A new community-driven platform is inviting San Joaquin County businesses to help build a trusted local resource for veterans, servicemembers and their families.
VALORSJ, short for Veterans Access to Local Offers & Resources in San Joaquin, officially launched July 3 as a free online directory designed to bring together veteran discounts, veteran-owned businesses, local events and support services in one easy-to-use place. The platform is now live at valorsj.com, with mobile apps for iPhone and Android expected to follow in the coming months.
Unlike many online directories, VALORSJ is not built around advertising, memberships or paid listings. There are no fees for businesses to join, no fees for veterans or families to use it and no revenue model behind the platform. Co-founders Tony Mannor and Frank Ferral are funding the project themselves as a tribute to the region’s veteran and service community.
“I’ve been a small business owner in Stockton for more than 25 years, and my family has served our country for generations. That legacy continues with my son,” said Mannor, who co-founded the platform with Ferral. “Frank and I are both Rotarians, we were discussing the Rotary creed of ‘Service Above Self’ and that’s what got this started. We wanted to give something back to the veterans who served our community and our nation.”
The platform is beginning with a call to local businesses across Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Tracy and throughout San Joaquin County. Businesses that already offer veteran discounts are encouraged to add their listing so veterans and their families can easily find them. Veteran-owned businesses are also invited to list themselves, whether or not they offer a discount, so residents can support local businesses with military ties.
Ferral, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Chief Policy Officer at the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, said the goal is simple: make it easier for veterans to find the businesses and services that want to support them.
“Our veterans gave a lot. The least we can do is make sure they know about the local businesses that want to honor that service,” Ferral said. “Right now, the platform is ready, we need our business community to show up and say, ‘I’m in.’ Every listing is free. No one in San Joaquin County will ever pay anything to use this or be listed on it.”
Once the directory grows and the mobile apps are released, VALORSJ aims to serve as a one-stop local hub for veterans, families and supporters. The platform will feature verified businesses offering veteran discounts, a directory of veteran-owned businesses, veteran-focused community events and a support services directory with resources related to employment, healthcare, mental health, housing, education benefits and emergency assistance.
For now, the founders say the most important step is participation from the local business community. Restaurants, shops, service providers, healthcare offices, home service companies, auto repair shops and other local businesses are all encouraged to submit their veteran discounts or veteran-owned business listings.
Veterans and their families can also help by spreading the word. If they know a local business that offers a discount or is veteran-owned, they are encouraged to tell that business about VALORSJ and invite them to join.
Mannor emphasized that the platform belongs to the community and will only become stronger as more businesses take part.
“This isn’t a product we’re selling,” Mannor said. “It’s something we’re giving to this community. But it only works if our local businesses help us build it.”
VALORSJ is live now at valorsj.com. Businesses can submit free listings through the website. There are no listing fees, membership requirements, advertising opportunities or sponsorships.