Joe Valencic Cleveland International Hall of Fame
Class of 2020
Since 2010, the Cleveland International Hall of Fame (CIHF) has inducted people who have made significant and lasting contributions to our multicultural society. Cleveland is home to people representing about 120 different ethnic groups. The CIHF exists not only to honor those special people but also to inspire a new generation of leaders to follow in their footsteps.
Over 150 worthy candidates were nominated for the 2020 Class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. The selection committee was advised by previously inducted members of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.
Joe Valencic
Covid-19 forced the always sold out induction ceremonies to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021. We tried to induct the 2020 class virtually but it was not the same. So once we were able to gather together again, we included the 2020 class in the induction ceremony for the 2022 class on June 7, 2022. The event at Windows on the River was a sell out and the 2020 class finally got their moment in the spotlight.
On the evening of June 7, 2022 Joe was finally honored in person and was inducted by Cleveland City Councilman and fellow Slovenian Mike Polensek.
Joe is a founder and past President of the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame, which showcases the style of American dance music that emerged from the city’s Slovenian and nationality neighborhoods. Joe is Vice President and directs the museum, music archives and promotions. He serves as the long-time President of the Cleveland Federation of Lodges of the Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ), America’s largest Slovenian organization, which operates SNPJ Farm in Kirtland, a summer music destination since 1939. Joe represents Slovenians in the United States on the international advisory board of Slovenia’s Office for Slovenes Abroad. When Slovenia declared independence in 1991, he led the national communications campaign of United Americans for Slovenia to lobby for U. S. recognition.
Watch the video of Joe Valencic being inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame by Councilman Mike Polensek
Enjoy these images from the Cleveland International Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Councilman Mike Polensek inducts Joe Valencic into the CIHF
Mike Polensek hands Joe Valencic his CIHF award
Joe Valencic gives his Hall of Fame acceptance speech
Congratulating the new Hall of Fame inductee Joe Valencic
