Recognizing Annissa Fragoso

Floor Speech

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Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Annissa Fragoso, Director of the Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, for her service and accomplishments as she retires after a decade of service to the MCHCC.

Annissa Fragoso was born and raised in the City of Tracy and moved to the community of Merced in 1995 where she has resided for 30 years. She earned her Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Merced Community College in 2012. Ms. Fragoso has owned the Farmers Insurance Agency in downtown Merced, with more than 20 years of insurance expertise.

During her tenure at the Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Fragoso helped secure an ARPA grant as part of the Re-open Merced Businesses initiative. She was instrumental in another grant for the Arts Community to host 2 Art Corners, where local artists participate and are paid. Under her watch, the MCHCC launched Vamanos Magazine which showcased Merced's agricultural landscape, small businesses, and local activities.

In 2022 and 2023, Ms. Fragoso's work allowed the MCHCC to partner with Mayor Matthew Serratto to host an annual Mayor's Ball that would raise over $50,000 distributed to local non-profits within the City of Merced.

She was a co-collaborator of the Mercado Night Market with the City of Merced, designed and created by Gil Cordon. This post-pandemic creation assists the small business community and Arts Community who suffered during the economic challenges of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The MCHCC assisted in 150 micro-businesses, artisans and brick and mortar stores getting the licensing needed to do business legally and be part of the Mercado. This Mercado Night Market has become a community staple for five consecutive years.

She also served on the board of directors for the Kids Discovery Station, a museum dedicated to children and currently sits on the board for the Merced Main Street Association.

During her professional career, she has been recognized with many awards, most recently the Minerva Empresaria Award 2022 from the California State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce which recognizes businesswomen who empower others by leading with wisdom and passion.

Please join me in honoring Annissa Fragoso for her dedication, commitment and selfless service to the people of Merced County.

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