CHAMBERBRIEF 12/07/11

Congratulations to our Winners!

The Ventura Chamber would like to once again congratulate the outstanding businesses and individuals who have made a difference in our community this past year. The Poinsettia Awards provides the Chamber with the opportunity to recognize the hard work and contributions that make Ventura a special place to live and work. We look forward to honoring you at our 15th Annual Poinsettia Awards luncheon this Thursday, December 8th at the Marriott Ventura Beach.

Please help us in congratulating the winners of the 2011 Poinsettia Awards:

Small Business of the Year – Ventura Breeze

Mid-Sized Business of the Year – Service Master by T.A. Russell

Large Business of the Year – The Players Club

Jewel Key Award – Draganchuk Alarm Systems, Inc.

The Innovation Award – The Greek at the Harbor

Non-Profit/Service Org. of the Year – Turning Point Foundation

Philanthropist of the Year – Ann Deal

Citizen of the Year -  Marie Lakin

Hometown Hero – Mel Sheeler

Ambassador of the Year – Yvonne Knepper

Environmental Services Award – Auto Lube Care

Female Student of the Year – Jessica Miranda Bustamante

Male Student of the Year – Guillermo Rosales

Educator of the Year – Linda Brug

Firefighter of the Year – Luis Manzano

Police officer of the Year – Derek Donswyk

City Staff Person of the Year – Anita Diaz

A very special thank you to our sponsors for this event:  Ventura Rental and City of Ventura – Platinum Sponsors; Community Memorial Health System, Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, Kaiser Permanente, Marriott Ventura Beach, Montecito Bank & Trust, TWIW Insurance Services – Gold Sponsors; Aera Energy – Silver Sponsor; AT&T, Cypress Place Senior Living, First California Bank, RH Wealth Advisors, Sheeler Moving & Storage – Bronze Sponsors.

The Connect Connect with Biz Connections!

Get to know the members of all the Biz Connect groups, see what the groups are about and increase your business by networking! The Chamber’s Biz Connection groups invite you to their annual “Biz Connect, Connect” on Thursday, December 8 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at Tutti’s Off Main – 34 North Palm Avenue. All those attending are asked to bring an unwrapped gift for a child (Spark of Love) and/or packaged/canned food for FOOD Share. To RSVP for this event, please call Diane at (805) 339-9533.

YPG End of the Year Scavenger Hunt! “Holiday WHOVILLE”!

Have Fun While Giving Back! Ventura Young Professionals Group invites you to participate in the Great YPG’S Holiday “Whoville” Scavenger Hunt which will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2011 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm. Check in time will be 2pm @ Tutti’s Off Main. The scavenger hunt will coincide with the Downtown Ventura Organization (DVO) which will direct teams of 4-10 hunters to various retail, restaurant and gallery locations throughout Downtown Main Street –Ventura.

YPG is calling out businesses and organizations to support a local non-profit of your choice. A grand prize of $500 will be presented to the winning team who will be able to donate to a charity of their choice. Team sign up fees: YPG Members – Free, Non-YPG Members - $10.

A Kindle-Fire will also be raffled off as one of many great prizes! Light appetizers and drinks specials are included. Swag bags and a special visit by The Grinch will also take place.

For more information regarding team sign up tickets, sponsorships, and advertising opportunities please contact Charleen Morla @ the Ventura Chamber office (805) 643-7222. Special thanks to our sponsor – DCH Lexus Oxnard.

What is the Ventura Political Action Committee? (PAC)

The Ventura Chamber Political Action is a committee of the Chamber. It also has a separate Board of Trustees, required by State of California Political Campaign laws so as not to cause all Chamber activities and finances reportable to the State, County and City agencies.  By law, the PAC has separate bylaws and reports all activities and finances to governmental agencies. The Board of trustees consists of 11 members, four of which are Chamber Board members at the time of their Pac appointment. The PAC is designed to support candidates who support the free enterprise system, demonstrate a fiscally responsible government and whose views represent the interests of both the private and public sector for a strong local economy. The PAC will keep local politicians focused on business. That is something most business owners do not have the time or desire to do. The PAC will identify the issues most relevant to the business community. The PAC interviews the elected officials and candidates and provides information through our reports, newsletters and forums. Membership Dues are not used to support the PAC.  Join the PAC and support local businesses.