TEP supports local chambers of commerce to promote economic growth, strengthen businesses of all sizes and make connections throughout our community.

TEP is an active member of the chambers in Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley and Vail, as well as the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. We support their everyday efforts and special events, such as the recent Copper Cactus Awards, one of the Tucson Metro Chamber’s signature gatherings.

“We are members of the Tucson Metro Chamber and other local chambers because we want to promote a healthy business climate in our community,” said Joe Salkowski, TEP’s Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs, who serves as a Tucson Metro Chamber board member. “We believe healthy chambers are a big part of how we accomplish that goal.”

Making Connections

During the pandemic, TEP helped direct local businesses to available state and federal resources with a guide published on our website. “Through our chamber connections, we were able to push out timely and pertinent information,” said Camila Martins-Bekat, Senior Market Development Representative.

While the pandemic has prevented our employees from attending some in-person events, TEP has sponsored, promoted and advertised at virtual events. We participated in a virtual breakfast with the Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce and a fundraiser for the Marana Chamber of Commerce.

“Chambers of commerce offer us an opportunity to meet and engage with our customers outside of the utility-provider relationship,” said Ryan Anderson, Manager of Business Development. “Those conversations allow us to learn more about ways to support them holistically.”

Michael Guymon, Tucson Metro Chamber Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, said TEP has been a proud member and partner for 59 years.

“From participating in our advocacy efforts to leading our Board of Directors, TEP has been instrumental in the success of the Chamber and the Tucson business community in general,” Guymon said. “TEP does far more than deliver electricity to our businesses and homes – they provide the energy that generates our community’s growth.”

Copper Cactus Awards

Earlier this month, the Tucson Metro Chamber honored local businesses through its Copper Cactus Awards, including nonprofit groups recognized with TEP Social Impact Awards.

“Nonprofit organizations are also small businesses and they face many of the same challenges that small businesses have to overcome to succeed,” Salkowski said. “This award is a way to recognize the nonprofit groups’ success in overcoming those obstacles to meet the needs of their clients and our community.”

This year’s Social Impact Award winners were:

• Greater Tucson Leadership, for a nonprofit group with revenue up to $500,000.
• YWCA Southern Arizona, for a nonprofit group with revenue between $500,001 and $2 million.
• Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona, for a nonprofit group with revenue between $2 million and $5 million.

(Photo by Kevin Van Rensselaer, courtesy of Tucson Metro Chamber.)