Kissam heads Fallbrook tourism bureau

FALLBROOK — Linda Kissam has been named executive director of the budding Fallbrook Area Visitors Bureau (FAVB). According to Don McDougal, president of the FAVB and VP/CEO of the Grand Tradition, “I am extremely pleased and excited to announce that Linda has agreed to take the position as executive director of the Fallbrook Area Visitors Bureau. She comes to us with many years of experience in consulting, managing and operating nonprofit organizations. Most recently, she was the executive director of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association for eight years.”

Founded in 2005, the FAVB is focused on promoting and developing tourism for Fallbrook and the surrounding communities of Bonsall, De Luz, Rainbow and Pala. Per McDougal, “The FAVB was created as a result of a tourism study funded by the County of San Diego. One of the primary recommendations was the creation of an independent organization to focus exclusively on marketing the greater Fallbrook to all potential tourists and visitors.”

Kissam explains that the board’s initial efforts will include strategic planning centered on funding, increasing tourism, launching a new Web site, creating a membership program and developing a signature event.

“I am delighted to be part of this emerging tourism effort,” she said. “I’ve met with the executive board and find myself engaged and honored to be part of such a dedicated group of community leaders. Their enthusiasm and commitment is contagious. I expect to be part of an extraordinary endeavor to promote this beautiful region.”