Valliant Chamber of Commerce

06/19/2026

The decision to cancel the Watermelon Festival was based on the Chamber's current legal and organizational status.
As a newly elected Board, we conducted a review of the Chamber's records, finances, and nonprofit compliance requirements. During that process, it became clear that the Chamber must first address outstanding organizational and legal matters before it can responsibly host an event of this size.
As a nonprofit organization, the Chamber has a legal obligation to maintain proper records, financial accountability, and organizational compliance. Until these issues are resolved, the Board cannot responsibly enter contracts, accept sponsorships, collect vendor fees, or assume the liabilities associated with a large public event.
While a private business or other organization may be able to host an event under its own legal structure and assume those responsibilities, the Chamber must first ensure it is operating in compliance with nonprofit requirements.
The current Board did not create these issues, but it is our responsibility to correct them. Although this was a difficult decision, we believe it is the right one to protect the Chamber, its members, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and the community. Our focus is now on restoring the Chamber's legal and organizational foundation so future events can move forward with transparency, accountability, and stability.

06/19/2026

At this time, the Valliant Chamber of Commerce is not organizing, sponsoring, or operating the Watermelon Festival that was previously announced as canceled. The event being advertised for July 18th is being organized by private individuals and is separate from the Chamber.
The Chamber's decision to cancel the original festival remains unchanged due to the legal issues currently being addressed. While we appreciate community members stepping up to provide an event for Valliant, we want to be transparent that this is not a Chamber-sponsored event and is not being run under the Chamber of Commerce.
Any questions regarding the July 18th event should be directed to the organizers listed on their event page.

06/04/2026

The Valliant Chamber of Commerce would like to inform the community that the 2026 Watermelon Festival has been canceled.

After reviewing the Chamber's records and organizational status, it was determined that we need to address important legal and administrative matters to ensure the Chamber is operating properly and in compliance moving forward. While this was not an easy decision, we believe it is the responsible choice for the long-term success of the Chamber and the events we host.

We understand this news may be disappointing, and we know how much the Watermelon Festival means to our community. Our goal is to rebuild on a strong foundation so that future events can continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
We invite anyone with questions, concerns, suggestions, or who would like to learn more to attend our public Chamber meeting:

📅 June 16, 2026 🕕 6:00 PM 📍 Valliant City Hall

We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support as we work to strengthen the Chamber and better serve our community.

This meeting is intended to provide information, answer questions, and discuss the future of the Chamber. We respectfully ask that all attendees conduct themselves in a courteous and professional manner. Disruptive, abusive, threatening, or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated so that everyone has an opportunity to be heard.

Please take the time to watch the video and bring any and all questions and concerns to the next meeting.

06/01/2026

UPDATE: FESTIVAL CANCELED

Save the date. Members & Non-members welcome. Wednesday June 3rd, 6pm, Valliant City Hall.

05/29/2026

Hello, Valliant! ✨

​I am absolutely thrilled and honored to step into the role of President for the Valliant Chamber of Commerce! First and foremost, I want to extend a massive thank you to our previous leadership for their dedication, hard work, and the foundation they’ve built for our business community.

​For those of you I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet, my name is Nikki Strawn. Valliant is truly my home—I was raised right here, and I am blessed to have so many family members and friends rooted throughout our communities.

​As the owner of Strawn Roofing & Construction Incorporated and Top Dog Grooming, I know firsthand the dedication, hard work, and support it takes to run a business in our area. I am deeply passionate about supporting our local merchants, fostering economic growth, and keeping the unique charm of Valliant thriving.

​🤝 Help Us Build the Future: Join Our Board!
​Change brings new opportunity, and a strong Chamber requires a team effort. To best serve our town, we are looking to expand our leadership team and are actively seeking new Board Members. If you are a local business owner, professional, or a community-minded resident who wants a seat at the table to help shape the future of Valliant, we want to hear from you!

​Over the coming weeks, our priority will be bringing on fresh perspectives, listening to our current members, and evaluating how we can streamline our efforts to best support the businesses that make our town great.
​My door is always open. If you are interested in joining the Chamber Board or have ideas you’d like to share, please reach out. Let’s make this a fantastic chapter for Valliant!

​

05/29/2026

I resigned my position at the Valliant Chamber of Commerce and welcomed Nikki Strawn as Our new President. Please help her and Brittany Renae Box to make this year the best Watermelon Festival ever! If you have any questions please feel free to reach out. Thankyou for being the best community I could ever live in! It has been a fast ride but with me working 80 hours a week this will be better now. Thankyou all for your support!
*There is vendor applications at the office.

05/27/2026

05/26/2026

Come support the colorguard girls this Friday at the band room!

05/26/2026

Get your business on the 2026 Watermelon shirt today!