What a Great Year for the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce!

By Chamber Chair Stacy Miller
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It has been my honor to serve as your Chair of the Board for 2019. In addition to working with an excellent board of directors, Chamber CEO and staff, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and work with the myriad of business and government leaders in Oxnard. These dedicated professionals regularly seek out ways to improve the business climate in our community, generously giving of their time and talent to improve Oxnard for the benefit of everyone.
 
While Oxnard is known as Ventura County’s most populated community, it is also home to many amazing businesses that employ thousands of people.  Over the last year, I have had the privilege of touring some of these businesses, including Haas Automation, Mission Produce and CURE Pharmaceutical to name a few. At all of these (and other) Oxnard-based businesses, I have been very impressed by their world-class technology and expertise in their fields; all right here in Oxnard!
 
At the local government level, the Chamber works together with local leaders on issues ranging from land use and business regulations, to homelessness and housing. While we are not always in agreement on every issue, I have consistently experienced a great willingness on the part of our leaders to listen and consider varying ideas and opinions for the good of our community.
 
It is my pleasure to share with you a few of the many accomplishments made by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce in 2019, in partnership with the business and government communities:

1. The Chamber welcomed Lenny Mendonca, Chief Economic Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of GO-Biz (Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development) to the Oxnard Business Outlook luncheon. He shared the Governor's views on the role of business in building an inclusive, sustainable economy for all Californians.
2. The Chamber’s annual Military Appreciation Dinner honored nine local military heroes from all branches of the military for their military service, but also for their service in the local community. Now in its 22nd year, the dinner provides an opportunity for the business community and leaders from the city and region to meet and connect with local servicemen and women. Meet the 2019 military honorees.
3. For the 69th year, the Chamber’s Community & Business Awards celebrated outstanding individuals, businesses and organizations that make Oxnard a wonderful community to live, work and do business in. Meet the 2019 honorees.
4.  The chamber convened 200 business and community leaders for the annual State of the City Address. The luncheon featured presentations from Mayor Tim Flynn and City Manager Alex Nguyen about the city’s current and future fiscal outlook, new development projects, and how business can help address key issues impacting our community.
5. The Chamber was honored with its 10th consecutive President’s Circle Award. The award honors the Chamber's excellence in business advocacy and helping our members comply with California employment laws.
6. OXYP - Oxnard Young Professionals – championed teen-focused, philanthropic initiatives for the holidays. They collected 72 gift cards from the community to benefit local teens supported by Project Understanding and will host a holiday party for teens at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme.  
7. Now in its fourth year, the Oxnard Leadership Program welcomed a new cohort of participants to experience 10 unique, day-long sessions designed to provide a better understanding and appreciation of the past, present and future for Oxnard and the surrounding area. There were nine graduates in the 2019 program.
8. This year, the Oxnard Chamber surpassed 500 members!
9. Among its government relations and advocacy, the Oxnard Chamber testified on 11 local/regional issues of importance to the business community.

​I want to thank each and every one of you for your support and participation with the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce.  Together we can continue to be the catalyst for business growth, the convener for leaders and influencers, and the champion for a stronger community.

About Stacy Miller

Stacy Miller is President and CEO of Stacy Miller Public Affairs, Inc., a full service public affairs, government relations and communications firm. Her professional experience in this field extends over 20 years. Stacy served as Chair of the Board of the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce in 2018 and 2019.