Tucson Electric Power employees take on leadership roles in business and economic development groups to help create and sustain a strong, healthy regional economy.
TEP works closely with a variety of organizations to attract and retain businesses, help small and large enterprises grow, and improve education to enhance the job pipeline.
Here are just a few examples of how our leaders help the business community.
Dave Hutchens, Chair of Sun Corridor Inc.
As TEP’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Hutchens extends his leadership as head of Sun Corridor’s board. Sun Corridor is the economic development organization designed to bring business investment and job growth to Tucson and Southern Arizona.
Most recently in that role, Hutchens supported the successful effort to bring an Amazon fulfillment center to Tucson, where 1,500 full-time employees are expected to be hired starting next year.
Hutchens’ role with Sun Corridor gives him an opportunity to interact with the representatives of prospective new and growing businesses. He always takes the opportunity to tout the benefits of being part of our Southern Arizona community, including TEP’s affordable, reliable electric service, when talking with decision makers.
“We are always looking for ways to grow and improve the communities we serve,” Hutchens said. “Supporting a vibrant and inviting economic development climate is key to that growth. It’s one of the many ways our company and our employees give back to our community.”
Larry Lucero, Chair of Tucson Metro Chamber
Lucero, TEP’s Senior Director of Government and External Affairs, is continuing TEP’s long-term membership of the chamber by leading its board.
In this role, Lucero engages with the business community by focusing on small and entrepreneurial endeavors, encouraging business exchanges and providing networking opportunities. Lucero regularly represents the chamber at events to welcome new businesses, such as ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and celebrate anniversaries and milestones.
The chamber works with schools, from kindergarten through college, to align our talent with employers, including veterans from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Fort Huachuca.
“It’s TEP’s civic responsibility as a core member in this community to take leadership roles and improve our quality of life,” Lucero said. “TEP is recognized as a community leader. We find it important to invest in the chamber and economic development opportunities, as well as the education process.”
Camila Martins-Bekat, Vice Chair of the Arizona Association for Economic Development’s Southern Arizona Chapter
At TEP, Martins-Bekat works to attract new businesses to the region as the External Affairs Representative in Economic Development. Beyond TEP, she serves as a leader in educating and supporting local business owners and developers through her role in the association.
“We, as TEP employees, want to act as a resource for the business community,” Martins-Bekat said.
A statewide advocate for economic development, the association regularly brings together developers, architects, contractors and others in related fields to learn about trends and practices from economic development experts. Members participate in networking activities at monthly luncheons and other events.
“It’s valuable to make connections with the business community,” Martins-Bekat said. “It is about making sure our region is ready for business expansion and is able to support a workforce for the new wave of jobs.”
