work with their employees on individual development plans and regular oneon-one coaching meetings.

This commitment has helped many Cox employees progress to higher positions within our company. Follow these steps to improve employee development at your company.

1. Create individualized plans. Sit down with your employees to discuss their career goals and create a unique development plan. For example, if an employee would like to become a manager one day, you can set aside time for them to attend leadership training or sit in on management meetings.

2. Remove barriers.

Break down siloes between different levels of the company to enhance communication and encourage employees to share ideas with the management team.

3. Act as a mentor. An office mentor program can do wonders for your company’s culture, and it allows senior employees to get to know junior employees. Many of our leaders at Cox are not only mentors within the company but also act as mentors to other professionals in the community.

4. Develop a training program. It’s better to have a comprehensive training program in place for new hires right off the bat, rather than having them start without any formal onboarding. This way, there will be no disconnect between current employees and new hires.

5. Invest in professional memberships. The cost of an annual membership fee is minimal compared to the valuable relationships and skills

employees can acquire from being a part of a professional organization within their field.

Many of our employees in Southern Arizona participate and sit on local boards such as Tucson Chamber, Southern AZ Leadership Council, Reid Park Zoo, to name a few - which not only gets them involved in local projects but also gives them leadership skills.

6. Go virtual. There are many virtual-based training platforms for employees to freshen up their skills. Sites like Skillshare.com offer online training courses on a variety of topics including the latest in social media strategy and sales presentations.

7. Provide performance reviews. Let employees know how they’re doing, and what they can be doing differently in order to reach their goals.

Be candid, but also constructive, in your feedback. At Cox, we commit to one-on-one meetings with our employees on a recurring basis.

8. Recognize accomplishments. Rather than waiting until the performance review, give positive feedback on noteworthy achievements throughout the year to encourage employees to keep up the good work.

9. Encourage networking. Send employees to industry conferences and networking events to build communication skills and make professional connections.

10. Mix it up. Give employees the opportunity to delve into other departments by shadowing a co-worker for the day. This gives them an idea of what others are working on and helps them see how everyone works together to achieve overall company goals.

Autumn Van Den Berg is the Public Affairs Manager for Cox Communications. Autumn focuses on community partnerships and leads a team of community relations professionals.

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PEOPLEINACTION

Ally Rando and Justin White

MAY 7, 2021

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

On opening night of the Arizona International Film Festival, organizers honored St. Mary’s Hospital nursing staff and associates for their hard teamwork and dedication during the pandemic. ICU nurses Ally Rando and Justin White attended on behalf of all their coworkers at St. Mary’s Hospital.

“Working with patients throughout the pandemic has taught me how extraordinarily fragile life is and how vulnerable we can all be,” White said. “This gave me a true sense of humbleness and gratitude for health and life.”

Festival organizers asked hospital leadership how best to honor and thank frontline workers for their integral part in serving the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The two nurses were asked to represent Carondelet caregivers and associates who have persevered treating COVID-19 patients in Southern Arizona, as well as supporting each other since the pandemic began more than a year ago.

“It means a lot to fight every minute of every day for our patients and to be able to care for them,” Rando said. “Especially when I can be a part of returning them to health and to their families.

Amy Brandhuber

Claudia Acosta

Howard Levitt

Andy Seleznov

Militza Vaughn

Coldwell Banker Realty is excited to announce Claudia Acosta has associated with the Green Valley-Continental office as an affiliate agent.

“I love helping others and working in sales, so I am excited to work in real estate where I can do both,” Acosta said. “I decided to affiliate with Coldwell Banker because I wanted to be mentored by Bill Ims who was one of my teachers in my pre-licensed classes and is an affiliate agent with the same office.”

Prior to joining the Coldwell Banker Realty family, Acosta owned and managed a coffee shop and coffee roasting company for 10 years.

Western National Parks Association has named Howard Levitt as one of five new board members joining the organization. Levitt attended the University of California, Berkeley and graduated with a bachelor’s in political science. Throughout his career he held many different positions within the NPS including chief of communications, superintendent, chief of interpretation and education, and director of communications and partnerships for Golden Gate National Recreation Area. He also serves on different boards and volunteers for multiple organizations, including Environmental Traveling Companions, We Players theater company, and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.

Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR is pleased to announce the return of veteran real estate professional, Andy Seleznov. He has years of high-level experience in commercial real estate sales, leasing, management, and development.

Seleznov originally kicked off his commercial real estate career for Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR in 2001, specializing in retail real estate transactions. During his time at the company, he earned the prestigious CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation in 2004. Seleznov later joined Larsen Baker, where he oversaw the company’s leasing and operations and was involved with hundreds of transactions with a focus on retail properties.

Real estate dynamo Militza Vaughn has joined Coldwell Banker Realty’s Tucson-Williams Centre office as an affiliate agent.

“I love houses and everything involved with them. I also love helping and caring for people’s needs, so working in real estate has been a great match,” Vaughn said. “I decided to affiliate with Coldwell Banker because of its great education programs and support systems.”

Before affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, she was an International Liaison for Banner University Medical Center for Tucson and the Phoenix area.

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CASA of Pima County is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Brandhuber to the Urban Leadership Council and the National Leadership Council of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/ Guardian ad Litem Association for Children (CASA/ GAL).

“Leadership councils are a vital part of our efforts to serve more children in the foster care system while continually improving their outcomes,” National CASA/GAL Chief Executive Officer Tara Lisa Perry said.

“We are so excited and grateful to have Amy Brandhuber providing her insight and expertise as we strive to move our mission forward on behalf of all children who have experienced abuse or neglect.”

She will join child welfare leaders from across the nation to play an essential role in voicing the unique needs of the 948 local CASA programs that make up the National CASA/GAL network.

Brandhuber has been the program supervisor for CASA of Pima County since 2018 and previously worked with the Department of Child Safety as both an investigator and ongoing unit supervisor.

“I am so honored to be appointed to this important national role,” Brandhuber said. “As a member of the Tucson community, I’m looking forward to bringing our successes and challenges to a network that will help us advance while we increase CASA’s reach nationwide.”

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Pima JTED balances hands-on learning in a virtual year Jeff Gardner Inside Tucson Business

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tudents in Demi Vaughn’s medical assisting class learn a variety of healthcare skills, from drawing blood to checking vitals. And at the end of a school year, they can earn multiple medical certifications that can lead to direct employment in the healthcare field. But when the pandemic hit, all of this became uncertain; how can students meaningfully practice giving injections over the computer? For Vaughn, shifting to a virtual classroom came with its obvious difficulties—but also some lessons that she continues to utilize even now that her students are back to learning in person.

“It took a lot of adjusting, because I usually taught everything handson right in front of them,” said Vaughn, a medical assistant instructor for the Pima Joint Technical Education District. “Now, I’ve learned so much this year that I want to bring into my teaching going forward that I never would have known about or thought about. I’m a relatively new teacher, but I was already kind of stuck in the way I taught. I liked that I was pushed to try something new, like technology and different ways of teaching.

And now I get to bring it all together and I think it will make me a stronger teacher because I have so many perspectives.”

Pima JTED is a technical education district that

serves more than a dozen public school districts throughout Southern Arizona, including Amphitheater, Marana, Tucson, Nogales and Flowing Wells school districts. The high school students who enroll in Pima JTED’s extracurricular courses can earn class credit, industry certifications, and even college credit.

For Pima JTED, 2020 looked similar to other schools: information about the virus came trickling in through February and early March, and by spring break the decision was made to not return to in-person classes. The hands-on learning stopped, and nursing students were pulled from their required clinical hours—many of which took place at longterm care centers.

“This was probably the hardest thing our teachers and students ever had to do, but they made the best of it,” said Pima JTED superintendent Kathy Prather. “We were really impacted because everything we do revolves around handson. It provided special challenges because students come to us for that kind of hands-on experience. But we immediately went into a mode of maximizing what we were doing.”

The first hurdle was to make sure virtual classrooms would work. Many students and even staff did not have adequate internet at home. The district sent out a survey regarding hardware and internet needs that would allow virtual learning. In the end, Pima JTED spent

roughly $250,000 on software (such as Swift K12, Remind and Big Interview) and hardware (internet hotspots) for online teaching.

For the reduced school staff who continued to work in-person, the district also spent $200,000 on protective equipment (plexiglass and face shields), but that cost was lowered thanks to government reimbursements, loans and donations.

Pima JTED’s classes range from aviation technology to HVAC to cosmetology and dental assisting. Prather says a critical piece for these classes moving online was YouTube videos. Teachers would film themselves doing an activity, then the students would make their own videos replicating the activity.

“When you go to an online environment, one of the biggest challenges is communication and engagement. With this, it was as if they were in class, but it was all through remote YouTube videos,” Prather said. “Another cool thing was when our culinary instructors would record a video like a cooking show.

But then we heard that when the students were making theirs, the family would join in.”

Another surprise the teachers found is how much the students could educate them about the computers they were using.

Prather describes modern students as “digital natives,” those who grew up with technology in their hands nearly from birth.

JTED Health Care Foundations student Clarissa Salas takes the blood pressure of instructor Robert Nemec while student Jonathan Bonilla Leon participates in online learning.

Photo courtesy of the Pima JTED

Vaughn says her students would help her with various tech issues, from the new software the class was based around, to simply being muted during video calls.

“We kind of worked as a team through the online process. It unified us and helped us become closer by getting through it together,” Vaughn said.

Fully online learning continued through the beginning of the fall 2020 semester. Students only returned to Pima JTED’s campuses with a hybrid learning model in October 2020.

Vaughn’s medical assisting classes are traditionally four hours long: roughly one hour of lecture, then three hours of lab time.

But after so much online

learning, she realized with a hybrid schedule she could keep all the lectures online, and save in-person time exclusively for hands-on work.

“When they came to class, they knew exactly what they were supposed to do because we were able to go in such depth online,” Vaughn said. “I actually do want to bring some of that back to the classroom, because it was nice to have them look at it from that perspective and then go into the lab. I feel like they were more confident.”

Pima JTED also expanded their eight-hour Skills Saturdays, where students meet with instructors on the weekends for extra hands-on time.

“We have really stepped that up this year, trying to

get kids more time with hands-on skills. Programs that didn’t normally have a Skills Saturday now do, such as HVAC,” said Greg D’Anna, director of public relations for Pima JTED. However, Pima JTED did have to cancel their in-person certification ceremony that usually takes place at the end of the school year. Despite this, Prather says the district “did not skip a beat” with licensing and credentialing for 2020. She says this is because the district was doing so well up until the pandemic hit. She does admit that the 20202021 school year may not have as many licenses and certifications because it was mostly online.

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REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

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EMAIL YOUR REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS TO JEFF@TUCSONLOCALMEDIA.COM

Etherton Gallery to move locations after three decades Margaret Regan Inside Tucson Business

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or 33 years, art lovers have been climbing the daunting staircase up to Etherton Gallery, perched high on the second floor of downtown’s historic Oddfellow Hall.

Proprietor Terry Etherton is ending his more than three-decade run in downtown and moving to a one-story building at 341 S. Convent St. in Barrio Viejo.

“The building was sold,” Etherton says of the current place. “It was time to move on. It’s a cool space. This is our 40th anniversary year. It’s a good time to make a move.”

Etherton opened his first gallery in a retail space on Sixth Street near Fourth Avenue; he stayed there for seven years before setting down roots in the Odd Fellows building.

“I was looking around over the years at other spaces,” he says, especially ones that could accommodate wheelchairs.

The Convent space handily fits that bill with an accessible ramp; it also provides ample parking.

Etherton is thrilled that

the new space was specifically built for art: it held the massive art collection of the late Bill Small. A newspaperman who owned the Tucson Citizen and, briefly, the Arizona Daily Star, Small had a passion for contemporary art; he became a patron to many Tucson artists, buying their works but insisting they never let on that he did.

“I knew Bill Small and I love that the legacy is being passed on,” Etherton says.

Small’s architect son William designed his father’s lair in 1987, creating soaring skylights and concrete floors that somehow fit right in with the neighborhood’s 19th-century Sonoran adobes. The space has had various tenants over the years, housing an art gallery and then an architectural practice.

The owners, siblings Don and Betsy Rollings, are the children of the late Kelly Rollings, once the king of barrio real estate. Kelly also ran an art gallery in the neighborhood and he and Etherton were friends.

“We got along,” he says, and Kelly’s kids invited him to consider the Convent space for his gallery. “They want me

there,” Terry says with a smile.

“They’ve been great.”

The buyer of the Odd Fellows is the controversial developer Ross Rulney, who bought the Benedictine Monastery on Country Club and more recently acquired the Rincon Market building on Sixth Street. He’s lined up Delta, a new restaurant created by the owners of The Parish eatery, to take over the first floor in the space occupied for 10 years by Janos Wilder’s DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails. It closed last fall but survives as a to-go business, operated at The Carriage House near Odd Fellows.

Etherton’s two current photo shows will be a bridge between the two galleries, wrapping up in the old place on May 22 and doing a soft opening in Barrio Viejo, by appointment only, on June 1.

Sales Serenity Holdings III, LLC purchased 31,471 square feet of office space located at 4555 and 4585 E. Speedway Blvd., and 1111, 1145, 1201, 1209, 1217 1225, 1231 N. Venice Ave. in Tucson. The Brown Mackie College Campus was

purchased from Eugene Pamfiloff and Erena Pamfiloff for $3,650,000. Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR handled this transaction. Thomas J. Nieman, Principal, and Office Specialist represented the seller; Paul Hooker, Principal, and Industrial Specialist, represented the buyer.

Schuchardt for $1,352,000.

Stephen D. Cohen, Principal, and Industrial Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the seller in this transaction.

Alan Moore with Chapman Lindsey Commercial Real Estate Services, represented the buyer.

Dias Revocable Trust, LLC purchased an 11,339-squarefoot industrial building located at 4955 N. Shamrock Pl. in Tucson. The office/ manufacturing property was purchased from Kash Property Management, Inc., for $1,375,000. Robert C. Glaser, SIOR, CCIM, and Paul Hooker, Principals, and Industrial Specialists with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the seller in this transaction. Mark Irvin with Mark Irvin Commercial Real Estate Services, LLC, represented the buyer.

Shakin Mendelsohn 2004 Trust purchased 9,250 square feet of multifamily space located at 3521 N. Flowing Wells Rd. in Tucson.

Flowing Wells Apartments, a 14-unit property, was purchased from AZDA, LLC for $1,080,000. Allan Mendelsberg, Principal and Conrad Martinez, Multifamily Specialists with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented both parties in this transaction.

TAC13 Investments, LLC purchased a 17,360-squarefoot industrial building located at 3512 and 3520 S. Dodge Blvd. in Tucson.

The flex, light manufacturing property was purchased from Gerald A. and Irma

Equilibrium Villas, LLC purchased 5,880 square feet of multifamily space located at 2432 N. Balboa Ave. in Tucson. Balboa Apartments, a 14-unit property, was purchased from Tuzona One, A Family Trust, for $700,000.

Allan Mendelsberg, Principal, and Conrad Martinez, Multifamily Specialists with

Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented both parties in this transaction.

Serrato Corporation purchased a 4,865-squarefoot office building, located at 3443 E. Fort Lowell Rd. in Tucson, from 3443 Ft. Lowell, LLC for $585,000.

Richard M. Kleiner, MBA, Principal, and Office Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the seller in this transaction.

TLC Solar Ventures, LLC purchased 5,862 square feet of industrial space located in Silverlake Industrial Park, 945 W. Silverlake Rd. in Tucson. The industrial property was purchased from Silverlake Properties, LLC for $510,000. Net Zero Solar will occupy the 5,862 square foot office/ warehouse building for their solar contracting operation.

Stephen D. Cohen, Principal, and Industrial Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the buyer in this transaction.

Mike Hennessy with Burris, Hennessy & Co., represented the seller.

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Here’s to the independent Plaza Liquors and Fine Wines, still in business after 43 years Madison Beal Inside Tucson Business

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n 1978, Tucson native Mark Thomson took a leap of faith. He decided to leave business school at the University of Arizona and buy a small liquor store in Campbell Plaza with the help of his father.

At the time, he didn’t know much about fine wines, liquor or beer.

Forty-three years later, Plaza Liquors and Fine Wines, 2642 N. Campbell Avenue, is still in business in the heart of the city of Tucson. The shop has persisted through the rise of big-box retailers and made a name for itself through its eclectic selection of local products. While Mark has his eyes on retirement, he plans to keep Plaza Liquors in the family that made it successful.

“I think that we survived on product knowledge and friendliness to the customers,” Mark said. “It was because of the belief that you need to treat people really good, try to inform them the best you can and make them feel like they’re in a place that they’re appreciated.”

When Plaza first opened its doors, it was the only store with a liquor license in Campbell Plaza. Shoppers from A.J. Bayless, the neighboring supermarket, would buy their groceries and then head over to Plaza for their liquor. Mark and his former wife, India,

former Plaza employee.

“Now everyone is craft this, craft that, but Plaza did it 10, 20 years before anyone else did, and that’s just very special when you think about it.”

Stout worked at Plaza for 10 years, starting in 2004.

With encouragement from Mark, he developed a love for craft beer and was eventually known as the “beer guy” at the store. He says his time at Plaza set him up for success in his brewing career.

“I remember there was a time when people would go in there, and they were amazed that they could Mark Thomson and his daughter, Emilie, pose for a photo from the drive-thru window at Plaza Liquors and Fine build their own six pack,” Wines. Emilie is preparing to take over the business as Mark slowly transitions into retirement. Photo by Madison Beal Stout said. “And it doesn’t sound like a big deal, but ran the store together. solid customer base built our approach and try to it’s actually a really huge They jokingly nicknamed up. present something that was thing because it gives peothe store “closet liquors” Throughout the years, unique.” ple an opportunity to try a because of its small size, Mark had to come up with Mark and the staff at bunch of different types of but it was big enough to innovative strategies to Plaza searched the state products and expose themkeep them in business compete with the liquor for affordable, locally selves to craft beer and there for 14 years. store chains that started produced wines, spirits everything that entails.”

As they got the hang of moving into town once and beers so they could Mark now runs the store the business, they ventured “fair-trade” laws officialoffer their customers an alongside his daughter, out to vineyards and brew- ly ended in 1976. The expanded collection that Emilie, who is preparing eries to learn more about big-box retailers had a staff have referred to as to take over as Mark slowly their products. profound impact on the “interesting” and “off the transitions into retire“We just read, we liquor industry, selling beaten path.” In addiment. She never imagined learned, and we figured it their products at extremely tion to offering a wider she would end up working out,” Mark said. “That’s low prices, which many selection, the team has at Plaza, but over the years, really all it takes—just a independent liquor stores worked hard to make the she too has developed a passion to learn about it.” just couldn’t afford to do. sometimes-overwhelming passion for the industry.

Eventually, Mark decid“It drove a lot of my topics of wine, liquor and When COVID hit, Mark ed to move locations so he friends and fellow liquor beer more approachable and Emilie weren’t sure if could expand the business. store owners out of busifor their customers.

Plaza would survive. The He moved Plaza Liquors ness,” Mark said. “But I “There’s so much that store is small and packed into a stand-alone build- was determined. I was not Plaza has done that so full of products. Mark felt ing down the street, where going to let them run me many other people have there wasn’t adequate space it has remained for almost out of business. And they copied or tried to copy,” to socially distance inside, 30 years. Initially, business didn’t. We kept growing said Robert Stout, the tap and he didn’t want to at the new location was over the years. But we room manager at Dragoon expose his small staff of six slow, but within a year, a had to be innovative in Brewing Company and a to the virus. He decided to

close the store to walkins and reinstate Plaza’s drive-thru window, which had been boarded up 20 years prior.

Mark originally closed the window because he felt that it was distracting and made it difficult for the staff to offer walk-in customers the time and attention they deserved.

He never thought that window would end up saving his business almost two decades later.

The staff at Plaza pulled the board down, installed a new window and got to work. They were able to continue to offer their suggestions and expertise to their customers who placed their orders from the comfort of their cars.

They plan to reopen their store to the public later this month after their employees are completely vaccinated. But they will continue to offer their drive-thru services indefinitely. Mark says customers love the drive-thru option, and the staff has perfected the art of drive-thru liquor sales over the past 14 months.

“The people, the customers have absolutely always been my first love with my business,” Mark said.

“To the people who have been supporting us for all this time, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for keeping food on my table and giving me the opportunity to do what I wanted to do, which was be in business.” ITB

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YWCA of Southern Arizona and Local First REAL ESTATE Arizona partner to bring equity into sustainability PPG Architectural Continued from P5

YWCA’s Women’s Business Special to Inside Tucson Business Center will also provide scholarships to women of ast year the coronavi- color entrepreneurs in the rus pandemic threat- region to also transform ened many small local their businesses in similar businesses. Health and sustainable ways. safety protocols exposed The House of Neighvulnerabilities, among borly Service building will small businesses, exacerbe the first community bating disparities among facility to participate in all women entrepreneurs and three Southern Arizona entrepreneurs of color.

Green Business Alliance Many were denied access programs; Green Leaders, to the Payment Protection SCALE UP and Tucson Program (PPP) designed 2030 District. The Southto provide relief to small ern Arizona Green Busibusinesses, creating direct ness Alliance was created incentives to keep employ- to empower businesses ees on payroll during the and nonprofits, large and pandemic. small, with sustainability According to the Center strategies that strengthen for Responsible Lending, their operations and make a nonprofit group comthem more resilient in the batting abusive lending face of climate change. practices, 90% of minority • Green Leaders is an and women owners were introductory sustainshut out of the program. able-practices certificaEntrepreneurs of color tion program open to all and female entrepreneurs Southern Arizona busiare denied the same access nesses. Graduates of the to capital as their white program receive endorsemale peers. ment and support from In response, Local the Southern Arizona First Arizona, a national Green Business Alliance, leader in the buy-local including placement movement, and YWCA of within its Green Business Southern Arizona, one of Directory. the oldest and largest mul• SCALE UP is a coticultural women’s organi- hort-based series of workzations in the nation, are shops on sustainable and working to introduce sus- resilient project planning. tainable business practices Participants develop suswhile supporting women tainability plans and access of color entrepreneurs at financing to implement the same time. green business practices.

Local First Arizona • The Tucson 2030 and YWCA of Southern District—part of a national Arizona have launched a public-private network of new strategic partnership 22 districts aiming to reto transform the House of duce building energy conNeighborly Service into a sumption, water use and model of sustainable busi- transportation emissions ness practices. LFA and by 50% by 2030—offers Michael Peel

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more intensive consultation and resources to help businesses reach those challenging goals.

YWCA’s House of Neighborly Service is embarking on a journey to build community resilience and become more sustainable by 2030 and beyond. The YWCA team will create a community green space for learning about environmental, economic, and community benefits, prioritizing equity and inclusion. House of Neighborly Service is the first Green Champion Program project supported

by Tucson 2030 District, Local First Arizona, University of Arizona College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA,) Pima Community College, Mrs. Green’s World, Ecoblue and other partners.

The YWCA of Southern Arizona is also partnering with Local First Arizona to fund a scholarship program aimed primarily at supporting women of color entrepreneurs most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. In recognition of the value of local and small businesses created and run by women of color, YWCA will create connections for scholarship recipients to which they have been traditionally denied access. The scholarship will provide 12 local entrepreneurs the opportunity to participate at no cost in the Green Leaders certification program and in the SCALE UP sustainability project planning program as part

of the Southern Arizona Green Business Alliance.

By offering these programs at no cost to impacted local businesses and nonprofits, there is an opportunity to receive significant support to retool business plans and differentiate business models to be more sustainable - both economically and environmentally. The scholarship program will also include an opportunity to participate in a cohort group that will meet regularly to discuss resources related to the regenerative economy, climate change, environmental justice, and sustainable business planning needs.

Local First Arizona and Tucson 2030 District look forward to pursuing a long-term partnership with the YWCA of Southern Arizona to support more businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits to be sustainable in the way they operate, as well as to ensure that our community is addressing all goals of the City of Tucson’s Climate Emergency Declaration.

The whole team will be sharing progress frequently with the community. ITB Learn more about Local First Arizona’s sustainability programs at localfirstaz.com/environmental-action.

Learn more about at the YWCA of Southern Arizona at ywcatucson.org Learn more about Local First Arizona at www.localfirstaz.com.

Michael Peel is statewide sustainability director for Local First Arizona. He can be contacted at mike@localfirstaz.com.

Finishes, Inc. leased 3,525 square feet of retail space CGI Federal, Inc. renewed from LHJD Investments, their lease with 1510na, LLC, located at 3518 CanLLC for 50,000 square feet yon de Flores, Suite A in Sierra Vista, AZ. Greg Furof office space located in Gateway Business Park, 7333 rier and Stephen D. Cohen, E. Rosewood St. in Tucson. Principals with Cushman & Greg Furrier, Principal, and Wakefield | PICOR, repreRetail Specialist with Cush- sented the landlord in this man & Wakefield | PICOR, transaction. represented the tenant in this transaction.

Worldpoly, an Australian-based company, leased 3,000 square feet United Healthcare Services, Inc. leased 17,967 of industrial space from Tic Tac Properties, LLC, square feet of retail space from Grant / Swan Center, in the Tucson Industrial Center, 4151 E. Tennessee LLC, located at 4730 E. Grant Rd, in Tucson. Greg St., Suite 226 in Tucson.

Cintya Denisse Angulo GarFurrier and Dave Hammack, Principals, and Retail cia, Commercial Specialist Specialists with Cushman & with Cushman & Wakefield Wakefield | PICOR, repre- | PICOR, represented the sented the landlord in this landlord in this transaction. transaction. Timothy Hurley with Kidder Mathews, Roses and More leased represented the tenant.

2,200 square feet of retail space from Monterey City Electric Supply Village, LLC, located in Company leased 10,000 Monterey Village, 6170 E. square feet of industriSpeedway Blvd. in Tucson. al space from Tin Cup Greg Furrier, Principal, and Properties, LLC, located Retail Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, in Research Plaza, 1671 S. Research Loop, Suite 145 in represented the landlord Tucson. Ron Zimmerman, in this transaction. Jeramy Price with Volk Company, Principal, and Industrial Specialist with Cushman & represented the tenant.

Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this Southern Arizona transaction.

Maintenance Service, LLC renewed their lease with Sa Cadira Arizona, LLC Costa Verde Investments, leased 5,048 square feet of LLC for 1,500 square feet industrial space from JDLH of commercial space located Investments, LLC, located in Romero-Prince Business at 3755 E. 43rd Pl. in Tuc- Park, 3538 N. Romero son. Stephen D. Cohen, Rd., Suites 136 and 142 in Principal, and Industrial Tucson. Ron Zimmerman, Specialist with Cushman & Principal, and Industrial Wakefield | PICOR, repre- Specialist with Cushman & sented the landlord in this Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction. transaction.

Leases

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The new mandatory COBRA subsidy: What employers need to know as “mini-COBRA”) to temporarily provide a full Special to Inside Tucson Business subsidy of COBRA continuation coverage premiums to ongress recently certain employees and their handed another dependents who would lose significant benefit coverage due to involuntary to Arizona employees, termination or a reduction and others across the in hours. Employers pay nation, in the form of a the cost for these subsidies, full COBRA subsidy for which are reimbursed in many individuals and the form of federal quartheir dependents who have terly payroll tax credits. The lost employer-sponsored subsidy applies to COBRA health coverage during the premiums for coverage from pandemic. In doing so, April 1 through September Congress also handed an 30, 2021. It does not extend administrative burden to or otherwise affect the time employers that sponsor that a person is eligible to group health plans. These stay on an employer’s plan changes are set forth in the through COBRA. American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”).

What is COBRA and ARPA requires employers Mini-COBRA? who are subject to federal COBRA (or state COBRA COBRA is federlaws commonly known al legislation that allows Kristi Hill, Ryan Curtis and David Heap

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individuals who lose group health coverage due to a variety of “qualifying events” (such as termination of employment, reduction in hours, death or divorce) to continue on a group health plan for a certain period (generally 18 months) following a loss of coverage.

Federal COBRA applies to employers with 20 or more employees, but 40 states including Arizona, have adopted their own “mini-COBRA” laws for smaller employers. Normally, whether it is federal COBRA or state mini-COBRA, the COBRA participant must pay the full cost of the premiums while they stay on the employer’s plan, including any part the employer paid previously.

For this reason, COBRA can be very expensive and many individuals who lose

To get the subsidy, the individual’s maximum COBRA eligibility period must also not have expired as of April 1, 2021. This means the subsidy applies to individuals who become eligible for COBRA continuation Who Is Eligible for the coverage during the subsidy COBRA Subsidy? period from April 1, 2021, Generally, those eligible through September 30, 2021, but it also applies to for the COBRA subsidy individuals already enrolled are individuals and their through COBRA who have dependents who would not reached their maxilose coverage due to an involuntary termination of mum COBRA period. In employment or a voluntary addition, an individual who declined or discontinued or involuntary reduction COBRA coverage prior to in hours. ARPA does not April 1 but whose COBRA define what constitutes a maximum period othervoluntary or involuntary wise would have continued termination, so eligibility will depend on the individ- beyond April 1, 2021, may ual facts and circumstances. also be eligible for the The job loss or reduction subsidy. For example, an in hours does not need to individual who involuntarily terminated employbe COVID-related. coverage cannot afford COBRA. This makes the full COBRA subsidy a very valuable benefit at a time when a person has lost a job or had a reduction in hours.

ment and lost coverage on May 1, 2020, would still be within the 18-month COBRA period and so would also be eligible, even if such individual did not initially elect COBRA or elected it and then discontinued it prior to April 1, 2021.

The subsidy does not apply in the event an employee voluntarily terminates employment or experiences any other COBRA qualifying event and does not cover an individual who is eligible for Medicare or other group health coverage.

Those receiving the subsidy are required to notify the employer if they become eligible for other coverage so the employer can stop paying the subsidy. That might happen if the individual gets coverage through a new job or through a spouse’s health

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What Notices Must Employers Provide?

DOL has provided a model plan. The subsidy also stops notice for this purpose, inwhen the person’s maximum cluding an election form and COBRA coverage period a summary of the subsidy The burdens ARPA ends, and in any event, the provisions to be attached to subsidy does not go beyond imposes on employers the general notice. mostly relate to notices September 30, 2021.

2. To Individuals Who employers must provide Are Currently Enrolled in regarding this temporary How Does an Eligible COBRA or Who Previously Person Elect Subsidized COBRA subsidy. To ease Declined or Discontinued that burden, the DepartCOBRA Coverage? ment of Labor (“DOL”) COBRA: For individuIndividuals who become issued model notices. Em- als who currently are or were previously eligible newly eligible for COBRA ployers are not required to use the model notices, for COBRA coverage due coverage must make the to a reduction in hours or election during the normal but doing so best ensures compliance. Employers are involuntary termination but 60-day COBRA election required to give three types who declined or discontinwindow following notice ued COBRA prior to April of notices: of eligibility from their 1, employers must provide 1. To Individuals Newly employer. notice of the 60-day special Eligible For COBRA: For Individuals who previously declined COBRA COBRA election period. all individuals who become continuation coverage or These notices must be eligible for COBRA on or who discontinued COBRA after April 1, 2021, employ- provided by May 31, 2021 continuation coverage prior ers must provide a notice and elections are effective to April 1 have a new, special describing eligibility for the retroactive to April 1. The subsidy. This notice can be 60-day window to elect DOL has also provided a incorporated into the exist- model notice and summary COBRA coverage that begins when they are notified ing COBRA election notice for this purpose, including by their employer of their or be provided as a separate an election form. eligibility for the subsidy. supplemental notice. The 3. To Individuals Receiv-

ing the COBRA Subsidy: Between 15 and 45 days prior to the expiration of an individual’s subsidy, employers must notify the individual when the subsidy will end.

This does not apply when the subsidy period ends due to the individual’s eligibility for other group coverage or Medicare. A model notice for this purpose is included on the DOL website.

The DOL also provided an alternative model notice for insured plans subject to state mini-COBRA requirements from April 1 through September 30, 2021, including an election form. The model notice for insured plans subject to Arizona mini-COBRA requirements can be found here.

Action Items: What Do Employers Need To Do? Employers can best ensure they comply with CO-

BRA subsidy requirements under ARPA by taking the following actions.

1. Identify individuals who qualify for the subsidy. This step may be challenging as it will require looking back 18 months prior to April 1, 2021 (to October 2019).

2. Prepare and send required notices.

3. Coordinate with insurance or stop loss carriers to ensure coverage is continued for any eligible individuals electing subsidized COBRA coverage.

4. Submit claims for quarterly tax credits to receive reimbursement for any subsidies. More information regarding the logistics of this process should be forthcoming from the IRS. 5. Review any form severance agreements in use by the employer to ensure that references to COBRA payments are consistent with

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current law and in line with the employer’s intent.

Additional guidance from the IRS and potentially the DOL is expected, so employers should continue to monitor this topic and consult with legal counsel and other advisors to ensure they are compliant with these new requirements. ITB Kristi Hill works in the ERISA (Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) practice group at Fennemore where her practice focuses on the areas of ERISA and employee benefits, employment and labor law, and business and finance.

Ryan Curtis is chair of Fennemore’s ERISA and employee benefits practice group.

David Heap works in Fennemore’s ERISA practice group helping businesses and other clients with matters related to executive compensation and employee benefits law.

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TECH TALK

Mapping the galaxy’s edge and using AI to measure cancer treatment Jeff Gardner Inside Tucson Business

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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 and technology news to be found in Southern Arizona. Here’s a breakdown of the most interesting recent developments.

Mapping the Invisible.

Researchers at the University of Arizona have released a new map (pictured on front page) of the outermost reaches of our galaxy. The vast, distant area beyond the Milky Way’s spiraling arms is known as the “galactic halo,”

and is believed to contain a large amount of dark matter—a mysterious invisible substance believed to make up the bulk of the matter in the universe. The new map is based around the “wake” made by a smaller galaxy (the Large Magellanic Cloud) passing through our Milky Way. The Large Magellanic Cloud’s gravity disturbed the galactic halo and the stars behind it. Although dark matter does not emit light, its gravitational influence can be observed.

According to UA, the stars seen trailing the Large Magellanic Cloud are thought to be the outline of this dark matter wake, like foam behind a ship. UA reported that the map’s authors were inspired to hunt for the

Large Magellanic Cloud’s wake after a computer model predicted what the dark matter in the galactic halo should look like. As it turns out, the model was accurate with regards to the general structure and location of the star wake.

According to Gurtina Besla, study co-author and associate professor of astronomy at UA’s Steward Observatory, what has been a purely theoretical prediction has now been validated by observational data, providing a compelling argument for the existence of dark matter.

Because there is still so much to learn about dark matter, various theories exist about its nature. The team used the “cold dark matter”

Diagnostics. The technique uses AI to measure the levels of two proteins, AREG and EREG, which are produced by some colorectal cancers.

According to the University of Leeds, algorithms driven

by AI enabled the researchers to show that patients with higher levels of these proteins received significant benefit from a treatment which inhibits a different protein (EGFR) involved in cancer cell growth. There Measuring Cancer was also evidence that Treatments. A new test that patients with low levels of uses artificial intelligence the proteins did not benefit may lead to better treatfrom the treatment that ment for advanced bowel inhibits EGFR protein. cancer patients. The test Currently, anti-EGFR is a collaboration between treatments are only given the United Kingdom-based to patients with advanced University of Leeds and bowel cancer, but thanks to Tucson-based Roche Tissue better understanding from theory, the most commonly accepted. Had the team built their map based on a different theory, the wake’s shape may have looked different.

The paper, “All-sky dynamical response of the Galactic halo to the Large Magellanic Cloud” was published in the journal Nature, and was co-authored by researchers from the University of Arizona and Harvard University.

this research, scientists hope the treatment can be given to patients more effectively.

According to study lead author Christopher Williams, as more treatment options become available for advanced colorectal cancer, it is becoming increasingly difficult for patients and their doctors to choose the treatment that’s right for them. This test will help patients navigate this decision-making process more easily.

The study “Artificial intelligence-assisted amphiregulin and epiregulin immunohistochemistry predicts panitumumab benefit in RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer,” was published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research. ITB

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Influential Health & Medical Leaders Help us show our support to our healthcare heroes.

Call now to reserve your space!

(520) 797-4384

June 4th

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Pima JTED: Hybrid learning and new programs Continued from P4

NON-PROFIT EDITION

COMING SEPT. 2021 Find out what non-profits in Tucson are doing and who needs your support the most.

For more information call 520-797-4384

These complications have not stopped Pima JTED’s growth, however.

Despite the pandemic, the district’s student body increased. In the 20192020 school year, all Pima JTED central and satellite sites constituted 16,406 students. For 2020-2021, that number increased to 16,446.

“As technology and the growing need for teaching skills has increased, there’s a growing understanding and appreciation for these skills. At the same time, students really want more of an engaging, handson experience. Sitting in the classrooms and being lectured to doesn’t work for them anymore. They want hands-on and relevancy,” Prather said. “It is clear from the support we’re receiving from the community that the pandemic actually drove more students to our programs.

What we do is more important than ever, and it’s viewed as more important than ever by our students and families.”

Beyond an expanded student body, Pima JTED has also added new programs over the past year, and plans to add another. Their new Comprehensive Health Care Technician emphasis, which started August 2020, was designed as a result of worker need in the local medical industry.

Through it, high school students can earn three

certifications: Phlebotomy Technician, Electrocardiogram Technician and Electronic Health Record Specialist. The inaugural Comprehensive Health Care Technician cohort includes 44 high school students. The Pharmacy Technician program, which is set to begin in August 2021, was designed with the University of Arizona’s College of Pharmacy.

“We’re constantly evolving and changing, but our teachers do a fantastic job of keeping up with industry,” Prather said.

“A lot of people think that JTED is only for kids that will go to work right after high school. And yes, we do have a number of students with that goal. But a majority of our students plan to go onto post-secondary, and we want to make sure we are offering a pathway approach and continue our partnerships with Pima Community College and the University of Arizona.”

Pima JTED also started an Air Transportation/ FAA Drone Operator program, where students can learn the principles of aircraft design and performance, aircraft flight systems and controls, and radio communication.

Through this, they can earn FAA certifications for drone pilot, ground school and basic ground instruction.

“With the college loan crisis that has grown in this country, a lot of people are looking for a

career in technical education. Students can enter good-paying jobs. And that’s not to say they won’t go to college, but they can now afford to pay for it,” D’Anna said. “We’ve become more and more attractive over the years.

Our students are in high demand.”

Following the swell of infection numbers over winter, students were forced to return to virtual-only learning once more.

“They were more upset in December because they had already gotten a taste of what it was like to be back,” Vaughn said. “But they understood why it was necessary, and I kept reassuring them that no matter what it takes, I’d get them to that finish line.”

Fully online learning continued through February. Then the students were able to return to hybrid learning, and finally, in April, students were able to return to class full-time. Despite the school year almost being over, Vaughn says that first full day back felt like the first day of school, with many students seeing their classmates face-to-face for the first time.

“I am grateful, because I learned a lot through it: connecting with students, my teaching, the school system overall,” Vaughn said. “And if anything, we need to come out of this as a positive that we became stronger. I think it made all of us better teachers.” ITB

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MAY 7, 2021

Colleges & Universities Rank Business 2021 Address 2020

Phone Company Email Website

Total Local Spring Enrollment

1

Arizona State University 340 N Commerce Park Loop Suite 250 Tucson, AZ 85745

(520) 884-5507 info@asu.edu asu.edu

127,000

2

Grand Canyon University 3300 W. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85017

(602) 639-7500 N/A gcu.edu

3

Pima Community College 4905 E. Broadway Blvd.

Tucson, AZ 85709

(520) 206-4500 infocenter@pima.edu pima.edu

Tuition

Highest Degree Available

Public / Private

Continuing Top Local Education Executives Institution?

Director of Admissions

Year Establ.

Locally

N/A

Doctorate

Public

Yes

Lela Williams Kelle Maslyn

110,000

N/A

Doctoral

Private

N/A

Brian Mueller Stan Meyer Dan Bachus

Sarah Boeder

1949

15,479

$87.00

Associates

Public

Yes

Lee Lambert

Michael Tulino

1969

1979

Ranked by the total spring enrollment 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

Optics Companies Rank 2021 2020

Business Address

Phone Company Email Website

No. of F-T Local Employees

Public or Private Products and Services

Top Local Executives

Year Establ.

Locally

1

Äpre Instruments, Inc. 2440 W. Ruthrauff Rd., Ste. 100-170 Tucson, AZ 85705

(520) 639-8195 sales@apre-inst.com www.apre-inst.com

19

Private

Interferometers & Optical Metrology Systems

Robert Smythe Artur Olszak, Ph.D. Donald Pearson II

2013

2

Lightsense Technology, Inc. 7080 N Cathedral Rock Pl Tucson, AZ 85718

(888) 736-7349 info@lightsensetechnology.com www.lightsensetechnology.com

10

Private

Optical detectors for illicit drugs; miniature spectrometers

Terje Skotheim

2015

3

Tucson Optical Research Corp.

210 S. Plumer Ave. Tucson, AZ 85719

(520) 882-0300 torc76@msn.com torc.biz

6

Private

Manufacturer of optical components

Johannes T. Appels

1975

4

Capienda Biotech 6076 Corte Del Cedro Carlsbad, CA 92011

(650) 430-6560 mbernard@capienda.us http://www.capienda.us

2

Private

Drug Discovery, biochemical assay

Mark A. Bernard Souvenir D. Tachado

2017

5

Optical Data Associates 5237 E 7th St Tucson, AZ 85711

(520) 748-7333 optical@opdata.com www.opdata.com

1

Private

Spectrophotometry, Microtopography

Michael R Jacobson

1991

6

Photon Engineering LLC 310 S. Williams Blvd., Ste. 222 Tucson, AZ 85711

(520) 733-9557 info@photonengr.com photonengr.com

0

Private

All phases of optical engineering: design, analysis and implementation

Richard Pfisterer

1995

Ranked by the number of full-time local employees (2 P-T = 1 F-T) 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

Make sure your company list is updated!

If you’ve been included previously, watch for an email prompting you to update your information.

If your company has never been included in Book of Lists, add your information online at www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/bookoflists/.

If you have any questions, please call 520-797-4384.

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MAY 7, 2021

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