Legacy in the Oro Valley Community
The Oro Valley Business Club has played a transformative role in shaping the economic and social fabric of Oro Valley. Since its founding, the Club has embodied a spirit of collaboration, mentorship, and opportunity, serving as both a catalyst for local business growth and a reliable resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the region. Its legacy is felt not only in the stories of individual members but also in the collective progress and resilience of Oro Valley’s business community.
Impact on Local Businesses
For more than a decade, the Oro Valley Business Club has served as a bridge between business owners, professionals, and community leaders. The Club’s monthly luncheons, workshops, and informal mixers have become a cornerstone of local business life, providing a welcoming space for networking, peer support, and idea sharing. Members often credit the Club for helping them grow their businesses, form strategic partnerships, and successfully navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship in a competitive market.
Many of the Club’s most enduring success stories began with a simple conversation over lunch or a handshake at a mixer. Countless members have discovered new business leads, secured valuable referrals, and benefited from mentorship connections made possible by the Club’s open, inclusive format. The network fostered by the Club has allowed startups and established businesses alike to thrive, exchange insights, and adapt to a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Beyond referrals and deals, the Club has been instrumental in building the kind of relationships that turn acquaintances into collaborators and competitors into supporters. This unique sense of camaraderie is a defining characteristic of the Oro Valley Business Club, setting it apart from more formal or exclusive business organizations.
Supporting Community Growth and Civic Engagement
From the beginning, the Club’s mission has extended far beyond individual business success. By providing an open and accessible platform for networking, the Club made it possible for both new and established businesses to participate equally in Oro Valley’s economic development. There were no barriers to entry, no expensive dues, and no gatekeeping just a shared commitment to community growth and mutual support.
The Club’s founders and leaders, including Hank Jepsen and Gregory Lopeman, played an active role in shaping the town’s economic direction. They worked closely with local government, the Chamber of Commerce, and other civic organizations to ensure that the voice of small business was always part of the conversation. Through advocacy, participation in town meetings, and involvement in community initiatives, the Club became a respected partner in local economic planning.
The Club’s influence also extended to philanthropic efforts and community service. Members frequently organized charitable events, sponsored youth programs, and supported local causes, further strengthening the bond between business and community. These activities helped cultivate a culture of giving and civic responsibility that remains a cornerstone of the Club’s legacy today.
Recognition, Influence, and Regional Impact
During its most active years, the Oro Valley Business Club earned widespread recognition as a driving force for business and community cohesion. The Town of Oro Valley consistently included the Club among its key business resources, often pointing new entrepreneurs and relocating professionals toward the Club as an entry point into the local market.
High-profile guest speakers and regional business leaders were regularly featured at Club events, sharing insights and expertise with the membership. These appearances not only elevated the Club’s reputation but also provided members with valuable opportunities to learn from industry experts and innovators. In this way, the Club contributed to a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the community.
The Club’s activities and achievements were frequently highlighted in the media, most notably in features by Oro Valley News. These articles chronicled the Club’s ongoing influence on the region’s business environment and its role in transforming Oro Valley from a quiet bedroom community into a thriving business hub.
Fostering a Lasting Legacy
What sets the Oro Valley Business Club apart is its enduring commitment to inclusiveness, mentorship, and community engagement. Its founders established a model that values personal relationships, peer-to-peer support, and accessible leadership. The Club’s culture of openness has empowered countless members to take risks, pursue ambitious goals, and invest in the future of Oro Valley.
This spirit of legacy is reflected not just in the stories of successful businesses but in the new generation of entrepreneurs who continue to benefit from the groundwork laid by early leaders like Hank Jepsen and Gregory Lopeman. Their vision remains central to the Club’s identity and ongoing mission.
To learn more about the origins of the Club, explore our history and founders page. Discover the individuals who guided the Club’s journey by visiting our original board section. Our mission and goals remain rooted in the same values that have guided the Club from the start.
Revival and Continuing the Legacy
Following a brief hiatus, the Oro Valley Business Club experienced a dynamic revival in 2025, reigniting the passion and energy that first made the Club successful. Today’s leadership, in collaboration with community partners and media allies, is committed to preserving and expanding the Club’s legacy through new events, expanded digital resources, and renewed outreach efforts.
Monthly networking luncheons, educational workshops, and collaborative initiatives continue to be at the heart of Club activities. The Club’s digital platform now features a robust calendar of upcoming events, a directory of member businesses, and a vibrant news section that spotlights achievements and shares updates on local economic trends. For the latest developments, visit our news and community updates page.
The renewed Club remains true to its founding principles while embracing innovation and change. By blending the wisdom of experience with the energy of new members, the Club ensures that its legacy will continue to shape Oro Valley’s future for years to come.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
If you want to be part of the Club’s continuing legacy, we invite you to join this thriving community of business leaders and entrepreneurs. Whether you are launching a new venture or seeking to connect with like-minded professionals, the Oro Valley Business Club offers unparalleled support, resources, and networking opportunities. Visit our join page to get started, or explore the events calendar for upcoming opportunities to get involved.
For direct inquiries, partnerships, or to share your own business story, please reach out through our contact page. Together, we honor the past and invest in the future, building a stronger, more vibrant Oro Valley for everyone.
To see how the Club’s story fits into the wider community, read the feature in Oro Valley News.