2026 Installation and Awards Banquet

The Lemoore Chamber of Commerce marked their 2026 Installation and Awards Banquet on January 20, 2026, with an evening full of vibrant celebration, excitement, and the unique spirit of Lemoore.

Attendees enjoyed an evening that included:

• A formal awards ceremony honoring the Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Organization of the Year, and First Responder of the Year

• Installation of the 2026 Board of Directors

• A specially curated dinner and hosted evening program

• Opportunities to network with business leaders, partners, and community advocates

• Giveaways, raffles, and decorated tables by local businesses.

The night seamlessly combined celebration with purpose, supporting the Chamber’s mission to advocate for local businesses, back community initiatives, and enhance community involvement. This year's honorees include Citizen of the Year Patricia Matthew, Business of the Year G.V. Burrows, Organization of the Year Golden New Food & Needs Center, and First Responder of the Year Soledad Perez.

“We are proud to celebrate and congratulate this year’s recipients. Their ongoing support exemplifies the remarkable nature of Lemoore for our community and businesses alike. Together we build our community, and there truly is nothing like the people of Lemoore,” said new Board Member Alex Walker.

Nominations are accepted by the Chamber, with past recipients making the final selections. Each honoree received a plaque from the Chamber and certificates from local leaders.

The sold-out event took place at the Lemoore Civic Auditorium, with outgoing Chairman of the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce, Allen Fortune, serving as the event’s emcee. “Having served on the Board for nearly a decade, I am thrilled to introduce the incoming board to our members and the community,” said Fortune when presenting the new 2026 Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Kings County Board of Supervisors and Lemoore Chamber of Commerce members Doug Verboon (District 3) and Joe Neves (District 1) supported the event program. Supervisor Neves led the audience in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Supervisor Verboon administered the oath of office to the incoming Chamber Board of Directors.

The 2026 Lemoore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors includes:

• Allen Fortune

• Fernando Saenz

• Alex C. Walker

• Daniel Wells

• Elena Orozco

• Kari Deburger

• Jackie Hernandez

• Jeffery Blain

• Leo Orange

• Mary Hornsby

  
  

Before the evening concluded, Fortune announced the creation of a new award for 2027 – the Leave a Legacy Award, in memory of Brenda Martin, former Chief Executive Officer of the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce, who recently passed away. Brenda’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to the people and businesses of Lemoore were unparalleled and have left a void unlikely to be filled by any one person. We mourn her loss and extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.