BizLETTER
World’s Largest Gem Show Returns*
The region’s tourism industry is ready for a rebound. The Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase has an economic impact of $131 million. Freelance journalist Christy Krueger provides an overview of plans in place for this year’s numerous gem and mineral shows, along with a by-the-numbers list of data that illustrates the impact. With all of the new hotels and Tucson Convention Center renovation, our region is ready for a rebound. With the travel ban lifted in November, leaders are cautiously optimistic. Downtown’s historic Pima County Courthouse Renovation project was just completed and includes the new worldclass University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum, the new Visit Tucson visitors center, the January 8th Memorial and more. Our region’s crown jewel of philanthropy is celebrating a century of service to our community. Loni Nannini files a compelling in-depth special report on the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona’s 100 years of impact. The wide-ranging impact of our United Way touches one in five Tucsonans and our community has received assistance from early childhood care to care for our aging population. Leading the charge is United Way’s President and CEO Tony Penn, who was also recently named Greater Tucson Leadership’s Man of the Year for 2021. You’re sure to be inspired after reading about the scope of United Way’s remarkable impact on our community. Plus, you’ll read about the collective generosity of the individual donors, corporate partners, all-volunteer board of directors and dedicated United Way team members. As you read through this edition, you’ll literally be blown away by the scope of philanthropy in our community. The best place to start is the United Way special report. This edition only scratches the surface of the level of giving you’ll see in Tucson. From major donations at the University of Arizona and Pima Community College, to the transformative new $17.5 million building for Pima Joint Technical Education District, to the El Rio Foundation and 4 BizTucson
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Winter 2022
PHOTO BY STEVEN MECKLER
*Fingers Crossed
smaller grass roots nonprofits, we have quite a giving and inspirational community. This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Tucson Conquistadores, an allvolunteer army of more than 200 business and community leaders that annually stages a PGA Champions Tour Golf Tournament, along with other fund-raising activities. Since their inception, the Conquistadores have contributed more than $36 million to local and national charities. Four of our community’s shining stars will be honored by Greater Tucson Leadership on Feb. 18. Nancy Johnson will be honored as the Woman of the Year, Wanda Moore will be honored with the Founders Award, Margaret Larsen will be honored with GTL’s Alumni Excellence Award, as noted Tony Penn will be honored as Man of the Year. Our report contains inspiring profiles of these individuals written by Mary Davis. This edition features a special report focused on Moonlight Canyon at Saguaro Ranch, an exclusive enclave being built by Miramonte Homes. It’s definitely the ultimate in executive living. Located in Marana, you enter the community by driving through a tunnel at the base of a mountain. After driving through the tunnel, you enter what can best be described as a setting fitting of a national park. This is a captivating in-depth report by Tara Kirkpatrick, Romi Carrell Wittman and Jay Gonzales, along with visually stunning photography.
Winter 2022
Volume 13 No. 4
Publisher & Owner
Steven E. Rosenberg Brent G. Mathis
Creative Director
Donna Kreutz Tara Kirkpatrick Jay Gonzales Elena Acoba Diane Luber Romi Carrell Wittman
Contributing Technology Director
Mike Serres
Contributing Project Coordinator
Maricela Robles
Contributing Editors
Contributing Writers
Christy Krueger Thomas Leyde Loni Nannini David Pittman Steve Rivera Valerie Vinyard Romi Carrell Wittman
Elena Acoba Rodney Campbell Mary Davis Jay Gonzales Eva Halvax June Hussey Tara Kirkpatrick Donna Kreutz
Contributing Photographers
Brent G. Mathis Chris Mooney Courtney Ryan Zulma Tapia Pete Gregoire
William Lesch Chris Richards
BizTucson News Update (Email Newsletter)
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