MAKING THE CONNECTION Spring/Summer 2023

TULARE’S AWARD WINNERS LEADERSHIP TULARE RAWHIDE GAMES OFFER FUN

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This is a Town Square Publications, formerly MetroMedia (since 1997), publication created and produced for the Tulare...

Vol. 3 | Issue 1 | Spring 2023 220 E. Tulare Ave. | Tulare, CA 93274 | (559) 686 1547 | tularechamber.org

06 Message From Chief Executive Officer 06 Message from Board Chair 08 YOUR CHAMBER 10 Community Impact Partners 12 L...

Contents

Vol. 3 | Issue 1 | Spring 2023

220 E. Tulare Ave. | Tulare, CA 93274 | (559) 686-1547 | tularechamber.org

06 Message From Chief Executive Officer

06 Message from Board Chair

08 YOUR CHAMBER

10 Community Impact Partners

12 Large Business of the Year

14 Small Business of the Year

15 Woman of the Year

17 Man of the Year

18 Nonprofit of the Year

19 Female Youth of the Year

22 Male Youth of the Year

23 Leadership Tulare

28 In Your Backyard

32 2023 Events

This is a Town Square Publications, formerly MetroMedia (since 1997), publication created and produced for the Tulare Chamber of Commerce
220 E. Tulare Ave. | Tulare, CA 93274 | (559) 686-1547 | tularechamber.org

Copyright © 2023 Town Square Publications
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(847) 427-4905 | marketing@tspubs.com
www.TownSquarePublications.com

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and Town Square assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and Town Square is prohibited.

Celebrating Excellence & Community Stewardship

Celebrating Excellence & Community Stewardship

From The Chair

As an educator and community member, one of the best decisions I made was to become involved in our Chamber. Through my involvement, I have learned firsthand the important role our Chamber plays in bringing together our community. The Chamber fosters a sense of belonging in the community by hosting a variety of networking events and educational seminars. Our Chamber also plays a key role in the areas of business development and economic growth. I now have the privilege of serving as the Chair for our Chamber and am extremely proud of the positive work of our Chamber team, led by CEO, Donnette Silva Carter.

Beyond the Chamber’s dedication to providing businesses with resources and opportunities to achieve success, our Chamber also plays a key role in partnering with our local schools and community college to promote education and provide important training opportunities. The Tulare Joint Union High School District benefits greatly from this partnership. Because of this partnership, our students have multiple opportunities to interact with a variety of business partners and focus on strengthening soft skills, which are essential in the workplace. Our students also have the opportunity to ask questions of professionals in careers that they aspire to eventually be in. This allows our students to directly see that the businesses in their community care about their future and success. Our Chamber is not only focused on the present, but also takes the time to invest in our students and the future of our community.

As an educator and community member, one of the best decisions I made was to become involved in our Chamber. Through ...

Large Business of the Year

United States Cold Storage

It is only fitting that the title of 2022 Large Business of the Year belongs to a company that has served its customers for more than 120 years. United States Cold Storage began in 1899 and has been bringing new jobs and opportunities to nearly 40 locations across the country.

The President and CEO of U.S. Cold Storage, Dave Harlan, said “what differentiates USCS from others in the cold chain industry is that we have remained one company for 120 years. We are one unified team, with one unified goal … continue to serve the cold chain industry by being Best in Cold.”

U.S. Cold Storage entered Tulare in 1990 when Phase I construction began on their Tulare South building. However, local and nationwide demands soon warranted an expansion and then another expansion and then another expansion! Ultimately, the Tulare South building was added in 1991, 1992, and 1999. Then, it was time to expand even more and bring more jobs to Tulare. In 2002, U.S. Cold Storage purchased the 60 acres of land that currently boasts the Tulare North location.

As U.S. Cold Storage grows across the country and here in Tulare, they continue to grow internally and better themselves and their operations every day.

“The USCS Tulare facilities pride ourselves on delivering outstanding customer service,” said a Tulare employee. “We go above and beyond in our quest to deliver customer satisfaction. Our culture consists of inclusion and teamwork.”

In Tulare, USCS also contributes and is involved with Tulare local schools, Tulare Little League, Tulare Softball Association, Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, Visalia Emergency Aid and Valley Children’s Hospital.

“The Tulare facilities have been an incubator of young talent that have moved around throughout the Western Region and the company as a whole via internal promotions,” said a USCS representative. “Our employees are the driving force behind our success, along with Senior Leadership and growing with our local customers since 1990 has been a rewarding challenge to keep up with their growth.”

When it comes to small businesses, it’s not always about the company itself, but about the people behind the counter ...

Small Business of the Year

SS Shirts

When it comes to small businesses, it’s not always about the company itself, but about the people behind the counter … or in this case, behind the printing machine.

SS Shirts’ owner, Steve Shahan, is described as a “wonderful employer who treats his employees with respect and gratitude for the work they do. He also builds close relations with his customers and does his best to have a conversation with everyone who walks through the doors of the shop.”

And some of those conversations have been going on for over 30 years with some of Steve’s longest clients. Which is no surprise when ordering from SS Shirts means quality craftsmanship and the best service possible.

“We’ve been at it for so long they know when they come here, it’s going to be right and it’s going to be on a good shirt,” Steve said.

SS Shirts officially began in 1990. Before that, Steve’s parents had started an embroidery business as their side project. Their true love was drag racing and operating the high performance automotive shop they had in Tulare. Steve grew up in the world of racing and SS Shirts started off with success partly due to the racing industry. “With my parents background in racing, I did a lot of race car stuff, and I still do,” Steve said.

SS Shirts started in Steve’s garage, but was later moved to his dad’s original automotive garage in 2002 where it now has been completely changed into SS Shirts.

Many local and distant businesses rely and count on Steve and the entire SS team to provide them with a quality order whether it’s screen printing, embroidery or design. For over 20 years, SS Shirts has been the official souvenir vendor for the World Ag Expo and the California Antique Farm Equipment Show.

In addition, Steve serves as President of the Board for the Brian Grabowski Scholarship Foundation, volunteers for the Tulare Union AME, serves on the Valley Strong Credit Union Business Member Council, and sponsors screens and artwork for local schools.

Woman of the Year

Terry Sayre

For Terry Sayre, Woman of the Year and newly sworn in City of Tulare Mayor, it’s nearly impossible to list all of the qualities she embodies and all of the community service she has done to earn that title.

Terry joins her mother-in-law, daughter, and 53 other incredible women who all share the title of Tulare’s Woman of the Year. Terry’s mother-in-law Ruth — now 100 years old — was the second Woman of the Year, her daughter Shea was the 53rd, and Terry is the 56th Woman of the Year.

Terry and her late husband Richard had five children together and through that union, Terry earned four stepchildren to create a large and dynamic family. She has 21 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Terry has lived in Tulare for nearly 60 years and can almost always be seen at any community event or program aimed at helping the community.

She has served on the boards of the Salvation Army, Tulare Library, and Salt & Light. She is a member, and former president, of the Kiwanis Club of Tulare. She has served on the Tulare Hospital Foundation and is president of the Tulare County Reading Association.

Terry taught for Tulare City Schools for more than 30 years and took on added responsibilities as director of many plays and musicals while teaching. A personal connection of Terry’s for over 40 years said, “I always tried to attend Terry’s Cypress School performances; the talent she was able to generate with those elementary-age students was phenomenal.”

And that skill to generate talent in people of all ages has remained for Terry. She works as a consultant, facilitator, speaker and life coach. Encore Theatre has also played a big part in Terry’s life and she has been in many plays and even directed shows over the years. She also co-directed the youth program.

She will continue to offer stability and positive change in 2023. As Madame Mayor, Terry said she looks forward to presiding and serving with her colleagues to build unity in the city and keep Tulare strong.

A wise man once said, “If you’re going to do business in Tulare, you need to participate in Tulare.” That advice is w...

Man of the Year

Tyrone Holscher

A wise man once said, “If you’re going to do business in Tulare, you need to participate in Tulare.” That advice is what a young Tyrone Holscher took to heart when his father spoke those very words to him. And it is those words that have driven Ty to be a very involved — and very committed — citizen of Tulare as he is recognized as Man of the Year.

As a friend of Ty’s said, “It’s not easy to list all the things that Ty has contributed to in furthering Tulare’s betterment. He has given not only his time spent on projects for the City, but also had considerable influence on furthering the quality of life we have enjoyed here.”

Ty moved to Tulare at the age of 12 where he has been adding to the quality of life and the City of Tulare ever since. He was at the forefront of Tulare’s big boom in 1959 when he became one of the very first students to call themselves a Mustang at Tulare’s newest high school at the time, Tulare Western. He was a member of Western’s first graduating class in 1962.

Just two years after graduating high school, Ty began working for Roy Garlock through which he discovered a passion for contributing to the local business community and eventually bought Garlock Electric, becoming a business owner at just 21 years old.

The business quickly outgrew its original location at 1575 S. K St., so Ty relocated to 1395 S. K until he built a new shop in 1971. That year, he changed the name of the business to Ty’s Diesel Air & Electric which he has owned and operated until recently when he sold the business in 2022.

Ty married his late first wife and the mother of his children, Vicki St. Louis, in May 1965. Ty and Vicki had four children who would eventually make Ty a grandfather four times over. Now, Ty is loved and supported by his wife, Sharon Avila, whom he married in 2005.

Ty built the city entrance signs highlighting local service clubs, built the Olympic rings at Bob Mathias Stadium, and was a member of the F4 Vietnam Memorial Assembly of which he was voted to be the last pilot by members known as TJ912 Committee.

Ty was a member of the Tulare City Council for five years starting in 1987 and served as Vice Mayor for 2 years. He sat on many committees including the redevelopment committee, building preservation committee, and the San Joaquin Valley rail committee.

Ty is an impressive man who has made a lasting impact on Tulare and our surrounding communities, but he says that “none of this would be possible without the support of family, friends, employees and members of the clubs and committees he has had the honor to be part of.”

From bus to nonprofit, Reaching Higher’s story is one that cannot be limited to how they came to be or even what serv...

Nonprofit of the Year

Reaching Higher

From bus to nonprofit, Reaching Higher’s story is one that cannot be limited to how they came to be or even what services they provide. Rather, the story of Reaching Higher is one of unbelievable growth, lasting impact, and countless lives changed for the better in Tulare.

Reaching Higher’s Executive Director, Ty Davis, reports “the group has served 886 youth and made an economic impact of $306,449 for the Tulare County Child Welfare system.” And “to date, Reaching Higher has awarded over $60,000 in scholarships to students.”

Reaching Higher was created when Tulare Community Church purchased a bus in 1998 to operate their youth ministry. The programs they created and the effect they had on the youth then made it apparent that this was something that was going to last.

It’s even more obvious 25 years later that Reaching Higher is truly benefitting Tulare and its youth. They plan to break ground on a 16,640 square-foot facility that will allow them to have their own building to work out of and a space for family visitations for those impacted by the child welfare system, for youth sports and other youth programs.

Reaching Higher is a faith-based, collaborative organization that introduces true hope to all kids, according to its mission statement. In actuality, Reaching Higher is changing lives and impacting local families in positive, tangible ways. With everything they provide and do today, it’s hard to believe they once started out of a bus.

In 2019, they became a nonprofit for the Tulare community offering an after-school program and services including tutoring, dinner and snacks, life skills, enrichment and 7-on-7 football. In 2020, Reaching Higher became the local implementing partner for CarePortal, a technology platform that connects the local church to real-time needs of the local child welfare system.

Reaching Higher credits all of their growth and impact to their volunteers and staff, the financial support of the local community, and the living hope himself, Jesus Christ.

Female Youth of the Year

Audrey Reis

While the 2022 Female Youth of the Year can be described as creative, intelligent, hard working, talented, divergent, and kind, it would be easier to describe her as exceptional. Because that’s just what Audrey Reis is at so many things.

A teacher at Mission Oak High School said Audrey’s “high school career has been distinguished not only through academics but also through art and involvement and advocacy. She is and has been a dynamic member of the Mission Oak and the greater Tulare communities.”

Audrey has been more than a member of her communities, she has been a leader. During her junior year, Audrey started and led a new club on the Mission Oak campus, the Aspiring Artists Club.

“Most new clubs take years to get up and running, but with Audrey at the helm, this club has become one of the most active organizations at Mission Oak,” said one of Audrey’s teachers. Audrey took the club one step further and not only managed multiple fundraisers, but also completely started and organized the first ever Mission Oak art festival.

Audrey is also involved in ASB, serves as the ASB representative for the S Club, played volleyball for three years, serves as the historian for CSF, has been in Mock Trial for four years, is a member of Harvesting Hope and the SOPAS club at Mission Oak, performed in the school play for two years, and volunteers with Salvation Army and Twin Oaks.

While Audrey has been highly involved in clubs on campus and in her community, she has also managed to shine academically.

Audrey is currently ranked 5th out of her class of over 300 students and holds a 4.15 GPA.

“(She) has taken every honors course possible, loaded her schedule with AP classes, taken college courses, and has chosen to take upper level science and math courses that she neither needed for graduation nor UC requirements,” said another Mission Oak teacher. “Audrey clearly enjoys a challenge and has been successful in each of these academic ventures.”

“Some humans are naturally approachable; they are gifted the ability of being a people person. These folks are the on...

Male Youth of the Year

Albert Ferreira

“Some humans are naturally approachable; they are gifted the ability of being a people-person. These folks are the ones that light up a room just by entering it. Albert Ferreira is one of those people,” said a teacher from Mission Oak High School.

This year’s Male Youth of the Year is described by his teachers and principal as incredible, well-rounded, athletic, creative, superb and humble. Albert is a senior at Mission Oak High School where he is very involved and takes on many leadership roles.

Throughout his high school career, Albert has been in the Academy of Engineering for four years, played tennis for four years and will play at the number one spot this year, played Varsity water polo for the first time this year because they needed a goalie, serves in ASB in which he is vice president, serves as senior class treasurer, has performed in three drama productions, has been saxophone section leader for three years and served on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board.

“Academically, athletically, artistically, Albert can do it all. But, in my opinion, Albert’s greatest quality is his dedication to service and his community,” said another teacher at Mission Oak.

Albert has performed with Encore Theatre, interned for the Sequoia Riverlands Trust’s Earth Academy, worked for the City of Tulare Parks & Recreation department, and volunteered for many different organizations and opportunities.

“There aren’t many people like Albert, skilled in so many different areas. And, equally importantly, there aren’t many individuals as genuine or fun to be around as Albert,” said one of his teachers.

Albert has been a part of leading new projects at Mission Oak High School including getting donations for their toy drive and developing a Mental Health Week with friends and the school’s Social Worker. After that week, Albert created a club with his friends with the focus of helping students who might be suffering from mental health struggles.

Albert himself experienced bullying his freshman year and worked hard to get involved, lean on his family and teachers, and gain confidence to become the great leader that he is now.

Congratulations, Leadership Tulare Graduating Class of 2022 2023! Leadership Tulare’s mission is to provide a dynamic...

Leadership Tulare

Congratulations, Graduates!

Congratulations, Leadership Tulare Graduating Class of 2022-2023! Leadership Tulare’s mission is to provide a dynamic and stimulating forum to prepare, involve and expose a culturally diverse group who are committed and competent to address the challenges of our community. We are so proud of this year’s class!

Back, left to right: Andy Flores, Michele Lima, Pam Banks, Naomi Canty, Malia Azevedo, Anthony Galindo
Front, left to right: William Gallegos, Cruz Gomez, Chloe Gowin, Wendy Rodriguez, Araceli Ochoa, Donald Dorsey

The Rawhide are back. Throughout the summer, the Rawhide will host six post game fireworks shows and give away more t...

Rawhide games offer fun, promotions throughout the week

In Your Backyard

Rawhide games offer fun, promotions throughout the week

The Rawhide are back. Throughout the summer, the Rawhide will host six post-game fireworks shows and give away more than 25 promotional items.

The fun continues through the summer. Aside from the one-day themes, giveaways, and fireworks, the Day of the Week promotions are back with a twist.

Family entertainment just became more affordable with Twos-days. Every home Tuesday game, fans can purchase CSDA Pasture tickets for only $2 and enjoy 2-for-1 tacos.

On Wednesdays, enjoy Brats, Beer, and Bingo. Bingo is free to any fans wanting to participate and anyone can enjoy the $6 brats sold at the Jameson On Deck Grill. Fans 21 and older can take advantage of $2 off all draft beers and mixed drinks on Wednesdays.

Everyone’s favorite Latin alter-ego is back! Every Thursday the Rawhide will transform into Los Toros de Visalia. Toros fans can enjoy discounted drinks every Thursday including $2 Modelo draft beer and $5 margaritas and micheladas.

Every Friday there will be a Rawhide replica jersey giveaway as a part of Family Fun Fridays. Fans can also purchase four grandstand tickets, four hot dogs, and four sodas for $44 by visiting participating Chevron locations or showing the Chevron credit card at the ballpark.

All-American Saturdays are back! Military members receive a grandstand ticket and $5 concessions voucher for $10 at the ticket office. Any fan over 21 can enjoy half off Budweiser, Bud Light, Estrella Jalisco and Michelob Ultra.

Tipper’s Kids Club Members can look forward to bounce houses and activities every Sunday Funday in the Valley Children’s Kids Corral. Discounted $5 tickets are available to first responders every Sunday by showing a work ID.