By Anne Gibson
At request of some residents of the greater Vail area, the Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce offered five sessions beginning in May of 2021 to include informational discussions, Zoom presentations, and guest speakers on the subject of understanding the pros and cons of the future of the area. The goal was not to decide the action in the present or future, but to understand the possible paths and the needs of the greater Vail area.
The chamber responded by providing their community room for the program and Brad Anderson, President and CEO of the Chamber, became the facilitator of the program. There was no charge for participating in the sessions that were open to anyone interested.
The Chamber with its Mission statement, “Influencing Vail’s future to enhance growth opportunities and advance economic development in the Greater Vail Area” was considered a good fit for the program.
Tom Belshe, Executive Director of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, was one of the presenters to the group in person or by Zoom making presentations or for Questions and Answer sessions.
The aim of the League of Cities and Towns “is to promote local self-government, municipal independence and provide professional and high quality assistance to the municipal governments in the State of Arizona.” It has a 91-city and town voluntary membership in the State of Arizona, Belshe explained.
Another source of information came from retired University of Arizona Vice President Bruce Wright, who prior to retiring, had served as the Vice President of the U of A Tech Park making him familiar with the greater Vail Area. Now a private consultant, he added a wealth of information to the discussions.
On Friday, November 5th, Facilitator Brad Anderson expressed his feeling that the goals of the initial large group had been met. He stepped down as facilitator recommending that due, to the individual cultures and make up of Corona de Tucson and Vail, that two two smaller groups be established to continue the discussions and possible directions to be considered.
The two smaller groups would be developed in order to continue discussions, share and seek input from their respective communities. Kreg Lolloff and Glen Taylor will co-chair the Corona de Tucson community discussions and input. David Hook, Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, agreed to lead the community conversations in the Vail area.
Those present thanked the Chamber for providing meeting space and instilling in the participants the ability to look to the future. It was acknowledged that they were better aware and prepared to continue the process in their communities to determine what the resident’s desires are for the long term.
Members of the Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are: Rosemary Bright, Chair of the Board; Darcy Mentone, First Vice-Chair; Phil Larrabee Treasurer; Lisa Benson, Secretary; Priscilla Storm, Director; Peter Backus, Director; and, Fiona De Young, Director.
Whittley “Anne” Gibson is a third generation Tucsonan and alumni of the University of Arizona. She has been an active community member in the greater Vail area since the late 1970s.