Chamber names new CEO
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Pat Ellis

Patrick Ellis, the new chief executive officer for the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce, plans to use his own experience as a business owner to help all local companies succeed.

The 37yearold insurance broker was recently selected to replace Chamber CEO Lisa Masotti, who announced earlier this month that Citizens she's moving back to her home state of Ohio.

Ellis will manage the overall day-to-day operations of the Chamber, handle customer service and teach people how to market their business to the local community.

"Ever since moving to Moorpark, I've grown very fond of the city, and I want to make sure the city stays the great community that it is," Ellis said.

This can only happen if new and existing businesses flourish, because the city is almost built out and can no longer count on developer fees to offset municipal costs, according to Ellis.

The Chamber works to attract new companies to Moorpark and provides support and networking opportunities to existing businesses to ensure they have exposure in the community.

"Businesses in Moorpark need to be aware of what's available in town, so we're here to answer questions in regards to dealing with the city and to educate them about the customer base here," Ellis said.

Moorpark is a tightknit community where residents like to do business with local people, so local companies must be active in the community to thrive, Ellis said. "They can't just move in and expect to succeed without community involvement," he said.

The Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of all businesses, including retailers, manufacturers and service providers such as doctors, dentists and mechanics. Owners of smaller homebased companies and offices also benefit from the multifaceted services offered by the Chamber.

Although Ellis' new position is a full-time job, he is not giving up his former business. He'll be able to oversee the operations of his Farmers Insurance Agency in Thousand Oaks with minimal time commitment because his employees will run the agency in his absence, he said.

Ellis has been in the insurance business for the last six years. He and his wife, Caryn, who grew up in Moorpark, relocated to the city in 1999. They have a 4yearold son and a 2year-old daughter.

Ellis joined the Chamber in 2006, and he immediately began to serve on committees and on the board. "I offered my services because I learned a long time ago that no matter what you do in business, you have to be a member of the Chamber where you live for the business to flourish," he said.

"Pat's got a fantastic outgoing and friendly personality, and he brings a comprehensive business perspective to the table because he owns his own business," said Doug Ridley, member of the Chamber board of directors.

As an area director for Business Network International, Ellis cultivated practical skills, useful referrals and networking opportunities that will be an asset to the Chamber, Ridley said.

"I'm thrilled to have such a qualified president for the Chamber," said Dale Parvin, president of the board of directors for the organization. Ellis' sales and marketing background is something the Chamber has longed for "forever."

"We needed somebody to go out and call on clients," he said.