The Tucson Metro Chamber's Business Advocacy Team: Champions of Tucson's Economic Pulse 

In 2023, the Chamber worked tirelessly to amplify the voice of Tucson's business community at every level - with a predominant focus on local issues. As we say goodbye to the year, it is a moment of reflection for the Tucson Metro Chamber's Business Advocacy Team on a year made of impactful initiatives and changes. Here is what we did!

A New Era of Advocacy: Fresh Faces, Fresh Perspectives

The creation of a Business Advocacy Department demonstrates the Chamber's focus on bold local advocacy. Zach Yentzer's strategic leadership as Vice President of Business Advocacy, Stephanie Spencer's work as a Business Advocacy Specialist, Melissa Rosciano's contributions as Communications and Marketing Manager, and Frank Velasquez Jr.’s work in his new role of Director of Workforce Advocacy ensures greater coordination to more effectively be the Voice of Business our members deserve. If you haven’t already, you can meet the Chamber team here!

Elevating the Chamber’s Influence

Along with national recognition by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce of the Tucson Metro Chamber’s CART, the Chamber earned a few more accolades. President and CEO, Michael Guymon's appointments, including the Arizona Capitol Times Policy Leader of the Year, the Arizona Attorney General’s Business Council, Congressman Juan Ciscomani’s Citizen’s Advisory Council, recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as Public Policy Leader of the Year, and additional roles showcased the Chamber's active participation in shaping policy strategies and best practices.

The Coalition Against Retail Theft (CART) Made Tangible Differences for Tucson Business

The CART, composed of dedicated local business leaders, addressed organized retail theft, vandalism, and public safety at their monthly meetings. Recognizing retail theft as part of a broader issue, they advocated for policy changes, leading to the successful distribution of $100,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds to 11 local businesses for preventative measures and repairs. The Chamber appreciates City of Tucson Councilmember Nikki Lee's support and looks forward to continuing the CART Grant. Additionally, the CART prioritized public health by collaborating with local authorities to produce Fentanyl resource posters. Ending the year on a high note, the CART was recognized by the US Chamber in its 2023 Crime Risk to Business Report for its innovative approach to addressing local retail theft issues.

The Tucson Restaurant Advisory Council (TRAC) Empowered Local Restaurants 

The Chamber’s Public Policy Council played an active role in several local ballot measures and regulatory processes including the successful passage of Tucson Unified School District’s $480 million bond package for infrastructure, technology, and safety upgrades.

In 2023, the Public Policy Council delved into a range of issues, including Fentanyl, Water, Public Transportation Safety, RTA reauthorization, Regulatory implementation of City and County policies, Incorporation, and education bond initiatives while guiding the Chamber’s efforts on these matters. With a diverse composition of experienced business leaders representing businesses of all sizes, the Council emerged as the driving force behind the Chamber's advocacy efforts. 

The Candidate Evaluation Committee Analyzed Mayoral and City Council Candidates

The Business Advocacy Team and Candidate Evaluation Committee interviewed nine City of Tucson mayoral and council candidates for the August election, creating a comprehensive guide for Chamber members. The Chamber also collaborated with the Tucson Business Alliance for a Mayoral Forum featuring three candidates. The Chamber congratulates Mayor Regina Romero on her re-election and Councilmembers Cunningham, Lee, and Santa Cruz on their successful re-elections. The Chamber looks forward to collaborative efforts with the Mayor and City Council to enhance the region's economic vitality.

Military Affairs Committee (MAC) Community Engagement Beyond Advocacy

The Tucson Metro Chamber actively engages with the community, demonstrated in one way by the year-round efforts of the Military Affairs Committee (MAC). Grounded in supporting our region’s military installations and Davis-Monthan’s $3 billion economic impact, the MAC finished the year strong celebrating its 10th annual Thanksgiving Dorm Bash, providing meals for over 100 airmen in the Davis-Monthan dorms in November!

The Chamber Bridged Business and Workforce Readiness

In collaboration with The City of Tucson's Office of Economic Initiatives, the Chamber organized three CEO Roundtable events. These sessions showcased the vital connection between the local business community and workforce readiness opportunities with key partners, including Pima Community College, Pima JTED, and UA Tech Parks. This collaborative effort aimed to strengthen the alignment between business needs and the development of a skilled workforce. The Chamber will continue working to support these key community partners in their efforts to address workforce needs in 2024!

Continuous Learning and Communication through "Issues with a Twist"

The Chamber's "Issues with a Twist" events, sponsored by Arizona State University, were crucial for keeping members informed. Covering topics like elections, fentanyl, water conservation, general plan updates, bond and overrides, and homelessness, these events showcased our dedication to continuous learning and transparent communication. The final event, "Addressing Homelessness in 2024: Support and Accountability," had the highest attendance, focusing on regional insights into measures addressing support and accountability for the chronically unsheltered, aligning with priorities from the Chamber's TUCSON Business Listening Tour across all five Pima County Districts. 

Chamber Alliance of Southern Arizona & Expanding Advocacy Reach

President and CEO Michael Guymon formed the Chamber Alliance of Southern Arizona (CASA), expanding the Chamber’s advocacy reach. In collaboration with the Nogales Santa Cruz County Chamber, Green Valley Chamber, Graham County Chamber, Vail Chamber, Sierra Vista Chamber, Tucson Hispanic Chamber, Marana Chamber, Oro Valley Chamber, and the LGBTQ+ Chamber, CASA aims to create a powerful collective voice within Arizona, ensuring our advocacy efforts have a broader impact.

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