December: President's Corner

By Mathew Mingrone, President/CEO, Visalia Chamber of Commerce

The holiday season is upon us! Of course, many retailers would say it’s been here for quite some time. Some people even manage to finish their gift shopping as early as September—an impressive feat I can only admire but never quite achieve myself.

As the flood of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals (and every other kind of sale) rolls in, I often feel overwhelmed by the endless options. My kids call this feeling FOMO—Fear of Missing Out. I’m constantly wondering if I’m getting the best possible deal or missing out on something even better.

In the past, I focused solely on price when shopping. While that’s still important, I now consider more than just cost. Over the years, I’ve developed a new approach. Before buying a gift, I ask myself, “Can I get this locally?” and “Can I buy it from a retailer who is invested in our community?” These questions have helped me find great deals while also supporting our local economy.

This mindset extends beyond gift shopping to all the ways I spend my money. I love supporting local restaurants, shops, and service providers. When I discover the causes that my favorite businesses support, I also look for ways to contribute to those nonprofits.

During this season of giving, I hope you’ll remember our local nonprofits. Many need financial help, while others could use in-kind donations like coats, toys, or gift cards. Some may even need volunteer support. We’re fortunate to have so many organizations making a difference, but they rely on us just as much as their clients rely on them.

This is also a season of gratitude. I want to thank you all for your support of the Chamber and our member businesses. Even though I’ve only been with the Chamber for seven months, I’m continually grateful for the warm welcome I receive from every member I meet. We’ve had a fantastic year, and we’re excited to make 2025 even better!