WRRC Invites Water Community to Its 22nd Annual Chocolate Fest on Feb. 12

Annual Chocolate FestChocolate potluck, 2025 Photo Contest winners, student research updates, and networking with WRRC staff

TUCSON, Ariz. (Jan. 23, 2026) — The University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) will host its 22nd Annual Chocolate Fest on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. The popular, mouthwatering celebration brings together water professionals, researchers, students, and community partners for an upbeat hour of connection—plus a decidedly sweet twist for chocolate lovers, and where the WRRC will announce its 2025 photo contest winners.

This year’s Chocolate Fest features a chocolate potluck theme, inviting attendees to bring chocolate in any consumable form to share with fellow guests. During the event, WRRC will also announce the winners of its 2025 Annual Photo Contest. In-person participants will have the opportunity to mingle with WRRC staff and regional water colleagues, and WRRC plans to spotlight several students who will provide updates on the water-related work and research they’ve been doing this year.

WRRC strongly encourages in-person attendance so participants can enjoy the chocolate potluck and connect face-to-face with colleagues.

Event Details:
What: WRRC 22nd Annual Chocolate Fest (Chocolate potluck-themed networking event)
When: Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 | 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Highlights: Chocolate potluck sharing, announcement of 2025 Photo Contest winners, WRRC student updates, networking with WRRC staff and water colleagues
 More info here.

The University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) advances water management and policy through research, education, and public outreach, supporting informed decision-making for Arizona and the broader region.




Aluminum Dynamics Holds Two-Day Hiring Event for New Benson Aluminum Facility

Aluminum Dynamics
Aluminum Dynamics site in Benson, Arizona. Courtesy: Aluminum Dynamics

BENSON, Ariz. (January 23, 2026) — Aluminum Dynamics is hosting a two-day hiring event to fill positions at its new $200 million recycled aluminum slab center now under construction in Benson, with plans to add up to 90 employees to its operations team, according to a company press release.

The hiring event will be held at the Benson Unified School District Cafeteria, 360 S. Patagonia St., on Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Jan. 25 from noon to 4 p.m.

Aluminum Dynamics Operations Manager Bill Glaser said the company is focused on onboarding early so new team members can help build out the operation. “We really want to get our operations team members onboard early,” Glaser said. “We like our team members to be involved in building the facility and installing the equipment, allowing them to get familiar with the equipment and how it operates before we begin commercial production.”

Positions include electrical and mechanical maintenance, operations, metallurgy, construction, manufacturing, shipping, equipment operations, and administration. While certain roles—such as Metallurgist and Accountant—require a four-year degree or equivalent experience, most openings require a high school diploma or GED, the release said.

Aluminum Dynamics currently has 13 team members based in Benson who will assist with training new hires, including safety practices and company culture. The company also plans to collaborate with local community colleges on metal manufacturing programs. Aluminum Dynamics, a subsidiary of Steel Dynamics, Inc., plans to recycle aluminum beverage cans and produce aluminum slabs at the facility, according to the press release.




Institutional Property Advisors Closes $22 Million Vertical East Multifamily Sale in Tucson

Vertical East

TUCSON, AZ (January 22, 2026) – Institutional Property Advisors (IPA), a division of Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI) dedicated to serving the company’s institutional clients, announced today the sale of Vertical East Apartments, a 109-unit multifamily property in Tucson, Arizona. The $22 million sales price equates to $201,834 per unit.

The sale closed on January 15, 2026.

“Transactions involving post-2000 vintage assets remain exceptionally rare, and when they do occur, they reflect a clear investor preference for modern, well-located product in supply-constrained markets like Tucson,” said Clint Wadlund, IPA managing director investments. “As Tucson multifamily sales velocity increased in 2025, it signals a clear investor thesis: Tucson is emerging as a destination where strategic capital, disciplined investment, and long-term value creation align,” said Hamid Panahi, IPA senior managing director investments. Wadlund, Panahi, and IPA’s Steve Gebing and Cliff David represented the seller, Vertical Street Ventures, and procured the buyer, Investor Capital Group.

The property is in Northeast Tucson, close to the Tucson Medical Center and the Santa Catalina Mountains. Downtown Tucson, the University of Arizona, Tucson Botanical Gardens, and Park Place Mall are within a short drive. The Mission Village and Catalina Villages shopping centers are less than one mile away.

Completed in 2001, Vertical East features two- and three-bedroom floor plans averaging 1,188 square feet. All units have washers and dryers, built-in microwaves, and dishwashers. Community amenities include carport parking, a swimming pool, spa, picnic area, and dog park.

To learn more, Hamid Panahi can be reaches at 520.719.6511 and Clint Wadlund is at 520.349.0621.

Source: RED Comp #12308