Board of Directors Hold Annual Retreat

On January 15th, the FDA Board of Directors held its annual retreat at Fusilli Ristorante. Highlights of the meeting were a discussion of the accomplishments and challenges of 2003 and a look ahead to plans for 2004.

The Board repeated its position that downtown property owners and merchants need to help with the revitalization effort by taking action to improve their buildings by cleaning and painting the facades and updating landscaping where applicable.

The Board asked the Planning Department to educate merchants and property owners on sign and use ordinances and zoning issues as they pertain to the downtown area. A series of workshops will be scheduled - keep an eye in the mail for announcements of the workshops/ seminars.

Several Board members described what they feel is an identity problem- residents of Fairfield fail to realize that we have an historic downtown - or center - to the city. Many new residents think Solano Mall is "downtown," and the Fairfield Downtown Association needs to mount an effort to educate the public on who we are and what we do. Wash Blount (Fairfield Insurance Agency) suggested mailers or door-hangers to new residents, especially in the Gold Ridge subdivision on the eastern edge of town. Member suggestions for this area are appreciated.

Board Members noted an increased police presence and a reduced homeless presence downtown recently, and expressed relief at these two areas of concern.

The expansion of the festivals and the closure of Webster Street for the major events were seen as successes for the district. Board members expressed enthusiasm over the progress of the new County administration center and expressed a desire to be "in the loop" on the planning of the plaza and the parking lot in its use for downtown shoppers. 

Board members expressed concern that vacant properties are not being leased quickly enough and asked that property owners be contacted to see if assistance is needed to lease the properties.

The Board asked more merchants to offer inter-district discounts to members and employees. Wash Blount offers free notary service to all FDA members and employees, joining Dr. Mark Christensen and Fairfield Cleaners on the discount list

The upgrade of the downtown electrical system was discussed. FDA has applied for Community Development Block Grant fund monies to upgrade the system. The funds would be used to increase the capacity of the system to allow the streetlights to be used for power for special events as well as providing power sufficient to light the pergolas lining Texas Street. Grant funds will be available after July 1st, and the bid process will begin immediately thereafter. More information will be available when the grants are awarded in the spring.

FDA Treasurer Nino Giacalone and Office Manager Sharon Trujillo presented a year-to-date report. The organization is on target in the collection of PBIA funds, and is within budget on expenditures. Copies of the full report are available at the FDA office.

Since there is a significant chance that the state budget shortfall will have an impact on redevelopment funds and, therefore, the available funding from the City of Fairfield, FDA staff prepared a list of recommendations of ways to cut event costs. The Board voted to delete the Concerts in the Courtyard from the calendar of events and use small musical groups at no more than $150 per week through the Certified Farmers Market season. Entry fees for the parade and crafter fees for the festivals will be increased slightly to add income to reduce reliance on Redevelopment Agency funds. FDA staff and the Organization Committee will increase its efforts to secure corporate sponsorships for the festivals to help make the events self-sufficient.

The full minutes from the meeting and the Treasurer's Report are available at the FDA office- 422-0103- call Sharon and she will see that you receive a copy.

FDA Meeting Schedule

The FDA Board meets the third Thursday of each month- February 19th, March 18th, April 15th, May 20th, June 17th, July 15th, August 19th, September 16th, October 21st, November 18th and December 16th. Meetings start at 8:30 AM at Pepper Belly's (849 Texas St) and adjourn no later than 10:00 AM. The meetings are not limited to Board members. All FDA members are encouraged to attend and make their opinions, wants and needs known to the Board.

The Promotions Committee meets the second and fourth Thursdays from 8:30am to 10am in the FDA conference room- 1000 Texas St. February 12th & 26th, March 11th & 18th, April 8th & 22nd, May 13th & 27th, June 10th & 24th, July 8th & 22nd, August 12th & 26th, September 9th & 23rd, October 14th & 28th, November to be announced (2nd & 4th Thursdays are both holidays), December 9th & 23rd.

Please participate in this committee and help plan the promotional events that bring visitors to your stores and businesses.

These committee chairs are always looking for business and property owners to help in their mission. If you are interested in serving on any of these important committee please contact the committee chair or the FDA office staff at 422-0103.

FDA Membership Benefits

• Medical coverage through Western Health Advantage- call our broker, Carlos Badell- 800-870-4510- for more information.
• Dental coverage through Blue Shield- call our broker, Carlos Badell- 800-870-4510- for more information.
• Vision coverage - NEW FOR 2004- call our broker, Carlos Badell- 800-870-4510- for more information.
• Reduced rates on bulk rate/ pre-sort mailings using the FDA account.
• FREE flyers for special events or promotional mailing.
• Free photocopies.
• Reduced rate advertising in the Daily Republic. Robert Ponce- 427-6965
• 20% discount on vision care from Dr. Mark Christensen, 744 Empire St, 425-2187.
• Discount on dry cleaning at Fairfield Cleaners, 625 Jackson St, 427-0161.
• Press release preparation for special promotions.
• Low cost web site design through Garson Design- 428-1743- www.garsondesign.com
• Link between the FDA website- Fairfielddowntown.com - and your website.
• Low cost training and seminars through California Main Street and Solano Small Business Development Center.
• Facade Rehabilitation assistance programs through the City of Fairfield.
• Announce promotions in the FDA newsletter.
• Advocacy with Fairfield Planning and Economic Departments.
• Advertising in the FDA newsletter- $25 for a business card-size ad.
• Free Notary service at Fairfield Insurance Agency- 729 Jefferson St- 425-9588

Three Board Members have reached the end of their terms: Judy Davis, Klaus Jacobi and Wayne Mayhew. Property owners, business owners and associate members are invited to run for these Board openings that come available July 1st. George Fernando, Wash Blount and Anthony Brantley have volunteered as Nominating Committee to recruit candidates for these positions. If you are interested in contributing to the success of the association in this capacity, please contact one of the committee members.

Board members are asked to attend one Board Meeting each month and to be active in the planning of the special events. They are also asked to take the lead on one of the Standing Committees (Beautification, Business Development, Organization or Promotions), and actively participate in the mission and goals of the organization.

2004 Business Expo

The 2004 Fairfield Suisun Chamber of Commerce Business Expo will be held on Monday, March 8, from 4pm until 7pm at the Hilton Garden Inn- Gateway Ct in Fairfield (near Solano Mall). Exhibitor space is limited to Chamber of Commerce members and costs $200 for a 6' by 8' display area. Mimi Weddington (Stamp Heaven- 425-6464) is one of the FDA members who NEVER miss this event.

There will be approximately 65 exhibitors including government agencies that purchase materials and services locally. Learn how you can obtain government contracts while you network with your fellow business professionals. 

Chamber staff members will be on hand to explain the benefits of joining this business/ community organization. Take your chance at one of the raffle prizes available.

FDA will have a table to display restaurant guides, the calendar of events and print materials from downtown businesses. Each business is invited to bring flyers and samples to distribute. Drop your materials at the FDA office by March 5th so we can get organized before the big event!

General admission to the expo is $5 for Chamber members and $10 for non-members.
To participate as an exhibitor call 425-4625.
To share in the FDA table call 422-0103.

Monday, May 10th will bring the Fairfield- Suisun Chamber of Commerce to downtown for a mixer. Last September the association hosted the Chamber for a mixer including a fashion show featuring clothing and accessories from downtown shops. The fashion show was particularly well received. Chamber members commented that it was a unique and fun way to introduce the businesses to the Chamber membership- and profitable for the shops involved as well! Cathi Jasso (Pac Cal Realty) will chair the committee to plan the fashion show. Gary Dyas (J&J Mortgage) will recruit restaurants to provide appetizers and showcase their establishments.

The Board is looking for a member to recruit downtown businesses to set up displays of their products and services. THERE IS NO FEE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THIS MIXER. Even if you're not a Chamber member (yet!!!), set up a table to showcase your business. See what the Chamber is all about and take advantage of the setting to make those all-important business contacts.