Ripon Chamber Receives County Funding for Event Equipment

Almond Blossom Festival 2018

The Ripon Chamber of Commerce secured $10,825 on Tuesday for the purchase of event support equipment, following a unanimous vote by the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors.

The funding, proposed by Supervisor Robert Rickman, will come from District 5's discretionary funds and will be used to purchase a street-legal golf cart for the chamber's numerous community events throughout the year.

In a letter submitted to the Board of Supervisors on April 7, Chamber CEO Kelly Donohue wrote, "The Chamber plays a key role in organizing and supporting events that enrich our community and strengthen our local economy." She emphasized the organization's mission of connecting business and community through education, events, and advocacy.

The chamber organizes several major events in Ripon, including the Almond Blossom Festival, Main Street Day, Porchfest, and the annual Christmas Parade. The new golf cart will provide logistical support during these gatherings, which draw thousands of visitors to the area each year.

The purchase aligns with the chamber's commitment to local business development, as they plan to acquire the vehicle from a San Joaquin County dealer. The funding comes from supervisorial district funds, which were reinstated in the 2023-2024 county budget to address specific needs within each district.

In the same letter, Donohue stated, "This investment stays within our local economy, demonstrating our commitment to supporting small businesses."