Sunshine, business connections, and mariachi music filled the air Friday as more than 100 golfers and dozens of sponsors gathered at Stockton Golf & Country Club for the 23rd annual San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament.
Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the sold-out event brought together community leaders, small business owners, and longtime chamber supporters for a day of networking, competition, and celebration.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to bring our local businesses and community together,” said Tammy Shaff, director of community health at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. “We appreciate our local Hispanic businesses and want to support them in every way we can.”
The event included breakfast, lunch, and on-course vendor booths, with the day’s proceeds helping fund chamber programs and scholarships for local students. “Some of the funds go directly to helping students pursue higher education,” said Luis Reyes, chamber president and a regional manager with Wells Fargo. “It’s a way to invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
Founded over two decades ago by former chamber CEO Mark Martinez, the tournament has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated events. “We started on a small nine-hole course, and now we’re here at Stockton Golf & Country Club, fully sold out,” Martinez said. “It’s become a staple of business and community life in San Joaquin County.”
Current chamber CEO Lisa Vela said this year’s tournament felt especially meaningful. “These are micro businesses and entrepreneurs — some without storefronts — who are still finding their footing,” she said. “We want to be the support system they can count on.”
Sergio Ortiz, chair of the golf committee, summed it up simply: “Everybody says this is the best tournament in the valley. And when you’re here, it’s easy to see why.”
