OV Town Talk: Boosting Local Business Recovery
*By Paul Melcher, Director of Community and Economic Development, Town of Oro Valley*
Supporting our local businesses is more than just a promise; it’s a commitment to action. As we continue to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19, understanding and addressing the needs of Oro Valley’s business community is essential.
During the pandemic’s first year, Oro Valley introduced the OVSafeSteps program to strengthen business support. Through this initiative, we distributed nearly $1 million from the CARES Act to help local businesses with 50 or fewer employees. The funds went towards PPE reimbursements, marketing costs, and IT coaching. This program built strong relationships, and we’re dedicated to maintaining that support even after the funding ended.
Building on OVSafeSteps, we launched OV Next Steps, a formal business support strategy. This includes enhancing our Business Retention and Expansion Program, improving communication with businesses, and teaming up with the Chamber of Commerce to host an annual Business Summit.
Every Monday, Town staff visit local businesses, often joined by Councilmembers and Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce staff. Our goal is to visit at least 200 businesses each year. These visits, combined with annual surveys, help us gather valuable insights into the factors affecting local businesses.
Feedback from these visits has led to positive changes. For example, based on community input, the Town Council approved amendments to the Town Code. This includes provisions for expanded outdoor seating and changes to parking regulations to accommodate retail and restaurant pickups. We’re also working on simplifying the Town’s sign code based on business owner feedback.
Thanks to OVSafeSteps, we have an updated and expanded business email database, enhancing communication about resources and events. Partnering with the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, we hosted our first annual Business Summit on January 6, attended by over 80 business leaders. The summit featured sessions on marketing, branding, and workforce development, with topics chosen from business surveys and visits.
The Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce plays a crucial role in our success. Chamber President/CEO Dave Perry often says, “Business success and community well-being go hand in hand.” Strong businesses support thriving communities, and when residents do well, the government can provide excellent services like public safety, roads, and parks.
As we work on OV Next Steps during this recovery period, remember how vital it is to shop locally. Oro Valley thrives on the partnership between the Town and its businesses, and we’re committed to promoting this success for everyone’s benefit.
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