The second annual Body and Sol Women’s Expo held March 8 and 9 at the Tucson Convention Center was a huge success. At a VIP kick-off reception on the evening of March 7, Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild presented a proclamation declaring 2014 The Year of the Southern Arizona Woman. The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and presented a certificate of appreciation from the Hispanic business community.

The Center was decked out for the occasion in terra cotta and champagne white, unique flower arrangements and beautiful custom art pieces created by local artist Cindy Guare communicated the Expo’s theme of Begin with Yes. A crowd-pleasing fashion show starring Tucson’s handsome firemen and fashions from Banana Republic and Maya Palace was held on Sunday to a standing room audience.

Connections were made between exhibitors and with attendees that are sure to bear fruit in the form of enhanced community participation in healthy, sustainable and profitable endeavors at all levels. An anonymous philanthropic donation of $5,000 each benefited signature charities: Wings For Women and Youth on Their Own.

The Expo would not have been possible without the help of all the wonderful volunteer staff and the support of premier sponsors Perfection Plastic Surgery and Skincare, Genesis Natural Medicine Center and Royal Automotive Group. Just wait until next year!

For a look at Expo events and happenings, visit the online photo gallery at BodyAndSolTucson.com.