Contents
8 Welcome Letters
10 Your Chamber
12 Community Impact Partners
14 Honoring Excellence and Community
28 Ambassador of the Year
30 In Your Backyard
32 Events Calendar
34 Biz Corner
Vol. 4 | Issue 1 | Spring 2024
220 E. Tulare Ave. | Tulare, CA 93274 | (559) 686-1547 | tularechamber.org
On the Cover
Tulare Chamber Honors Excellence & Community
Spotlighting Community Champions
In every community, there are individuals and entities whose tireless efforts, selfless dedication, and unwavering commitment uplift the village around them. These unsung heroes, often working behind the scenes, contribute significantly to the well-being of the community, be it time, talent, or treasure. From volunteering to organizing grassroots initiatives and from providing jobs to financially supporting worthwhile causes, their impact resonates far beyond their immediate surroundings. It is important that we recognize and honor their invaluable contributions, for they are the bedrock upon which strong communities like Tulare are built.
As we entered into 2024, we had the opportunity to celebrate community excellence in Tulare with the Annual Awards & Installation Banquet. The evening was a wonderful celebration of business and community. In this issue of Making the Connection, we spotlight these amazing honorees. We are certain you will enjoy getting to know them better and will stand in awe, as we do, of their contributions, values, and commitment to excellence in their entities and personal lives.
Honoring community excellence is essential for nurturing thriving, resilient societies. By recognizing and celebrating those who embody the values of compassion, service, and solidarity, we not only acknowledge their contributions, but also inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Together, let us celebrate and recognize the amazing heroes among us and always cultivate a local culture where stewardship is revered as the cornerstone of community life.
Speaking of community, we are also putting a spotlight on someone who truly has become Tulare’s Ambassador. He loves Tulare, is grateful to have been raised here, and welcomes everyone’s opportunity to shine a bright light on “his town.” I looked up the term community ambassador and found this definition: “An individual who serves as a representative, advocate, or liaison between a community and the broader public. They convey their passion for their community’s well-being.”
I think you will agree with us that Richard Torrez, Jr, aka Kiki, definitely fits that description and more. He is not only a champion in the ring, but one who embodies the spirit of his community and the people and places that make-up the town he loves.
Normally our “In Your Backyard” article features an amenity, but we are shaking it up a bit in the next few issues to focus on the people in our backyard who make up our town. Some are more prominent like Richard, but others we look forward to introducing you to in coming issues, may be unfamiliar. This section is another opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness of our community thanks to the people who choose to be here.
Tulare is a great place to live, work, play and worship as the City motto notes. May we always share the good, celebrate the good, and use that good to attract more of what we’d like to see in terms of community growth.
Into 2024
Tulare is currently experiencing an unprecedented era of excitement and progress, with City leadership, educational institutions, businesses, healthcare organizations, non-profits, and more actively engaged in various development initiatives. The vibrant energy resonating throughout the town is both invigorating and contagious.
The diverse range of projects, spanning from a new interchange to downtown redevelopment, industrial ventures to retail, a housing boom, and even an Olympic pool building project, showcases the dynamic landscape of Tulare. Staying abreast of all these activities is a challenge in itself, highlighting the city’s momentum towards positive change and innovation. The Chamber eagerly anticipates the next steps in this journey.
As we stepped into 2024, our organization remained dedicated to fulfilling our mission statement and upholding the principles that define us as a robust 3Cs Chamber – a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for business and a thriving community. Our Core Competencies serve as the guiding force for our goals and objectives.
In the pursuit of creating a robust local economy, Economic Development takes center stage in the Chamber’s programming. Initiatives focusing on business attraction, retention, and expansion will see further growth, with the launch of Tulare County’s inaugural business accelerator program, housed in the former courthouse building, made possible through a partnership with the City. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact these ventures will have on new businesses in our community.
Community promotion remains a key focus, with the Chamber expanding its marketing strategies to amplify our reach and showcase the attractions Tulare and the region offer for businesses, residents and visitors.
Advocating for business interests continues to be a cornerstone of our mission. The Tulare Chamber serves as your voice for business, engaging in conversations with legislators at the local, state, and federal levels. Our commitment is unwavering as we fight for free enterprise and the prosperity of businesses.
Providing opportunities for business engagement remains paramount. Business-to-business networking proves to be an effective way to foster relationships for business success. The Chamber takes pride in bringing members together to engage, share insights, and collectively uplift one another. It’s not just because research validates its efficacy, it’s because we are a community, and this village supports itself like no other I’ve experienced.
The year 2024 promises to keep our organization busy, executing programs within these core competencies to strengthen both the Chamber and our community. Together, we contribute to making Tulare the best it can be. Thank you for entrusting me with this new role, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunities and successes the coming year will bring.
Honoring Excellence and Community
Tulare Chamber of Commerce recognizes local leaders
2023 Woman of the Year
Flora Johnson
Retirement was just the beginning of a new chapter for Flora Johnson, founder of Grandma’s House – A Vision of Hope, a Tulare non-profit after-school tutoring program.
“When I retired in 2007, I was standing in my office, waiting for the new principal and I thought, ‘I’m old enough to retire. What’s next?’” she said.
Flora grew up in Tulare, became a preschool instructional assistant and went on to earn her teaching credentials, working as a teacher and administrator in the Tulare and Bay areas for decades.
She noticed that even among high-performing student populations, there were some students that needed a little extra attention and help, especially those students deemed to be at-risk.
“You still have kids that are falling through the cracks. So, I wanted to start a tutoring program,” she said.
Grandma’s House opened in 2008 with tutoring programs in reading and language arts, later adding math to the curriculum. The program currently operates three afternoons per week, has three employees and a host of volunteers and serves children in kindergarten through eighth grade.
“We’re a nonprofit. We don’t charge the kids for coming,” said Flora, who herself is an unpaid volunteer.
Tutoring is provided at no charge while there is a fee for the preschool at Grandma’s House, where children are taught five days per week.
For her contributions to the community, Flora was named the 2023 Woman of the Year by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce.
Flora, whose faith has been central to her life and philosophy, has been attending Mt. Zion Apostolic Church for 60 years.
“God’s been good. We’ve been blessed,” she said. “I live by the saying, ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’”
Flora said the establishment and operation of Grandma’s House was not a project she accomplished on her own but with the help of encouragement and donations from a number of corporations and individuals.
Retired teachers and local high school students donate their time and expertise as volunteer tutors.
“It is community driven. People help us. They donate money,” she said.
Flora said winning the chamber award is a great honor.
“It was so exciting. I felt so honored,” she said. “I felt just really pleased. Grandma’s House has been built by the Tulare community.”
One nominator said of Flora, “She has many gifts. She is an excellent listener. She takes time to listen to the children and always has the right words of counsel and encouragement.”
Flora’s list of accomplishments and recognition is long. She received the Golden Apple Award presented by the Tulare County Association of School Administrators. She also was recognized as a Southern California Edison Black History Community Partner, was awarded by the Central California Women’s Conference, received the Trailblazer Award from the Black Chamber of Commerce and was honored by the California state legislature as Woman of the Year.
2023 Man of the Year
Joey Fernandes
As a third generation dairy farmer, Joey Fernandes understands what the industry means to Tulare and what the city means to the local farming community.
“Tulare is a special community. There’s always been a unique bond between agriculture and the city,” said Fernandes, who was named the 2023 Man of the Year by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce. “Tulare is the largest dairy county in the U.S.”
A former Tulare Chamber of Commerce board chair, Fernandes has been active and involved in a number of industry and community organizations.
"The chamber experience I had years ago ultimately brought me more involvement with organizations,” he said. “I never thought I’d be involved in a chamber of commerce. Tulare has a unique chamber. A lot of farmers are involved in the chamber. My opportunity to get involved with the chamber brought me closer to the community and to the city.”
Fernandes said receiving the chamber award was an honor.
“I’m humbled by it,” he said.
Today, he represents Land O’ Lakes on the National Milk Producers Federation board. He also serves on the Land O’Lakes corporate board, serves on the Dairy Council of California board and is also a member of the California Polytechnic State University’s Animal Science Advisory Board.
His family remains committed to dairy farming after his grandfather, a dairy farmer, moved to the area from the Azores in Portugal and established his family farm.
“I have three sons who are in the business with me. We just expanded over the years. I have five brothers. We’re all dairy farming today. We’re now bringing up the fourth generation,” he said. “In my business, dairy farming, it’s predominantly milk production.”
He said the family has Holstein and Guernsey cows.
“We farm mostly the cropping needs we need to feed our cows,” he said.
Fernandes has also been involved with the Tulare Rotary Club, serving as president from 2023-24, The Tulare Future Farmers of America Agriculture Advisory Board and the Greater Tulare Chamber Trust. He has been a school board member at St. Aloysius Catholic School, where he regularly attends Mass.
He has also been an AYSO soccer coach, performed at Encore Theatre and won numerous awards, including the National Dairy Shrine Honorary Lifetime Award.
Of his community club and organization involvement he said, “I’ve gotten a lot more out of them than I put into them. You get to meet people outside of your wheelhouse.”
Female Youth of the Year
Faith Powell
Sports, academics and community involvement are all top of mind and top priorities for Faith Powell, the Tulare Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Female Youth of the Year.
A senior at Tulare Western High School, Faith plans to major in history education at Boise State University in preparation for a career as a teacher. As a chamber award winner, she is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from the Noon Rotary Club of Tulare.
“It means a lot to win the award. I’ve been involved in the community for a long time. It’s nice to be recognized for that,” she said. “My mom grew up here in Tulare. Her connection to the community inspires me to help and serve in any way possible.”
Faith has been a softball and volleyball player throughout her high school career, serving as senior team volleyball captain.
She’s also been involved with the Tulare Softball Association and with Special Olympics, noting that her softball team has volunteered to help with the Special Olympics games.
In school, she is a leader in the Associated Student Body, working on projects including the Literacy Book Fair, Operation Warmth, Community Carnival and Freshman Orientation. A straight-A student, her academic life includes being named to the honor roll throughout her high school years, along with completion of six honors courses and 25 units at College of the Sequoias.
“Schooling has always been a top priority for me. I’ve always really focused in on academics. I’ve had some teachers that have inspired me to do that,” Faith said.
Outside of school, Faith attends Tulare First Baptist Church and has been involved with the Tulare Veterans Memorial District and the Tulare Cemetery Veteran Flag Distribution.
“I have plenty of family that’s been in the military. On Veterans Day we go to the cemetery and put flags on the graves of veterans,” she said.
One of her nominators said, “She is very hard working, intelligent, responsible and well-liked by her teammates and peers. Most of all, she gives her very best whether it be in practice, matches or in class, every single day.”
Faith said her enthusiasm and involvement in so many spheres of life in Tulare is a result of being surrounded by so many people who inspire community spirit.
“I want to say congratulations to the other honorees,” she said.
2023 Male Youth
of the Year
Liam Cushing
Imbued with leadership skills, a mature outlook and a commitment to helping others, Tulare Union High School senior Liam Cushing said he is honored to be named the Tulare Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Male Youth of the Year.
“I feel accomplished and I am more than grateful. It takes a community – parents, friends – to reach goals,” he said. “It was humbling. I was very grateful for it.”
Liam was the first known student in the history of Tulare Union High School to be elected to the Associated Student Body (ASB) as president while he was a junior and the first student to be elected to two consecutive terms as president.
The ASB, he said, manages all the school-affiliated clubs on campus. As an athlete pursuing several sports including swimming, rugby, and water polo, where he serves as team captain, he is especially involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization.
He is club president of Pursuing Victory With Honor and has served on the Tulare County Office of Education Pursuing Victory With Honor Committee for the past two years.
He also serves as supervisor for the Tulare Union Cares Closet and he has been involved in Project Z along with coat and canned food drives. He has also coached youth with the Tulare Sharks and Tulare Water Polo Club and has served on the Sundale Foundation Committee.
Liam said his family is one of his primary motivations for taking leadership roles and reaching for his goals.
“We’re a very close family. Almost everything I do is for my parents and for my family,” he said. “I’m following in the footsteps of my brother and my dad. He’s just a natural born leader. The best leader is the best servant.”
Liam said he plans to go on to college after high school graduation. His brother and sister are both currently attending college.
“I’m planning to pursue a medical degree,” he said, adding that he’d like to possibly study neurology or pediatric cancer.
He currently maintains a 3.95 GPA.
“Liam is an amazing young adult,” said one of his nominators. “The level of commitment and leadership that this young man has displayed while at Tulare Union is impressive. His maturity far outweighs that of most kids his age, and even those who are older than him.”
As Tulare Chamber of Commerce 2023 Male Youth of the Year, Liam has been awarded a $1,000 college scholarship provided by the Tulare Noon Kiwanis Club.
2023 Small Business of the Year
Amdal Transport Services
When patients need non-emergency transportation, Amdal Transport Services is there to accommodate those who are ambulatory and those using mobility devices such as wheelchairs, scooters or gurneys.
Founded in 2018, Amdal was named Small Business of the Year by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the company’s commitment to service and its invaluable contribution to the community.
The company’s corporate office is located in Tulare and was started by its CEO, Tulare native Deanne Martin-Soares, a former critical care registered nurse who first founded Amdal In-Home Care before establishing the transport service to meet the needs of Tulare, the Central Valley and the Central Coast.
Martin-Soares has long been active in her hometown community, serving on numerous community boards over the years.
“We kept seeing that elderly people needed rides,” said Martin-Soares. “We also see a lot of youth.”
Amdal Transport Services offers service 24-7 through a team that includes six dispatchers, nine drivers and a fleet of seven vehicles. The company has grown substantially from having only two vehicles and three employees at the outset.
Martin-Soares said being the recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award means a lot to her and to her staff.
“We were very honored to receive this award from the chamber and it is a testament to the hard work of all of the staff,” she said.
Clinical staff is trained in safety procedures and in how to provide reliable, safe and comfortable transport for patients using a variety of mobility aids to attend appointments, run errands or go on long-distance journeys. Transport vans are inspected daily to maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Amdal Transport Services was deemed an essential business, allowing the business to remain open. When a local healthcare facility had an outbreak, Amdal was the only agency to step up and offer transportation. This meant devising and implementing changes to ensure safety. Staff worked extra and longer shifts to meet the need.
Today, Amdal Transport Services continues to expand to meet growing needs, always focusing on hiring local employees, thereby further enhancing the local economy and providing jobs for local candidates. The company maintains many charitable partnerships that benefit many local entities including Lighthouse Rescue Mission, Tulare Hospital Foundation, Friends of Tulare County, the Tulare Downtown Association, the Senior Coalition and local churches. Amdal is also active in the Rotary Club of Tulare.
The Tulare Chamber of Commerce is honored to recognize them as the 2023 Small Business of the Year.
2023 Large Business
of the Year
Altura Centers
for Health
Since 1995, Altura Centers for Health has been providing medical and dental care that includes family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, ob/gyn, behavioral health, chiropractic services, podiatry, neurology and orthopedics.
The organization currently has six locations, five of them in Tulare and one in Woodville, along with three traveling mobile units.
Altura is a nonprofit healthcare organization that since 2000 has been designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center. As such, Altura receives funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and has federal Public Health Service status, enabling the organization to provide services for low-income residents and farm worker families.
“Most of our patients are on Medicaid,” said Altura Centers for Health CEO Graciela Soto Perez. “We help people throughout the area. Tulare County is one of the most impoverished areas in the State of California. We are very rural. Tulare is known mostly for dairy.”
Altura is governed by a volunteer community Board of Directors; board members serve on several committees. Board members include Altura patients, making the organization one that is overseen not only by community leaders but by patients as well.
Altura works with local schools to provide students with work-based experiences such as internships, job shadowing and career fairs, as well as classroom presentations. Other organizations, programs and projects that Altura is involved with include Walk with a Doc, ProYouth, Tulare Downtown Association, Tulare Boys & Girls Club, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, local churches and the Tulare Chamber of Commerce.
Receiving recognition from the Tulare Chamber of Commerce for the organization’s commitment to the community through its medical services and its many initiatives and partnerships is greatly appreciated, Soto Perez said.
“We feel honored. We’re very humbled by it. We weren’t expecting it,” she said.
She said the services Altura provides are crucially important to area residents.
“It’s a very rewarding field. You can’t go wrong with healthcare,” she said.
“Altura has demonstrated exceptional skills and expertise in the community, both as a healthcare provider and as a community-minded organization. This is evident in their work, their sponsorships of outreach events, and their investment in the community,” said one of Altura’s nominators for the 2023 Large Business of the Year Award.
Soto Perez, who was a member of the chamber board for several years, said Altura has been a chamber member for as long as she can remember. Currently, she said, Altura CFO Max Hernandez is serving on the chamber board.
“They promote businesses and they do a good job. They are very involved and active,” she said.
The chamber congratulates and salutes a great Tulare community partner, Altura Centers for Health.
Non-Profit Organization of the Year
United Way of Tulare County
When help is needed, many Tulare County residents turn to the popular 2-1-1 Information and Referral Call Center offered by the United Way of Tulare County, the 2023 recipient of the Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award from the Tulare Chamber of Commerce.
Callers are provided with connections to resources and agencies that can help with needs regarding food, healthcare, employment, emergency housing and more.
“Our role is to be the conduit, the connection for our residents,” said Rosemary Caso, the organization’s executive director.
The 2-1-1 center is just one of the many services provided by the United Way of Tulare County. The organization currently directly funds 14 agencies and supports 26 others with resources, planning and training.
“We’re constantly looking at how we can support what nonprofits are doing here,” Caso said.
Caso said the United Way provides help with everyday needs as well as emergency assistance during disasters such as floods, drought, fire and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Through the organization’s Farm and Food Worker Relief Program, the organization provides financial aid to farm and food workers. Caso said more than $4 million in USDA grant funding has been provided through this program.
“We are such a rural community that is so dependent on agriculture,” Caso said.
While agriculture plays a major role in area residents’ lives, the county’s proximity to forests also has an impact.
“We’re in the foothills of the forests, the sequoias. We have to be very flexible with any disasters going on,” Caso said.
When a forest fire broke out during the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Way stepped in to provide temporary emergency housing in hotels.
The organization also helps students and families interested in higher education navigate financial aid opportunities, scholarships and other educational options, such as technical, certificate, two- and four-year education programs, through its College Access Initiative.
The United Way of Tulare County was originally known as the Community Aid Chest. It took its current name in 1985.
During the past three years, the organization partnered with 53 businesses and held fundraising campaigns, resulting in more than $500,000 raised to support programs and other nonprofits.
Caso said the United Way of Tulare County was pleasantly surprised when honored by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce with the 2023 Non-Profit Organization of the Year award.
“It was a great honor, to our surprise,” she said.
Chamber Honors Ambassador
of the Year Miriam Garcia
A Chamber Ambassador is a volunteer position within the Tulare Chamber of Commerce. Our members sponsor an employee into the program and Ambassadors serve as liaisons between the Chamber and its members, as well as between the Chamber and the greater Tulare community.
Ambassadors typically have a deep understanding of the Chamber’s mission, goals and services, and they actively promote the Chamber’s initiatives within the business community. They may assist with member recruitment and retention efforts, welcome new members, attend Chamber events, and facilitate networking at Business After Hours. The role also includes participating in ribbon cuttings and ground breakings, getting to know the host entities, and then assisting with the promotion of those entities to the broader community. They’re essentially an extension of the Tulare Chamber’s marketing team.
Each year, our chamber recognizes an ambassador who has excelled in their efforts to represent both the organization and their employer. Miriam Garcia epitomizes what a chamber hopes to see in an ambassador. In 2023, and since initially joining the team, she has been very actively engaged in nearly every event of the organization and this last year served as the Ambassador Team Chair. Her representation of both the Tulare Chamber and her employer Kaweah Health – where she serves as the Practice Manager at the Tulare center – is stellar. She enthusiastically leads her staff and our volunteer team to success.
We congratulate and thank Miriam for her role in contributing to the economic development and community promotion of Tulare. and to the success of the Chamber in meeting its initiatives
In Your Backyard…
Spotlight on Places & People
Richard “Kiki” Torrez, Jr. hails from a long line of boxers originating here in the San Joaquin Valley and community of Tulare. His family’s boxing legacy traces back to his grandfather, Manuel Torrez, who achieved recognition as a southwest Golden Gloves champion. His father and coach, Richard Torrez Sr., made it to the quarterfinals in the U.S. Trials for the 1984 Olympics.
Born June 1, 1999, Richard, has achieved success as an American professional boxer currently enjoying a 9-0 status. His amateur career culminated in qualifying to represent the U.S. at the 2020 Olympics, where he secured a silver medal. Prior to this accomplishment, he won a bronze medal at the 2019 Pan American Games and placed fifth at the 2019 AIBA World Boxing Championships in the Super Heavyweight category.
Richard was a stand-out student in school. He completed his early education at Palo Verde Elementary School before excelling academically and competitively on the chess team and in the robotics program at Mission Oak High School. He graduated as valedictorian in 2017. The gym at Mission Oak was subsequently named in his honor to recognize his amazing Olympic achievement and his image graces the wall of the Tulare Chamber in a mural highlighting this accomplishment. His mural is alongside those of Olympic gold medalists Bob Mathis and Sim Iness, fulfilling Richard’s lifelong childhood dream of imagining his likeness on the wall.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Richard Torrez Jr. is regarded as a philosopher and a prominent figure in the greater Tulare community. He takes great pride in his hometown, boldly displaying “TULARE” on his boxing trunks to showcase his roots and promote the town’s virtues to the world. Right here, in your backyard, we have one of Tulare’s best Ambassadors, Richard ‘Kiki’ Torrez, Jr.
2024 Events
• Monthly Business After Hours Mixers:
o Second Thursday of Each Month*
o 5:30 - 7 p.m.
o Location Varies Each Month
o Visit tularechamber.org or follow
@tularechamber on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to see where Business After Hours will be hosted each month.
• Ribbon Cuttings:
o Dates and Times Vary
o Visit tularechamber.org or follow
@tularechamber on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to see when the next Ribbon Cutting is scheduled.
• Governental Affairs Meetings:
o Second Monday of each Month at Apple Annie’s Restaurant
• 2024 Chamber Signature Events
o Salute to Dairy & Dairy Princess Coronation - June 21
o Biz Expo - July 18
o State of the City - August 23
o Crush Party - October 11
Biz Corner
Business Building Services
Tulare County Economic Development Corporation is the driving force behind economic growth and prosperity in Tulare County, dedicated to attracting, supporting, and retaining businesses and industries to enhance the quality of life for all residents and businesses.
As a 501(c)(4) public-private partnership, the TCEDC brings together government, business leaders, and community stakeholders to foster sustainable development, job creation, and investment. The Board of Directors comprises experienced professionals committed to driving positive change and economic vitality throughout the county.
The TCEDC vision is for Tulare County to become the premier location in California to live, work, learn and play. The organization aspires to make our county a top destination for company locations and expansions, offering a superior quality of life. They envision a future where innovation thrives, businesses flourish, and residents enjoy exceptional living standards. The organization aims to transform Tulare County into a hub for innovation, agriculture, and diverse industries while preserving the rich cultural heritage and natural resources.
Public and private partnership drive the success of the TCEDC’s economic efforts. Becoming a partner of Tulare County EDC offers numerous benefits. Partners gain access to valuable networking and marketing opportunities with government officials, business leaders and community stakeholders. They also receive tailored support and resources to help them thrive in Tulare County's unique economic landscape.
Partnership with TCEDC provides a platform to showcase commitment to the community and economic development. It offers opportunities to collaborate on initiatives that drive positive change and economic growth in the region. Additionally, partners benefit from increased visibility and recognition as leaders in supporting the economic vitality of Tulare County. Visit tularecountyedc.com for more information about the partnership and the organization’s services for business attraction and retention. CEO Airica de Oliveira can also be reached at airica@tularecountyedc.com or 559-625-3100.
