CHAMBER'S BIG PLANS WOODLAND HILLS GROUP AWAITS AWARDS, FESTIVAL, NEW CHIEF.

Byline: Mark Kellam Valley News Writer

Striving to provide expanded value to its members, the Woodland Hills Chamber of Commerce is looking to step up its communication efforts both with its membership and area residents.

The organization plans to increase the frequency of its e-newsletter, which is available over the Internet, from monthly to weekly and perhaps daily, said Merill Hope, co-chairwoman of the chamber's marketing and public relations committee.

It also plans the return of its quarterly printed newsletter, she added, saying the printed newletter will be an excellent way to let the community know about the great things the chamber is doing.

Sherry Keowen, who was recently installed as the new chamber chairwoman, said the organization sponsors events throughout the year, beginning in February with the annual installation dinner and dance.

At the dinner, the Joseph Staller Memorial Award is presented each year to someone who is active in the community. This year's recipient was Rickey Gelb, who owns Gelb Enterprises, a real estate development and property management company in Woodland Hills. He's been very active and generous with numerous community organizations and events.

Joseph Staller worked for the San Fernando Valley Southern California Gas Co., was past president of the Van Nuys Rotary and Woodland Hills Chamber of Commerce, and was the 1973 recipient of the Fernando Award. He died in the early 1990s.

In May, the chamber-sponsored R.O.L.E Awards are presented to educators from throughout the Valley. R.O.L.E. stands for Rewarding Outstanding Leaders in Education. Last year, three educators were honored - Christopher Bautista from Chaminade Middle School, Stephen Tiazza from Pierce College and Eileen Landau from Pinecrest School in Woodland Hills.

This year, the event will be held Wednesday, May 31, at the Hilton in Woodland Hills. Each honoree receives a grant, usually for $200, Keowen said. The R.O.L.E. Awards started in 1999.

In June, the chamber sponsors the annual Family Festival in the Park. In conjunction with the Valley Cultural Center, the event is held at Warner Center Park. It includes food, entertainment and kids' rides as well as business booths. It ends with a concert. This year, the festival will be held Sunday, June 25, and the featured music group will be the Beatles tribute band Ticket to Ride.

The first Family Festival in the Park was held in 2000.

The chamber's business expo will be held in September, Keowen said. A specific date has not yet been set, but it will be held in conjunction with the chamber's mixer, planned for the Woodland Hills Marriott, Keowen said.

She said chamber officials are bringing the expo back after a three-year hiatus. They plan to make it an event where members and their guests can network and learn from each other, hopefully making it a success for all.

On Nov. 13, the chamber will hold its annual golf tournament either at Braemar Country Club or Woodland Hills Country Club. This will be the 32nd year the chamber has held a golf tournament.

One of the chamber's biggest accomplishments in 2005 was a jump in membership, which now totals 506. Keowen said the chamber also worked on strengthening itself financially, made possible by achieving all goals at fundraising events in 2005.

Looking at 2006, Keowen said the chamber will welcome a new executive director. Tina Lyn Firestone will become the chamber's head staffer on April 4. She comes from the Malibu Chamber of Commerce. Years ago, Firestone worked at the Woodland Hills chamber as director of membership. She replaces Kristen Tristao, who is now a business consultant for area companies.

One of Keowen's goals for the coming year is focusing on her motto ``Members First.'' Her goal can be achieved in many small ways, she said. One is to make sure the chamber's breakfast mixers and luncheons are great networking opportunities. Another is to always encourage members to look in the membership directory when seeking a company to do business with.

The Woodland Hills Chamber of Commerce is at 20121 Ventura Blvd., Suite 309, Woodland Hills. For more information, call [phone].

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Sherry Keowen (left) is the recently installed chairwoman of the Woodland Hills Chamber of Commerce, and Tina Lyn Firestone will join the chamber as its executive director on April 4.

Mark Kellam/Valley News