Penny Valentine

The Greater North Miami Chamber of Commerce illuminated in ‘pink’ to honor ‘their’ Penny this past week — pink was her favorite color. It was a small gesture to memorialize a legacy that spanned more than 68 years in North Miami.

She and her husband, Bill, were trailblazers who forged a path that has shaped the City of North Miami into what it is today. After moving to North Miami in 1953, they became active within the City and the Greater North Miami Chamber of Commerce, spearheading transformational economic development through innovative strategic vision.

Serving in many leadership roles for more than 40 years, including as its Executive Director, Penny understood that membership was the “life blood” of the Chamber; thus, she focused on the need of education, advocacy, networking, and creating opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Under her tutelage, the Chamber became the epicenter for business development through its many networking events, workshops and town hall meetings. The Chamber’s annual Beauty Pageant and ‘The Taste of North Miami’ united thousands over the years to celebrate the great City of North Miami, its residents and business community.

Penny’s impact had not gone unnoticed. With many accolades bestowed upon her over the years, perhaps one of the greatest tributes was when she was awarded a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' in conjunction with receiving a 'Key to the City' in 1995 in "grateful recognition of outstanding leadership and untiring efforts." Presented at the 16th Annual City of North Miami Mayor’s Economic Task Force 101, her plaque read “Penny Valentine … a lady for all time and seasons, who has always had this City involved in her life.”

About 15 years later, she and her husband were further honored with the naming of 'Bill and Penny Valentine Street'.

“Our City of North Miami and The Greater North Miami Chamber of Commerce will continue to pay homage to Penny’s legacy, assuring that we will grow and prosper just as she would have wished,” said David Burney, Chairman of The Greater North Miami Chamber of Commerce.

Penny is survived by her son Bill Valentine Jr., two grandsons — Jimmy and Richard, five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Penny’s honor to The Greater North Miami Chamber of Commerce. Please visit www.northmiamichamber.org