COMMUNITY SIGN IS A NEW GOAL FOR SUNLAND-TUJUNGA CHAMBER PROJECT AIMED AT AIDING LOCAL CLUBS, CHURCHES.

Byline: Rick Coca Valley News Writer

Jim Moore, Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce president, is proud of the work his organization has done to improve the quality of life in his community.

Moore said the chamber is raising funds for an electronic sign to post events and announcements on Foothill Boulevard. The sign would be available to local clubs, organizations and churches.

``It's going to be a better way of communicating,'' Moore said. In a town that has only one way in and out, the sign promises to be an effective tool for its citizens, but at an expected cost of $15,000 to $20,000, will not be cheap. By keeping the local residents informed, Sunland-Tujunga will be better able to maintain its small-town quality, he said.

``It's a nice, quiet town, a very friendly town,'' Moore said. ``It's up on the hillside. You can walk out the back door and be in the Angeles (National) Forest.''

Founded in 1939, the chamber currently has about 200 members. Moore, in his second year as chamber president, has lived in Sunland for 36 years and is the owner of Moore Bros., Sons and Daughters Roofing and General Contracting. Moore said in order to give back to the community and thank them for their patronage of area businesses, the chamber put on an Independence Day fireworks display at Verdugo High School last year at a cost of about $12,000.

``It'll probably cost more this year, but we'll do it again,'' Moore said.

Along with the Sunland-Tujunga Elks Lodge, the chamber will once again host Monte Carlo Night on Feb. 25. The two organizations will split the proceeds. The chamber also supports a three-day Easter Carnival at Sunland Park and sponsors mixers to introduce new business owners to community and established chamber members.

``We want to make the chamber the hub of the community,'' Moore said.

Executive Director Nancy Raper has been working for the chamber for about 20 years.

``I said I would fill in, and I guess I'm still here,'' Raper said with a chuckle.

She was recently named the chambers' Most Valuable Person, an annual appreciation award. Raper said the chamber benefits consumers in many ways. ``The best businesses, the most credible businesses, belong to the chamber,'' Raper said.

When a consumer does have a problem with a business that is a chamber member, the chamber will step in and attempt to rectify the problem.

``And I don't know that consumers know that,'' Raper said.

She said that although many people call the chamber's office, mistaking it for a city service, the chamber doesn't turn them away.

``We help connect people to what they need,'' Raper said.

The Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce is at 8250-A Foothill Blvd. in Sunland. For information on Monte Carlo Night or other inquiries, call [phone].

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Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce President Jim Moore and Executive Director Nancy Raper are proud of their town and Raper's Most Valuable Person award.

Rick Coca/Valley News