By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

The Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce celebrated local community members during its annual banquet held Thursday night at the Oakmont Country Club.

The Oscar™-themed event gave guests the opportunity to walk a red carpet and have their photo professionally taken in front of an authentic backdrop. Organized by the chamber’s executive director Melinda Clarke, the annual dinner was a chance to shine a spotlight on those who make the Crescenta Valley a highly sought after place to live.

This year’s honorees were Andy’s Transfer & Storage – Business of the Year; Julie Kay Stallcup, Darrell Stallcup & Melissa Gerard – Business Person of the Year; Steve Goldsworthy – Volunteer of the Year; Ernie Muraoka – Chris Waldheim Oktoberfest Volunteer of the Year; Dr. Linda Junge – Educator of the Year; Montrose Shopping Park Assn. – Frank Roberts Award; Scott Trulik – President’s Award; Arbitrage Real Estate & Esquire Law – Beautification Award; City of Glendale – Community Enhancement Award; Jane Kane – community Endearment Award; Station 28 – Glendale Fire Dept. – Firefighter of the Year; Det. Eric Meyer of GPD – In the Line of Duty; Glendale Police Foundation – Organization of the Year; Det. Jeff Davis of GPD – Peace Officer of the Year.

In addition to honoring civic leaders, the dinner included the installation of the chamber’s board. Board officers are President Eric Hamilton, 1st VP Anna Lopez, Past-president Pat Longo, Treasurer Scott Trulik, Secretary Frank Virgallito, and directors Rick Dinger, Henry Baeza, Brian Chacon, David Fink, Karen Grochowicki, Jane Kane, Julie Martin and Stephan Williams.

Hamilton said that among his goals as president is to “maintain the momentum that the chamber is currently experiencing.”

“[Past-president] Pat Longo did a great job of rebuilding the chamber and I look forward to continuing that legacy,” said Hamilton. He added that developing the relationship with the MSPA is another priority that the chamber has this year and also working with the CV Chamber of Commerce.

“Whenever we combine [chamber events], there’s a lot of networking and business gets done,” he said.

He also addressed the question sometimes raised as to the value of being a chamber member.

“The chamber provides a lot of information that can be particularly helpful to new businesses,” he said. “Tax information, permits…these are all things that we’re up on. Being part of the chamber just makes good business sense.”

To learn more, visit the chamber website at
www.montrosechamber.org or call the office at (818) 249-7171.

  robin goldsworthy