Northridge/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce Honors Business Leaders and Installs 2001 Board of Directors - AOL-Time Warner Vice President Eric Brown handed "Business Person of Year."

Northridge, (PRWEB) March 26, 2001
Northridge/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman Marty Laff told several hundred members attending the annual installation dinner, My theme this year is to ‘make a difference, and well incorporate it in everything the chamber is doing this year. Our vision includes bringing together mutual interests, and to celebrate leadership in regional and local issues here. We want to be a voice in the business community, and we want to be a forum for public and private businesses as well."

The event was dubbed AGENT-TWO-DOUBLE-O-ONE," featured a Monte Carlo Night" casino atmosphere with costumes and attire from various James Bond movies such as Tomorrow never Dies," and For Your Eyes only," with tables and rooms decorated with movie photos and memorabilia.

Our objective is to enhance the Chamber members business experience over and above the results they would have had if they were not chamber members. Our promise to community is to generate a return on investment for chamber members by increasing business, through overall market growth, by effectively influencing government decisions, by business promotional opportunities and by educational programs."

Vice President and General Manager of AOL Time Warner Eric Brown received Business Person of the Year" award. Past Chairwoman Maureen Fried, in presenting the award, said Eric has clearly shown that AOL-Time Warner wants to be involved in the community and business growth, and were fortunate to have him on our team."

The Citizen of the Year" award went to Dr. William Hosek, dean of the School of Business administration and Economics, Cal-State Northridge. Dr. Hosek chaired the committee for the Northridge Oasis Fair, an event he developed and of which will be celebrated for the second year this Spring.

The Volunteer of the Year" award was presented to Pam Allison, who was chosen to receive the Northridge/Porter ranch Lifesavers Award two years ago. It was mentioned in her biography that she liked to keep busy," said outgoing Chamber Chairperson Maureen Fried. Pam continues to place her time in a wide variety of activities, which greatly benefits our community," Her willingness to contribute her experience and her many talents are well-known and widely appreciated."

LAPD Captain Joseph Curreri, chairman of the Devonshire Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB), the Outstanding Service Organization" award. The CPAB is an organization that results from the Warren Christopher Commissions desire to create a closer communication with public servants in the Police Department and the community in which they serve. Colleen Hardman is the hard working civilian co-chair, and is the chambers our honorary Sheriff," said Fried.

             Colleen Hardman and her husband Dick received the Presidents Award" for their diligent work in creating Northridge/Porter Ranch community and business partners. There are too many successes to count them," said Fried.

The new Board of Directors and Officers are: Northridge/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman Marty Laff, and investment representative, Edward Jones Investment; Dr. William Hosek, 1st vice chair, dean of Cal-State Northridge (CSUN), CSUN School of Business; Eric Brown, 2nd vice chair, AOL-Time Warner Communications; Walter Prince, 3rd vice chair, Executive Suite Services; Pam Allison, secretary, Mad About Rising Crime; and Dean Elam, treasurer, Gans, Elam & Elam, CPA.

            Other directors and officers include: Anou Abrahamian, A&O Properties; Steve Berger, master of Printing; Joey char, Northridge Fashion Center; Mindy De Groot, CSUN Athletics; Lisa Dunn, Northridge Toyota; Maureen Fried, (1999-2000 immediate past chair), Partners In Learning Preschool; Joan Geisbush, Northridge Hospital Medical Center; Deanna Halter, Minuteman Press; Colleen Hardman, State Farm Insurance; Dick Hardman, CEO, Northridge COC; Mathew Lynch, BUILD ONE; Lauretta Martin, Martin Group/Max; Judith Nutter, CSUN Community Relations; Christine Sarkissof, Union Bank of California; Milt Schulle, JC Penney; Jane Stanton, North Valley Family YMCA; Captain Jerry Szymanski, LAPD; Anita Toier, Consultant; C.K. Tseng, Northridge Travel Services; and John Wietkamp, Wietkamp & Wietkamp.

About Northridge/Porter Ranch Chamber

The Northridge/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce has served businesses in Northridge, Porter Ranch, and surrounding areas for more than 80 years. Northridge is 17 square miles, with a population of nearly 29,000, is located in the Northwest part of the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles and is sheltered by the majestic Santa Susana Mountains. It has a history that can be traced back to the 1700s. More than 250 Members make up a one of the largest broad-based employer representatives in LA and include the Northridge Fashion Center, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, California State University Northridge, and the L.A.P.D. Devonshire Division. Membership also includes major industrial firms, which call Northridge home. The Chamber promotes international trade and investment in order to stimulate the Valleys economy and create new jobs.