The commerce-sphere of Marana continues to inch upwards—the Marana Chamber of Commerce, a heart of local business networking and advocacy, has just clocked in a membership tally of 800. This feat encapsulates nearly four decades of concerted community effort and evolution of this desert town's commercial landscape.
At the administrative helm, President/CEO Amanda Wiggins has been dutifully stewarding the ship since June 2021—guiding the chamber through the choppy waters after the pandemic's onslaught, which took a toll on businesses and organizations alike. With an experience of fostering connections at Leadership Tallahassee, Amanda, alongside her husband embarking on his new job, anchored themselves in Marana, bringing a fresh vigor to the town. According to the Pima County Newsroom, under her leadership, the chamber has seen its membership swell—reflecting Marana's own ambitious stride forward.
Not only a beacon for business connections, the Marana Chamber of Commerce has innovated programs that foster deeper community involvement. 'Impact Marana' is such an initiative—a 10-month intensive that gives participants a granular understanding of the town’s inner workings. Now in its third iteration, this program reveals the intricacies of the local economy, culture, and governance, imbuing its participants with an intimate knowledge of Marana’s pulse.
For those curious about the history of the Marana Chamber and its journey to this well-earned landmark, former Mayor Ed Honea narrates the tale. Ensuring the legacy and the milestones aren't resigned to the forgotten pages, a compact history is available on the Pima County's online news hub. You’re invited to catch a glimpse of Marana's evolution by watching Ed Honea, the man who is still shaping the story, at the Pima County Newsroom.
