Spring Issue 2019

From The Publisher –

Why The World Is Watching Tucson

This was the bold statement that appeared on the cover of our premiere edition of BizTucson 10 years ago. Since then, “Why The World is Watching Tucson” has become our mantra. BizTucson had the vision to create a business magazine that put the spotlight on the area’s little-known success stories, representing our entire region in a positive light. Over the years, our journalists have told the stories that demonstrate why Tucson is such an amazing and unique city. Tucsonans have much to be proud of, as we collaboratively pave our way into becoming a dynamic world-class city. 

In this 10th anniversary issue, we salute 10 Global Visionaries who bring the region worldwide acclaim – and share their exciting visions for the next decade. Turn to page 173 to learn more about our influential world-class leaders.

We are very grateful for the support we’ve received from this community. We thank our advertisers who invest their marketing dollars to reach the C-level executives and decision-makers in the business community – and our readers. Thanks also to our stellar team of journalists, editors and photographers, as well as our dedicated project and event coordinator Maricela Robles. 

The exceptional creative direction and high journalistic standard begins with one terrific trio that is always raising the bar and is dedicated and committed to excellence with every detail. Thank you to Creative Director Brent Mathis, for his exceptional graphic design, photography and sense of style. Cheers to veteran contributing editors and journalists Donna Kreutz (“Coach K”) and Jay Gonzales for their “eagle eyes,” wonderful ideas and unwavering dedication to quality and integrity in reporting, writing and editing. In addition I want to send a heartfelt thank you to my supportive and amazing family – our twins Sara and Matthew (graduating in May from the UA Eller College) – and especially to the love of my life, my wonderful wife Rebecca!

Another milestone that I’m particularly proud of this year is the 25th Anniversary of the Father’s Day Council Tucson, a dedicated group of volunteers that presents the Father of the Year Awards Gala. This small but mighty team has raised more than $4.3 million for type 1 diabetes research at UA Steele Children’s Research Center. This year’s gala honoring role-model dads will be June 1st at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. We salute the 2019 Father of the Year honorees Brent DeRaad, Jon Dudas, Ali Farhang, Tony Finley, Stu Mellan, Joe Snell and US Air Force SMSgt. Steve Hill.

Our special reports focus on two very successful companies marking major milestones themselves.

Swaim Associates Architects is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Founder Bob Swaim and his son Phil Swaim have attracted a highly skilled team of partners who have definitely added beauty and sophistication to our skyline. Looking at their many iconic buildings in Tucson and Southern Arizona, you’ll definitely appreciate the “wow factor” of their designs and their visions of the future.

Tucson Orthopaedic Institute is celebrating its 25th anniversary of providing the highest-quality healthcare.  What began as the dream of a few very talented and entrepreneurial physicians has grown to eight Southern Arizona locations with 34 physicians and headquarters at the iconic tower on the Tucson Medical Center campus. “We came from strong surgeons, strong roots and for all the right reasons,” said Paula Register Hecht, CEO of TOI. “Our physicians, therapists and staff work collaboratively together in the care of our patients.”

As we launch our next decade, this region continues to amaze us. There are many more positive business stories yet to come. 

Steven E. Rosenberg

Publisher & Owner

BizTucson