Fallbrook chamber given $160,000 of Community Enhancement funding

Joe Naiman

Village News Reporter

The Oct. 25 actions of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors included allocating $160,000 of Community Enhancement funding for the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce.

The supervisors' 5-0 vote allocates the money to the chamber, which will use it for operation, maintenance and event costs for the chamber's Visitor's Center, the Avocado Festival, the holiday parade, the Artisan Faire, window and tree lighting displays, marketing efforts, seminars, education, and community resources.

Community Enhancement funds, which are for the most part generated from the Transient Occupancy Tax on lodging facility rooms, are intended to promote tourism including visitors from other parts of the county. Each county supervisor recommends the allocation of his or her Community Enhancement funds, although those allocations must be approved by a majority of the board. Supervisor Jim Desmond recommended the use of his District 5 funds for the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce.

The Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in 1949. Its mission is to support local businesses and improve the community by promoting economic growth. The chamber's activities include member services, cooperative partnerships, legislative advocacy, and cultural and educational events which attract visitors or improve the abilities of Greater Fallbrook businesses and individuals. The chamber has also created a Farmers' Market which supports local farms and other businesses while also making the acquisition of food easier for Fallbrook residents.