Chamber promotes supporting local businesses and nonprofits

Lucette Moramarco

Associate Editor

The theme of this year's Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce's State of the Chamber dinner, "Spotlight on Supporting Local," highlighted 20 local nonprofit groups that support area residents of all ages at Pala Mesa Resort's Cliff Terrace, Sept. 15.

Groups ranging from Hope Clinic for Women to Hospice of the Valleys, from the Boys & Girls Club to the Foundation for Senior Care, from Mission Resource Conservation District to Fallbrook Food Pantry had representatives there to tell chamber members about their services before the dinner started.

Chamber of commerce CEO Lila MacDonald told those gathered, "The chamber of commerce loves you; we're friends, like family," as she welcomed them to the first large in person event in a year and a half.

Chamber board president Nicholas Beye said, "It was a tough year last year, harder than most; we've survived with little damage and are financially strong thanks to Lila for her hard work. She pivoted to new ways to fundraise. I can't say enough about her leadership." He went on to say that the chamber has 470 members and that it is great to be back to in person events.

The Wine & a Bite Art Walk was sold out, planning for next year's Avocado Festival is in progress; a golf tournament is coming up along with the Harvest Faire. He added that the chamber has been given grants for promoting tourism and he encouraged everyone to participate in that effort, keeping Fallbrook strong.

State Assemblymember Marie Waldron reminded everyone that MacDonald is the only woman to be named Woman of the Year two years in a row. Waldron and Supervisor Jim Desmond both gave updates on what they are doing for the Fallbrook area including funding for fire prevention, broadband access, local parks and new traffic signals.

MacDonald said, "I was raised to be here right now, like you too." She added that the community collaborated and helped each other in 2020, "we supported local businesses more than any other year, we can't slow down." She urged everyone to keep coming to events and building a network.

She helped start the farmers market on Saturdays (9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and the VFW helped the chamber put up flags in a show of patriotism. MacDonald concluded by saying "Support local businesses, support a dream; those businesses support local groups, so spend your money here and feed bodies, minds, souls; let's root for each other, and watch our community grow."

Jackie Toppin then presented the Community Champions Award to Joshua Hargrove and Sky Peterson who have been putting up the street barricades to close Main Avenue every weekend for 64 weeks, as volunteers.

Outgoing Honorary Mayor Carlos Perez said, "I'm thankful to be a part of this community." The two Honorary Mayor candidates were brought up to the front for the big announcement. Tuula Hukkanen raised money for the Fallbrook Land Conservancy while Miriam Key raised funds for VFW Post 1924 and its Auxiliary. Key was announced as the winner and both candidates presented checks to their nonprofits. Key said, "I am humbled and honored."