Board of Directors Candidate Information

Listed below, in alphabetical order, are the descriptions/bios each candidate has submitted so that the voters can get to know them better and make informed decisions.

Individual Candidate Information for Election to the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors 2021-2024

CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT: Will serve as President-Elect 2021-2022: PRESIDENT 2022-2023; PAST PRESIDENT 2023-2024

CANDIDATES FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS – Will serve 2021-2024

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CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT

Kimberly Murray

Beach House Winery

Why I would like to serve as President-Elect on the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

I would like to serve the community of Fallbrook by being an advocate for events, active participation with our regulatory and legislative entities, and maintaining/sustaining the community’s agricultural identity with the preservation of the avocado industry and of emerging agricultural crops/products, such as wine grapes, coffee, etc. This can be accomplished through actively collaborating with community leaders and business owners not only within Fallbrook but the surrounding communities as well. For the last 10+ years, I have been working with the North San Diego County city and county communities, business and farm leaders including their staff to successfully implement an Agri-tourism program, in collaboration with the UC Davis Agritourism program director.

My past experiences I feel will be an asset to this position:

• Beach House Winery, Inc. – Founder/Owner, Established 2005-Present

• Murray Vineyards – Founder/Owner, Established 2007

• Fetzer Farms – Founder/Owner, Established 1998

• Senior Finance and Regulatory Manager at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (Southern California Edison 1983-2012)

• South Morro Hills Association – President/Board of Directors (2014-2016) and (Treasurer/Board of Directors 2000-2004)

• San Diego County Farm Bureau – Member

• Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce – Board Member/Treasurer

• Visit Oceanside – Board Member / Agritourism Liaison

• Legacy Endowment – Board Member (2018-2019)

• Wine Institute – Member (2010-Present)

• San Diego County Vintner’s Association – Member / Event Chair (2013-2015)

• Ramona Valley Vintners Association - Member

• BSA Troop 739 of Zion Lutheran Church – Treasurer (2014-2019)

• BSA Cub Scouts Pack 735 of Riverview Church, Bonsall – Treasurer (2010-2013)

• University of California, Davis, CA – Certificate, Viticulture and Enology

• University of Irvine, Irvine, CA – Certificate, Project Management

• University of San Diego, San Diego, CA – Certificate, Financial Management

• Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA – Masters in Business Administration, Executive Programs

• University of Redlands, Redlands, CA – Bachelor of Science, Computer Information Systems

Please share any other relevant information that makes you feel qualified for this position. Include any thoughts and ideas you may have which would benefit the Board, Chamber members and the community of Fallbrook.

As the Treasurer for the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce, I have had the opportunity to work closely with our CEO and staff learning the details of this amazing organization and community. With the FCC’s restricted ability to hold events due to COVID, the main source of revenue for FCC, I have worked with the FCC team members in coming up with new ways to generate revenue.

One of these was the development and implantation of the FCC Holiday Wine Trail. Although we had a slight “pause” in the event due to the governor’s restrictions during the holidays, the FCC team has successfully implemented this program providing a new source of revenue. Looking forward to this event being implemented annually during the holidays giving the opportunity for Fallbrook’s wineries/vintners to showcase themselves and community members the ability to enjoy Fallbrook’s amazing locally grown and produced wines.

I am currently working with leadership in the City of Oceanside, the California Welcome Center/Visit Oceanside, County Leadership, AgriTourism consultants and large landowners within Oceanside/Fallbrook/Bonsall in the creation of an AgriTourism Vision Plan for sustaining and maintaining the agricultural farming community. The Vision Plan is to be implemented in a phased approach with Phase 1 being successfully implemented over the past two years. Phase 2 has started and will continue over the next several years.

As past Event Chair for the San Diego County Vintner’s Association, I started the first ever San Diego Regional wine pouring event (featuring only San Diego grown and produced wines) at the largest wine and vineyard event in North America held at the Sacramento Convention Center with annual attendance of >14,000. This annual event started in 2013 and I continue to lead it through present day.

For six years, I was an Assistant Scoutmaster and the Treasurer for Fallbrook’s Boy Scout Troop 739. I have been with the BSA organization for over 10 years, 9 years in a leadership position. It is an honor and privilege to help guide and support boys/young men succeed in obtaining rank advancements and especially the rank of Eagle Scout.

Marc Sigmon

Marc Sigmon Insurance Agency

Why I would like to serve as President-Elect on the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

I am honored to be nominated to serve as Board President. Since becoming a member of this great Chamber, I have been fortunate to have many opportunities to serve. From volunteering for our Wine & A Bite functions to the Avocado Festival and Golf Tournament committees to the professional development events held over the last few years, I have experienced the best our community has to offer. Throughout this pandemic, I have witnessed the strength and collaboration of our community as a whole.

I have also held positions in other organizations since retiring from the United States Navy in 2015. From 2017 to 2021, I served on the Board of Directors with Legacy Community Foundation. I held the position of Treasurer for the last portion of my term. I also have a seat on the Defense Veterans and Military Affairs Committee with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, I chaired the subcommittee on retirement pay and worked closely with legislative offices to offer tax relief from our veterans’ military retirement pay. Our region’s economy depends on the support of both government and private organizations. Although we are a great distance from San Diego, our community is very veteran-focused. Keeping a pulse on changes as far as Sacramento or even Washington, D.C., is essential for the future of our Friendly Village.

My ability to create relationships and create resources is among my most significant attributes. I believe in collaboration and continue to create opportunities to work with other organizations outside of my industry. Serving as Board President, I hope to continue this trend as we all recover from this pandemic’s economic and social effects. I am confident in future opportunities and would strive to present these opportunities to Chamber members.

My past experiences I feel will be an asset to this position:

Proud veteran of the U.S. Navy for 20 years who has become a community-focused business owner

Member of the Defense Veterans and Military Affairs Committee with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce; 2019 Chairman Subcommittee on Military Retirement Pay

Member of Board of Directors for Legacy Endowment Community Foundation 2017-2020

Member of Golf Tournament Committee for five years and Avocado Festival committee for three years

MBA candidate due to graduate May 2021 with distinction

Graduate of 2018 Class of the Public Leadership Institute with LEAD San Diego

Honored as 2017 Ambassador of the Year for the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce

Selected for the 2015 Student Leadership Award, DeVry University San Diego

Throughout life we are presented with opportunities. I feel that I can apply my experience and expand our community’s reach to benefit everyone as a whole. Our members have been through so much over this last year. Together, we can work to take care of our own while promoting our friendly little village to others. I have learned that a strategic approach is more productive and effective than promoting to the masses. Creating stronger businesses in our community benefits others such as youth sports, non-profit organizations and our educational systems. I ask for your consideration as the next Board President and appreciate your support.

CANDIDATES FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Amber Berkey

Neighborhood Healthcare

Why I would like to serve on the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

To serve on the Board of Directors for the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce would be an honor.

Raised in Fallbrook and now raising my own family here, the best way I (and any community member) can ensure our community thrives is to be active, engaged, and support local. The work the Chamber does to promote our small businesses and nonprofits is vital to our town and surrounding area and I look forward to supporting that work with my time, treasure, and talent as a Board Director. I live here, I work here, I love it here.

My past experiences I feel will be an asset to this position:

The most recent and relevant experience that will contribute to my success as a Board Member are the past seven years working at Neighborhood Healthcare, a 501 (c)3 nonprofit community health center. In my time with Neighborhood, I have worked to engage and develop our board of directors with philanthropic and operational goals and projects. I have a deep understanding of board governance and oversight, and the need for an active and participatory board that is supportive while leaving the day-to-day work to the excellent and capable Chamber staff. My full-time position with Neighborhood is in Fundraising and Development- developing relationships and community partnerships. I will bring the same expertise and dedication to the Chamber.

I had the opportunity of representing Fallbrook as Miss Fallbrook 2006, working with the Chamber and the Soroptimist Club to fundraise and represent small business. Equally as important is my lifetime of experience as a member of the community growing up in Fallbrook, now raising my own family within The Friendly Village.

I am already dedicated to the strategic goals and initiatives of the Chamber and will continue to do so as a member of the Board. I will enthusiastically represent the Chamber as a Board Member. I enjoy nothing more than sharing all that Fallbrook has to offer and promoting everything from our businesses to our hiking trails.

I am innovative in my problem-solving, systematic in my project planning, and view my work and volunteering as a direct representation of who I am and what I value. I value the Chamber and our Community and will give 100% to both.

Abby Elston

Coldwell Banker Village Properties

Why I would like to serve on the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

I have been privileged to live and work in Fallbrook for over 30 years. Fallbrook is such a special place with it's friendly people and volunteers always ready to jump in. Giving back to the community that has provided so much to me by serving on the board is something that each of us as chamber members should be willing to commit to. I am ready for that commitment.

My past experiences I feel will be an asset to this position:

I am an independent contractor as a broker associate with Coldwell Banker Village Properties. In my real estate career I get to hear firsthand why people want to be here or maybe leave here. I have served on many committees throughout my career. I have been passionate about Toys for Tots and have led the way in the toy drive collections along with the Marine Corps Reserve for over 30 years now. My participation with the Rotary Club of Fallbrook for approximately 20 years has given me a working knowledge of the volunteer efforts that are so successful in Fallbrook and in the past, I have served on the board and various committees. I have been serving as an ambassador for the Chamber after being a member for many years. I also own an avocado grove and am sensitive to the agricultural side of our community.

I feel that with my business background, operating a working avocado grove and my volunteer endeavors, I will be able to provide the necessary skills and a well-rounded perspective to become involved at the board level. The day-to-day experiences of listening, problem solving, time management and negotiation in my career should transition well to situations on the chamber board.

It would be my honor to serve on the board for the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce.

Brad Griswold

The Place

Why I would like to serve on the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

I have a proclivity toward involvement, and I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves when needed. I feel I am good at following directives and I also add a view from a different perspective when asked. I want to see Fallbrook thrive. I am a resident of 21 years.

My past experiences I feel will be an asset to this position:

Volunteering in the community: Foundation for Senior Care; Fallbrook Food Pantry; planning committees; outreach into the village through my church.

Desire to assist in the ongoing revamping of the downtown district where I have been established for nearly 6 years in a storefront location.

I have the time available to invest

I recently (week of March 1) completed a Bachelor’s Degree which included an emphasis on leadership

Christa Hoag

Home Perfect Restoration

Why I would like to serve on the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

I love Fallbrook and the community. I have been an Ambassador for over a year now and look forward in continuing my time, talents and treasures with the community as a Board member.

My past experiences I feel will be an asset to this position:

My past experiences are serving on the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, my HOA Board – Paloma Del Sol as Secretary for the past 2 years – present, serving as an Ambassador for the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Member of the Year 2019 Menifee Valley, and members of 3 other Temecula Valley Chambers, gives me the experience in knowing what it takes to be involved and dedicated to the community.

Like I mentioned above, my experience in Chambers and serving on Boards contributes greatly to my qualification to serve as a director for the Fallbrook Chamber. The community of Fallbrook is like Family and I would be honored in being part of it.

Michael Perdue

Attorney – Trusts, Wills, Probate, Real Estate, Business

Why I would like to serve on the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

I joined the Chamber shortly after moving to Fallbrook. I have been pleasantly surprised at how well run the Fallbrook Chamber is. I am impressed by the dedication and efforts above and beyond by the staff and previous boards. We are blessed to be a part of this outstanding organization and I wish to lend my hand where I can to continue its good work.

Too often people get on these boards just to “look good” to the public. That is a bonus to be sure, but it is important to be a board member willing to work and help. During my membership, and prior to being asked to run for the board, I volunteered where I could. I delivered renewal member gifts multiple times, delivered Christmas Parade flyers along Mission Avenue, worked in the Chamber Harvest Faire booth and helped clear up and put things away. The staff is fantastic, but we as members have to pitch in and do our part.

The Chamber needs workers, not watchers, on the Board. And we have to show up. I attend every Chamber event as I am able. I am always surprised at the number of people at some events who are absent at others.

My past experiences I feel will be an asset to this position:

I had been an active member of the Carlsbad and Dana Point Chambers in the past and had been a chair of the Business Resource committee of the Carlsbad Chamber for 4 years. In that position, my committee and I expanded their First Friday Breakfast from about 75 to 150 persons attending. We did that by analyzing why people attended and implementing fun activities that met the needs of the Chamber members.

Incremental improvements are always possible, even for our well-oiled machine. I am a person who tries to think outside the box, who sees beyond the visible to what might be possible.

I want to help the Chamber members get more out of their membership, help them to be more successful in their businesses and help the Chamber to continue to develop effective means to accomplish that.

Professionally, I have been a small business owner for 35 plus years and as a business attorney, I have counseled and helped hundreds of business people to be more successful in their businesses.

I am a skilled networker. I know what it takes to use platforms like the Chamber to build and strengthen business. I believe we can do incrementally better as we continue the programs already in place and focus on the needs and goals of the membership. Board members should make their best effort to come, help, volunteer, support and be the hosts. We need to be introducing “new” people to others who might be a good business connection, following up, answering questions and helping other businesses succeed in Fallbrook.

Eric J. Ramos, OD

Fallbrook Eyecare Center

Why I would like to serve on the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

Current President – elect asked that I serve, but I have been in Fallbrook over 20 years and felt it was time to be more involved.

My past experiences I feel will be an asset to this position:

My practice is unique in that I not only serve the eye health needs of the community but also have a retail side of the practice.

As mentioned above, I have been part of the community for over 20 years, with a retail side of my business. I understand the better the community economy does, the better it is for Fallbrook.

Randy Vance

Servpro of Fallbrook/South Oceanside

Why I would like to serve on the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

I have experienced the value as a business owner of what the Chamber does for the community and the local businesses. Serving for the Chamber would be an honor and I believe I can add value for the community and for small businesses. I have the greatest admiration towards the staff, resources, mission and opportunities provided by Chamber and would not take it for granted.

My past experiences I feel will be an asset to this position:

I have Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Business Management and a Masters in Organization Psychology. I have owned 15 businesses, been a keynote speaker with the focus on the psychology of influence and the most relevant experience I have is that I have provided that a small business based in the town of Fallbrook can be successful when all odds are against you. I have the drive and loyalty to this village to add value to finding ways to help small businesses succeed. Though the Chamber has more goals than just small businesses, I feel my value would be most beneficial in small business growth and influencing others of the advantages the Chamber has to offer.

Not only do I genuinely admire this village, I care for all the residents in Fallbrook. I’ve volunteered to clean up the streets after the Avocado Festival every year since inception, hang up signs and am always excited to contribute to anything to help the Chamber.

As far as qualifications are concerned, my perspective of this position would be to do whatever it takes to assist in any way possible. I give my word that if chosen, I will follow instructions without compromise, serve and volunteer when needed, provide feedback if requested and learn how to be the best asset for the Chamber and educate others on ways to provide the impact needed for this organization.

I would personally like to see more workshops offered that would provide benefit to other locally owned businesses. I believe sending emails to the members of the Chamber asking them what they would find valuable, using the results and finding the resources best suited to provide the return would be beneficial. As a Chamber member, I become more enthusiastic and eager to volunteer for something, attend a networking event, sponsor an event or contribute to something whenever I am personally asked. I believe having others delegated to personally invite other members to these occasions would increase attendance at events while providing an enthusiasm of empathy and encouragement.

I have past experiences and education that look great on paper and could provide value to the Chamber. However, those attributes are in the past. These were accomplishments from goals I set out to achieve. With the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors, I am confident that I can add value, not based on my prior experiences, but on my present goals, intentions and admiration for the Chamber.

Charley Wolk

Bejoca Grove & Landscape Management

Why I would like to serve on the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

Business post pandemic is going to be interesting and challenging. I believe I can contribute to this challenge.

My past experiences I feel will be an asset to this position:

I am a longtime resident of Fallbrook so I bring a unique perspective to the table. Additionally, my past and current involvement in agriculture is important to the Chamber’s business.