The 2021 Salute To Excellence Thank You To Our Event Sponsors Event and Presenting Sponsors Aaron Thomas and Associates Adventist Health Simi Valley Logix Federal Credit Union Montecito Bank & Trust Simi Valley Chevrolet Simi Valley Toyota Ventura County Credit Union
Supporting Sponsors 99.1 The Ranch Alexander Buick GMC of Simi Valley Dave's Towing Service Howmet Fastening Systems One West Bank Rose Family Funeral Home Simi Valley Ford Southern California Edison UCLA Health
SWAG Gift Box Sponsors/Contributors Belwood Liquor Bennett’s Honey Farm Chick-fil-A doTERRA Essential Oils Home Depot Jersey Mikes Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley Linde’s Old Fashioned Almonds
Mad Era Brewing Company Makenna Koffee Our Daily Bread Paul Goodnough CPA Law Offices of Shantel Kuntuzos See Me Care Pharmacy The East Coast Pizza Company Waste Management
Today’s Music Performed by Lynnzee Fraye Lynnzee Fraye is a Simi Valley native and has been singing and writing music since 2007. She is currently a songwriter and private singing and piano teacher at Music Freqs in Camarillo. Lynnzee has performed over a thousand gigs in venues such as the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, the Dolby Theater, the Gibson Showroom, the Troubadour, the Thousand Oaks Civic Center, festivals and many more. She also appeared on the farewell season of American Idol, Next Great Family Band and has had multiple original songs placed in movies and television. She has released a new single called “Lemonade” and her solo EP “You”, is available on all music streaming sites.
The 2021
Salute To Excellence Welcome and Introductions Master of Ceremonies – DJ Randy 2020 Business of the Year – LightGabler Presented by Dominique Bagherloo - Logix Federal Credit Union
2020 Business Person of the Year – Loretta Cabuyadao Presented by Jennifer Swenson - Adventist Health Simi Valley
2020 Strathearn Lifetime Achievement Award - Marie Bennett Presented by Fred Thomas - Aaron Thomas & Associates
2020 Non-Profit Organization of the Year Soroptimist International Simi Valley Presented by Melissa Miller - Ventura County Credit Union
2020 Community Volunteer of the Year—Karen Hoyle Sponsored by Simi Valley Toyota
2020 Ambassador of the Year - Elizabeth Zachary Presented by Jeff Kennedy - Simi Valley Chevrolet
Recognition of Milestone Membership Anniversaries Presented by Kathi Van Etten, President/CEO
Outgoing Board Chair Presentations Brian Reed Outgoing Chair’s Remarks The Chairman’s Award Committee Chair Recognition
Presentation of the Gavel to Jill Haney Brian Reed Incoming Chair’s Remarks Jill Haney Closing
Our Longtime Member Supporters We Salute You! 40 Year Members: 1980-2020
Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark & Simi Valley City Auto Body Poly-Tainer, Inc. Waste Management/Simi Valley Landfill 35 Year Members: 1985-2020
NAI Capital Commercial – Gary Seaton Simi Lock-Up Self Storage 30 Year Members: 1990-2020 Chuck’s Handyman Service EDM Services, Inc. ITS – Integrated Telemanagement Services McCaffrey Insurance Services New Directions Event Planning, Inc.
25 Year Members: 1995-2020 American Cancer Society Arxis Financial Ventura County Credit Union
20 Year Members: 2000-2020 Alta California Medical Group, Inc. C & M Auto Repair and Transmission Hand & Hand – Mobile Massage Iceoplex – Ice Arena KB Home Paula Miller Insurance Agency, Inc. State Farm Insurance – Eric S. Little The Arc of Ventura County
15 Year Members: 2005-2020 Aranda Accounting & Tax Services Courtyard by Marriott Simi Valley First Street Dental Group Simi Children’s Dental Group
10 Year Members: 2010-2020 5 Year Members: 2015-2020 Bezign Ali Baba Café Cancer Support Community VVSB CKO Kickboxing Facey Medical Group Cutco Cutlery – Brandon Brown Law Offices of Shantel J. Kuntuzos Independent Capital Management Oak Park Dentistry for Children & Orthodontics Lennar Homes Sierra Vista Family Medical Clinic Soroptimist International of Simi Valley Simi Valley Chevrolet WJ Saunders Agency The East Coast Pizza Company Tsieprati Consulting VFW Post 10049
Business of the Year LightGabler Karen Gabler Business Person of the Year Loretta Cabuyadao Kopy King Strathearn Lifetime Achievement Marie Bennett Community Volunteer of the Year Karen Hoyle
Non Profit Organization of the Year Soroptimist International Simi Valley Ambassador of the Year Elizabeth Zachary
Chair of the Board 2020 Brian Reed Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District On behalf of the Board of Directors of our 5-Star Chamber of Commerce, I would like to thank you for being here today to help us memorialize the year of 2020, and to celebrate our optimism for the New Year of 2021. Our Board of Directors, the dedicated staff at the Chamber and all of you have many reasons to be proud, from our re-certification as a 5-Star Chamber, to our multifaceted response to Covid, to setting the stage for healing and renewal in 2021. Our accomplishments could not have been achieved without the loyalty and commitment of you, our valued members, and supporters. The year of 2020 was remarkable. Some industries thrived, and others were crushed. Stock markets and housing prices are soaring, but many individuals are struggling. From the task of keeping each other safe and healthy to the incredible economic challenges to our businesses, our ongoing efforts to support and serve our business community have never been more vital. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those we have lost this year, our thanks go out to those who have made titanic efforts to help and support people. And our hopes for 2021 have turned to healing and recovery, both literally and figuratively. We had many successes this past year, both small and large and everywhere in between. With Shop Simi First, Fa La La Local, and innovative ways to connect virtually, the tireless efforts of our Chamber CEO Kathi Van Etten and the staff at the Chamber have been inspiring and we couldn’t be more proud. While it may be more appropriate in some ways to celebrate 2020 being over, we are optimistically looking forward to 2021, and are more convinced than ever that our future is bright. Thank you so much for joining us in our Salute to Excellence and for being valued members and supporters of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce! Sincerely, Brian Reed Board Chair 2020
101 N. Westlake Blvd Suite 110 | Thousand Oaks | 805-560-3438
Chair of the Board 2021 Jill Haney Montecito Bank & Trust Welcome to your 5 Star Chamber’s Salute to Excellence. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce I want to thank you for being here to honor the outstanding contributions made to our community by businesses, non-profits and individuals in 2020. We are so grateful to have them as part of the Simi Valley Community. We have never experienced a year like 2020. Your Chamber was hard at work during the Pandemic to assist businesses. Here is just a few of the things the Chamber staff accomplished: -Personally called chamber members to check-in and provide information regarding PPE and different financial assistance available to them. -Met with Federal and State elected officials to advocate for more funding and grant programs and flexibility in guidelines for reopening. -Had free webinars on topics such as the CARES Act, PPP options, how to use zoom and managing employees remotely. -Transitioned our in-person events to virtual events. -Produced Community events including Community Connections providing SVUSD updates from Dr. Peplinski and two Candidate Forums. -Promoted restaurants through Takeout Tuesday, Restaurant of the Week and other promotions. -Held two Shop Simi Valley First promotional events, Fall-A-Palooza and Fa La La La Local to encourage local spending and support the business community. As you can see the Chamber was very busy doing many different things to help our members. Your Chamber Board held our 2021 retreat. Our theme this year is Building, Rebuilding, Growing, Thriving. We spent time at the retreat focusing on information regarding the economy both in Ventura County and Simi Valley and Board Leadership. Our focus is to support and help the business community and our members. I want you to know how much I appreciate your membership, our Chamber Staff, our Board of Directors and our Ambassadors. We need all of you to make Simi Valley a great place to live and work. Thank you! Jill Haney Board Chair 2021
Business of the Year LightGabler Business Person of the Year Loretta Cabuyadao Strathearn Lifetime Achievement Marie Bennett Non-Profit Organization of the Year Soroptimist International Simi Valley Community Volunteer of the Year Karen Hoyle Ambassador of the Year Elizabeth Zachary Brian Reed
2020 Board Chair
Jill Haney
2021 Board Chair
Congratulations to Today’s Honorees
Karen Troop half page
Past Chamber Board Chairs 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985
Brian Reed Dorina Timbol Maggie Kestly Celina Zacarias Jim Vigdor Michelle Foster Dan Jaeger Mike Nolan Michael McCaffrey Pat Abruzzese Jill Haney Larry Hibbler Karen Gabler Dick Erbe Daryl Kleintob Margaret Peterson Thom McLean Jody Webber Harry VanDyck Michael Carney Debi Schultze Tim Shannon Jeff Sampson Dennis Barbee Alan Rice Sally Grant Ron Meek Michael McCaffrey Gayle Ward Carl Herman Lloyd Boland, D.C. Burt von Bieber- stein
Dave McCormick Howard Voigt Elaine Freeman Doug Crosse
1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979
Don Rush Jack Spotts Marilyn Landolfi Joan Delman Bill Swink Mary Anne Rassmussen (1/79-4/79)
1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959
Bill Swink (4/79-12/79) Robert Bloch Bob Larkin Jack Stewart Bob Queenan Jacob Schmidt Robert Bloch Howard Rogo Robert O. Huber Robert O. Huber Roger Callahan Steven Zissou David Strathearn, Jr Don Twomley John Appleton Frank Schroeder Gordon Lindeen Bill Goff John Montgomery Leonard Cline Dr. Wayne Butterbaugh (1/59-4/59)
Leonard Cline (4/59-12/59)
1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953
Cliff Kennedy Bob Dicey Bob Connell Tom McNamara Joe Appleton Frank Albright
Past Award Recipients Business Person of the Year 2019 - Omar Salah 2018 - Mike Nolan 2017 - Alex Gandel 2016 - Dan Jaeger 2015– Mike Smith 2014– Terry Marvin 2013 - Mike Alterman 2012 - Barbara Frova 2011 - Curt Witeby 2010 - Karen Troop 2009 - Scott Santino 2008 - Dee Dee Cavanaugh 2007 - Harry VanDyck 2006 - Deb Holler 2005 - Tom Saulnier 2004 - Sally Grant 2003 - Tim Shannon 2002 – Shari Schultz 2001 – Brian Gabler 2000 – Mike McCaffrey 1999 – Darrell Coletto 1998 – Brian Troop 1997 – Dr. Lowell Novy 1996 – George Holmes 1995 – Susan Fleischman 1994 – David McCormick 1993 – Burt von Bieberstein 1992 – Dr. Otto Austel 1991 – Bill Swink 1990 – Andy Macek 1989 – R.J. “Dick” Riggs 1988 – Judy Mikels 1987 – William Morris, Jr 1986 – Dick Rhoads 1984 – Jim Lowry 1983 – Phil Gillibrand 1982 - Don Smith 1981 - Bob Barrett 1980 - Ivan Delman Non-Profit of the Year 2019 - The Boys & Girls Club Moorpark/Simi Valley 2018 - Not One More 2017 - Free Clinic of Simi Valley Volunteer of the Year 2019 - Leigh Seaton 2018 - Karen Finmark 2017 - Barbara Glodfelty
Business of the Year 2019 - Simi Valley Chevrolet 2018 - The Junkyard Café 2017 - Cal State Site Services 2016 - Swink’s Towing 2015 - Platinum Sports Center 2014 - City Auto Body Automotive 2013- Simi Valley Ford 2012 - Arxis Financial 2011 - Lost Canyons Golf Club 2010 - TRC Medical, LLC 2009 - Best Western Posada Royale Hotel & Suites 2008 - Simi Valley Hospital 2007 - California Oaks Bank 2006 – McDonald’s—Tapo Street 2005 – Santa Barbara Bank 2004 – Mid Valley Properties 2003 – GI Industries 2002 – Countrywide Financial 2001 – Urban Strategies 2000 – Pacific Beverage 1999 – Print Masters 1998 – First Western Bank 1997 – Jacks Shoes 1996 – Guardian Products 1995 – Whittaker Corporation 1994 – Farmers Insurance 1993 – Ecology Landscape & Nursery 1992 – Micom Communications Strathearn Lifetime Achievement 2019 - Debbie Thomas 2018 - Larry Hibbler 2017 - Gary White 2016 - Jill Haney 2015 - Deb Holler 2014 - Jim Lowry 2013 - Daryl Kleintob 2012 - Celine “Billie” Gillibrand 2011 - Tim Shannon 2010 - Greg Stratton 2009 - Elaine Freeman 2008 - Dr. Frank Witman 2007 - Bob Huber 2006 - Dave McCormick 2005 - Wayne Schultz 2004 - Fred Bauermeister 2003 - Virginia Nelson 2002 - Neil & Pat Havens
Alexander Buick GMC half page
Shelley Cook , Branch Manager 20505 Devonshire Street | Chatsworth, CA 91311 | 818.885.9065
www.onewestbank.com
Ford half
Chevy full page
Congratulations to all of the deserving honorees that work hard to make Simi Valley the best place to work, live and serve!
We
You Karen!
Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley
805.807.5100 | www.simivalleykiwanis.com
LightGabler Business of the Year
Karen Hoyle Volunteer of the Year
Loretta Cabuyadao Business Person of the Year
Elizabeth Zachary Ambassador of the Year
Marie Bennett Strathearn Lifetime Achievement
Brian Reed Outgoing Board Chair
Soroptimist International Simi Valley Non Profit Organization of the Year
Jill Haney 2021 Board Chair
WM GI Industries (800) 675-1171 Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center (805) 579-7267 www.wm.com
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
PROVIDING HIGH-QUALITY WHOLESOME BAKED GOODS FROM OUR OVEN STRAIGHT TO YOUR DOOR!
Order at: bit.ly/Menu_ODBB | 805.727.3224
2021 Chamber Board of Directors & Staff Officers Board Chair Jill Haney, Montecito Bank and Trust Chair-Elect Jennifer Swenson, Adventist Health Simi Valley Past Chair & Secretary Brian Reed, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Chief Financial Officer Liz Aranda, Aranda Accounting & Tax Services Vice Chair, Legislative Advocacy Forum Melanie Vollbrecht, AXICOM, Inc. President & CEO Kathi Van Etten, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce
Directors
Elaine Freeman, Urban Strategies Paul Goodnough, Paul Goodnough, CPA Larry Hibbler, Simi Valley Ford Joe Jusko, Lee & Associates Steve Murphy, Legal Production Services Mike Nolan, AFLAC Insurance Dr. Jason Peplinski, Simi Valley Unified School District Karen Troop, Pinnacle Estate Properties Kailey Wagner, Edward Jones
Board Advisors
Jim Vigdor, Howmet Fastening Systems Harry VanDyck
Staff
Kathi Van Etten, President & CEO John Tolson, Director of Membership Samantha Shapiro, Director of Operations & Government Relations Amy Corneau, Director of Member Relations Tricia Johnston, Administrative Coordinator Layma Askarzoi, Director of Tourism