2013/2014 Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce Business Directory & Community Guide 2013/2014 | Page 14
13 100 Years of Fostering Business Growth and Community Well Being
In its first 25 years as a town, Chatsworth had become a community. They had a post office,
church, main street, school and a thriving business center. There was only one thing left to
do--start their own Chamber of Commerce that would protect and benefit both the business
and residential stakeholders of their community. So on April 20, 1914, 14 prominent members
of the Chatsworth community established the Chatsworth Chamber of Commerce (currently the
Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce). The first elected officers of this newly formed
body were President N.C. Johnson, Vice President W.H. Mathews, Secretary J. Villegas and
Treasurer C.W. Johnson.
Besides supporting community infrastructure, the Chamber Board of Directors has also taken
a proactive approach to providing educational opportunities to children in the area through its
endorsement of programs such as the FIRST Competition, devised to encourage the study of
math, science and engineering amongst high school students. The idea was originally brought
to them by then Chamber Board member Jerre Reimers, an employee of Aerojet Rocketdyne
(then Rocketdyne) who in the mid-90s saw an article about the FIRST program and wanted to
bring it to schools in Chatsworth. The board supported the idea, but Reimers did all the ground
work, including helping to form the first team at Chatsworth High School.
Early Chamber meetings were held at the Old Pioneer Church (now Chatsworth Community
Church). Over the years, the Chamber has had offices in the Chatsworth Community Center
at 10322 Santa Susana Drive and the Pampalone Schubert dental offices (now Chatsworth
Dental Group). Today, the Chamber office is located at 10038 Old Depot Rd., adjacent to
Metropolitan Transit Authority and Amtrak Stations.
Since then, the CHS team has won California competitions and participated on the national
level. They are recipients of the National Chairman’s Award and in 2001 were honored in the
state capital and the White House for their achievements. Reimers remained active for several
years coordinating and helping to fund the program. It eventually was taken over by a Physics
teacher at the school. The FIRST program has grown to include many of the Valley high schools
and those in Santa Clarita and Simi valleys. Several local middle schools including Lawrence
Middle School have also taken up the cause with the FIRST LEGO League.
Women were first allowed to join the chamber in 1953, although they had been petitioning
to do so since its early days. In 1966 the Chamber hired its first full-time manager, Maureen
Remenih. The first woman to become president of the chamber was Dr. Ruth Boak, a professor
of pediatrics, public health and microbiology at UCLA, in 1978, who performed breakthrough
research regarding rubella. A year prior to her election to Chamber president, Dr. Boak was
named “Outstanding Citizen” in Chatsworth.
The Chamber has also been an intrinsic part of the many festivities Chatsworth is known for,
including The Day of the Horse festival and the Holiday Parade and Festival. In addition, the
Chamber has also instituted several annual events, which have become an important part of the
community’s calendar, including: the Legends and Heroes Awards Dinner, the Small Business
Expo, the West Valley Small Business Expo, the Holiday Luncheon/Toy Drive, the Community
Blood Drive, and the Unforgettable Educator Recognition Dinner. Other chamber activities
include publishing a business directory, suporting ribbon cutting ceremonies, issuing certificates
of origin and implementing a Gold Card program, which offers discounts from local businesses.
In an effort to keep its membership informed of public policy and to give them a chance to meet
legislators and policy makers face-to-face, the Chamber initiated what has become their signature
event--the State of the Community Breakfast. Elected officials from all levels of government in
our community are invited to speak—and then participate in an off-the-cuff Q&A session.
Throughout the years, the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber has enriched the community,
staying true to the precept established by the original 14 members: “To support our members
through leadership and advocacy as we engage in activities that enhance and strengthen an
environment which fosters business growth and the well-being of our community.”
Throughout the years, the Chamber has helped support major transportation and expansion
plans for the community, which has been highlighted by a steady celebrity presence. This has
included such legendary Hollywood names as Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, who were also
named Honorary Mayors of Chatsworth; Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and Frank Sinatra, who
rented a home in the area.
Average Price of Gasoline / Milk / Eggs
Average National Home Price
4.0
300
3.5
250
1.5
100
1.0
Year
Year
Gasoline Milk Eggs
Present
2004
1994
1984
Present
2004
1994
1984
1974
1964
1954
1944
1934
0.0
1924
Present
2004
1994
1984
1974
1964
1944
1934
1924
1954
Year
Minimum Wage Income
0.5
0
0
1914
50
10
1974
20
2.0
1964
30
2.5
150
1954
40
1944
50
3.0
200
1934
($ In Thousands)
60
1924
70
1914
80
1914
($ Minimum Wage in Dollars / $ Income in Thousands)
Average National Minimum Wage / Income