Box van serves dual purpose for chamber

Ramona Chamber of Commerce has something new — a 2002 16-foot box van truck with only 23,000 miles.

Dave’s Auto Truck & RV Services on 13th Street sold the truck to the chamber “at a very, very, very affordable rate,” Joe Stupar, chamber executive director said, adding that Carlos Vera of Classic Auto Body and Collision at 1050 Olive St. completely cleaned and restored it to its current appearance.

The chamber put the restoration project out to bid, and Classic Auto Body and Collision submitted the lowest bid. When the truck was ready, Vera refused to take any payment, said Stupar.

“I’m doing it for the community,” Vera told the chamber.

Greg Creswell of Creswell Marketing and PrintPost helped with the chamber logos on the truck, the chamber’s newletter reported.

“It’s turned into a really cool thing involving so many in the community,” added Stupar. “That’s the neatest thing.”

The truck has a dual purpose: To transport supplies to events and activities, and to serve as a mobile billboard to advertise and promote community events such as the upcoming Ramona Country Fair. It also serves as an invitation to the public to attend posted happenings.

Before the chamber purchased the vehicle, it took several trucks and chamber members to transport tables, chairs, portable bar, signs and other supplies to the monthly mixers.

“This makes life a little easier … and it puts the chamber out into the community,” said Stupar.