San Manuel Miner
On Monday, Feb. 23 the Oracle Business Appreciation Dinner was held at the Oracle Inn. A good crowd of around 50 local business owners showed up to listen to the guest speakers and discuss ideas for the economic future of Oracle and the surrounding areas. The event was coordinated by the Oracle Women’s Network (OWN) and sponsored by Apache Gold Casino/Resort; Biosphere 2; Oracle Ford; Oracle Land and Homes; and Oracle Inn and Steak House.
After a nice dinner, Alicia Bristow, president of O.W.N. welcomed everyone and began introductions of the guest speakers which included Tim Kanavel, Pinal County Economic Development Manager; Mila Lira representing the Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition and Copper Area Publications; Julio Espinoza, International Relations, Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Gary Murrey, general manager, Apache Gold Casino/Resort.
Kanavel spoke about some of the economic plans for Pinal County. He told the audience that they should begin developing their own economic plans for Oracle as Pinal County is growing.
Mila Lira talked about the Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition and how they are working on bringing commercial broadband to the area. She also spoke about the Hispanic Leadership Academy coming to the area. Mila gave an update on the Oracle and Copper Area Guides being prepared by Copper Area Publications.
Julio Espinoza talked about the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and how they are working to attract international visitors and businesses to Tucson. He suggested that businesses should attempt to attract visitors from Mexico. The Mexican middle class is growing and they want to travel.
Gary Murrey gave an update on the plans for the Apache Sky Casino/Resort planned for the Dudleyville area. Groundbreaking, barring any unforeseen problems, will be in late fall with the first phase to be completed within 18 months sometime in 2017. They will bring 300 jobs to the area when completed.
The audience then participated in giving feedback for what they would like to see Oracle look like in three to five years. The consensus seemed to be that Oracle should develop ecotourism for the area with the Arizona Trail, Oracle State Park and a new zip line planned on the back road to Mt. Lemmon being some of the attractions mentioned. Communication between businesses was stressed as well as beautifying American Avenue. Mark Phelps, owner of Oracle Ford said that the county should look at San Manuel as a potential industrial site.