They just can’t get along

Funny how the city of Agoura Hills and its Chamber of Commerce, two entities that are supposed to be supportive of one another, just can’t seem to get along. The two sides have a history of bickering that goes back some 20 years.

In rare moments of cooperation, the city would give the Chamber funds and the Chamber would reciprocate by touting the advantages of living and working in Agoura Hills. It’s the way cities and their Chambers of Commerce should operate.

In Agoura Hills, the marriage turned into a nasty divorce.

A squabble over pole signs and later the Spring Fest celebration; the Chamber’s reluctance to opens its books to the city; the city’s refusal to give funds to the Chamber—and a subsequent attempt by the city to end-run the organization by forming a non-Chamber business task force—all contributed to the current state of affairs in which neither side is willing to talk to the other. Personal relationships have soured and fences aren’t being mended.

The Agoura Hills City Council has thrown in the towel and is now seeking a new partnership with the Thousand Oaks/ Westlake Village Chamber of Commerce. But with three Chambers from Calabasas to Newbury Park actively seeking members, it’s hard to tell the players without a scorecard.

The region has four cities, but essentially one economy that stretches from Calabasas to Newbury Park. Cooperation between the cities and the business community is necessary to ensure prosperity for all. A good Chamber of Commerce will provide a conduit for success.

Times are hard enough without the infighting. It’s why Agoura Hills has decided to finalize its divorce and begin a new courtship with the T.O. Chamber. Whether Agoura Hills is making the move to spite its old nemesis, or whether the T.O. Chamber can truly bring something to the table remains to be seen.

To give your opinion, visit www.theacorn.com, click on the (blue) Acorn , and answer the poll question: “Should the city of Agoura Hills cut remaining ties with the Agoura/Oak Park/ Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce and join the Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village Regional Chamber of Commerce?”