A letter from Dave 03.27.20

Flowers bloom, amid the
disrupted rhythms of life

Brittlebush are in bloom on Oro Valley’s hillsides. Riots of
yellow flowers, dancing on the wind, pull the restless walker
along the path that rims Naranja Park. While the flows of life and
of work have been been blown away, the desert’s rhythms
endure.
In nearby Tangerine Terrace, a chalk artist gives simple,
powerful direction to a jangled brain.
Stand Tall, one panel reads.
Love Life, with a heart drawn nearby.
And, in the driveway, Just Believe. Just Believe in your God, or
in nature, or in the goodness of people, or in your personal faith,
or your loved ones. Just Believe that this event has a beginning,
a middle, and an end. We know it has begun. We do not know
where we are along a uniquely difficult journey. But we know it will end. Life may not be
the same afterward, but by definition crises become less critical.

This is a very tough moment. All week, we’ve been learning of business closures and
layoffs. Folks on the front lines, the hourly hospitality and restaurant workers, are
sustaining the immediate hit. We all feel the pain. Federal help is on the way, for them
and for all of us, but it may be weeks out. Your Chamber and its Foundation are taking
small steps to help those people put food on the table. We will soon ask for your help …
and we ask you now to support restaurants with gift cards, take-out, delivery, any way
you can.
What can you do during times like these?
Play golf, if you enjoy the game. Roxanne Harding, at Chamber member El
Conquistador Golf & Tennis, reports the courses are in great shape, the weather’s
beautiful and the price is right. Physical distancing is being practiced; on Thursday, along
La Canada, I saw 4 golfers … and 4 golf carts. The Views Golf Club and Oro Valley
Country Club are Chamber members, too;
Don’t worry about sign codes. Whether it’s Oro Valley or elsewhere, any perceived
minor violations of sign rules are not on anyone’s enforcement radar. Be safe, smart and
respectful … but use banners, A-frames, roadside sign holders, whatever you fancy to
let people know you are open for business;
Meet friends for a take-out dinner. We’ve been part of and learned of several such
parties, where couples order at a restaurant, then go to a nice place for physically
distanced dining. Alas, as of Friday night Oro Valley park and ramada facilities may be
closed. Don’t let that deter you; even a meal shared in a parking lot is welcome these
days;
Take a hike. Catalina State Park must have had record crowds last weekend. The
flowers are magnificent;
Give. Plenty of people need help.
Stand Tall. Love Life. Just Believe.

Dave Perry

President/CEO

Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce

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State of the Town of Oro Valley, Luncheon & Fall Business Expo was a success! 

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2019 Oro Valley State of the Town Luncheon and Business Expo. The luncheon had over 620 people in attendance, with even more enjoying the Business Expo!

If you missed it, watch the Mayor’s speech here!

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