Photos by SYLVIE BELMOND/Acorn Newspapers COMMUNITY SERVANT—Scott Mosher, executive director for the Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark, receives the Chairman's Award at the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce's annual installation and awards dinner last week. From left: State Sen. Tony Strickland; Mosher; Ventura County Supervisor Peter Foy; Jerri Hatzenbiler, Moorpark Chamber executive assistant; Mayor Janice Parvin, and Brian Miller, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly "The recession stops here in Moorpark."

So proclaimed Patrick Ellis, president of the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce at the group's annual installation and awards dinner at the Moorpark Country Club last week.

The evening began with a formal awards ceremony honoring the achievements of local business and community leaders. After the installation of Chamber board members for 2009, attendees enjoyed casino games, a silent auction, a raffle, dancing and socializing.

The Moorpark Chamber of Commerce promotes the interests of local businesses and create networking opportunities among its members.

RELAXING—Business leaders enjoy a game of blackjack at the 2009 Moorpark Chamber installation and awards dinner at the Moorpark Country Club last week. From left, Robert Sichmeller of Sichmeller Insurance and Financial Solutions Inc.; his wife, Vanessa Sichmeller; Matt Weiss; Trixy Weiss of Genesis Capital Mortgage; Laurie Rosenberg, manager of the new Rabobank in Moorpark, and her husband, Allen Rosenberg. "This year has been a tough year for some, there is no doubt of that," Ellis told the 120 attendees at Friday's dinner. "The recession is not a frame of mind, it is a reality—but changing that begins with a frame of mind.

"We are committed to turn the economy around starting here in Moorpark."

Dale Parvin, who was chosen to lead the Chamber board for a second year, echoed Ellis' optimistic message.

In addition to celebrating the grand opening of several retail and restaurant outlets in 2009, Parvin said later, Moorpark could become a heralded location for the entertainment industry if plans by Commonwealth Studios to build a large filming complex here take shape.

The construction of Moorpark's first hotel, near the 23 Freeway interchange at Los Angeles Avenue, also appears to be moving in the right direction, Parvin said.

Honorees at the event were:

Ambassador of the Year: Lisa Leal, U.S. Postal Service.

Leal, who is a goodwill ambassador for the post office, volunteers a great deal for the Chamer, raising money by selling directory ads and by finding sponsors and selling tickets for events, according to Chamber leaders. She also volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club.

"We could not do the things that we do without her," said Debi Aquino, who retired from the Chamber board this year.

Chairman's Award: Scott Mosher, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark.

Mosher is a founding member of the Moorpark Education Foundation and the local Relay for Life. He's a longtime Rotary Club member and continually works to improve the quality of life for young people in Moorpark. He's also a former chairman of the board of the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce.

FACES OF THE CITY—Far left, Jeremy Brewer, a new member of the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors and the director of marketing for Simi Valley Hospital, tries his luck at the craps table following the Chamber's annual installation and awards dinner. Right, Steve Carlson, Moorpark Rotary Club member and editor of the Moorpark Acorn, presents Ralph Maurillo, right in photo, secretary for the High Street Theater Foundation, with a grant from the Rotary Club to help with the foundation's Youth Theater Workshop program, which meets at the Moorpark Boys & Girls Club. Bruce Thomas, Rotary Club president, invited Carlson to make the grant presentation. Business Person of the Year: Lynda Rummelhoff, State Farm Insurance.

In addition to volunteering for the Chamber, Rummelhoff, who opened her own insurance agency in Moorpark in 2000, has helped eliminate blight in downtown Moorpark. The renovations she made in turning an old house on Moorpark Avenue into an office turned "blight into bright," said Gary Lowenberg, Chamber board member and City Council member.

Business of the Year: Moorpark Country Club

Since opening in 2002, the country club has been recognized nationally, but it's still easy to do business with, said Harry Wilson of Kavlico, who presented the award. "It's a premier place" that has changed Moorpark, he said.

Visionary Award: Bruce Thomas, president, Moorpark Unified School District

Thomas, a local businessman, has helped move the community forward in many ways, said Doug Ridley, a Chamber member. Thomas was a career officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and is past commander of Moorpark American Legion Post 502. He's been involved with the Boys & Girls Club and is a "guiding force" for the Rotary Club, Ridley said.

Legend Award: Manny Asadurian, businessman and philanthropist

The award was given posthumously this year to a man who made many contributions to the Moorpark community, said Mayor Janice Parvin. Asadurian died last year.

In addition to building his dream home and three businesses in Moorpark, including Casino Storage and G.I. Rubbish, Asadurian touched many people with his kindness and generosity.

"He enjoyed life to its fullest and dearly cherished his family," Parvin said.