2023 Spice of Life
Woman of the Year : Jane Howard
For the past 28 years Jane Howard has been working to make Gilroy better for all . After serving 17 years as the Executive Director of Visit Gilroy , she retired in 2022 . During her tenure , she most enjoyed the spirit of collaboration between community organizations and the City of Gilroy . “ When we are working towards a common goal , Gilroy gets things done !”
Her long list of accomplishments includes developing the city-wide wayfinding sign program , establishing the Gilroy Tourism Business District , promoting Gilroy as an overnight destination , relocating the Gilroy Visitors Bureau to the Gilroy Premium Outlets , rebranding the organization as Visit Gilroy , and successfully completing the designation as one of 21 California Welcome Centers in the state .
In 2020 , Jane co-founded the Gilroy Economic Development Partnership with Mark Turner , CEO of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce to identify and lead recreation destination initiatives supporting long-term economic recovery and growth in the region . Jane has served as a Gilroy Unified School Board trustee , Gilroy Chamber board member , Gilroy Garlic Festival director , Leadership Gilroy board president , Gilroy Rotary president , Santa Clara County Board of Education trustee , Gilroy Gardens board member , president of the Central Coast Tourism Council , and Gilroy Economic Development board member .
When asked about giving back to the community , Jane said , “ Giving back is the natural outcome when having the opportunity to work with so many individuals and organizations over the years . I am blessed to have been one of many contributing to improving the quality of life for the Gilroy Community and visitors to our destination .”
Volunteer of the Year : Mike Brownfield
45-year resident , Mike loves that Gilroy is a small town
A where you know your neighbors . As the owner of the
Vacuum Center of Gilroy for over 43 years , he has helped organize and promote many downtown and Gilroy-wide events . “ Helping promote the small businesses in town and helping people enjoy their town is what makes volunteering so rewarding .”
Mike has volunteered in various ways – from cleaning sidewalks downtown to pouring beer at the Garlic Festival – and everything in-between . In 2005 he began volunteering at the downtown car show . He has served as an event committee member , committee chair and co-chair among other roles . In 2019 Mike was instrumental in bringing National personality Dennis Gage of “ My Classic Car TV ” to the Gilroy car show . The show was broadcast on National TV in 2020 . “ It was a wonderful event and great exposure for our local car owners , volunteers and Gilroy Gardens .” Mike is thrilled to see the event ’ s growth from a few local families and their cars to the great event it has become .
Along the way , Mike has made many friendships and met many great people . “ Everyone who has worked on these events are dedicated and hard-working people .” For Mike , volunteering to help your community prosper is important . “ Knowing your neighbors and your local businesses is what makes this such a great community to call home .”
20 SUMMER 2023 gmhTODAY Magazine : Go . Make history ... gmhtoday . com