In what was perhaps our best attended meeting of all time, Mayor Eric Orsborn addressed the club on February 3. The mayor updated us on transportation projects, economic development and retail openings in our city. During his presentation he mentioned that data centers seem to be the topic de jour among the leaders of cities large and small throughout the country. He also explained the two primary challenges - water and electricity, and two benefits - contributions to the tax base and a limited number, but high quality jobs. To address the water issue many local data centers are trading water for energy. On the energy front, utilities are being very cautious in adding generation without a long term power purchase commitment in order to safeguard ratepayers in the event the need for data centers was to suddenly change. He mentioned the growth going on around the Verrado and I-10 interchange and thanked us for our patience as the various projects and road improvement take hold. McDowell Rd from Verrado to JackRabbit is set to open soon and the city is working diligiently with MAG and ADOT to accelerate the timetable for the rebuilding of the Jackrabbit interchange and the widening of Interstate 10 from SR 303 to SR 85. It was a lively presentation and discussion. A big thank you to Mayor Jackie Meck for arranging this fine program.
Welcome Tammy Cannon
Rotary Verrado was pleased to welcome our newest member, Tammy Cannon. Tammy was introduced by her sponsor President-elect Deb Burton. Tammy shared the following.
Tammy Cannon is first and foremost a grateful wife and mother to three young adults. Her quiet passion for helping people live their dreams stems from close relationships with loving grandparents. As an only child of young parents, she was keenly observing all of the wonderful adults in her life and how they faced and handled challenges.
After graduating with a business degree from Washington State University, she went on to work as a marketing manager for a global manufacturer of electronic controls for the boating industry and got to travel the world.
She left her career to become a stay-at-home mom, and turned her sights into entreprenurial ventures. She started her own social media marketing agency in 2011. This allowed her the flexibility to be with her children and all of their activities growing up.
Now that her children are grown, she has been able to explore new ways of helping people live their dreams through her real estate business and life coaching program. She is a licensed Realtor in Washington State and Arizona and holds a life coach certification through The Life Coach School.
Her hobbies include a small business growing cut flowers in Skagit Valley, Washington called The Flirty Herb, and cooking up a storm for family and friends. She loves to read and travel, most recently to Charleston, SC. She splits her time between WA and AZ and can be found at her favorite spots The Lake House (WA) and One Story Social (AZ).
She is excited to be part of the Rotary Club of Verrado because of the strong leadership and sense of heart among the members. It is obvious in attending just a couple of meetings that members support each other's personal and professional efforts, while also supporting the Verrado community as a whole. She can't wait to start helping her fellow Rotarians and the Verrado community at large.
Welcome Bob Hargodan
Verrado Rotary welcomed our newest Winter Visiting Rotarian Member, Bob Hargadon.Bob is a member of the Rotary Club of Chelan (Washington).Bob (and wife Tracy) are recent arrivals to Victory, from Chelan, WA. In Chelan, Bob was for 6 years, General Manager of Tsillan Cellars, one of WA State’s most awarded wineries. Prior to that, Bob headed up Human Resources for 4 different companies, spanning 20 years, mostly in the medical/diagnostic device space. And before, Bob was involved in leadership development/training for companies like Boston Scientific and Fidelity and, in a consulting capacity. Bob lived overseas for 12 years (Colombia and Paris.)
Bob enjoys the active and social Verrado lifestyle, while (in his words) “showing only modest competence in golf and pickleball”. Travel has (and hopefully continues) to be a big part of his and Tracy’s life, to not only explore this wonderful planet of ours but also to visit his daughters on the East Coast and summer cottage in Maine.
And, more than anything, Bob embraces the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”.
Grab your Rotary friends and head to the ballpark for an unforgettable day of baseball, camaraderie, and pure fun!
Enjoy VIP access to the 1st Base Party Deck, where you’ll take in the game from prime seating with a festive, social atmosphere for D5495 Rotarians.
Your ticket includes: Game admission in the exclusive 1st Base Party Deck A delicious ballpark lunch Soft drinks throughout the game A lively Rotary-only experience filled with laughs, photos, and memories
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just there for the hot dogs and high-fives, this is the perfect blend of fellowship and fun. Wear your Rotary swag, bring your cheering voice, and let’s turn the stadium into a sea of Service Above Self! It’s not just a game—it’s a grand slam day with Rotary.
Rotary District 5495 Conference May 2026 - Registration is Now Open
May 1 & 2 2026 - Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West, 860 Riverview Way, Mesa Arizona
Great Scott! Join Rotarians from across District 5495 (all of Arizona north of the Gila River, plus Laughlin, NV), as we go “Back to the Future” for a weekend of service, inspiration, celebration and an unforgettable “Enchantment Under the Sea” prom. Join Dave Faragher, Mike & Trish, Holly & Mike and other Rotarians from our club as we enjoy celebrating with our fellow Rotarians. To register click on this link. District Conference Registration. There are hotel blocks at the Sheraton (closes April 10), as well as the nearby Courtyard by Marriott (closes March 2). You can find links to the hotel pages on the Conference registration site.
If you prefer you can attend for one day or two days and stay locally or head home at night. (Driving distance from Verrado is 42 miles).
Mr Hickman is vice President of Sales and Marketing of Hickman Family Farms. He also just concluded 12 years serving the people of Maricopa County as a member of the Board of Supervisors.
