TUCSON, AZ (May 5, 2025) -- The Chamber of Southern Arizona—a transformative merger between Sun Corridor Inc. and the Tucson Metro Chamber—was officially launched on May 2, drawing more than 700 regional stakeholders to a high-energy kickoff luncheon at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa.
The event marked a historic milestone for Southern Arizona’s business community, with regional and congressional leaders applauding the consolidation as a bold step toward collaboration, resource sharing, and unified economic leadership.
“We’re creating a bigger, bolder, and more unified voice for the entire business community in Southern Arizona,” said Susan Gray, president and CEO of Tucson Electric Power, who will chair the new Chamber.
The merger, first announced in December, brings together two of the region’s most influential economic development organizations under a shared mission: to tackle Southern Arizona’s economic challenges and opportunities with a cohesive strategy, expanded resources, and collective voice.
“This is historic—mergers like this are rare,” said Joe Snell, who will serve as president and CEO of the newly formed Chamber. “They’re usually derailed by turf wars, competition, or ego. But this one succeeded because everyone put the region first. We’re really proud of that.”
As part of the day-long celebration, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark and the Chamber of Southern Arizona hosted U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) for a roundtable discussion with local business leaders. The discussion focused on the urgent need to extend key pro-growth provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), many of which are set to expire at the end of the year.
“All policy is local, and we heard that message loud and clear from Tucson small business owners today,” said Clark. “Local businesses are the engines of economic growth in communities across the country, but they need smart public policy—including a competitive and predictable tax code—to succeed. We are proud to partner with the Chamber of Southern Arizona and Congressman Ciscomani in advocating for policies that keep our economy strong.”
Ciscomani reiterated his commitment to extending the TCJA, calling the tax cuts essential to job creation and economic growth:
“The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowered taxes and delivered real relief. Allowing these provisions to expire would raise taxes at a time when families and businesses can least afford it. I will continue fighting to extend these cuts and strengthen our economy,” he said.
Ciscomani also congratulated the Chamber on its launch:
“This exciting new chapter is a major step toward expanding opportunity and driving growth in our region. I look forward to partnering with The Chamber of Southern Arizona in the road ahead.”
The Chamber of Southern Arizona aims to position Tucson and the broader region as a thriving economic hub through job creation, business development, advocacy, and workforce cultivation. Its key focus areas include business attraction and expansion, competitiveness, public policy, support for emerging leaders, and small business assistance.
In addition to Gray and Snell, the Chamber’s leadership includes Michael Guymon as Chief Advocacy Officer. Together, they will guide a unified organization dedicated to bold thinking, regional unity, and long-term prosperity.
This event was also part of the U.S. Chamber’s Growing America’s Future campaign, an ongoing effort to promote education and advocacy on pro-growth tax policy in communities across the nation.
Coming Soon:
Trend Report will feature an exclusive exposé on the formation of The Chamber of Southern Arizona in next month’s Economic Development Trends issue.