Honoring Our Heroes

Chamber committee connects Oxnard's Business and Military Communities

Did you know that Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) is the largest employer in Ventura County and has an economic impact of $2 billion?

“With the base being the biggest employer in the county, it’s very important for the businesses to interact with the base and the members of our military,” says Ron Van Dyck, Deputy Director of Ventura County Parks Department and Chair of the Oxnard Chamber Military Appreciation Committee.

The Military Appreciation Committee is focused on strengthening the relationship between the business community and local military installations. Being part of the committee is an excellent opportunity for those who want to learn more about the integral role the military plays in the Oxnard community while showing  support for our local servicemen and women, their families and their mission.

“This county is one of the best in supporting our local military. We are like one big family, which is hard to find in other military cities,” says Van Dyck.

The committee meets on the second Thursday of every month and receives key updates from representatives from NBVC, US ARMY Recruiting Station, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Air National Guard and the United States Coast Guard.  

2018 Military Appreciation Committee members with award winners from the 2018 Military Appreciation Dinner.

Honoring Our Heroes

The Committee oversees the Chamber’s Military Discount Program, through which businesses provide discounts to military personnel and their families, and organize the annual Military Appreciation Dinner in September, an annual awards banquet honoring enlisted service personnel.

And in August, the annual Military Appreciation Mixer brings together military personnel, local leaders, business owners and professionals for a networking event hosted by the Port of Hueneme with the Oxnard and Port Hueneme chambers of commerce.

“Through both of these events, we have the opportunity to showcase our military to the public and Oxnard Chamber business community, where they can talk and meet our military members,” says Van Dyck.  

​​To get involved on the Military Appreciation Committee or another Oxnard Chamber committee, click here.