​Oxnard, Calif., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA), the chamber of commerce advocating for businesses in Camarillo and Oxnard, is celebrating the grand opening of the Tattoo Removal Clinic at Goodwill Industries of Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties. It is located at their corporate office at 1401 North Rice Avenue in Oxnard.
 
The free tattoo removal program specifically targets Ventura County residents with tattoos on visible areas, such as the face, hands, and arms. These tattoos are often associated with gang activity or human trafficking, and can hinder employment and personal well-being.
 
“The Tattoo Removal Clinic at Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties is transforming lives across Ventura County by offering free tattoo removal services to residents,” says Ati Zaimova, Community Services Coordinator for Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. “By removing these barriers, the clinic empowers individuals to reclaim their lives, pursue new opportunities, and improve their overall well-being.”
 
WVCBA will host the official grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 17, from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Confirmed guests include City of Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur, and Ventura County Board of Supervisors Kelly Long and Vianey Lopez. Additional local dignitaries and community members are expected to attend alongside WVCBA members. It is free to attend, and complimentary beverages and light snacks will be provided.
 
Services at the Tattoo Removal Clinic are provided by appointment only. With priority given to referrals from partnering agencies including Probation, the District Attorney’s office, Ventura Training Center, and others, the program demonstrates its commitment to fostering community collaboration and inclusivity. 
 
“The profound impact of this clinic inspires continued growth, as the program aims to empower even more individuals to rebuild their lives and pursue meaningful opportunities, fostering positive change across the community,” says Zaimova.

​The West Ventura County Business Alliance is pleased to congratulate Supervisors LaVere, Long, and Lopez on the March 5 Primary Election preliminary results. Although there are still votes to count, the results are quite comfortable for the incumbents. 

Last week, the WVCBA hosted its Knowledge & Networking Lunch with Oxnard's City Manager, Alex Nguyen. Alex took center stage for an eye-opening session titled "Defiltering the Homeless Crisis." Held at the Residence Inn in Oxnard, the event commenced with networking  and luncheon, followed by an intellectually stimulating discourse. With a focus on the burgeoning homeless crisis, not only prevalent in Oxnard but also echoing across the nation, Alex delved into California's dire struggle with its housing crisis. 

WVCBA's Political Action Committee (PAC) has formally endorsed two candidates in the March Primary election for the Ventura County Board of Supervisor races. After reviewing the field of candidates, the PAC has endorsed incumbents Matt LaVere and Kelly Long in the races for District 1 and District 3, respectively. Supervisor Vianey Lopez is running uncontested for District 5.

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 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.

The WVCBA is pleased to share this year's honorees of the Chairperson's Awards of Excellence, our Ambassador of the Year, and the Ken Cunningham Award winner, all of whom, by tradition, were selected by outgoing Chair of the Board Dawn Simmons, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. Honorees will be celebrated at the WVCBA's Annual Meeting, which takes place Friday, January 20 at Spanish Hills Club. presented by the Port of Hueneme and sponsored by Southern California Edison Company.

​​The West Ventura County Business Alliance will host Camarillo Mayor Shawn Mulchay’s 2022 State of the City address on Thursday, October 20.

OXNARD, Calif., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The West Ventura County Business Alliance will host Oxnard Mayor John C. Zaragoza’s annual State of the City address on Friday, June 17. He will reflect on accomplishments from 2021, and share highlights and initiatives for 2022.
 
“As you can see throughout Oxnard, we are in the process of restoring many of our streets and alleys and landscape maintenance that was deferred for many years," said Mayor Zaragoza. "I'm excited to share with the community the progress we have made with one full year of Measure E funding and our City Council's vision to continue reinvesting in our community.
 
The State of the City is being held at the Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard located at 600 E. Esplanade Drive. The luncheon is open to the public and begins at 11:30 a.m.
 
Tickets can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/oxrsotc22 or by calling the WVCBA office at (805) 738-9100. Event registration ends at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 10, and costs $55 for WVCBA members and $65 for non-members.
 
The State of the City is hosted annually by the WVCBA and made possible by Title Sponsors American Medical Response, Procter & Gamble Paper Products and Southern California Edison Company; Major Sponsor The Port of Hueneme; and Supporting Sponsors Dignity Health – St. John's Hospitals, Montecito Bank & Trust, UCLA Health, and Ventura County Credit Union.

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ABOUT THE WEST VENTURA COUNTY BUSINESS ALLIANCE
The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) is the Chamber of Commerce serving the cities of Camarillo and Oxnard in California. In March 2021, the membership of the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce voted to unite with the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce and form the WVCBA. The WVCBA is the voice for the interest of business with government, promotes economic development, works to improve the regional economy, and protects the interests of the two communities. Learn more at wcvba.org. 

​Oxnard & Camarillo, Calif., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The West Ventura County Business Alliance, the chamber of commerce serving Camarillo and Oxnard, is pleased to announce the annual Chairperson’s Awards of Excellence recipients.
 
Honorees will be celebrated at the WVCBA’s Annual Meeting and Installation of Directors on Friday, March 4, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Courtyard By Marriott in Oxnard. Tickets to the luncheon are $50 for members and $65 for non-members. Registration is available online at wvcba.org or by calling (805) 738-9100.

On August 5, 2020, the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) secured $2.45M in new loan capital from the U.S. Department of Commerce/Economic Development Administration's CARES Act Fund to help support Ventura County businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19. Set to be allocated as an EDC Revolving Loan Fund (RFL) over the next 24-months, qualifying Ventura County businesses can apply to receive between $10,000 to $250,000 of working capital.

With this new $2.45M award, the EDC now controls $5M total in loan capital set for distribution specifically in Ventura County. Fixed with a 4.2% interest rate, all RFL recipients are reasonably expected to repay in full within 7 years.

"The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is one of the EDC's oldest partners," states Marvin Boateng, EDC Director of Lending. "We greatly appreciate their more than 24 years of continued financial support and are excited that this new grant will expand our opportunity to lend to small businesses within Ventura County. We know that many have been hard hit by COVID-19 and additional capital is a lifeline to businesses with limited cashflow."

Ventura County businesses interested in learning more about or applying for an EDC loan are encouraged to contact Marven Boateng directly via email at [email protected] or phone at (805) 409-9156.

​OXNARD, Calif., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Do you know the best-of-the-best in Oxnard? The Oxnard Chamber wants to hear from you!
 
For 70 years the Oxnard Chamber has been honoring the city’s top individuals, businesses and organizations at its annual Community & Business Awards. The deadline for nominations for 2020 awardees is Friday, March 27. This year’s categories recognize Oxnard’s:

• Distinguished Citizen of the Year
• Business Advocate of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Young Professional of the Year
• Large Business of the Year
• Small Business of the Year
• Nonprofit Organization of the Year
• Innovative Business of the Year
• Best Place to Work of the Year

 
Nominations are open to the public. Nominations can be completed online at: http://bit.ly/cbawardsform20.

​The nomination form can also be downloaded from the Chamber website and emailed to [email protected] or faxed to (805) 604-7331.
 
The 70th Annual Community & Business Awards will be held Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. at Courtyard by Marriott in Oxnard (600 E. Esplanade Drive). Reservations are required in advance and are $60 per person. Event sponsorship opportunities also are available. Visit www.oxnardchamber.com or call the Chamber to register or become a sponsor.
 
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ABOUT THE OXNARD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger community. Founded in 1908, today the Chamber empowers 500 businesses and organizations that employ more than 35,000 people. It promotes the business and economic well-being of Oxnard’s diverse community to benefit enterprises, large and small, through advocacy, networking, education, services, business exposure and promotion. Learn more at OxnardChamber.org. 

​OXNARD, CA – Avoid the catastrophic consequences of ignorance in a rapidly changing field of law as attorneys Brian Koegle and David Poole of Poole, Shaffery & Koegle, LLP present the “Be Afraid. Be VERY Afraid!” Employment Law Update hosted by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Dec. 12. Held at the Residence Inn by Marriott/River Ridge, this Knowledge and Networking Lunch provides insight on legal matters affecting Oxnard businesses and professionals.
 
“If you’re not updating your employee handbook annually, it's probably not worth the paper it’s written on,” Brian Koegle explained of the fluid nature of employment law. “Every year, drastic changes to employment law go largely unnoticed by the majority of the business community — until they need us.”
 
The purpose of the upcoming luncheon, David Poole explained, is to help businesses understand and prepare for a new year of changes, so they can take proactive steps to protect themselves and their businesses. Without a nuanced appreciation of these laws, business professionals unknowingly could make significant and costly mistakes.
 
Topics to be covered during the luncheon include:

• The latest changes in independent contractor classification
• Meal and rest period claims and best practices to avoid claims
• Calculating overtime payments for non-exempt employees
• Training requirements for anti-harassment and bullying in the workplace
• Employment arbitration agreements in California
• Preview of new laws for 2020

“Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to the law,” Koegle said. “Your business can’t afford to ignore California employment laws and risk catastrophic results.”
 
The 2019 Employment Law Update will be held Thursday, December 12 at 11:30 a.m. at the Residence Inn by Marriott/River Ridge.
 
For tickets, please visit OxnardChamber.org. Early registration is $35 (regular $40) for members of the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce and $45 for non-members. Seats are limited and sell out quickly. Visit oxnardchamber.org to become a member.
 
About Poole Shaffery & Koegle, LLP
Poole Shaffery & Koegle, LLP is a full-service law firm of legal professionals who are committed to providing high-quality representation to each business or corporate client. The firm has garnered a reputation for providing professional, effective legal representation in business transactions, business litigation, employment counseling, employment litigation, transportation, and a range of other legal services.
 
Founded in 1998 by partners David Poole and John Shaffery, the firm has enjoyed exceptional growth in both size and areas of practice. Since then, Brian Koegle has been named partner. The firm provides counsel from a team of attorneys in six offices throughout California: Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, Orange County, San Francisco, and San Diego.
 
For more information, please visit pooleshaffery.com.
 
About Oxnard Chamber of Commerce 
The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce is the catalyst for business growth, the convener of leaders and influencers, and the champion for a stronger community. Founded in 1908, today the Chamber empowers 500 businesses and organizations that employ more than 30,000 people. We promote the business and economic well-being of Oxnard’s diverse community to benefit enterprises, large and small, through advocacy, networking, education, services, business exposure and promotion.

For more information, please visit oxnardchamber.org. ​

Oxnard Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the grand reopening of California Hand and Physical Therapy with an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, December 4 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
 
Media and the public are invited to attend the ribbon cutting at California Hand and Physical Therapy Inc. locate at 2001 Solar Drive, Suite 150 in Oxnard. There will be refreshments, tours, networking opportunities and more.
 
California Hand and Physical Therapy specializes in hand therapy, with a unique approach that looks at the whole body and how the hand relates to the active body. They also provide general physical therapy. Their mission is to invest in the overall well-being of those in their care and educate them on living a healthy, pain-free life through a personalized therapy experience.
 
Learn more about California Hand and Physical Therapy by calling (888) 722-3131 or visiting www.cahandpt.com.
 
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ABOUT THE OXNARD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger community. Founded in 1908, today the Chamber empowers 500 businesses and organizations that employ more than 30,000 people. It promotes the business and economic well-being of Oxnard’s diverse community to benefit enterprises, large and small, through advocacy, networking, education, services, business exposure and promotion. Learn more at OxnardChamber.org. 

OXNARD, Calif., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce Chamber, in conjunction with The Port of Hueneme, will present the State of the Port report at its Knowledge & Networking Lunch on Thursday, October 10.
 
The Port of Hueneme is the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateway for niche cargo on the West Coast, moving $9 billion in goods each year and consistently ranking among the Top 10 U.S. ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $1.5 billion in economic activity, creating 13,633 trade-related jobs and generating more than $93 million in annual state and local taxes, which funds vital community services. Top trading partners include Austria, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, China, Ecuador, Germany, Great Britain, Guatemala, Japan, Korea and Mexico.
 
The Knowledge & Networking Lunch will take place at the Residence Inn by Marriott/River Ridge located at 2101 W. Vineyard Avenue in Oxnard. Check-in and networking begin at 11:30 a.m. Lunch is at noon with the program to follow.
 
The event is open to the public and lunch is included. Tickets are $45 for non-members and $40 for Chamber members. Chamber members can purchase early registration tickets for $35 before Monday, October 7, at 5:00 p.m.
 
Reservations may be made on OxnardChamber.org or by calling the Chamber office at (805) 983-6118.
 
The luncheon is sponsored by Oakmont of Riverpark and Ventura County Credit Union.

OXNARD, Calif., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Oxnard Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the opening of Mission Bank with an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 1 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
 
Media and the public are invited to attend the ribbon cutting at Mission Bank, located at 1500 Palma Drive, Suite 112 in Ventura. There will be food, beverages, tours, networking opportunities, raffles and more. This ribbon cutting ceremony is co-hosted by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce.

Learn more about Mission Bank by calling (805) 601-8555 or visiting www.missionbank.com.
 
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ABOUT THE OXNARD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger community. Founded in 1908, today the Chamber empowers 500 businesses and organizations that employ more than 30,000 people. It promotes the business and economic well-being of Oxnard’s diverse community to benefit enterprises, large and small, through advocacy, networking, education, services, business exposure and promotion. Learn more at OxnardChamber.org. 

​OXNARD, Calif., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Do you know how to protect yourself, your business and your clients from cyber threats? 
 
On Thursday, July 11, the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce will welcome Ventura County District Attorney Investigator Kimo Hildreth as the keynote speaker for its next Knowledge & Networking luncheon.
 
Mr. Hildreth is a member of the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force and an expert on business email compromise. He will provide Chamber members and guests with an update on current cyber threat trends targeting businesses and how leaders can protect their businesses, customers and themselves from cyber criminals.
 
The Knowledge & Networking lunch will take place at the Residence Inn by Marriott/River Ridge located at 2101 W. Vineyard Avenue in Oxnard. Check-in and networking begin at 11:30 a.m. Lunch is at noon with the program to follow.
 
The event is open to the public and lunch is included. Tickets are $45 for non-members and $40 for Chamber members. Chamber members can purchase early registration tickets for $35 before Monday, July 8, at 5:00 p.m.  Reservations may be made on www.OxnardChamber.org or by calling the Chamber office at (805) 983-6118.
 
 
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ABOUT THE OXNARD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger community. Founded in 1908, today the Chamber empowers 500 businesses and organizations that employ more than 30,000 people. It promotes the business and economic well-being of Oxnard’s diverse community to benefit enterprises, large and small, through advocacy, networking, education, services, business exposure and promotion. Learn more at OxnardChamber.org. 

OXNARD, Calif., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
Do you want to promote your business to 15,000 Ventura County residents and visitors at the 2019 Dallas Cowboys Training Camp?
 
Advertising sales are open for the annual Dallas Cowboys Training Camp souvenir program, published by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce. Training camp is scheduled for July 27 through August 15 at River Ridge Fields.
 
This highly sought-after, full-color program (5.5” wide by 8.5” high) includes the team roster, training camp and regular season schedules, and autograph pages. It is distributed for free to all training camp attendees.
 
Ad space is open to all businesses; discounted rates are available for Oxnard Chamber members.
 
Ad sales close Friday, June 28, 2019. Quarter-page, half-page and full-page ad spaces are available.
 
According to an economic impact study conducted a few years ago, more than 50,000 people attend training camp and spend nearly $4 million on hotels, shopping and dining out. Businesses that advertised in previous training camp programs were thrilled with the response they received.
 
To reserve your space, please contact the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce at (805) 983-6118 or download the PDF form.
 
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ABOUT THE OXNARD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger community. Founded in 1908, today the Chamber empowers 500 businesses and organizations that employ more than 30,000 people. It promotes the business and economic well-being of Oxnard’s diverse community to benefit enterprises, large and small, through advocacy, networking, education, services, business exposure and promotion. Learn more at OxnardChamber.org.

OXNARD, Calif., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
​The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its endorsement of incumbent Kelly Long for Ventura County Supervisor in District 3.

​Her campaign is based on:

• Family: Improving commutes, attracting higher paying jobs and creating affordable housing;
• Community: Advocating for STEAM-focused education, public safety and the environment; and
• Balanced Budget: Balancing the county budget with no new taxes and by cutting waste.

 
A resident of Camarillo, Long is currently serving her first term on the board in the District 3 seat, which represents Camarillo, Port Hueneme, Southeast Oxnard, East Oxnard Plain, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru, East Lockwood Valley, and Eastern Portion of Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme.
 
Long is an experienced businesswoman who holds six patents and a degree in mechanical engineering from California State University Long Beach. In the community, Long was president of the Pleasant Valley School District, and has been an active supporter of multiple PTA boards, the Pleasant Valley Swim Team, Channel Islands Rowing Club, and StemYes.Org.
 
The winner of the District 3 race will be decided in the presidential primary set for March 3, 2020. However, if no candidate captures more than 50% of the vote, then the top two would face off in the November 2020 general election.
 
For more information, please contact the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce at (805) 983-6118.
 
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ABOUT THE OXNARD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger community. Founded in 1908, today the Chamber empowers 500 businesses and organizations that employ more than 30,000 people. It promotes the business and economic well-being of Oxnard’s diverse community to benefit enterprises, large and small, through advocacy, networking, education, services, business exposure and promotion. Learn more at OxnardChamber.org.

​City Manager Alex Nguyen also will speak at the June 7 luncheon
 
OXNARD, Calif., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce will host Oxnard Mayor Tim Flynn for his annual State of the City address on Friday, June 7. Also speaking at the event is Oxnard City Manager Alex Nguyen.
 
The Mayor will deliver an update on the city’s economic development efforts, which he stated was his top focus in his 2018 address, as well as discuss the recently announced budget proposal.
 
"We sincerely appreciate the Mayor and City Manager accepting our invitation to address the business community," says Chamber CEO Nancy Lindholm. "It's not often that commerce and government are in the same room together. The State of the City address provides an update on what is happening in Oxnard and where the city's priorities are."
 
Flynn was first elected Mayor in 2012 and is now in his fourth term. Prior to becoming mayor, he was a city councilmember from 2004-2008 and 2010-2012, as well as a teacher for 25 years in the Oxnard Union High School District and at Oxnard College.
 
Nguyen was appointed City Manager in July 2018. He came to Oxnard with 20 years of California municipal experience in Oakland, Alameda and Riverside.
 
The State of the City is being held at the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Resort, which is located at 2101 Mandalay Beach Road Oxnard, CA 93035. It will begin with lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a welcome message from Oxnard Chamber Chair of the Board Stacy Miller, CEO of Stacy Miller Public Affairs. Nguyen will speak first, followed by Mayor Flynn’s address.
 
The event is open to the public. Lunch is $50 per person and reservations must be made in advance at OxnardChamber.org or by calling the Chamber office at (805) 983-6118.
 
The State of the City is sponsored by:
Title Sponsors – Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Resort and Southern California Edison;
Major Sponsors – Clear Channel Outdoor, The Port of Hueneme, and Procter & Gamble;
Supporting Sponsors – AGQ Labs, DCH Auto Group, Kaiser Permanente, Montecito Bank & Trust, Performance Therapy Center, Spherion Staffing, St. John's Regional Medical Center, UCLA Health, and Ventura County Credit Union.
 
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ABOUT THE OXNARD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger community. Founded in 1908, today the Chamber empowers 500 businesses and organizations that employ more than 30,000 people. It promotes the business and economic well-being of Oxnard’s diverse community to benefit enterprises, large and small, through advocacy, networking, education, services, business exposure and promotion. Learn more at OxnardChamber.org.