In line with the organization’s 2007 Strategic Business and Investment Plan, Fairplex staff is challenged to “Be Amazing!” in terms of customer service, improved processes and business results. Business efficiency, hospitality, business growth and development and public benefit and community resource are also identified as areas in which to grow and excel.

The organization’s vision statement “We provide world-class experiences” is the goal of each individual and department, furnishing memorable experiences in theme, content and presentation that conveys to our guests how important they are. The mission statement reads “We enrich lives by entertaining and educating our diverse community while creating unique and memorable experiences.” We have an ever-changing audience that deserves our full attention and our goal is to deliver quality and excellence in all areas. This is emphasized by our core values: creativity, diversity, integrity, leadership, community service and hospitality.

Plans for the future development of the facility include maintenance and renovations, a little tender loving care for a facility that has experienced more than its share of foot and vehicle traffic over many years and events. Some of the exciting plans include more than $100 million in earmarked improvements including the completion of the proposed Trade and Conference Center (TCC), which will boost Fairplex’s visibility as an international and regional conference and retreat destination. Projected economic benefits from Fairplex’s TCC indicate $17.3 million alone for the city of Pomona, and $58.7 million in benefits to the county, state and nation. When fully operational the TCC will generate $30.3 million nationwide and employ 280 full-time-equivalent positions; an additional $1.4 million will result from taxes, fees and rents. Moving forward and completing this exciting addition is a top priority.

The strategic themes of Fairplex show the level of commitment the organization has undertaken to achieve its goals. We strive to achieve a culture of creativity, innovation and continual improvement. We are dedicated to the community we serve by providing an educational, social and public value.

The Fair has not wavered on its strong sense of community and commitment to strong and healthy relationships within the community. As early as 1923, the second L.A. County Fair, communities throughout Southern California were honored with their day at the Fair which included tickets issued to local school children to come to the big show. Some of the communities that were invited, recognized and asked to bring their high school bands were Pomona, Venice, Long Beach, Los Angeles City and Santa Monica. That spirit of community has expanded and been enhanced with special programming for Community Days that now embrace 18 surrounding communities. Each is honored during the course of the Fair with a parade that highlights officials and community members, an expo showcasing their city, a day at the races, the appearance of each city’s high school band and culminating with a ceremony celebrating the distinguished community heroes from each city. In 2007 youth heroes, under the age of 18, will be added to the mix and each of the participating city’s can celebrate two special citizens. Community Days and Community Hero programs are presented by the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Since it began in 1997, nearly 200 individuals have been honored and received an appreciative pat on the back from their communities. This joint effort is a valuable resource with enormous benefits to everyone involved.

Congratulations, honorees for 2007

Elaine Dominguez, Azusa
Lizette Salas, junior community hero, Azusa
Dr. James Lally, Chino
Joey Tran, junior community hero, Chino
Joyce & George Butler, Chino Hills
Kalyn Taylor, junior community hero, Chino Hills
Carlynn Christian, Claremont
Dorothy Glasscock, Claremont
Jordan Leigh Bryant, junior community hero Claremont
Denise Dilley, Covina
Salvador Fernandez, junior community hero, Covina
Jack & Wanda Tanaka, Diamond Bar
Sachil Shah, junior community hero, Diamond Bar
Ken Galasso, Fontana
Audrey McAfee, Glendora
Garima Agrawal, junior community hero, Glendora
Herb Hafif, La Verne
Matt Bouchard, junior community hero, La Verne
Kenneth Jones, Montclair
Thailin Galivantes, junior community hero, Montclair
Marty Binney, Ontario
Edna Hertz, Pomona
Isabella Reyes, junior community hero, Pomona
Ryan Orr, Rancho Cucamonga
John Faheem Jr., junior community hero Rancho Cucamonga
Dawn Kasnick Rialto
Marisol Velasco, junior community hero Rialto
Ed Wolfe, San Dimas
Alta Skinner, San Dimas
Nadia Lopez, junior community hero, San Dimas
Roger Shultz, Upland
Allison Burgos, junior community hero, Upland
Chris McBurney, Walnut
Kenneth Salazar, West Covina
Andrew Buenrostro, junior community hero, West Covina

Fairplex is involved in a number of valuable programs on a daily basis: The Fair meets with groups from several communities throughout the year to gather their ideas, input and concerns about events and plans for the facility; Pomona Boys & Girls Club volunteers and Fairplex employees spruce up the surrounding neighborhood during the Fair; Fairplex staff donates time with participation in service organizations such as Boy Scouts of America—SGV Council, LeRoy Haynes Center, Casa Colina Rehabilitation Centers, Pomona Valley YMCA, Girl Scouts of America, Pomona Valley Hospital Medial Center Foundation, American Red Cross, United Way, Cal Poly Pomona University of La Verne, Rotary and Kiwanis and Boys and Girls Clubs; Fairplex is highly participatory in Pomona’s critically acclaimed Youth and Family Master Plan designed to send a positive message and work directly with the youth in the community. What communicates the future better than youth, education and programming designed with dedication and a goal to make a difference in a life and to promote a healthy environment?

The Junior Fair Board was established in 2004. To date 68 students, including the 22 members of 2008’s board have participated. This outstanding group of students applied for a place on the board which includes a mentorship with Los Angeles County Fair Association board members and staff. A $1,000 scholarship is also awarded. Applicants are students, who will be juniors or seniors as of September, from the following high schools: Bonita, San Dimas, Chino Hills, Ayala, Glendora, Claremont, Garey, Pomona, Ganesha and Diamond Ranch,, with a grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale and with plans to continue their education or training beyond high school. Forty hours of practical work experience are given, as are letters of recommendation upon completion of the term. Two exceptional students are chosen from each of the 11 adjacent communities.

Welcome to 2008’s class of Junior Fair board members:

Samantha Capati and Brandon Pham, Ayala High School in Chino Hills
William Cuellar and Chelsea Trillo, Chino Hills High School
Ethan Saeta and Hannah Tubbs, Claremont High School
Eliza Pan and Chad Renegar, Diamond Bar High School
Tiffany Chao and Sarah Khogyani, Diamond Ranch High School, Pomona
Kelly O’Connell and Melissa Wong, Glendora High School
Claire Marshall and Naomi Rinaldi, Bonita High School, La Verne
Xochitl Garcia and Erika Rodriguez, Ganesha High School, Pomona
Michael Le and Anaid Ramirez, Garey High School, Pomona
Anabel Sanchez and Lidia Vazquez, Pomona High School
Tristian Monterastelli and Joseph Ojeda, San Dimas High School