May: President's Corner
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By Mathew Mingrone, President/CEO, Visalia Chamber of Commerce
This year, the Visalia Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone—the 70th Anniversary of our Annual Awards Ceremony on June 12th at the Historic Fox Theater. For seven decades, this treasured tradition has honored the businesses, leaders, and community champions whose innovation, service, and dedication have shaped the future of Visalia. From its humble beginnings in the 1950s to the grand stage it is today, the Annual Awards Ceremony has stood as a symbol of our shared values: entrepreneurship, leadership, community spirit, and excellence. What began as a small gathering of business owners and civic leaders has grown into one of the most anticipated events on the Central Valley calendar—a night where we shine a spotlight on those who make Visalia such an extraordinary place to live, work, and do business. This year’s 70th celebration will be unlike any before. We will honor a legacy of resilience and progress, recognizing award recipients who continue to move Visalia forward. From outstanding small businesses and nonprofit organizations to visionary entrepreneurs and selfless volunteers, this year’s honorees represent the very best of our community. As we gather to celebrate this milestone, we also reflect on how much our city has grown—and how the Chamber has evolved alongside it. Over the years, the Annual Awards Ceremony has recognized hundreds of local trailblazers. Many of them were just getting started when they received their first award; today, they are pillars of our business community, mentoring the next generation of leaders. More than just an evening of recognition, this ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity. It underscores the importance of collaboration between business, government, education, and nonprofit sectors in building a thriving, future-ready economy. Be Part of History – Sponsor the 70th Annual Awards Ceremony! To make this milestone event truly unforgettable, we invite our members and community partners to consider supporting the ceremony through sponsorships and advertising opportunities. Whether you want front-row visibility with a Gold Sponsorship, or prefer to showcase your brand in our printed program or onscreen during the event, there’s a sponsorship package for every budget: Gold Sponsor – $1,000: Includes ten tickets, a full-page ad, and on-screen promotion. Silver Sponsor – $750: Includes five tickets, a half-page ad, and your logo on-screen. Full-page or half-page ads (no tickets) and on-screen ads are available starting at just $350. Bundle your ad and on-screen presence for maximum exposure! Artwork is due by May 15, 2025, and all sponsorship payments are due by June 1, 2025. Let’s make the 70th Annual Awards Ceremony a night to remember—with your name front and center. To sponsor or place an ad, contact Visalia Chamber of Commerce at (559) 734-5876 or visit visaliachamber.org for details. We look forward to seeing you there—to celebrate, to connect, and to shape the next chapter of Visalia’s business legacy.
