Calabasas Chamber celebrates 50 years on the job

By John Loesing newstip@theacorn.com

Toni Yamin and Carol Washburn

The Calabasas Chamber of Commerce celebrated 50 years in the community with an installation and awards luncheon last week that included the naming of Toni Yamin as the group’s new chairman of the board.

Fourteen board members took the oath of office for 2005, including two new members, Adam Lowey of Express Health Insurance Services and Barbara McDaniel of Coldwell Banker.

Yamin started a local fashion and accessories business in 1998 after 25 years in the telecommunications industry.

"I’ve developed close and lasting friendships," she said, touting the Chamber’s role in the community.

Yamin outlined five goals for the coming year.

She said she wants to add 50 new members to the existing membership of 508. Secondly, she hopes to enhance the Chamber’s business workshop program, beginning with the topic, "Fine Tuning and Creating a Business Plan," scheduled for March 3. Yamin also said she wants to foster partnerships among businesses, further promote the Chamber’s membership, and create an incentive program that makes members better aware of who’s using their services.

"Half a century later the Calabasas vision is stronger than ever," said Carol Washburn, Chamber president and CEO.

Louise Rishoff, assistant to Assemblywoman Fran Pavley, praised the Calabasas Chamber for its can-do attitude.

"You’re all great examples of, if you want to get something done, ask a busy person," Rishoff said.

The 2005 board also includes: Stephanie Warren, vice chair-business development; Susan Orgen, vice chair-finance; Tina Klaas, vice chair-membership; Shirlee Kingsley, immediate past chair; and members-at-large Daniel Bergman, Brad Cole, Sophia Corbett, Joe Donato, Ronna Lubash, Jerry Magel and Marie White.

Orgen received the Chamber Chairman’s Award for her dedication as a volunteer.

Kingsley, the outgoing board chairman, acknowledged the Chamber’s 2004 accomplishments.

She said the organization fostered alliances with government, launched a business workshop program, created an award-winning new website, and introduced the Fall Family Faire as a successful alternative to the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival.

"It seemed 2004 was the year of reinvention," said Kingsley, who left her job as vice president of operations for Los Angeles developer Rick Caruso and started her own Westlake Village commercial real estate consulting service, SJ Kingsley, Inc.

On Feb. 10 the Chamber will host a networking breakfast at the Calabasas Tennis and Swim Center.

For more information about these and other Chamber activities, call (818) 222-5680, or visit www.calabasaschamber.com.