Lois Leonard and EDC honored by Supes

For The Madera Tribune

Lois Leonard poses with staff from the EDC, the Board of Supervisors, and friends as she accepts her recognition for 24 years of service.

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The Madera County Board of Supervisors honored Lois Leonard on her retirement from the Madera County Economic Development Commission (EDC), and her 24 years of service to the community. 

Supervisor Robert Poythress spoke Tuesday morning on Leonard’s behalf. “Today we’re going to be recognizing truly a backbone of the organization over the last 24 years,” he said. “She is the longest serving employee of the EDC in the history of the EDC.”

He explained that the EDC consists of only three people, but each person is an essential part of what happens at this office.

“We’ve had some great executive directors over the years. Lois has been with them all this time. She started her job, on April 2, 2002, as an office assistant, then became office manager in in 2012. She then became the business assistance and office manager,” he said.

He used an example to explain the importance of Leonard’s role at the EDC over the years. 

“You’ve got the bricks, and you’ve got the mortar. She was the mortar, kind of holding things together,” Poythress said.

Leonard was recognized not only for her role at EDC, but also for her other roles in the community. She has been the chairperson of the Madera Prayer Breakfast Committee for 21 years. She has been on the board at the Madera District Fair for over 20 years, as well as involvement in other organizations. 

When asked to say a few words, Leonard received the recognition with humility and emotion. Although she had not planned to speak, she gave a short speech on how much she appreciated the acknowledgement, giving thanks first to God, for 24 years.

“First of all, thank you, God, for 24 years, because without you, I would never have survived all the life challenges,” she said. “I thank you everyone who supported me and has understood me and acknowledged my knowledge, and those that are here today supporting me.”

She plans to continue to be on the Fair Board, and with the National Day of Prayer. 

Several of the Supervisors shared a few words with Leonard, confirming her support of them in their roles. 

Debi Bray, CEO of the Madera Chamber of Commerce, also gave a presentation on Leonard’s behalf, and presented her with a bouquet of flowers.

The Board of Supervisors Department also gave a presentation recognizing the Madera County Economic Development Commission for receiving the Award of Merit for Economic Development Innovation and Digital Media from the California Association of Local Economic Development. 

Poythress, chair of the EDC, spoke on behalf of the board, to recognize our EDC, and to show his appreciation for the honor of receiving this award.

“And so what this means is it’s all this great marketing that goes out in the social media and other places. And we are being recognized as well as our two city partners for our economic growth and excellence,” he said.

He introduced executive director, Kristina Gallagher, to speak about what EDC is doing for the community and about the recognition the EDC has received.

“We’re honored to be recognized by the board today for receiving an award of excellence from the California Association for Local Economic Development and Recognition of our Local Business Highlights Initiative,” Gallagher said. “This initiative was created as an idea from our MCEDC board to create a shop local campaign to promote and celebrate local businesses throughout Madera County by showcasing new business openings, expansions, milestones, and success stories throughout digital marketing and community outreach. The goal was to increase visibility for local businesses, encourage residents to shop local, support business growth, and raise awareness for the resources of the resources available through MCEDC. Through our social media, our website, and our monthly e-biz newsletter, we’re able to highlight our local businesses who helped drive Madera County’s economy. The campaign not only strengthened community engagement, but also reinforced MCEDC’s role as a resource and partner for local businesses.”

Gallagher also recognized Elena Estrada, MCEDC’s business development and marketing manager, whose efforts were instrumental to the success of this initiative. 

“Elena was boots on the ground, meeting with business owners, capturing their stories and helping showcase the impact of our local business economy and community,” Gallagher said. “We are proud that this effort has been recognized by our association, and we appreciate the board’s recognition today. This award reflects our hard work of our local business community and our continued commitment to support economic growth throughout Madera County. Thank you.”

Gallagher shared that the Department of Finance had just released their latest data for housing and population growth. 

Last year, Madera County was the fastest growing county in terms of housing. This year, Madera County was number two just behind Yuba County.

“We’re the fastest, by far, growing unincorporated area in terms of housing units compared to any other unincorporated county,” Gallagher said. “By population growth, Madera County is the third fastest growing county right behind Placer County and Yuba County. This is incredible to say that we are one of the fastest growing counties in terms of both population and housing, so I’m really proud to represent this area.”

The Board of Supervisors presented Gallagher and the EDC with a plaque to honor their progress.