Calabasas Chamber announces new board
By John Loesing newstip@theacorn.com

FINE WORK- Carol Washburn, left, presents an award to Arlene Bernholz on behalf of the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce at a recent luncheon. Bernholz is retiring after serving for 13 years with the Chamber.

The Calabasas Chamber of Commerce introduced new leadership at its annual board installation luncheon last week.

Meeting at the Calabasas Country Club, the Chamber introduced three new members to its board of directors: Adam Adair of Eden Surgical and Wellness Center; Kimberly Bordonaro, Pacific Coast Lending; and Jeff Morton, Mulholland Mortgage Services.

The rest of the 2007 board includes first vice chair Doug Ridley, vice chair of finance Sue Orgen, vice chair of governmental affairs Martin Seda, vice chair of business development Tina Klaas, vice chair of membership Barbara McDaniel and members -at-large Tony Yamin, Jeff Blum, Joe Donato, Brenda Johnson, Jerry Magel, Matthew Pime and Marie White.

"They're smart, they're dependable and they're creative," said Stephanie Warren, who returns for a second year as Chamber president.

PIONEERING SPIRIT- Left, Don Goodrow, Calabasas Chamber of Commerce past president, presents the Bill Van Gieson Memorial Award to John Boething. The award acknowledges the efforts of individuals who reflect pioneering spirit, exceptional initiative, and outstanding contribution to the Calabasas community. BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers

The organization paid tribute to outgoing marketing and sales director Arlene Bernholtz, an employee for 13 years.

"We will miss her warmth and caring," said Carol Washburn, Chamber chief executive.

During her tenure with the Chamber, Bernholtz received numerous community honors including the Historical Society's Living History award.

Although planning to retire, Bernholtz said she wants to remain active in the community. She said she'd miss the other Chamber members.

"We were like family," she said.

McDaniel received the Chairman's Award and John Boething, owner of Boething Treeland Nursery, received the Bill Van Gieson Memorial Award.

Van Gieson was a community pioneer, longtime city volunteer and former owner of the Calabasas Saddlery. The award in his name honors individuals who give service to their community.

Boething launched his nursery in the rural western San Fernando Valley 55 years ago and continues to donate trees, plants and monetary contributions to area organizations such as the Salvation Army, and to events such as the Chamber's annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction. He has been a sponsor of the Salvation Army's Thanksgiving Eve dinner that feeds hundreds of homeless and low-income families.

The Chamber also outlined its 2007 agenda, which includes "business builder" workshops, networking breakfasts, annual bowling tournament and annual Pumpkin Festival sponsorship.

On Feb. 26 the Chamber will host a candidates' forum for the upcoming Calabasas City Council election.

Among its 2006 accomplishments, the Chamber said it increased membership to more than 520 and assisted the Calabasas City Council in the implementation of a new secondhand smoke ordinance.

The Chamber moved its meetings to the Calabasas Country Club upon news that its former headquarters, the Calabasas Inn, was being sold and redeveloped.