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

In June, we celebrated the 69th Annual Awards.   In retrospect, we should also celebrate our entire business community.  We are so very fortunate to live in a community where volunteerism, community outreach, teamwork, local business growth and success, are not only motivating factors but are inspirational to all that that live in Visalia. 

Each one of our nominees proves that we really do live in a very special place.  They live by an old adage, “You reap what you sow” or to paraphrase a quote from our 2024 Woman of the Year Winner Sharon Allison-Crook “If You Can – then Do it”.  It seems that most of our members, whether you know it or not, live by that same philosophy. 

I’ve been around the Visalia Chamber for about fourteen years, but after only one week, I saw the specialness and uniqueness this business community really is.   All you have to do is watch and listen to customers, employees, charitable causes, schools etc…  That’s where you witness passion, and love for Visalia.  The effort that each finalist put forth in helping make our community great is a joy to see.  We do have challenges, but watching this community come together and be a champion for each other is a sight to see. 

You may not realize it, but everything you do for your employees, for charitable causes, for this city and your community as a whole never goes unseen.  Not everyone gets nominated, not everyone wins an award, but everyone benefits from your passion for your community.  I for one, want to say Thank You and Congratulations to everyone for creating a wonderful business climate and an amazing place to live, work and play. 

Who knows what tomorrow will bring economically, politically, or socially.  One thing I do know is that with the Visalia business leaders we do have, we will continue to be a shining example of community empathy and passion for this city and for all of us! 

Your chamber team is excited to celebrate the 70th Annual Awards with you next year, I guarantee it will be a special night for all.  Please don’t forget to nominate that extraordinary individual or business, so we can show our appreciation for their great work! 

-Matthew Mingrone