Business community honors its own
Chamber installation draws record number of attendees
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

FRED BAUERMEISTER/Special to the Acorn READY TO SERVE- The 2007 Board of Directors of the Moorpark Chamber are, from left to right, back row: Debbie Heaslip, Diane Regan, Peter Carrube, Lynda Rummelhoff, Dale Parvin, Debbie Aquino, Lisa Masotti, Ben Gilbert, Jerri Hatzenbiler, Paul Walker. Seated: Randy Wheeler, Wendy Dormer, Patrick Ellis, Doug Ridley.

The Moorpark Chamber of Commerce honored community leaders and business owners at its annual installation dinner last week. Chamber leaders also announced new officers for the coming year.

At the Moorpark Country Club event the Chamber introduced Debi Aquino, who will serve a second term as board of directors chair.

Moorpark Councilmember Janice Parvin received the Legend Award for her dedication as a community leader whose work improves the quality of life and business environment in Moorpark.

Former Councilmember Clint Harper was honored with the Visionary Award for his 23 years of service on the City Council and the Moorpark Unified School District board.

The Chairman's Award was presented to Randy Wheeler of Pathfinder Metrics, and Peter Carrube of Street Smart Self Defense received the Ambassador of the Year title.

LEADERSHIP- Office manager Sharon Conte, left, and Chamber President/ CEO Lisa Masotti keep the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce operational on a daily basis.

Also honored were David and Jodi Bagwell of Bagwell Construction Services, Inc., who received the Business of the Year Award; and Douglas R. Ridley of Dresher, Quisenberry, Ridley & Shiffman, LLP, who was honored with the Businessperson of the Year Award.

David and Jodi Bagwell have donated their time and money to help nonprofit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark, the Rotary Club and local schools, Aquino said.

Newcomers on the Chamber board include: Debbie Heaslip, TBM Event Services; Wendy Dormer, Proline Mortgage; and Carrube.

Existing board members include: Chairman-elect David Parvin, representing the Rotary Club of Moorpark; Jerri Hatzenbiler, Zen Garden Massage Therapy; Diane Regan, Up In Stitches; Ben Gilbert, Welcome to the Neighborhood; Lynda Rummelhoff, State Farm Insurance; Paul Walker, Empire Cabling; Ridley; and Wheeler.

SYLVIE BELMOND/Acorn Newspapers GOOD SPIRITS- Board members, from left, Patrick Ellis, Ben Gilbert and Jerri Hatzenbiler, have fun while they take the oath of office led by Mayor Patrick Hunter during the annual Chamber installation dinner at the Moorpark Country Club last week.

"Board members are driving the Chamber forward, leading by example," said Aquino.

City and county officials were on hand to recognize the awardees. The Chamber has 360 members, an all-time high, according to its president and CEO Lisa Masotti, who is developing a new userfriendly website.

The Chamber will be moving to High Street, where it started out 90 years ago. Once there, it will offer space to the Moorpark Historical Society, which lost all its collectibles during the Shekell fire.

"I'm pleased that the city and the business community are working together," said Harper.

SYLVIE BELMOND/Acorn Newspapers LOCAL OFFICIAL HONORED- Councilmember Janice Parvin is recognized for her work on behalf of residents during the Chamber of Commerce's annual installation dinner at the Moorpark Country Club last week. Above, Parvin is greeted by Mayor Patrick Hunter and Ventura County Supervisor Peter Foy.