Inside Tucson Business, Sept. 10, 2021 by Times Media Group

Chamber Chatter Strategic focus areas for the Tucson Metro Chamber’s future

Page 2 September 10, 2021 Volume 29 • Number 19

@AZBIZ

InsideTucsonBusiness

www.InsideTucsonBusiness.com

TECH TALK

Technology startup competitions and science advocacy

Digital Doctors

Page 11 TRANSPORTATION PROPOSALS

HIGHWAY OPPOSITION

Telehealth is playing a bigger role than ever, and is poised to remain that way even after the pandemic Jeff Gardner

Supervisors express unhappiness with I-11

Page 10

Inside Tucson Business / Page 8

ON THE MENU

SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK Local eateries offer special deals

Page 12 BOOK OF LISTS

THIS YEAR’S NUMBERS Biotech Companies

PEOPLE IN ACTION

REAL ESTATE

New promotions, hires and awards Page 3

Pima County Public Library opens Sahuarita location Page 4

Page 15

Chamber Chatter Engaging in the Political Process

Page 2 May 7, 2021

Volume 29• Number 10

InsideTucsonBusiness

@AZBIZ

www.InsideTucsonBusiness.com

Education Acceleration Chatter rce Workfo Chamveber Local Impro pment Develo

Page

@AZBIZ

TECH TALK May 21,

Efforts

m iness.co sonBus sideTuc www.In

Photo courtesy UA / NASA

Galactic Maps and Cancer Treatments

2021

Volume

29• Numbe r 11

An O of Oputpouring timism Page 12

ness csonBusi InsideTu

Nonprofi t Perspect ive

Would from your busin lower ess benefi energ Page y and watert 2

costs? InsideTu | csonBus iness @AZBIZ

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Volume

June 4,

29• Number

EQUITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Pima JTED balances hands-on learning in a virtual year

and Jeff Gardner e bucksInside Tucson Business / Page 4 Spac eons robot surg

COBRA SUBSIDY

RY ST OF WOR reports T THE stops COVID

IC RECOVE

PANDEM

“PAS

roes care He Health ns on lesso 8 look back Business / Page Nurses Duran Inside Tucson

learned

during

the past

year

6 Page PEOPLE IN ACTION

PMENT

Sun Corrido

Page

Pages

s Arizona urce acquire s FirstSo | Page 4 ased Builderfor $400M Texas-bals supplier materi

REAL ESTATE

and award

g buildin

TECH TALK

Enginee Solar-Po ring Awards, Karts andwered GoVolcano Martian es | Pag

Marga

REAL ESTATE

Colleges, universities and optics companies

Page 15

Etherton Gallery to move locations after three decades Page 5

BERS OF LISTS ’S NUM living YEAR assisted THISls, hospice, and

BOOK

Hospita facilities 14 & 15

tions, hires

IC DEVELO New promotions, andBOO awards VID plan ECONOM hires PLAY Page 3 PIVOT r releases post-CO

ina

IN ACTION

Understanding health care law changes Loca l venu Page 10 es are once again ret Regan scheduli BOOK OF LISTS Inside Tucson ng THISBusiness YEAR’S NUMBERS shows and / Page 10

IT”

ers

UA research

Christ

PEOPLE

Page 8

LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

Page

www.I nsideT ucsonB usines s.com

Local First Arizona and YWCA

TECH TALK

2021

open ing thei r door s

LOCAL

UA researc

IN ACTION

Page 6 award

SIS’

breath hers study in how to Page dogs cure bad 4

Still in business after 43 years

PEOPLE

STARTU

‘HOWL- PS ITO

DEVELOPMENT

Plaza Liquors and Fine Wines New promo tions, Page hires and 3

FEDERA

VEN L FUNDING UE GRA Sen.

Kelly progra tours Rialto, NTS m highlig hts aid

Page

REAL ESTATE

Tucson Page ranks amon 5 g hottes t rental

BOOK

OF THI LISTS

S YEA Art Gallerie R’S NUM s

marke ts in nation

New promo 3 Page

Zio Peppe

Page

Culinary ON THE MENU fuses classic Confl Italian uence with flavors of the Southw est

Page

BER

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! www.InsideTucsonBusiness.com

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

Inside Tucson Business is published 26 times per year (once every other week on Fridays) plus the Book of Lists in January. Cost is $1 per single issue, $50 for 26 issues, $85 for 52 issues and $105 for 78 issues. The Book of Lists is included in annual and multi-year paid subscriptions. Back issues from within the past 12 months are $1 each. Delivery is available by U.S. Postal Service.

ADMINISTRATION Steve T. Strickbine Publisher Michael Hiatt Vice President Jaime Hood General Manager, jaime@tucsonlocalmedia.com Claudine Sowards Accounting, claudine@tucsonlocalmedia.com Sheryl Kocher Receptionist, sheryl@tucsonlocalmedia.com EDITORIAL Jim Nintzel Executive Editor, jimn@tucsonlocalmedia.com Jeff Gardner Managing Editor, jeff@tucsonlocalmedia.com Mike Truelsen Web Editor, mike@tucsonlocalmedia.com Alexandra Pere Staff Reporter, apere@tucsonlocalmedia.com PRODUCTION Courtney Oldham Production Manager, TucsonProduction@timespublications.com Ryan Dyson Graphic Designer, ryand@tucsonlocalmedia.com Emily Filener Graphic Designer, emilyf@tucsonlocalmedia.com CIRCULATION Alex Carrasco Circulation, alexc@tucsonlocalmedia.com ADVERTISING TLMSales@Tucsonlocalmedia.com Kristin Chester Account Executive, kristin@tucsonlocalmedia.com Lisa Hopper Account Executive, Lisa@tucsonlocalmedia.com Candace Murray Account Executive, Ext. 24, candace@tucsonlocalmedia.com Tyler Vondrak Account Executive, tyler@tucsonlocalmedia.com NATIONAL ADVERTISING Zac Reynolds Director of National Advertising, Zac@TimesPublications.com

EDITORIAL & AD CONTENT

Inside Tucson Business expresses its opinion in the editorial. Opinions expressed in guest commentaries, perspectives, cartoons or letters to the editor are those of the author. The content and claims of any advertisement are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Inside Tucson Business assumes no responsibility for the claims or content of any advertisement. Publisher has the right to refuse any advertisement. 7225 N. Mona Lisa Road, Ste. 125 Tucson AZ 85741 • Ph: 520-797-4384 www.insidetucsonbusiness.com

Reproduction or use of material contained in Inside Tucson Business without permission of publisher is strictly prohibited.

CHAMBERCHATTER BY AMBER SMITH

TUCSON METRO CHAMBER

members, rely on our Public Policy Council and Candidate Evaluation Committee to vet candidates and issues, and actively create opportunities for our members to engage and provide feedback on issues impacting their local business. Striking down policies that weaken the business climate; creating solutions to business roadblocks and educating our elected officials on what creates a strong economic ecosystem are all at the forefront of what we do, and what we will continue to do. FOCUS AREA 2: Growth The Tucson Metro Chamber is your ultimate connector and the front door to our community. With dozens of networking opportunities and a full-time staff dedicated to knowing about the resources you need, our goal is to personalize your Chamber experience and be your first call connecting you to the right service, client, or member necessary for the growth of your company.

FOCUS AREA 3: Ready Workforce The Chamber is poised as the facilitator to effectively build a workforce that is aligned with the needs of current and future Tucson metro employers so that we FOCUS AREA 1: Strong may grow jobs and opportuEconomic Advocacy nities, ultimately reducing The Tucson Metro Cham- poverty and creating a higher ber will continue to be the quality of life. Launched voice of the community and this year, the Workforce will work with our elected Blueprint will truly be the officials to educate them on workforce strategy for the critical issues that both help next three to five years. and hinder business and industry. We will strengthen our ability to mobilize our

WEEKLY TOP

BY LISA LOVALLO

SPECIAL TO INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS

Strategic Focus Areas for Tucson Metro Chamber’s Future he Tucson Metro Chamber Board, Committee Chairs and the staff’s executive team recently crafted the core focus areas of the Chamber’s next three– to five-year strategic plan. Being 125 years old, the Chamber must continue to evolve, elevate and innovate to remain effective and relevant. The legacy of the Chamber, with such a rich history, is important to remember and learn from as we create our path forward. The Chamber, at its core, remains the same organization that was originally established as the collective voice of the Grocer’s Association to advocate for business back in 1896. This remains a core tenant of the Chamber and we will continue to be that voice for a strong economic environment. Most recently, throughout the pandemic, we passed state legislation assisting our restaurants, set up the Tucson Restaurant Advisory Council, launched our Workforce Blueprint, and had more than 300,000 emails opened by our members. Our Strategic Plan will mirror, expand and leverage each of these efforts placing our members first, to have the largest impact on our overall local business climate.

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

FOCUS AREA 4: Talent Attraction & Retention Catalyst Having the right talent in a community drives business expansion and relocation decisions so the Chamber will support the Pivot Playbook to catalyze efforts to educate employers, highlight our business stories and influence pro-talent policies. FOCUS AREA 5: Chamber Excellence In the top 1% of Chambers across the country, the Chamber is a 5-star accredited organization. The Chamber will continue implementing best practices operationally and ethically, as expected by our members. The Chamber Board of Directors, committee chairs and staff are your direct liaison to the Chamber and we are all here to listen to the needs of business. The Chamber is a collective of the membership poised to serve another 125 years. Staying aligned and fixated on our five focus areas allows the Chamber to be the business advocate focusing on issues having the largest impact. Our mission is to champion an environment where business thrives and our community prospers. You cannot separate the impact of a thriving community has on business, and how a strong business climate directly provides community resources. For 125 years, the Tucson Metro Chamber has been the voice for businesses in Pima County and will be for the next 125 years.

Tips for marketing your business

he methods that businesses use to promote their products and services have drastically changed throughout the years thanks to technology. The pandemic highlighted the importance of businesses having an online presence for times when in-person gatherings aren’t feasible. Consider some of the following tips to market your business and attract new customers. 1.Define your target market. Before you invest in marketing, clearly define your audience. By doing this, you will be more effective in building a strategy that will successfully reach your identified target market. 2. Look for inspiration, but don’t copy. Customers love businesses who are original and authentic. Create your own distinctive identity that is unique to your brand. 3. Create your brand’s personality. Think of your brand as a person. For example, is your business persona spunky, serious or easygoing? Once you find your brand’s personality, emulate it across all marketing platforms. 4. Learn SEO. Businesses can increase engagement and recognition by incorporating search engine optimization techniques as a part of an overall online marketing strategy. 5. Embrace social media. Social media is more than a tool to gain exposure; it has become a necessary part of business operations. You can use social media to place promoted ads and offers that have the ability to create

a more direct connection to customers. 6. Make connections. Proactively follow new social influencers and other local businesses on social media platforms. You will increase your business network and the chance for your content to be re-shared. 7. Leverage email marketing. Email delivers as much traffic as all social channels combined. When deciding which tactics to use for your marketing campaign, it’s important to consider various channels that will help you achieve your goals. 8. Know when and where to advertise; quality beats quantity. Identify trends that are relevant to your business and the market you serve. These factors can help guide when and where you should promote your business. 9. Create visual content. Images and videos captivate readers’ attention, and provide the opportunity to elevate key promotional messages. 10. Create community awareness through philanthropy. Support charitable organizations that align with your company’s values. Cox Charities makes meaningful connections with our community through volunteer work and support for local Southern Arizona nonprofit organizations and projects. Lisa Lovallo is the Southern Arizona market vice president for Cox Communications, leading a team of 250+ Southern Arizona Cox employees. Prior to joining the Cox Southern Arizona team, Lisa ran a family business based in Tucson and is a graduate of the University of Arizona. Reach her at lisa.lovallo@ cox.com.

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

PEOPLEINACTION

Dr. Richard Carmona

Gov. Doug Ducey has selected longtime Tucson resident and former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona to serve as a public health advisor and to lead a “statewide effort to boost vaccine and public health awareness in Arizona.” Carmona also holds a position in the University of Arizona’s Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and served as the director of the university’s COVID Response Team, often appearing alongside the university president during public health announcements. Carmona’s selection comes alongside Ducey naming Don Herrington as the interim director for the Arizona Department of Health Services, following the resignation of former director Cara Christ. “I am honored Governor Ducey is entrusting me with this position,” said Dr. Carmona. “We have made a tremendous amount of progress but we still have much to do. There is no doubt in my mind that we are on the right track and that the single best way to crush COVID is with the vaccine and public health mitigation strategies. I’m eager to take on the challenge. COVID is the common enemy and all of us need to work together to defeat it.”

Jakki Hill

Lee Klein

Miranda McCluskey

Michael McConnell

As they prepare for a new season of shows, the downtown Fox Theatre has announced promotions and additions to their management team. Jakki Hill has been hired as the theatre’s new “artist services and rentals manager.” Hill has three decades of experience in the design and special event world, which prepared her for this position as the key liaison with Fox artists. The Fox Theatre, “The Crown Jewel of Downtown,” has reopened from COVID closures with music, movies and comedy.

A local sales manager for Cox Media has won the Tucson Advertising Federation Educational Foundation’s Tucson Next Gen Award. The award goes to advertising professionals under 40 who are “making a significant impact on the advertising industry through their leadership, personal qualities and career achievements.” Klein won the award for his work among the local advertising community, sharing his knowledge and time to organizations such as Ad Fed, BBB, Tucson and the Oro Valley Chamber. “This recognition is a reflection of the work my team has done to serve the Tucson business community. What we do matters and our work is reflective of a high standard in the industry,” Klein said.

Miranda McCluskey has associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent. Prior to affiliating with Coldwell Banker, McCluskey was a fourth-grade teacher at BASIS Tucson Primary. She also holds an education degree from the University of Arizona. Coldwell Banker operates 22 offices with approximately 1,465 independent agents throughout Arizona. “I am so glad I decided to make real estate my full time career,” said McCluskey. “I chose to affiliate with Coldwell Banker because I love the professionalism, brand and motivation of the office and how the affiliate agents support each other.”

Innovation Academy principal Michael McConnell recently won the Oro Valley Chamber’s Community Leader of the Year award, due to his dedication to the local community and education. McConnell was born in Tempe, and attended the University of Arizona with a degree in elementary education. After teaching kindergarten for more than a decade, he returned to school to focus on administration. “Over this past year, the kids have stepped up in ways we hoped they’d never have to, but so have the teachers who figured things out on the fly. Our families and communities all stepped up,” McConnell said.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

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

Jessica Andrews-Hanna and David Sbarra

UA Professors Win $2.9M Grant to Study Relationships and Emotions University of Arizona psychology professors Jessica Andrews-Hanna and David Sbarra have received nearly $3 million from the National Institute of Mental Health to conduct a study of romantic couples in order to better understand depression and social processing. According to the university, the professors will conduct a neuroimaging study of 200 romantic couples, looking at how both members of a couple process social information, and the ways in which these neural responses may affect risk for depression. The researchers are specifically interested in studying the processes that may explain exactly why and how relationship difficulties have such a profoundly negative impact on mental health. “We study the multiple ways in which relationship struggles may impact our well-being,” Andrews-Hanna said. “We use MRI to study activations in brain regions associated with emotions and empathy when people are thinking about their partner. We also study how couples communicate on a daily basis by using two smartphone apps that our team developed, and when our participants come to the lab, we also ask them to engage in a support task because we know social support is a key factor in well-being and mental health.”

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

EMAIL YOUR REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS TO JEFF@TUCSONLOCALMEDIA.COM

Pima County Public Library opens new location in Sahuarita Jeff Gardner

Inside Tucson Business

n Tuesday, Sept. 7, the new Sahuarita Library at 670 W. Sahuarita Road opened its doors. The 17,000-square-foot location features reading patios, a gaming room, a large meeting room and a children’s room. The library also has an outdoor performance space funded by The Pima Library Foundation, which will serve as a community space for live readings, classes, workshops, movies and concerts. The library’s hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Construction on the library began in May 2020 with an estimated overall cost of $9 million, funded from PCPL’s general budget. PCPL’s former Sahuarita location was a modular building that used to house Sahuarita Town Hall, and was “always intended to be a temporary location.” The new library features public art by Chris Aranda of Aranda/Lasch, a New York and Tucson-based design studio, according to PCPL. The library was constructed for universal access by Line and Space architectural company. The new library will serve the growing communities south of Tucson, including Vail and Sahuarita, which have recently seen multiple new housing and commercial developments. The Sahuarita Library is the 27th in the PCPL system.

Sales North Eastern, LLC purchased a 7,564-squarefoot, freestanding retail building located at 6211 E. Speedway Blvd. in Tucson. The single-tenant property was purchased from Spartco, LLC for $1,250,000. Aaron LaPrise, Principal, and Retail Photo by Randy Metcalf, Pima County Communications Office Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, repsquare feet of multifamily Geyer-Yunkherr, LLC resented the seller in this space located at 1340-1390 purchased a 0.44 acre parcel transaction. Juan Teran, with N. Country Club Rd. in located at 2705 E. Valencia Realty Executives Tucson Tucson. Casitas @ Thirteen Elite, represented the buyer. Rd. in Tucson. The vacant Forty, a 24-unit apartment land was purchased from complex, was purchased from Palice Investments 2699, Pueblo Cielo, LLC Thirteen Forty Holdings, LLC for $275,000. Dave purchased 6,190 square LLC for $1,785,000. Allan Hammack and Rob Tomfeet of multifamily space Mendelsberg, Principal, and linson, Principals and Retail located at 2245 S. 6th Ave. Conrad Martinez, MultifamiSpecialists with Cushman & in Tucson. Pueblo Court, a ly Specialists with Cushman & 20-unit apartment complex Wakefield | PICOR, repWakefield | PICOR, repreresented the seller in this was purchased from P.C. transaction. Jeramy Price with sented the seller in this transTerra Enterprises, LLC for $1,190,000. Allan Mendels- Volk Company, represented action. Nancy Moore, with Lifestyles Realty Phoenix, the buyer. berg, Principal, and ConInc., represented the buyer. rad Martinez, Multifamily Sonlight Investment Specialists with Cushman & Gregory James Smith Properties, LLC purchased Wakefield | PICOR, repreand Megan Kathleen Smith a 1,473-square-foot office sented both parties in this purchased an 8,100-squarebuilding (Suite 16) located transaction. foot apartment complex in Rancho Vistoso Business located at 910 Arizona-St. Park, 12480 N. Rancho VisSAE-MAD, LLC purin Huachuca-City, AZ. toso Blvd. in Oro Valley. The chased a 3,345-square-foot, Kali Apartments, a 17-unit single-tenant office property single-tenant building located multifamily property was was purchased from Oro at 4237 E. Grant Rd. and purchased from Philip C. Vistoso, LLC for $268,500. 2408 N. Fair Oaks Ave. in Sloss for $950,000. Allan Tucson. The versatile office/ Ryan McGregor and Ron Zimmerman, Principal, with Mendelsberg, Principal, and retail/warehouse property Conrad Martinez, MultifamiCushman & Wakefield | PIwas purchased from 4237 ly Specialists with Cushman COR, represented the seller E. Grant Rd, LLC for & Wakefield | PICOR, in this transaction. Deborah $285,000. Ryan McGrerepresented the seller in this Van De Putte, with Engel & gor and Ron Zimmerman, transaction. Joseph Boyle, Volkers Tucson, represented Principal, with Cushman & with Joseph Bernard, LLC, the buyer. Wakefield | PICOR, reprerepresented the buyer. sented both parties in this Casitas On Country Club, transaction. AZ Investments 02, LLC LLC purchased 11,037

purchased an 8,670-squarefoot apartment complex located at 221 E. Olive St. in Tucson. Villa Vaquero Apartments, a 12-unit, multifamily property, was purchased from KUN13, LLC for $760,000. Allan Mendelsberg, Principal, and Conrad Martinez, Multifamily Specialists with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the buyer in this transaction. Maria Kovrig, with ESM Properties, LLC, represented the seller. Daniel A. Munguia and Diana J. Munguia purchased 13.08 acres of industrial land located in Swan Industrial Park, Block Two, in Tucson. The vacant land parcel was purchased from The Biodiversity Group for $70,000. Paul Hooker, Principal, and Industrial Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the seller in this transaction.

Leases Phyllis A. Conrad, CPA, LLC renewed her lease with Coronado Tower Tucson, LLC for 1,389 square feet of office space located at 17 W. Wetmore Rd., Suite 308 in Tucson. Thomas J. Nieman, Principal, and Office Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction. Heroic Hearts, LLC leased 615 square feet of office space from DHS Property Investments, LLLP, located in the Williams Centre, 310 S. Williams Blvd., Suite 235 in Tucson. Thomas J.

Nieman, Principal, and Ryan McGregor, Office Specialists with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction. ResCare Residential Services Arizona, LLC renewed their lease with El Dorado Ventures, LLC, for 7,215 square feet of office space at El Dorado Square, 1200 N. El Dorado Place, Suite A150 & C300 in Tucson. Molly Mary Gilbert, Office Specialist, and Thomas J. Nieman, Office Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented the landlord in this transaction. David Montijo and Damian Wilkinson with CBRE, Tucson, represented the tenant. Farmhouse Group, LLC leased 6,600 square feet of industrial space from Monson Properties AZ, LLC, located at 3525 S. Palo Verde Rd. in Tucson. Ron Zimmerman, Principal, and Industrial Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, represented both parties in this transaction. Clariant Corporation renewed their lease with CC Park, LLC, for 5,442 square feet of industrial space located in Continental Commerce Park, 7620 N. Hartman Lane, Suite 106, 108, and 110 in Tucson. Jose Dabdoub, Industrial Specialist with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, and Brennan Tilow with Hanna Commercial, LLC, Ohio, represented the tenant in this transaction. ITB

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

UACI Business Wins at International Pitch Competition Jeff Gardner

Inside Tucson Business

iving in the desert, water is often a top concern for towns and businesses alike. But efficiency in the water industry is about much more than limiting water usage. A local business affiliated with the University of Arizona Center for Innovation recently won at what is dubbed the world’s largest business pitch competition thanks to their technology that can benefit the water and energy industries. Sylvan Source is a water treatment and energy management company, and on July 15, became the only American company to win an award in the final round of the pitch competition Unicorn Battle. The Unicorn Battle, branded as the world’s largest startup pitch contest, gathers companies from around the world to pitch their ideas to investors via fast-paced presentations. “Both our presentation and our responses had to be very crisp. We covered a lot of ground in three minutes,” said Laura Demmons, co-founder and CEO of Sylvan Source. “It’s given us great exposure and it’s certainly a positive addition to the momentum we’ve already seen. For us, this has already directly led to serious discussions about

significant financing for us. It hasn’t been that long since we won, but we’re already engaging in some pretty important discussions.” While winning the competition itself does not come with a cash prize, it places companies on investor radar. Past winners have received nearly $300 million in funding thanks in part to connections made during Unicorn Battles. A “unicorn” is an industry term for a private startup company valued at more than $1 billion. Unicorn Battle attempts to highlight these promising companies through a series of pitch competitions. To begin, preliminary pitch battles select the best companies from the North America, Latin America, Silicon Valley, Asia, Middle East, Southeastern Asia & Oceania, Africa, Eastern & Western Europe markets. Regional winners then go on to the world cup. Originally from California, Sylvan Source won first place in this year’s Silicon Valley competition in June. In the World Cup, they came in third behind companies from Israel and Austria. Each finalist was given only three minutes to pitch their company and three minutes for a Q&A after. Judges for the Unicorn world cup include venture capitalists and business

owners from around the world. Judging took place immediately after the pitches. “We had to start with a compelling value proposition for the pitch. And lucky for us, some of the judges had operational experience in industrial plants, or some background in industry in general,” Demmons said. “So the judges who had experience at industrial plants and industry all recognized the implications of our proposition and felt it was compelling.” Sylvan Source has a foot in both the worlds of water treatment and thermal energy. Their core technology is a patented water treatment system to be used for industrial and municipal purposes. The water treatment system can use energy from a variety of sources, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs and footprint. Due to this energy efficiency, their systems are estimated to operate at half the cost. “We learned that energy and water were so closely linked that in order to do something game-changing in water, we actually had to start by doing something game-changing in energy,” Demmons said. “Our physics are different; we don’t use the heat exchangers that everyone else uses. We use a proprietary thermal transfer

mechanism.” Their technology is not currently deployed at any municipal water or energy facility. However, they have completed two field studies and are in talks about deploying their first commercial systems. They hope to begin in the Tucson area, but are in talks with industrial companies throughout Arizona and desert Southwest. “It’s so efficient that we have a much smaller system to operate, we don’t need the surface area that is required by other technologies,” Demmons said. Although Sylvan Source

is affiliated with UACI, they originated in California, hence their competing in the Silicon Valley round. They became connected with the University of Arizona after Demmons was visiting Green Valley and reached out to Anita Bell, director at the UACI and a power connector with the Department of Energy. Sylvan Source applied to UACI last year, and have since seen success in local competitions as well, including Venture Madness, hosted by Invest Southwest and the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Since we connected

with UACI, it’s been a great experience,” Demmons said. “The thing that’s interesting is they’re able to help businesses that are just at the very basic level of an idea, all the way through to a company like ours that has raised about $15M already, has done deep research and has already fielded pilot tests. And they’ve still managed to be helpful to us, contributing to our business plans, models and presentations. It’s only made us more competitive, which has helped us win this Unicorn event.” ITB

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

Metro Chamber honors local biz at Copper Cactus Awards attendance have a fantastic opportunity to hobnob with business leaders and their esteemed staff members,” ucson Metro ChamWuelpern said. ber and Wells Fargo Last year’s Copper Cactus are orchestrating an Awards were celebrated virin-person celebration of tually and this year will be small businesses in South- adjusted with COVID-19 ern Arizona with the 24th accommodations such as annual Copper Cactus spaced out tables and readAwards at Casino Del Sol. ily available hand sanitizer. Eleven small businesses Event organizers advise will be honored on Friday, unvaccinated individuals to Oct. 1, with a solid copper wear a mask. trophy to commend their The event will also excellence in a specific feature new dress attire: category, like “Best Place to “Zoom-Formal.” Attendees Work”. Director of comare encouraged to wear a munications at Tucson formal top, casual bottoms Metro Chamber Heather and even slippers. Wuelpern said the finalists “We want everyone to are given increased name have fun while we celebrate recognition in the comthe amazing businesses in munity through compliSouthern Arizona,” Wuelpmentary promotions for ern said. “We figured dressthe awards ceremony. ing in the ‘mullet of party “In addition to the attire’ will help everyone finalists or winners benloosen up, laugh, and enjoy efiting from the Copper a night out.” Cactus Awards, those in Local Arizona communiAlexandra Pere

Inside Tucson Business

ty members submitted 255 applications for the Copper Cactus Awards categories, which has been whittled down to 33 finalists. “This year’s finalists represent such diversity in industry,” Chamber President and CEO Amber Smith said. “It’s an honor for all of us at the Tucson Metro Chamber to recognize our region’s small businesses every year at the Wells Fargo-presented Copper Cactus Awards.” The finalists listed below were chosen by 14 judges who scored businesses under different categories. Tucson Metro Chamber added two new categories to the award ceremony: DPR Construction’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion as well as Pima Community College’s Employer/ Employee Development. Eleven winners will be announced after a cocktail hour and dinner included in the ticket purchase. There will also be raffle tickets available for $25 each. Winners of the raffle will take home 50% of the pot and the remaining 50% will go to a randomly selected non-profit. ITB To sign-up for the event visit tucsonchamber.org/copper-cactus-awards.

Photo by Kevin Van Rensselaer

The Nominees Are… BEST PLACE TO WORK (sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield) 3–50 Employees Better Business Bureau Serving Southern Arizona The Motive Physical Therapy Specialists Onyx Creative, Inc. Silverado Technologies

51–200 Employees Pain Institute of Southern Arizona Premier Auto Management

SMALL BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR (sponsored by CopperPoint) Dr. Richard Austin | Reglagene Joshua Belhumeur | BRINK Jana Westerbeke | Gadabout SalonSpas

BUSINESS GROWTH (sponsored by Cox Business) Paragon Space Development Corporation Re-Bath Solgen Power

DIVERSITY, EQUITY and INCLUSION CHAMPION (sponsored by DPR Construction) Community Investment Corporation Hotel McCoy ILLUME Advising Snell & Wilmer

INNOVATION (sponsored by Nextrio) Avery Therapeutics, Inc. Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation Startup Tucson

EMPLOYER/ EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT (sponsored by Pima Community College) AGM Container Controls Cadden Community Management Tucson Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program

STARTUP OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Tech Parks Arizona) FreeFall Aerospace SaiOx Inc. uPetsia, Inc.

SOCIAL IMPACT (sponsored by Tucson Electric Power) Revenue up to $500,000 Friends of Tucson’s Birthplace/Mission Garden Greater Tucson Leadership Izi Azi Foundation/Felicia’s Farm

Revenue between $500,000–$2M ASU Office of Community Health, Engagement, and Resiliency Earn to Learn YWCA Southern Arizona

Revenue between $2M–$5M United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

Telehealth to serve large healthcare role, even after pandemic Jeff Gardner

Inside Tucson Business

side from the obvious threats of COVID, the world faced several side effects from sheltering at home and social distancing, such as the loneliness from isolation. However, technology provided several work-arounds to the isolation, and has resulted in a permanent shift in the healthcare industry that will endure even after the pandemic subsides for good. Telehealth or telemedicine, when a patient speaks to a healthcare professional via technology, is nothing new. But the demand and necessity of social distancing has resulted in the remodeling of entire hospital networks. Across the world, hospitals now have entire staffs dedicated to telehealth, and some patients even prefer it to their standard doctor’s visits. Prior to COVID, MHC Healthcare in Marana had a small telehealth program mainly used for two patient groups: behavioral health patients who were in residential treatment facilities out of town, and for substance abuse treatment to further develop a network of support. However, these constituted less than 1% of their overall business, according to Jon Reardon, chief behavioral health officer for MHC Healthcare.

“In March 2020 when the Governor declared a state of emergency, we sprang into action. We worked with training departments and designated time. Because at that point only essential workers would be out and about, and our immediate concern was the continuity of care for the patient population. We had to bridge that gap,” Reardon said. “It went from 0 to 60 in no time at all. By the next week, our staff was actively providing telehealth services, and by the following month in April, we were providing as much service delivery as we had previously, all via telehealth.” Aside from rapidly expanding their system by purchasing new webcams and laptops for staff, MHC Healthcare also had to introduce the system to many patients and employees. While Reardon admits there was a learning curve, he says patients also saw some unexpected benefits, such as not having to worry about childcare, transportation or commute time for their appointments. “The willingness of the state of Arizona to temporarily allow us to provide services via telephone as well as audio/video did allow us to bridge more gaps,” Reardon said. “There were some folks who, regardless of how much effort you put in to provide training, were really going to struggle. It

might be because of a lack of knowledge or access to technology, and the ability for us to have a telephonic code set as well as audio/ video, allowed us to provide care that we otherwise would have struggled with.” Telehealth was also especially important in Reardon’s field of behavioral health. With primary care doctors, patients may only visit the hospital for an annual wellness check or when they’re feeling sick. But behavioral health is often based around continual treatment courses. “Before COVID hit, there was an understandable reluctance to using telehealth. It seemed new or awkward. The traditional model is you get to know your doctor and get that service directly,” Reardon said. “But what we found out is you can get the majority of that work via telehealth, and still establish very effective relationships. It really was pushed by necessity, but once they tried this out, it was a positive experience.” Reardon says MHC’s biggest concerns for telehealth were around their substance abuse treatments, which can take place in group formats. However, he says they did see success with telehealth groups. However, some patients did request to be back in person, which MHC accommodated, with masking and temperature checks in place.

Courtesy photo

At their peak, MHC saw more than 80% of their behavioral health services conducted via telehealth. This has since dropped down to around 50%, with a slight increase since the Delta variant began spreading. Of course, there are many hospital procedures that can’t be conducted via telehealth. But telehealth can still benefit these by freeing up time and hospital space for those who do need to go in for surgeries and more precise consultations. According to Banner Health CEO Sarah Frost, from March 2020 through March 2021, 27% of Banner University Medicine Tucson’s ambulatory visits were via telehealth, with most online visit volumes coinciding with COVID-19 surges. This was of particular success in Banner’s Tucson locations, as Banner University Medicine Tucson

accounted for 44% of all telehealth visits across the entire Banner Health system, which spans six states. In May 2021, Gov. Ducey signed House Bill 2454, which expands access to telemedicine for patients, ensures doctors receive equal compensation from insurance companies for telemedicine services, and allows out-of-state health care professionals to provide telemedicine in Arizona. “Even as COVID-19 cases start to decline, our telehealth visits are still steadily increasing, forcing us to reevaluate how we deliver care to this vulnerable population,” Frost said. “As it’s currently trending, we will continue to encourage telehealth visits for our behavioral health population in Tucson, so long as it is appropriate for the patient and they meet specific criteria.”

MHC Healthcare has even created a permanent work-from-home workforce. In the past, they had to create additional buildings or expanded spaces in response to higher demand, but now a portion of that new demand can be satisfied via telehealth. Reardon says there are even members of the staff who have found they prefer to provide help this way. “We’ve always thought about this and wanted to address those gaps in care. Obviously when the pandemic hit it maximized demand, but even going forward we are seeing this is a very effective way to deliver service,” Reardon said. “For most populations, it is as efficient as face-to-face, and in fact it is a form of face-to-face, just through a screen. We believe it’s here to stay.” ITB

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

MARK YOUR CALENDARS Tuesday, Sept. 14

Thursday, Sept. 16

Monday, Sept. 20

• SCORE offers a webinar on Franchise Creator presented by Thrive Profit Engineer Erica Sanchez. Details: 1 p.m.; 505-3636 or southernarizona. score.org. • SCORE offers a webinar on Lead Generation and Sales Funnels presented by Gary Wagnon of Ninja Marketing. Details: 4 p.m.; 5053636 or southernarizona. score.org.

• The Tucson LGBT Chamber holds a monthly breakfast. Details: 8-9:30 a.m.; online Zoom; $10 suggested donation to benefit the non-profit of the month; tucsonlgbtchamber.org. • SCORE offers a webinar Marketing 101 – Create Your Roadmap to Success presented by Patty Ross from California Wine Marketing. Details: 9:30 a.m.; 505-3636 or southernarizona.score.org.

• SCORE offers a webinar Ghost Kitchen presented by Combo Kitchen Director of Operations and Business Development Gage Anderle. Details: 10 a.m.; 505-3636 or southernarizona.score. org.

Wednesday, Sept. 15 • SCORE offers a webinar Connect with Customers and Manage Your Business Remotely presented by SCORE Chapter Chair Armando Ojeda. Details: 10 a.m.; 505-3636 or southernarizona.score.org.

Saturday, Sept. 18 • The Marana Chamber of Commerce holds a ribbon cutting at Rescue Me Marana. Details: 10 a.m.-noon; 6401 W. Marana Center Blvd.; free; 682-4314.

Tuesday, Sept. 21 • SCORE offers a webinar Intellectual Property for Start-ups presented by patent strategist Riyon Harding. Details: 10 a.m.; 505-3636 or southernarizona.score.org. • The Tucson Metro Chamber holds a grand opening celebration at AZ MediQuip. Details: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; 10515 N. Oracle Rd., #165; free. RSVP @azmediquip.com. • Tucson Botanical Gar-

dens offers an Estate Planning Workshop presented by Elizabeth Noble Rollings Friman, a Principal of Fleming & Curti specializing in Elder Law. Details: 4-5:15 p.m.; Tucson Botanical Gardens, Porter Hall Gallery, 2150 N. Alvernon Way; free; 3269686.

Wednesday, Sept. 22 • The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce offers the Professional Growth Series webinar on Upskilling for Sustainable Success. Details: 9-10 a.m.; azhcc.com.

Thursday, Sept. 23 • SCORE offers a webinar Lean Business Canvas presented by SCORE Southern Arizona Chair David Terrell. Details: 9:30 a.m.; 505-3636 or southernarizona.score.org. • The Tucson Metro Chamber offers Interface for business owners and executives to speak with public officials about public policy and doing business in southern Arizona with this month’s speaker Arizona Corporation Commission’s Lea Marquez Peterson. Details: 10:30-11:30 a.m.; virtual and in person; members free; 792-2250 ext. 132 or tucsonchamber.org.

• The Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce holds a customer development mixer. Details: 5-7 p.m.; OneAZ Credit Union, 10718 N. Oracle Road; $10, $5 members; 297-2191 or orovalleychamber.com.

Saturday, Sept. 25 • The Humane Society of Southern Arizona holds Rescue Me fundraiser featuring dinner, live auction and guest speaker. Details: 5-9 p.m.; Hilton El Conquistador Resort, 10000 N. Oracle Road; hssaz.org.

EMAIL DETAILS FOR YOUR BIZ EVENTS TO SHERYL@TUCSONLOCALMEDIA.COM

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

Supervisors vote to oppose west side highway Alexandra Pere

Inside Tucson Business

iting environmental impacts and effects to Tucson’s existing I-10 businesses, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted to oppose the route of a possible new interstate highway west of Tucson that would pass through Avra Valley. The board passed a resolution on Aug. 16 stating opposition to the proposed Interstate 11 linking Nogales to Wickenburg. The resolution passed in a 4-1 vote, with Supervisor Steve Christy opposed. The resolution follows the release of the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement on July 16 for the west route and several alternative routes. ADOT’s preferred choice is the western option, which would create irreversible changes to the landscape by cutting through Avra Valley. Water, soil, and air pollution are predicted to be a direct consequence of building a new highway in the Avra Valley and Picture Rocks area, the Board of Supervisors said in its statement of opposition. “The benefits don’t outweigh the damage that can’t be undone,” Supervisor Adelita Grijalva of District 5 said. Grijalva said she is opposed to all proposed routes for I-11 for envi-

ronmental protection. The western route would impact popular tourist destinations in Tucson such as the Saguaro National Park, Ironwood National Monument, and Tucson Mountain Park. The board’s statement says the new highway would be close enough to hear and see cars from these protected areas. ADOT’s statement shows the western route would also cut through the Bureau of Reclamation’s Tucson Mitigation Corridor. This corridor is reserved for wildlife movement across the Central Arizona Project aqueduct. Placing a highway there would shrink available land for wildlife movement. “They keep coming up with different ways to try to configure this I-11 route and there isn’t any way to do it without devastating communities and our environment,” Grijalva said. Grijalva is also concerned with lasting community effects. “I think we need to learn from history,” Grijalva continued. “Where the I-10 is now, we had bustling communities there that were predominantly Latino and Mexican American, that (I-10) devastated that area.” The board’s resolution said a new highway would divert potential customers from Tucson businesses along existing highways and suggested the state

should save money by expanding current roads. Supervisor Steve Christy of District 4 was the only board member to show support for the I-11 west route. As the former chair of the Arizona State Transportation Board, he is adamant to keep Tucson in the loop on new transportation plans. “We are losing a lot of business from Mexico to ports of entry in Texas, I wanted to give us a seat at the table,” Christy said. Christy worries that continuing to vote against new highways may lead to Pima County’s exclusion from state transportation plans. Christy said he helped lobby for Southern Arizona to be included in the new border-to-border highway plans. Although this highway would create a new route for cross-border trade, the COVID pandemic has slowed those efforts. “The holdup right now has nothing to do with access, it has to do with ensuring that both our border communities are safe,” Grijalva said. Few community members agreed with Christy. Grijalva said the board received more than 100 community letters reiterating opposition to the west route during the public comment period. One of these letters came from the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, a local nonprofit organiza-

Saguaro National Park, which the proposed I-11 could impact. Courtesy photo.

tion focused on Sonoran desert conservation. “I don’t necessarily buy that there is a need for it,” Executive Director Carolyn Campbell said. Campbell said ADOT did not provide a direct response to the Coalition’s question on need. Among many of the issues outlined in the Coalition’s letter were climate change and water conservation. “The United Nations climate change report just came out a couple of weeks ago and it says it’s worse than we thought, it’s red alert time,” said Campbell. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report on Aug. 9 showing an unprecedented change

in climate worldwide due to sustained greenhouse gas emissions. The report recommends a rapid reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to stabilize global temperatures. Campbell said that a new highway would increase carbon emissions, contributing to climate change. “If we’re going to keep it to the one-degree difference in warming, then we have to make some radical changes to carbon emissions, like driving,” Campbell said. Campbell and Grijalva both said there are better options available. “This is one of those things that we really have to balance smart and strategic growth versus sprawl, and I don’t want Tucson to be-

come another Phoenix or another big metropolitan city,” said Grijalva. Campbell said the preferred alternative east option is the only viable option. The eastern route would co-locate I-11 with I-10 and I-19. Campbell said they could tunnel I-11 underground to connect communities on top. “They did that in Phoenix with a park on the top when they tunneled under Phoenix, kind of making up for the sins of the past when they built the freeway in the ’60s, which is bisecting barrios, and neighborhoods, particularly of poor people,” Campbell said. ITB

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

TECH TALK

Technology startup competitions and science advocacy Jeff Gardner

Inside Tucson Business

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. Imaging Success. A science imaging company has won the latest sponsored launch competition hosted by the University of Arizona Center for Innovation. QScint Imaging Solutions won the “sponsored launch,” which includes a year’s admission to UACI, valued at $10,000. QScint Imaging Solutions manufactures “digital autoradiography imaging systems” that can detect certain isotopes for use in biology, geology, geochemistry and even drug development. According to UACI, these sponsored startup competitions provide the winning startup with a structured incubation program, customized business support and the ability to work alongside other startups at the university’s tech park campus. Other tools the incubation program provides are office and lab space and assistance through a 27-point roadmap that helps them with everything from refining

their business model to obtaining funding. “QScint is incredibly excited to be joining and working with UACI. As we take these next growth steps, the amazing set of resources provided by UACI will be invaluable. We are very appreciative and truly honored for the generous support from Concord General Contracting,” said Brian Miller, president of QScint Imaging Solutions. This latest sponsored launch was supported by Concord General Contracting, who funded the competition and helped with the winner selection process. Previous UACI sponsored launches have been fueled by the Town of Sahuarita, Freeport-McMoRan and the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. UACI is a “startup incubator network” that offers guidance and lab space for startup companies out of the University of Arizona, as well as other businesses interested in relocating to Tucson. The UACI campus provides offices, wet and dry labs, meeting rooms and a prototyping center. But perhaps most importantly, it provides opportunities for collaboration with other startups in the network. QScint Imaging Solutions entered the UACI incubation program in August and will remain through July 2022. In addition to the program, the company will take dry lab space at UACI located at the UA Tech Park.

for Science. “Through the Advocate Program, we hope students continue to participate in meaningful and transformative science research experiences. We hope this program continues to be a catalyst for underrepresented students to consider future STEM careers. The 66 Advocates are a truly amazing group of mentors for the next generation of scientists and Supporting Science. engineers.” The Society for Science, Jonas was previously a national science nonawarded the 2018 Outprofit, has awarded two local teachers grants as part standing Biology Teacher Award for Arizona by the of their annual Advocate program. The organizaNational Association of tion’s Advocate Program Biology Teachers. ITB for the 2021-2022 school year includes a total of 66 educators who received a combined $214,000: 58 Advocates received a $3,000 stipend while eight Lead Advocates received $5,000 each. Jeremy Jonas, a biology teacher at Tucson High Magnet School, is one of the Lead Advocates, while Jacqueline Nichols of Sunnyside Unified School District is an Advocate. According to the Society for Science, Advocates will encourage at least three to five students who identify as a race or ethnicity historically underrepresented in STEM, and help them enter science projects into competitions. “In the coming school year, students and teachers will have to remain flexible during a fluctuating public health emergency,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of the Society “Our team is so excited to work with Brian Miller and the team at QScint. Brian has already proven to be a very successful researcher and entrepreneur and we look forward to helping him through his technology validation and company growth,” said Eric Smith, executive director of UACI.

QScint Imaging Solutions president Brian Miller in the lab. Photo courtesy University of Arizona

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

ON THE MENU

Get a taste of local restaurants during Sonoran Restaurant Week Matt Russell

cultures, and that squares nicely with the spirit of the week. “It’s always been our f you think Sonoran intention to highlight the Restaurant Week is only about Mexican food, you many different cuisine types may do a double take when that are available here in the Sonoran region, and you see dishes inspired this event is one big way to by Moroccan, Jamaican, do it,” said Laura Reese, French, and Indonesian traditions on display during co-founder of Sonoran Restaurant Week. the annual event. Which leads me to atjar Fret not, enchilada enthusiasts. Classic Sonoran tjampoer. Nicole and Marcus van cuisine will take center Winden’s menu at The stage at several of the eatDutch Eatery and Refuge eries participating in the September 10-19 fete. But has always had a European many others will be serving flair, but its connection up dishes drawn from other with Indonesia is something Special to Inside Tucson Business

they wanted to highlight during this special week. “Historically, the Netherlands has enjoyed close ties with Indonesia, and you’ll find lots of Indonesian influences in Dutch cuisine,” said Nicole van Winden, co-owner of The Dutch, 943 E. University Boulevard. “You’ll see this in our Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy sandwich.” These boys are composed of curry-forward, Indonesian-spiced fried shrimp, spicy mayonnaise, tomatoes and an Indonesian-inspired pickled cabbage called atjar tjampoer. It’s

served on a local torta roll with fries. The Dutch’s Restaurant Week menu will also transport your palates to Paris with their Duck a L’orange Tacos, with slow-braised orange duck, Brussels slaw, picked red onions, candied orange peel, cotija cheese and local corn tortillas. “Marcus’ background is in French fine dining, and he prepares the duck for these tacos using the same formal techniques he’s used with traditional Duck a L’orange,” she said. The Dutch is offering a two-course meal for Sonoran Restaurant Week, including these and other options, plus a select beverage, for $25 per person. One look at Renee Kreager’s menu at Renee’s and you might assume that she vacationed in Jamaica and Morocco in preparation for Sonoran Restaurant Week. Her Jerk-braised Short Ribs play a starring role, with salt and vinegar potatoes and a red cabbage and pineapple slaw. The beef is rubbed with Jamaican jerk spices, lemon and habaneros, seared on a high heat, and slowly braised with onions, coconut milk and Mexican Coke. “This dish is an example of the foods we’re getting delivered to our door from our own region,” said Kreager, owner of Renee’s, 7065 E. Tanque Verde Road. “Our beef is from a ranch near Patagonia and

French duck a l’orange tacos from The Dutch. Courtesy photo.

our potatoes come from a farm north of Prescott,” she said. Vegetarian and vegan options are always aplenty at Renee’s, and those who’ve adopted those lifestyles should find favor with Kreager’s Moroccan Garbanzo Cakes. These bean cakes are seasoned with a 13-spice blend, led by turmeric, ginger, and cardamom, and plated with a cranberry chutney and fresh arugula. “We had fun building these diverse kinds of dishes that highlight local ingredients prepared in a different way,” said Kreager. Renee’s has built a threecourse meal for Sonoran Restaurant Week, including these and several other selections, for $35 per person.

All of the 50 restaurants participating in Sonoran Restaurant Week are offering custom-coursed, prix fixe menus at either $25 or $35 per person. A full roster of the restaurants and their menus is available at SonoranRestaurantWeek. com. I guess I can cancel my trips to Morocco, Jamaica, France, and Indonesia. When it comes to dining out, there’s no place like home. 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.

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

OV Chamber celebrates resilience at 2021 awards

Chelle Peterson and Daniel Wesson of The Post Workspaces accept the 2021 Pinnacle Award for Small Business of the Year from the Oro Valley Chamber on Thursday, Aug. 19. The OV Chamber celebrated local businesses, nonprofits and community leaders. Photo by Jeff Gardner

lection committee had a hard time narrowing down certain winners, so some categories had ne needn’t read a more than one recipient. Bureau of Labor “Through this ongoing Statistics report to struggle, let’s not surrenknow this past year and der the relationships and a half has wreaked havoc shared purposes that can on several industries. But improve our businesses, the Oro Valley Chamber our communities and our of Commerce still manlives. We can help one aged to highlight several another improve what we successes at their annual do. In so doing together, meeting, celebrating local we strengthen the fabric businesses, nonprofits of an interdependent and community leaders. business and communiThe Oro Valley Chamty cloth. We are smarter ber’s annual meeting and collectively than we are awards ceremony took individually.” place on Thursday, Aug. To begin, the Chamber 19, at the El Conquistagave their annual Legacy dor resort. Award to Dr. Thom“Some of the Chamas Grogan, a professor ber’s best work during emeritus at the University this past decade occurred of Arizona’s College of during the pandemic,” Medicine and founder of said Oro Valley Chamber Ventana Medical SysPresident Dave Perry, tems (now Roche Tissue who admitted the se-

Jeff Gardner

Inside Tucson Business

Diagnostics). The biotech and healthcare company has more than 1,400 fulltime employees in Oro Valley, and recently broke ground on an expansion in nearby Marana. “I don’t consider myself the father of Ventana, now Roche Tissue, I consider myself the grandfather,” Grogan said on a video call. “A lot of my perspective now is that I’m proud of the kids and proud of what they’re doing. It’s very important to the future of business that everything I had to give, they embody. From the very beginning, we had a culture of high purpose. We were doing something important, so I hired people with a high tolerance to difficulty. But the other thing I think is really important to culture is a sense of co-

hesion. It’s not just you, but other smart people around you who are just as committed.” The Oro Valley Chamber’s business awards, the Pinnacle Awards, were given to small, midsize and large businesses that go above and beyond for the local community. There were two winners for the Small Business of the Year category: Desert Star Addiction Recovery, which provides outpatient treatment for a variety of addiction and mental health issues; and The Post Workspaces, which offers private, shared and virtual office spaces for local professionals. Hamstra Heating & Cooling won the Pinnacle award for Midsize Business of the Year. Hamstra, which opened in 1983, is a family-owned HVAC company that operates throughout the Tucson area. El Conquistador, a Hilton-owned resort where the awards ceremony took place, won

the Large Business of the Year award. The Nonprofit of the Year award went to Grace Hearing, a nonprofit connected to Oro Valley Audiology that provides healthcare to low-income adults and under-served children. Grace Hearing is not a free clinic, but operates on a reduced-fee sliding scale. They rely on grants, donations, corporate sponsorship and volunteers. “We started Grace Hearing in 2016 because we know hearing is so important to connection, and this past year and a half has really shown us how much more our hearing has meant, trying to communicate through masks,” said Dr. Judy Huch, who works for both Grace Hearing and Oro Valley Audiology. “I am so thankful. Even though I might not be for everybody, in fact I have a shirt that says that, I do everything through the scope of love and kindness.”

Finally, the Community Leader of the Year awards went to two community members: Kay Williams from the Oro Valley Chamber, and Innovation Academy principal Michael McConnell. “I would like to thank the Chamber and Amphitheater Public Schools,” McConnell said. “Twenty-seven years ago, it was about my seventh or eighth day as a kindergarten teacher and I said to myself ‘Dear God, don’t let me mess these kids up.’ And I decided then, every day I would do what I feel is best for kids. And 27 years later, I’m still doing it. Over this past year, the kids have stepped up in ways we hoped they’d never have to, but so have the teachers who figured things out on the fly. Our families and communities all stepped up.” ITB

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 Applications Engineer: https://tinyurl.com/tmx492ye Digital Design Engineer: https://tinyurl.com/y5zv95pd Design Verification Engineer: https://tinyurl.com/2hmjye9u Design Verification Manager: https://tinyurl.com/5vj6ay75 Product Marketing Engineer: https://tinyurl.com/4kvx9z4w Systems Engineer: https://tinyurl.com/kr767b8h Validation/Characterization Engineer: https://tinyurl.com/4tvz66tb Some positions may require travel. Please send in resumes using the individual URL code for the position listed. EOE.

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

Business groups urge Kelly, Sinema to oppose pro-union PRO Act Jeremy Duda AZ Mirror

usiness groups publicly called on Democratic U.S. Sens. Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema to oppose a sweeping piece of pro-organized labor legislation that would wipe out Arizona’s “rightto-work” law that prohibits mandatory union membership. At a press conference at the office of the Arizona chapter of the Associated General Contractors near the state Capitol on Monday, Aug. 30, leaders of several business groups warned that the Protecting the Right to Organize Act — or PRO Act, as it’s more commonly known — would undermine Arizona’s recovery from the economic slump it faced last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, undermine the “gig economy,” jeopardize secret ballots in union organization votes, give unions access to confidential employee information and strip Arizonans of their right not to join a union. The bill would allow unions to override right-to-work laws and collect union dues from non-members who still benefit from collective bargaining. It would also prohibit company-spon-

sored meetings to urge employees against unionizing, define most independent contractors as employees, protect employees who are attempting to unionize from being fired and allow unions to engage in secondary strikes in support of other striking workers, among other provisions. “We want to thank and tell Sen. Sinema and Sen. Kelly that we appreciate them for not signing on as co-sponsors to the PRO Act, because if they were to change their opinions, New York Sen. Chuck Schumer will put this up for a vote,” said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Kelly and Sinema are two of only three Senate Democrats, along with Virginia’s Mark Warner, who haven’t co-sponsored the bill or thrown their public support behind it. Kelly last month told the Huffington Post that he opposes the independent contractor provision, but that he supports the “overall goals” of the legislation. Sinema is widely known as a holdout on the Democratic side and hasn’t supported the PRO Act, but spokesman Pablo Sierra-Carmona indicated that she hasn’t made up her mind, and that she won’t do so unless and until it

comes up for a vote in the Senate. “[I]t is not clear if or when the PRO Act may come up for a vote in the Senate. If it does, Kyrsten will take a close look at the legislation and listen to Arizona workers, employers, and community leaders, and — as always — vote based on what’s right for Arizona,” Sierra-Carmona said in an emailed statement. Arizona is one of 27 right-to-work states. Seiden said Arizona’s labor laws, which have included a right-to-work provision since 1946, give it a competitive advantage over other states, as evidenced by its recovery from the pandemic-inducted slump. He noted that Arizona hit a monthly record of 16,000 new jobs created in July, and has set new revenue collection records, despite the economic hit the state took in 2020. Michelle Ahlmer, executive director of the Arizona Retailers Association, echoed that sentiment, saying the PRO Act could jeopardize the economic gains the state has made as it recovers from the pandemic. “As we climb out from the last 18 months, we need every tool to get back on our feet,” Ahlmer said. Supporters tout the PRO

Kelly and Sinema are two of only three Senate Democrats, along with Virginia’s Mark Warner, who haven’t cosponsored the PRO Act or thrown their public support behind it. Courtesy photos.

Act as a game-changer that would level the playing field between employees and employers, strengthen workers’ rights and increase wages. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the PRO Act in March, but its prospects are dim in the Senate, where Democrats, even if they have the votes to pass the bill, don’t have enough Republican support to overcome a filibuster. That has led some Democrats to advocate passing parts of the bill through reconciliation, a parliamentary procedure that can be used to bypass the 60-vote threshold for breaking a filibuster and passing budget-related measures with a simple majority. While Kelly has privately advocated for reforming

the filibuster “to make the (Senate) more functional,” Sinema has doggedly defended the rule that requires any legislation to have the backing of 60 senators before it can receive a formal vote. Most provisions of the PRO Act, such as prohibiting right-to-work laws, wouldn’t be subject to reconciliation because they’re unrelated to spending and revenue, but the Senate could use the process to pass other parts, such as dramatic increases in monetary penalties for employers that engage in illegal union-busting activities. Kelly told the Huffington Post that he’s open to using reconciliation for parts of the PRO Act, saying, “Depending on how it’s done, I’m not necessarily opposed to that.”

Sierra-Carmona said Sinema won’t opine on the possibility of reconciliation until she sees legislation that won’t be completed until next month, at the earliest. The Arizona business groups urged Kelly and Sinema not to support using reconciliation to pass what Seiden called a “watered-down but just-as-damaging big labor wish list.” ITB Jeremy Duda is associate editor at Arizona Mirror, part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Arizona Mirror maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jim Small for questions: info@azmirror.com. Visit Arizona Mirror at azmirror. com and follow the news site on Facebook and Twitter.

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

Biotech Companies Rank 2021 2020

Business Address

Phone Company Email Website

No. of F-T Public or Local Private Employees

Specialties

Notable Projects

Top Local Executives

Year Establ. Locally

Cancer Prevention Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1760 E. River Rd., Ste. 250 Tucson, AZ 85718

(520) 908-7774 cbrannen@canprevent.com canprevent.com

Private

Developing therapeutics designed to reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases.

Completed a Phase 3 clinical trial for adults with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). FAP is a rare genetic disease that if left untreated progresses to colorectal cancer in nearly 100% of patients. CPP is co-sponsoring with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and SWOG a large Phase 3 trial in colon cancer survivors. CPP is also working collaboratively with nonprofit groups to support their clinical trials in neuroblastoma, gastric cancer, and early-onset type 1 diabetes.

Jeffrey Jacob Eugene Gerner Elizabeth Bruckheimer

2009

Marcus Engineering, LLC 2440 N Coyote Dr. STE 128 Tucson, AZ 85745

(520) 369-3051 info+ITB@marcusengineering.com www.marcusengineering.com

Private

Medical electronics, automation, instrumentation

Patrick Marcus

2011

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

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

Private

Miniature, handheld spectrometers

Optical detector for bacterial pathogens, Handheld optical Terje Skotheim detector of illicit drugs Wade Poteet Bruce Berkoff

2015

Palo Verde Clinical Research (888) 440-3828 x110 1718 E. Speedway Blvd. #131 liz@pvclinical.com Tucson, AZ 85719 www.pvclinical.com

Private

Clinical Trials, Drug Development, Biotechnology, Regulatory, Microbiology, Data Science, Embedded Systems

Capienda Biotech 6076 Corte Del Cedro Carlsbad, CA 92011

Private

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology

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

2015

Drug Discovery

Mark A. Bernard 2017 Souvenir D. Tachado

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

Computer Networking Development & Maintenance Cos. Rank Business 2021 Address 2020

Phone Company Email Website

No. of F-T Types of Systems Used Specialties Local Employees

Services Offered

Top Local Executives

Year Establ. Locally

Nextrio, LLC 4803 E. 5th Street Ste. 103 Tucson, AZ 85711

(520) 545-7101 info@nextrio.com nextrio.com

Business, productivity, cloud

Network management, security and risk assessment, virtualization, cloud offerings, IT project management, servers, firewalls, fax and email, security,

Cristie Street Bill Street

2002

Integrilogic Corporation 1931 W. Grant Rd., Ste. 310 Tucson, AZ 85745

(520) 229-1611 sales@integrilogic.com www.integrilogic.com

EMR, Exchange, SQL, document management, security

Managed service, network setup and support, outsourced IT services

Bruce Groen Tawnya Groen

1999

KGB Communications, LLC 4842 E Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85711

(520) 743-3300 service@kgbcommunications.com kgbcommunications.com

IT Managed Services for Medical, Dental and IT Managed Services, Network Administration, Network Project Legal Practices Consulting, VoIP Phone System Installation

Kathy Hibsman Luke Stone

2002

Arizona Computer Guru 2784 N Campbell Ave Tucson, AZ 85719

(520) 304-8300 info@azcomputerguru.com www.azcomputerguru.com

N/A

Managed IT Services, VOIP Telephone Service, Network Security Mike Swanson

2001

Harrington Technologies 3230 S. Dodge Blvd. Ste 1-2 Tucson, AZ 85713

(520) 398-7935 info@harringtontech.com www.harringtontech.com

IT Consulting and Technology Solutions Provider

Individual / customized maintenance plans, on-site, remote and phone support, IT consulting and networking services, tune ups and upgrades, competitive pricing, hardware repair, website design

Robert Harrington 2009 Michelle Harrington

Xcentech Computers, LLC 7739 E. Broadway, Ste. 232 Tucson, AZ 85710

(520) 271-4733 service@xcentech.com xcentech.com

Legal, Medical, and other high-security clients

Consulting, Network building and maintenance, hardware and software support, vendor relations

Sam Trejo

Crawford Computer Consulting 5231 E. Camino Apolena Tucson, AZ 85718

(520) 298-1953 stephenc@crawfordcomputer.com crawfordcomputer.com

Windows servers, PCs, networking

Computer network setup, support, Microsoft Access database development

Stephen Crawford 1989

EC Group 4555 E. Broadway Blvd Tucson, AZ 85711

(520) 622-1173 info@ecgrp.com ecgrp.com

Network Security Scans and Audits

Network Design, Support and Maintenance

Luis Figueroa

2004

1973

Computer Software Companies Rank 2021 2020

Business Address

Phone Company Email Website

No. of F-T Software Engineers

No. of F-T Local Employees

% of Business Software Service

Tucson Embedded Systems, Inc. 5620 N. Kolb Rd., Ste. 160 Tucson, AZ 85750

(520) 575-7283 business@tucsonembedded.com tucsonembedded.com

Nextrio, LLC 4803 E. 5th Street Ste. 103 Tucson, AZ 85711

(520) 545-7101 info@nextrio.com nextrio.com

N/A

Products / Services

Top Local Executives

Year Establ. Locally

Mission and safety critical electronic systems design, engineering, testing, certification and final product assembly

Dennis Kenman Antonio Procopio

1997

Network management, security and risk assessment, virtualization, cloud offerings, IT project management, servers, firewalls, fax and email, security, Managed Services

Cristie Street Bill Street

2002

Ranked by the number of full-time software engineers (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

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

INSIDETUCSONBUSINESS.COM