You’ve seen the commercials, know the jingle, and chances are, you have probably either purchased or serviced your car at one of the 11 franchises owned by Don Groppetti, of Groppetti Automotive.  Entering his 16th year of business, Don has built his company on a commitment to the community, something he believes sets him apart from his competitors.  “A car is a car … you can buy one anywhere,” explains owner Don Groppetti, “but our staff embraces the idea that giving back to the community is what we’re all about,” he describes.

The corner at Giddings and Murray is a community gathering place where the phenomenon of minor league baseball has provided affordable family-oriented entertainment for more than 62 years.  “Minor League Baseball has become the best family entertainment in the country,” explains Visalia Rawhide President/General Manager Tom Seidler.

Are you one of those people who would rather donate a kidney than go to the dentist?  If you fear going to the dentist, you are not alone.  According to Web M.D., nearly 20% of Americans avoid dental work because of anxiety or fear.  For the last 12 years, local dentist Megan Ide has been putting patients to ease with her gentle and caring bedside manner.  And I can tell you from first-hand experience that she knows a thing or two about how to get that elusive tooth fairy to pay a visit just when you need her most (at 9 p.m. on a school night).

Maintaining and improving the financial vitality of “the boulevard” is the focus as the City embarks on a detailed, strategic analysis of the Mooney Boulevard corridor.  According to Principal City Planner, Paul Scheibel, AICP, details are still being finalized for the outreach program targeted to property and business owners, a.k.a. the “stakeholders”.

For the ambiance and flavor of a San Francisco bistro in downtown Visalia, Café 225 Wood-Fired Rotisserie and Grill offers a wonderful and eclectic menu and a casual, relaxed atmosphere.  “I like to think of the restaurant as an extension of my home,” explains owner Karl Merten.  With its exposed kitchen, hard wood floors and Mediterranean-inspired décor, the eatery is hip and trendy without being overpriced.

Merchants are planning their 2010 strategy as the roadway project nears completion.  “We’re concerned about the economic health of the boulevard and look forward to work in partnership with the City,” explained chair Don Wright at the last Mooney Boulevard Business Association meeting (formerly the Coffee Klatch).  Infill continues to be a primary concern for Mooney retailers as they look to bring more business to the boulevard in the coming year.

Arline Huckabay has been surrounded by flowers her whole life.  After her father took over Peter Perkins’ flower shop when she was a little girl, Arline began a lifelong career in the floral business and started bringing home a paycheck at the ripe age of 13.  She later bought the shop from her dad (nearly 30 years ago) and has been making Visalia beautiful with her custom arrangements and design services ever since.

Need a way to tell the world about your business?  Need to order brochures at midnight or envelopes at four in the morning?  Premier Color Graphics is just a point and click away.

With Black Friday securely under their belts, Mooney merchants continue to battle for customer dollars and hoping the “buy local” crusade brings shoppers to the city’s lifeline for their holiday purchases.

Journey through southern Italy and experience its rich scenery, art, culture, food and wine in this 12-day tour of Rome, the Amalfi Coast, and Apulia brought to you by Collette Vacations (CST #200676-20) November 4 – 15, 2010.  Witness the breathtaking scenery of the Amalfi Coast, discover the ruins of Pompeii, explore the most well-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece, and visit the stunning hilltop village of Ravello.