PARLIER – Local business owners and community leaders came together to explore the strengths and weaknesses of Parlier’s economic landscape.
On June 17, the Center for Community Transformation (CCT) at Fresno Pacific University hosted a roundtable discussion at Parlier City Hall. Business owners, city council members and representatives of resource-based organizations collaborated to find the gaps in Parlier’s support for local business and discuss future steps necessary for growth.
“The biggest takeaway was making that connection with them and really hearing their voice,” said Gladys Martinez, Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator for CCT. “I think that was the most impactful because we heard their stories, learned what their needs are, and they got to voice their concerns.”
The roundtable kicked off with presentations from Clarissa Vivian-Petrucci of the Central Valley New Business Community Law Clinic (NBCLC) and Cody Laid from the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Vivian-Petrucci explained the various legal services NBCLC offers free of charge, such as entity formation, contract review and more. Laird then shared the many ways that EDC can collaborate with growing businesses and offer guidance through workshops, referrals and some in-house services.
Once the open discussion gained steam, it became clear that what Parlier businesses need is a way to support each other, specifically by reviving the chamber of commerce or forming a community task force. Discussion participants shared that without a local organization dedicated to advocating for businesses and promoting events, turnouts are almost always low.
Council members Juanita Molina and Kathy Solorio were in attendance of the discussion, and admitted that they rarely hear about grand openings or promotional events until after they’ve happened.
Attendee Bob Pearles, part owner of Pac Auto Sales, noted, “The city has a lot to offer, but it’s up to the city to say ‘Okay, how can we help these people.’”
Though the conclusions reached made it clear that the city of Parlier has work to do to uplift local business owners, there was an air of renewed enthusiasm and motivation coming out of the discussion.
“I have a lot of confidence, especially in Bob, because he’s been here for a lot of years and is a businessman,” Molina said. “I support them 100%… and I think if he can get a board together for the chamber, I think it’ll be great for our city.”
This roundtable discussion was another step in CCT’s efforts to connect with communities beyond Fresno, such as Reedley, Selma and others. If interest persists and schedules align, Martinez hopes to hold a workshop in Parlier to try to bridge some of the gaps that were highlighted.
Based on the feedback from attendees, Martinez noted that the potential workshop will likely focus on digital marketing or startup business development, in hopes of giving businesses the tools to market themselves independently.
“What we’re doing right now is planting that seed for them to start bringing that transformative change in their community,” Martinez said.
