Meeting/Event Information

Join us for a timely conversation with Fletcher J. McCusker, CEO/Founder of UAVenture Capital and Chairman of the Rio Nuevo Tax District, and Karen Schutte, Publisher/Editor of Trend Report & Real Estate Daily News.

Tucson and Southern Arizona are at a crossroads. As our region continues to evolve, now is the time to choose growth, strengthen our economic identity, and create better opportunities for the future.

A recent Growth Council Special Report by Karen Schutte of Trend Report took a candid look at the barriers impacting Southern Arizona’s next chapter of growth. The report has sparked important conversations throughout the commercial real estate community, and we invite you to be part of the discussion.

Join us at our June 9 luncheon as we welcome Karen Schutte to continue the conversation and explore what these challenges and opportunities mean for Tucson, Southern Arizona, and the future of commercial real estate in our region.

We encourage attendees to READ THE REPORT in advance and come prepared with questions, thoughts, and ideas. If the report sparks a thought, concern, or suggestion, please email Karen with one or two sentences to [email protected], or bring your questions to the luncheon.

READ THE REPORT

Karen Schutte is the publisher and editor of Trend Report and Real Estate Daily News, and the creator of RED Comps, a database tracking commercial sales in Pima County since 2013. Together, Trend Report and Real Estate Daily News have served as in-kind media sponsors of Southern Arizona CCIM since 2013. Since adding Trend Report to her media platform four years ago, she has expanded its role as a platform for comp-driven insights, verified sales data and independent analysis of the forces shaping Tucson and Southern Arizona. She recently launched the Growth Council, a Trend Report initiative that brings together award-winning, Best-in-Class commercial dealmakers and regional stakeholders for candid, solutions-focused discussions about growth, infrastructure, economic development and the region’s economic future, with the goal of broadening the conversation and encouraging regional action.

Fletcher McCusker is a third-generation Tucsonan, University of Arizona alumnus, entrepreneur, and longtime downtown advocate. After a 22-year healthcare career across the United States, he returned to Tucson in 1996 with his wife, Liz, to launch Providence Service Corporation, the country’s first home-based behavioral health provider.

In 2010, Providence helped spark downtown Tucson’s revitalization by purchasing a full city block of boarded-up buildings at Scott and Broadway for its headquarters. Fletcher became deeply involved in downtown redevelopment, helping launch Second Saturday, chairing the Fox Theatre board, supporting local arts organizations, and later serving as Chairman of Rio Nuevo. Under his leadership, Rio Nuevo helped launch more than 45 downtown projects and attracted nearly $1.5 billion in private investment.

In 2017, Fletcher founded UAVenture Capital, a fund dedicated to commercializing University of Arizona technology. He is also an avid pilot, musician, UArizona Alumnus of the Year, honorary doctorate recipient, and recipient of a lifetime achievement award from Governor Ducey and the Arizona Commerce Authority.

Fletcher continues to chair Rio Nuevo, Arizona’s only Tax Increment Financing District.

The last day to register for the upcoming luncheon is June 4th, 2026 by noon. Please be advised that no refunds will be issued after this date.
Walk-ins will be admitted after 12:00 PM, space permitting, with an additional $10 charge.

By registering for this event, you consent to the use of your photograph on social media platforms and acknowledge that your details may be shared with our event sponsors. If you have any concerns or objections to this, please contact us before registering.

Not a Southern Arizona CCIM Chapter Member?  Save $30 a ticket by joining the chapter.  Membership includes reduced rates to all our events and FREE Department of Real Estate Credit classes.  Membership is prorated. 

JOIN HERE!