2013/2014 Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce Business Directory & Community Guide 2013/2014 | Page 12
11 About The Chamber
The Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce is proud to be celebrating its 100th
anniversary. We think this Chamber is very special and here’s why. In 1914 when local
landowner and farmer Nelson A. Gray and other community leaders established the
Chatsworth Chamber of Commerce, Chatsworth had been a town for only 26 years.
Families settled in and built churches and schools; merchants and industry had also taken
root. An organization that would promote, develop and preserve business concerns while
working hand-in-hand with residents was just what this growing community needed.
The newly formed Chamber of Commerce held many of its early meetings in the old
Pioneer Church (Chatsworth Community Church). To be more accessible for residents and
at to be at the center of the community, the Chamber moved its offices to 10038 Old Depot
Plaza Road in December 1997. Over the years, the Chamber expanded to become the
Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce.
The multipurpose venue, adjacent to Metropolitan Transit Authority and Amtrak Stations,
functions as both a Visitor’s Center and community meeting place. Businesses and residents
have access to referrals for products and services and information on local events and
activities. A community room is available for our members to reserve for community meetings
and other events.
Since its inception in the early 20th Century, the Chamber has strived to benefit its business
members and local residents by creating a strong connection in the business community
through business meetings, educational seminars, speakers and its support of local events.
It has worked diligently with other Chambers of Commerce, local economic development
groups such as VEDC, local government and other organizations to develop strong
alliances, giving it the added leverage it needs when advocating for members at the local,
state and federal level. In addition, The Chamber’s partnership with the Valley Economic
Development Center (VEDC), allows its members access to a top-notch entrepreneurial
programs at no cost.
Throughout the years, the Chamber has been actively involved in hosting or supporting
community events. This includes the Chatsworth Community Blood Drive, the annual
Chatsworth Holiday Parade and Family Festival presented by the Chatsworth Kiwanis Club,
the Chatsworth Day of the Horse put on every year by the Chatsworth Neighborhood
Council and the Valley Family Festival presented by Councilmember Mitchell Englander
and his District 12 Office.
The Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce continues to improve business
conditions within the two communities through a set of strategic initiatives. This includes,
but is not limited to, marketing and community involvement with an emphasis on fiscal
responsibility and discipline.
Member Benefits
The Chamber has developed several programs that allow its members to gain more
community visibility so that they can better connect with their customers and clients.
Programs include:
Monthly networking events.
General membership luncheons, networking breakfasts, leads lunches, networking mixers
and educational workshops help businesses establish new contacts and build relationships.
At the General Membership Luncheons, the Chamber offers presentations relevant to
business concerns and trends. Businesses that sponsor the breakfasts or luncheons have
the opportunity to speak to members and guests for five minutes and distribute promotional
and informational material.
Annually scheduled events.
The Chamber hosts several events every year. They include the State of the Community
Breakfast, Legends & Heroes Luncheon, West Valley Small Business Expo, Holiday Luncheon/
Toy Drive, Community Blood Drive, and Installation Gala. In 2013, the Chamber also
hosted the 13th Annual Unforgettable Educator Recognition Event to recognize teachers and
school administrators who inspire and motive their students to grow, learn, achieve and give