Trades/Construction
RANCHO RESORT
MAINTANANCE POSITION Finance and Accounting
Charles E. Gillman Company
Accounting Specialist Administrative & Professional
Tucson Urban League
CEO/President Administrative & Professional
Jorgensen Brooks Group
Counselor Mechanical
Komatsu Equipment Co
Resident Field Mechanic Sales and Marketing
Everready Glass
Sales Reps

During this season, we all start to realize that another year has come and gone and that all that remains are the memories. Those memories are the gifts we receive each year, and many stay with us for a lifetime.

Let's look back together at some of the best "gifts/memories" of 2008 … and what a year it was!

The world came for a visit to our community once again early in 2008. This year's Accenture Match Play Golf Championship in Marana was a very competitive tournament, and those unsung heroes who volunteer to make it happen made it better than ever.

Ventana Medical Systems was courted and finally purchased by Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche. A huge expansion is under way and we all start to feel that the "flat world" has come to our community.

Two leaders in our community have moved on up to the big city. Jerry Bustamante of the Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce and Bill Markel of the Northwest YMCA have moved on. Ramon Gaanderse and Mike Reuwsaat, respectively, have stepped up to the plate.

"High School Musical" was a three-night hit for our young adults. Tom Moser's dream for the children of our community became a reality with his Youth @ Performing Arts.

Longtime Marana icon Ora Mae Harn received the "Legacy Award" from the Northern Pima County Chamber. She is an amazing lady with a passion and a vision as large as the sky over her beloved Marana.

The State of the Town of Oro Valley informed us of the movement to "Go Green." Sustainability is being welcomed and the future is ours.

The defeat of the Naranja Park Bonds was an unexpected happening for me. After eight years of town meetings, workshops, votes and discussions I had really hoped that the "process" had worked in favor of the bonds.

Al Trice was named Community Leader for 2008 at the Pinnacle Awards. Al's work in the community for Catalina Community Services and with the young people at Coronado K-8 is exemplary. Al has taught me many lessons, including how to find folks who are willing to "shovel snow" here in Southern Arizona, just as Al had as a young boy shoveled neighbors' snow without payment.

The Oro Valley Marketplace has become a reality. It is now the new standard in our country for a shopping center that is environmentally friendly. The movie theater is a first for Oro Valley.

The International State of the States revealed the bridges we are building to sister cities like Guadalajara, Berlin and Ottawa.

The Dove Mountain Ritz-Carlton in Marana continued construction and will open in the very beginning of 2009. This is yet another example of "world class" in our community.

By far the biggest story was the national elections. It seemed to drag on forever and brought out the best and the worst in us. The win by Obama had deep repercussions in Arizona as our governor will move up to a cabinet position.

The country's economic difficulties left me happy to be in this community. We are in the best place in the best country to grow and prosper as we embrace the change the elections called for.

All in all, it was a year full of challenges and opportunities. This is my sixth year of sharing my experiences during the holiday season with all of you in our community. What an honor!!

I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season and hope you and your family …

Enjoy the journey,

Bob