Chamber of Commerce History

     The actual date of formation of the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce is unclear; however, there is reason to believe the Chamber existed as early as 1915. Fallbrook earned its title of “The Friendly Village” early in 1922 when then-president R.H. Blacklidge sponsored a Frost Free Lemon Celebration Day. One of the chief attractions of this day was the offering of unlimited quantities of lemonade to travelers passing through town when Main Avenue (as we know it today) was Highway 395.

 

     The Chamber was incorporated in 1949 when Carroll Husher served as president. Its first official office was opened in 1958, at 303 S. Main Avenue. Prior to that, the Chamber office was located wherever its president was. In 1967, the Chamber office moved to 300 N. Main Street. Several years later, the office was moved to 233 E. Mission and then, in 2012, to its current location at 111 S. Main Street (Avenue now).

 

     Over the years, the Chamber of Commerce has been active in the promotion and development of water resources and has been responsible for much of the improvement of streets and street lighting in Fallbrook. Committees of the Chamber have been instrumental in establishing the local fire department, the airpark, improvement programs for business buildings and a long-range planning program for the general community. It contributes to the economic growth of the “village” and also serves as a quasi-governmental agency for its residents. The Board of Directors is a voluntary organization of businessmen and women devoted to encouraging commerce and supporting industry, as well as promoting common interests and reflecting business opinion as it relates to matters of the community, state, region, and nation.

 

     The Chamber has actively worked for the continued progress and betterment of this community, from the day it was formed to the present. It has a consistent record of fighting for more and better road improvements and street lighting, and can take credit for most of the progress made along these lines. It has also supported countless beautification programs to help restore the natural beauty of the area.

 

1973 - Johnnie Collins  •  1974 - Stella Young  •  1975 - Ray McElhay

1977 - Jim Johnson  •  1978, 1979 - Dave Dowler  •  1980 - Bob Aaberg

1981 - Marion Sherman  •  1982 - Glad Hiscock  •  1983 - Angie Ardizzone

1984 - Bill Coburn  •  1985 - Dianna Hallock  •  1986 - Ron Swehla

1987 - Pearl Marsh  •  1988 - Patti Seim  •  1989 - Rus Hillier

1990 - Casey Antolini  •  1991 - Beverly Jackson  •  1992 - Chris Hasvold

1993 - Janet Stewart  •  1994 - Kelly O'Donnell  •  1995 - Roy Johnson

1996 - Rich Warner  •  1997, 1998 - Eileen Delaney  •  1999 - Delos Eyer

2000 - Rufus Bowers  •  2001 - Sirina Waddell

2002,  2003 - Muhammad Rahman  •  2004 - Ruthie Harris

2005 - Muhammad Rahman  •  2006 - Rhonda Reinke

2007 - John Harris  •  2008 - Rebecca Waranch  •  2009 - Gail Martin

2010 - Muhammad Rahman  •  2011 - Lila MacDonald  •  2012 - Leo Romero

2013 - Martin Quiroz  •  2014 - Jerry Burke, Jr.  •  2015 - Sandy Hull

2016 - Tami Donnelly  •  2017 - Michelle Verdugo  •  2018 - Lido Favela

2019, 2020 - Carlos Perez

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Past Chamber Presidents

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Past Citizens of the Year

2001 - Arlyne Ingold, Bill Ross  •  2002 - Leo McGuire, Sr.  •  2003 - Vince Ross

2004 - Rufus Bowers  •  2005 - Wallace Tucker, Jackie Heyneman

2006 - Jim Bowen, Harry Christiansen  •  2007 - Carol Eastman

2008 - Betty Johnston  •  2009 - Earl & Bev McDougal  •  2010 - Bruce Dennett

2011 - George Archibald  •  2012 - Gordon Stone  •   2013 - Vi Dupre

2014 - Jerri Patchett  •  2015 - Manny Ortega  •  2016 - Charley Wolk

2017 - Mike Peters  •  2018 - Jean Dooley

2011 - Delos Eyer  •  2012 - Frank Hopkins  •  2013 - Bob Hillery

2014 - Martin Quiroz  •  2015 - Miriam Key  •  2016 - Anne Klentz

2017 - Jason Springston  •  2018 - Randy Vance

2011 - San Diego Gas & Electric  •  2012 - First Citizens Bank

2013 - Cyan Insurance Solutions  •  2014 - Fallbrook Propane Gas Co.

2015 - El Jardin Mexican Restaurant  •  2016 - 100 Main

2017 - Harry's Sports Bar & Grill  •  2018 - CR Properties Real Estate

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Ambassador of the Year

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Chamber Non-Profit of the Year

Excellence in Large Business ~ 1995-2009

1995 - Major Market  •  1996 - Fallbrook National Bank

1997- The Grand Tradition  •  1998 - Fallbrook Refuse Service

1999 - East Brothers Grove Service  •  2000 - Del Rey Avocado

2001 - Coldwell Banker Landmark Group  •  2002 - Morgan Stanley

2003 - Durling Nursery  •  2004 - Temecula Valley Bank

2005 - Major Market  •  2006 - Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac

2007 - Markstein Beverage Company  •  2008 - Silvergate Retirement Residence

2009 - Fallbrook Pharmacy  •  2010 - Fallbrook Hospital

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Excellence in Small Business ~ 1995-2010