WVCBA is pleased to welcome Gameland LLC as a new member! Gameland is a top gaming company in Ventura County that brings the gaming right to your doorstep. It provides a source of entertainment for people of all ages by providing mobile video game setups and experiences. Learn more from Owner Clinton Panton Jr.
WVCBA is pleased to welcome Rich at Heart as a new member! Rich at Heart is a nonprofit that invests in youth with intellectual and physical disabilities and was founded by Roosevelt Bolden, a para-educator at Adolfo Camarillo High School. The organization provides opportunities for inclusion within the local community through educational and recreational activities. Services include job training as well as teaching daily life skills, interacting in social situations, and developing independence. Bolden shared more about Rich at Heart.
WVCBA is pleased to welcome Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell as a new member! Jeff Gorell was elected to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in November of 2022 and took office January 2023. He now proudly represents the constituents of Ventura County's 2nd District, which includes the City of Thousand Oaks, Northern and Eastern portions of the City of Camarillo, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Hidden Valley, Lake Sherwood, Somis, Las Posas Valley, Camarillo Springs, Camarillo Heights, Casa Conejo, Santa Rosa Valley, Ventu Park, and South Coast.
Winners will be celebrated at gala event on November 3 at Serra Center in Camarillo
CAMARILLO, Calif., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 56th Annual Camarillo Top 10 Community Awards, the city’s premier recognition event. The 73ed annual Oxnard Community & Business Awards was held on Thursday, August 18 at Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard. The luncheon was a heart-warming, inspiring celebration for 10 incredible honorees who are passionate about the city and whose contributions make Oxnard a wonderful place to live, work and do business in. The Oxnard Community & Business Awards is hosted annually by the WVCBA and made possible in 2023 by Title Sponsor Montecito Bank & Trust; Major Sponsors Agromin, Southern California Edison, and Proctor and Gamble; and Supporting Sponsors Dignity Health St. John’s Hospitals, Oxnard Ambassadors, and Ventura County Credit Union. Nonprofit Organization of the Year – Food Share of Ventura County Food Share has been at the forefront of tackling food insecurity in Oxnard for 45 years. Its impact on the lives of individuals and families throughout the county is immeasurable. Food Share is deeply rooted in Oxnard, both in terms of their location and service delivery. They have established a strong presence in the community, working closely with local partners, volunteers, organizations, farmers, restaurants, and grocery stores. By working together with these stakeholders, Food Share ensures the efficient utilization of resources and the delivery of fresh, nutritious food to those who need it most on any given day of the week. Since 2020, Food Share has operated a weekly drive-thru food distribution at College Park in Oxnard. More than 800 cars drive through every Wednesday, providing hope and nourishment to local residents facing hunger. By focusing their efforts within Oxnard, Food Share has demonstrated a deep understanding of the unique challenges and needs of the community. It has resulted in a remarkable transformation in the lives of men, women, and children. Volunteer of the Year – Ted Schneider Ted Schneider, founding partner of Schneiders & Associates LLP law firm, a top law firm in Ventura County, dedicates his time to the youth of the community by serving on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme for over 6 years. Ted is the past Chair of the Board of Directors, having served the only 3-year term in the organization’s history. As Chair, Ted led the nonprofit organization through a successful $5 million comprehensive campaign, in addition to securing a $3.2 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, all while navigating the Covid-19 pandemic. The donation from Ms. Scott is the largest single donation ever received in the organization’s history. Ted also secured the largest donor bequest in the Club’s history. Ted’s leadership and contributions to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme, helped stabilize and secure the financial future of the Clubs and enabled the organization to expand its services to serve over 10,000 kids in the community who need them most, for years to come. Entrepreneur of the Year – Ronnie Montana As founder of Ethos Escrow, Ronnie Montana had years of industry experience before venturing off on his own. He started as a document messenger and worked his way up to escrow assistant and then to escrow officer. His motto is “Don’t focus on the competition, focus on your clients” and it has served him well in an unpredictable real estate market. Ronnie lived in many cities growing up, but when he moved to Oxnard, he finally felt home. This is where he met his wife and his children were born. So, when he opened his business, Ronnie knew it had to be in Oxnard, the city that has given him so much. His entire team works around the clock to ensure exceptional customer service and secure transactions. Ronnie developed a system that produces escrow closings with minimal delays and supports all parties throughout the process. Ronnie’s care for his business and clients is unmatched. He even named his business “Ethos” which means “moral character.” Through the organization One Tree Planted, Ethos Escrow has planted over 2,000 trees around the world - that's one tree for every escrow they close. Ronnie also supports his community by donating to numerous sports team fundraisers and back to school drives. Small Business of the Year – Commercial Auto Body & Paint Commercial Auto Body & Paint founder Jose Reveles discovered collision repair 40 years ago while in high school and opened his shop near Downtown Oxnard in 1990. Today, the business has nine full-time employees, repairs about 85 cars a month, and generates nearly $2 million in annual revenue. Customers count on receiving honest, excellent, and sometimes compassionate service. Jose carefully invests in some customers by offering payment plans when insurance won’t cover their repairs. A first-generation immigrant, Jose uses his business to share knowledge with younger generations and teach a very valuable trade. You’ll often find local high school students receiving hands-on instruction in the shop through a Regional Operation Program and Jose’s longtime involvement with DRAGG, a nonprofit Youth Automotive Program. Jose values giving back to the community knowing that the effects can be far reaching. This community outreach has helped bolster Commercial Auto Body & Paint’s reputation which has enabled the team serve the community for more than 30 years. Large Business of the Year – Agromin Large Business of the Year Agromin has been in business for over 50 years and employs more than 200 people. It is California's largest organic waste recycler. More than 1 million tons of green and food waste is recycled every year at its sites throughout the state, including its largest here in Oxnard. As many of us know, California Senate Bill 1383 requires cities and counties to offer organic waste recycling in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfills. Agromin has taken the lead by working with authorities in Ventura County and around California to help them meet their requirements. Agromin uses a safe, natural and sustainable process to create nutrient-rich compost and mulch. These products are then used on residential and government property, and distributed to farms. The result? Healthier crops, plants, gardens, and more. The company also generously donates tons of product to community gardens, nonprofits and schools, including Mar Vista Elementary School in Oxnard where students planted flowers, strawberries, lettuce and jalapenos. As CEO Bill Camarillo has said, “Gardening provides positive, life-long lessons for kids.” Community Influencer of the Year – Adam Lopez Community Influencer of the Year Adam Lopez uses his voice and personal social media to raise awareness for programs, organizations, and events that are near and dear to his heart. These include an annual community resources fair in El Rio, the American Cancer Society, Community Action of Ventura County, and many more. He has a passion for serving the underserved and most vulnerable in our community. He also uses social media to highlight his community impact as an Oxnard Community Relations Commissioner, Community Relations Liaison for Revive Community Church, board member of numerous nonprofits, and much more. He often ends posts by encouraging others to make a difference. Through his podcast, Candid Conversation with Adam Lopez, he shines a spotlight on Oxnard and Ventura County as a whole. Adam has interviewed Mayors, County Supervisors, and community leaders. Each episode highlights real-life lessons for future leaders to continue the progress being made in places we call home. Best Place to Work of the Year – MacValley Oil Co For decades, MacValley Oil Co has provided essential services to agriculture, transportation, and construction companies. The Oxnard-based truck stop has more than 20 full-time employees and several part-time employees who create a fun and welcoming environment for customers, and a family-like environment for each other. Employees believe it’s important to get to know customers on a personal level and develop a strong relationship of trust. As a 20+ year veteran at the company states, “Over the years I’ve learned more about their business and that has helped our team help them with their struggles. I’m happy our customers put their trust in us, and we can see them grow here in Ventura County.” Employees appreciate opportunities for upward mobility and taking on additional responsibilities. Others say they are passionate about their jobs and that it’s rewarding to see their impact on other businesses that affect daily life here in Oxnard, Ventura County and beyond. As one employee says, “Now as bulk fuel delivery driver, I get to see customers at their place of work. I see how important their roles are for all of us in Oxnard. I’m happy to deliver what they need so they can move forward.” Young Professional of the Year – Luis Hernandez Luis Hernandez is a Senior Project Manager at Many Mansions, a non-profit affordable housing developer and services provider. An Oxnard resident, Luis combines his love for the city and a passion for serving the most vulnerable in our community. He leads numerous initiatives that improve access to affordable housing, increase economic opportunities, and create a vibrant Oxnard community. Luis oversaw the development of Ormond Beach Villas that welcomed close to 50 homeless veterans and their families. It was awarded “development of the year” by the Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing. Today, he is leading the efforts on “Central Terrace” and “Aspire”, two affordable housing communities that will house over 300 people and play a crucial role in the revival of Downtown Oxnard. Luis’s creativity and commitment to promoting healthier communities produced additional recreational elements including a pocket park and one mile of bike lanes. Affordable housing development requires grit, an innovative mindset, and intense dedication. Luis excels in all of that, as well as in the relationship building. Luis also is engaged in the community. He is an active Board Member for HOME or “Housing Opportunities Made Easier” and the Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association. Luis is passionate about his community, a role model for young professionals, and an inspiration to all who work in this field. Distinguished Citizen of the Year – Brett Zielsdorf “Brett Zielsdorf is the heart of Channel Islands High School,” says Principal Marianne Ramos. “He is an English teacher and Activities Director. CIHS has a phenomenal spirit and a strong sense of pride, and that has much to do with his leadership.” Known as “Mr. Z”, many of his students have gone on to graduate from four-year universities. He even created a new “Film Analysis” class that is approved for UC credit and addresses emotional intelligence and wellness. Since it launched, hundreds of students have sign up —enough for the school to open four full sections of the class. He also coaches Channel Island’s boys and girls tennis teams. In 2017, led the boys team to the CIF finals for the first time in the school’s 51-year history, and received back-to-back Pacific View League Coach of the Year awards in 2021 and 2022. In his off-time, Brett volunteers for Food Share and the Santa to the Sea marathon, often bringing students to help handout water, cheer the runners, and pick up trash. Through his hard work, passion, and care for the lives of his students, Mr. Z is an exceptional example of what one teacher can do to positively impact a community. Oxnard Trophy – Oxnard College’s 2022 Men’s Soccer Team The Oxnard Trophy recipient is chosen by the West Ventura County Business Alliance Board of Directors. The Oxnard Trophy is presented to a person, business or organization that has brought recognition to Oxnard and has bettered the community. This year it goes to Oxnard College’s 2022 Men’s Soccer Team. In December 2022, the team won the California Community College Athletic Association championship title, its second time in seven years. The Condors completed the season with a remarkable 22-1-1 record and were undefeated in the Western State Conference. The Men’s soccer team made an astounding comeback in the championship game against Mt. San Antonio College during a massive rainstorm. Losing by a score of one-to-zero, in the last four minutes of the game, Sophomore Odin Rosten scored two goals to lead the team to victory. Victory was even sweeter since Mt. Sac was the only team the Condors lost to during the regular season. For their incredible effort throughout the entire season, the team was lauded at the United Soccer Coaches national convention in January. Player Odin Rosten was named National Player of the Year, and head coach Ross Greaney received the Coaching Staff of the Year award. The team’s 2022 season demonstrated their tenacity to come out on top and beat better-funded teams in order to become the best in California. For that, the community of Oxnard has much to be proud of and celebrate. SMI Audio Visual is a Camarillo-based company specializing in business communications, events and video streaming, with a video production and streaming studio. They offer live streaming services, hardware and support for in-person and virtual events, including conferences, meetings and product launches. Brent Baker, Director of Sales and Operations, shares more about the company.
Thank you to everyone who attended our "Meet Your Elected Officials" mixer last week! It was wonderful seeing so many smiling faces making new connections and catching up with good colleagues and friends. Thank you to Sterling Hills Golf Club for being such a generous host and showcasing the stunning renovation to the grand hall, cocktail terrace, wedding ceremony site, and more.
Oxnard Leadership powers through the midway point with focus on history, the arts, and energy7/18/2023 As the current Oxnard Leadership cohort moved into the second half of the 2023 program, local experts guided them through two sessions that highlighted three topics impacting the community: history, the arts, and energy. Leadership alumni Zuviam's Joshua Beck ('20-'21), Oxnard Performing Arts Center's Carolyn Mullin ('22), and Catalyst Environmental Solutions' Justin Campbell ('18) were inspired by their experiences in the program and volunteered to coordinate these sessions.
We would like to congratulate WVCBA member Armando Casillas from Montecito Bank & Trust for being a recipient of the Pacific Coast Business Times' Latino Business Awards! The 12th annual Latino Business Awards recognizes the work of Latinos who live in Santa Barbara and other neighboring cities for creative work that has led to the betterment of the community and formation of job opportunities.
The WVCBA is excited to announce nine winners of the annual Oxnard Community & Business Awards, which will be celebrated on Thursday, August 17 at 11:30 am at the historic Heritage Square in downtown Oxnard. The proud Title Sponsor is Montecito Bank & Trust.
WVCBA is pleased to welcome Synectic Solutions Inc. as a new member! Synectic Solutions has been a longstanding defense contractor in Ventura County since 1997 and is headquartered in Camarillo. Synectic Solutions is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small business with 120+ employees who work diligently to support the Navy and Naval Base Ventura County. Support of weapons and missile readiness is provided for America’s Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, providing the best equipment and services in weapons defense.
Thank you to everyone who attended last Friday's State of the City address with Mayor John Zaragoza! Nearly 200 people convened for the luncheon at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach to hear updates from the Mayor about Oxnard's positive and balanced budget, the City's steady progress in restoring infrastructure and services, and the economic and social impacts slowing down city-wide restoration efforts.
Get to know Lindsey Carnett, our "Maven of the Month" brought to you by the WVCBA Women in Business committee. Lindsey is CEO & President of Marketing Maven, an integrated marketing agency based in Camarillo. She was named "Entrepreneur of the Year" at the 2022 Camarillo Top Ten Awards.
Pinnacle Estate Properties Announces Opening of Camarillo OfficePinnacle Estate Properties, Inc., a leading provider of exceptional real estate services with over 37 years of history, hosted the Grand Opening of their newest office location in Camarillo on May 11 offering a celebratory event with hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, music, and an opportunity to win over $2,500 in giveaways. Real estate industry professionals were invited to attend and tour the new office space, meet the Pinnacle owners and team, and learn more about the brokerage's commitment to providing exceptional real estate services.
WVCBA recently welcomed Investec Real Estate Companies as a new member! Investec is on a mission to identify, cultivate and develop outstanding real estate opportunities for its investors. One of its current projects is the Central Plaza redevelopment in Camarillo at the northeast corner of Arneill Road & Ponderosa Drive.
Repeating high school isn't on many people's wish lists, but that was a sentiment often heard on Oxnard Leadership '23's Education Day in April. The day began at Oxnard Union High School District (OHUSD) headquarters with Superintendent Tom McCoy and visits to Hueneme High School, Oxnard College, Local 805 Carpenters Union, and Del Sol High School. The day was coordinated by Leadership '22 alum Teodoro Lopez, OUHSD's Web & Multimedia Coordinator, who wanted to highlight the career-focused learning opportunities available from K-12 and beyond.
WVCBA recently welcomed The Beach Cabana Rentals as a new member! The Beach Cabana Rentals takes the hassle out of going to the beach by renting beach equipment like a lux cabana, cooler, chairs and more. They set it up so you can have a stress free and relaxing day at the beach. "We hope to be welcomed by the community with open arms and to continue serving you for years to come," says Gladys Frosaker, Manager/Owner, who launched the business in January 2023.
Get to know Kat Miranda, our "Maven of the Month" brought to you by the WVCBA Women in Business committee. She is Chief Innovations and Sustainability Officer at Oxnard Pallet Company, which you've probably driven by many times at the corner of Pleasant Valley and 5th Street. They are a family-owned, full-service pallet provider offering quality new, used, food-grade and export pallets.
The West Ventura County Business Alliance is proud to present Oxnard Mayor John C. Zaragoza’s 2023 State of the City address on Friday, June 16. He will discuss the city's overall stability and socio-economic impacts on local government, as well as provide updates about the City Council's priorities, citywide restorations, and economic development.
Through various pronouncements, both the IRS and state of California have announced that since residents of California were affected by recent disasters, most Californians have until October 16, 2023 to file individual and business tax returns. The time to remit payments is also extended. Only three California counties are not included in these pronouncements (Lassen, Modoc, and Shasta). Anyone residing in a designated disaster area will automatically qualify for the postponed deadline.
Keep reading for additional details from WVCBA Chair-elect Andrew Kiefer, Managing Director of CBIZ & Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. Last month, the Oxnard Leadership Class of 2023 experienced Public Safety Day, which included lunch with County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and meetings with Oxnard Police Department, Oxnard Fire Department, Ventura County Probation Agency, and Ventura County Sheriff's Department. The jam-packed day was coordinated by Tom Cady, WVCBA Board Member and Former Assistant Chief of Police of Oxnard.
Coalition of chambers fight to protect State of the City addresses and other community events3/28/2023 Last week, WVCBA and nearly 50 other chambers of commerce and similar organizations statewide wrote a letter to California Deputy Attorney General Ryan B. McCarroll to voice support for community events, specifically “State of the City” style addresses. These events are currently under review by the the Department of Justice at the request of the Ventura County District Attorney’s office to determine whether the Brown Act applies if a majority of the legislative body (i.e. City Council) attends.
WVCBA recently welcomed venturapowerprogram.com/Ventura Power Program as a new member. Through the Ventura Power Program, provides solar power generation, intelligent energy storage and management solutions in Ventura County.
WVCBA recently welcomed Devoted Care Services in Camarillo as a new member! They are a non-medical caregiving agency specialized in caregiving for dementia patients in Ventura County. Since 2017, they have been providing care for the elderly and people who need help with daily living.
The WVCBA has joined a coalition of 64 employer groups and chambers of commerce in California to support Senate Bill 703 that would allow for an employee-selected flexible work schedule. Read the coalition's letter to the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee, that states "California should allow employees to set hours that work for an employees’ personal and family obligations rather than continuously trying to impose new mandates on employers, which burden their ability to afford to hire."
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