HANDS ON—Many Mansions affordable housing provider is the Nonprofit of the Year.
The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Recognition Gala from 6 to 9 p.m. Fri., May 17 at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Ranch in Moorpark honoring top leaders from the private and nonprofit business community.
The Chamber will honor outgoing 2023 Chair of the Board Ed Sahakian, chief lending officer with Ventura County Credit Union. It will also recognize award winners in eight different categories (see below).
“We are excited and proud to honor all our winners who are such important contributors to the vibrancy of our business community. Each Gala Award honoree has played an important and unique role in strengthening the Conejo Valley region,” Chamber President/CEO, Danielle Borja said.
Business of the Year
UCLA Heath: Has served the Conejo Valley since 2008 starting with their cancer care clinic in Westlake Village.
From 2012 moving forward, as part of an extensive community-based expansion, UCLA Health has built large multi-specialty clinics throughout the area and provides local residents access to primary, specialty and cancer care.
In addition, UCLA Health supports local nonprofits and offers health education in the community.
Man of the Year
Tom Cohen: As a land use attorney, Cohen leads clients through the entitlement, environmental review, and public outreach process for the construction of commercial office, retail, industrial and residential projects in the Conejo Valley and throughout California.
He has also served as past chair for many organizations including Alliance for the Arts, Rebuilding Together Ventura County, United Way Ventura County, GCVCC and on the board of directors for Ventura County Leadership Academy.
Gallagher
Woman of the Year
Andrea Gallagher: As president of Senior Concerns, Gallagher and the nonprofit provide programs and services that support and improve the health, well-being and quality of life for seniors and family caregivers. These programs include an adult day care center, assisted living consultations, Meals on Wheels, support groups and senior advocates.
Gallagher also writes a regular column in the Acorn newspapers on current topics impacting the senior population (see her latest on Page 14, “Other Side of 50”), and is actively involved with the Chamber’s Conejo Senior Resource Network.
Small Business of the Year
Jacob Flame’s Tang Soo Do University: This martial arts studio in Newbury Park was founded in 2003 by Jacob Flame (sixth degree Black Belt) and his wife, Kinsie, who believe to thrive in a community as a local business you need to give back.
So, when they aren’t teaching martial arts, he volunteers: on the baseball field and teaching PE at local schools; and she is involved with the Conejo Unified School District and holds seats on the District Advisory Council, Measure I Bond Committee, Health & Wellness Committee and Communication Committee.
Nonprofit of the Year
Many Mansions: The organization provides well-managed, service-enriched, affordable housing to low-income residents. On-site services range from case management, referrals, physical and mental health services, food and transportation assistance to life-skills and job development workshops that contribute to their ability to remain stably housed and better their lives.
Many Mansions will also be the lead organization in the development and operation of the Thousand Oaks Navigation Center, an interim housing, “tiny homes” village will include 30 modular units.
Volunteer of the Year
Don Irelan: A volunteer for Gold Coast Veteran’s Foundation for Ventura County, he has been the lead volunteer for 7 years on the Wednesday program where veterans meet with a service officer to submit claims for benefits and drives a regular route for Meals On Wheels.
He also supports Mobile Veteran Outreach clients with funds, transportation and compassionate care.
Ambassador of the Year
Melissa Miller, Ventura County Credit Union: The embodiment of commitment, community leadership and engagement, Miller has been a Chamber Ambassador for more than 5 years.
She is a visible member of the business community and advocate for the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber, its brand and member family.
Corporate Sponsor of the Year
U.S. Bank: A longtime supporter and champion of the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber, U.S. Bank has been part of the Chamber Champions family since 2015.
The bank’s financial investment and its prioritization of bank team member engagement has demonstrated its partnership commitment to many Chamber programs, events and initiatives.
Pre-sale tickets for the Recognition Gala are $175 per person, $1,300 for a table of eight guests or $1,550 for a table of 10 and available at conejochamber.org through Mon., May 13.
The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce at 600 Hampshire Road, Ste. 200 in Westlake Village is one of the largest in the state and serves Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village.
For more information, call (805) 370-0035 or go to conejochamber.org.