President Don Hein of the VVBA ,Executive Director, Jeffrey Frankel and Board Member Cliff Kaiser
Vista Village Business Association Presents Second Quarter With A Bright Future
Tuesday evening, March 22nd, President Don Hein of the VVBA presented a powerful 2nd Quarter Report to the Vista City Council. Hein shared that VVBA has heard the messaging of the past and is building for the future. One such aspect is within the make-up of the VVBA Board. Past boards have had little representation of the businesses within the CVBID. Today’s Board is made up of over 90% of BID members. This shows a strong desire of local businesses to get involved in the work of the VVBA, which Hein suggested is hugely favorable. The nominations for the incoming officers are being built, they will continue to branch out to other areas of the BID to assure a balance in leadership moving into 2016-17. Hein stated, “2015 was a great year for VVBA and Vista”. He recounted that every VVBA event was profitable. Winterfest 2015, designated a Goodwill Event, actually made a profit and showed growth in attendance from 2014 and had over 40 vendors offering positive feedback.” This led into Hein’s financial recap where he acknowledged the cash forecasting for the remainder of the current fiscal year.
VVBA administrates Façade and Design Improvements for the BID. All CVBID funds allocated to Facade Improvement are designated to be used each fiscal year. The new mural and detailed facade work at 150 E Broadway was completed and the Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen has a new iconic sign that adds artistic aesthetic to Paseo Santa Fe.
On the Design Improvements side, grant funds were used to create new vibrant murals, and added lighting to various locations in the Historic Downtown which has increased safety in the area and decreased criminal activity. Before the end of the fiscal year, flags are set to line main street and provide a patriotic feel heading into summer and 4th of July.
Hein went on to say, “The future is bright”. Taste of Vista & Rod Run event planners are preparing for strong events in 2016. VVBA has teamed up with Legendary Event Management on 2016 BBQ event. VVBA was recognized at 2016 CAMSA Conference for 30 Years of Dedication and Devotion to our Downtown.
The VVBA has hired a new Executive Director, Jeffrey Frankel who has over 24 years of non-profit management experience. Hein introduced Frankel to share the work he has done in his short 3 weeks withinhis ole as director. “From two City Council meetings, to CAMSA training with Laura Cole Rowe, meeting the business in the community, and establishing a working relationship with the Economic Development liaisons Kevin Ham and Michael Luna. “It’s been a tremendously busy start to my tenure with the VVBA and I look forward working with the greater community” Frankel said. He is attempting to seek the answer to the question of what unique value proposition does VVBA bring to the table. As he meets with people, the re-occurring theme is Vista has a culture built through the arts, farm to table type cuisine, craft-brewing and wine tasting, and is truly becoming a “City of Makers”. There are many examples of artisans and craftsman that call Vista home.
With this in mind, VVBA is very proud to announce a new recurring event. The Vista Vintage & Makers Market, a new innovative and community building program, will help to bridge the gap between the Historic Downtown, the businesses within the DDR property, and the new Paseo Santa Fe. Frankel finished by sharing that, “this unification of Vista as One Community is of the utmost importance”.
City Councilmen John Franklin commending Hein and Frankel for the renewed energy and work VVBA is doing stating he looks forward to continued reports and working with the VVBA.
