Involving Valley key to L.A. Area Chamber.

It seems that the San Fernando Valley's fight for recognition from the power "over the hill" is finally being recognized ... not necessarily by our elected officials, but by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Who have embarked on a mission of working together.

They kicked off 2007 with a gala dinner and themed it "Together," which was more than just an event theme, it is a vision to be carried out for their entire year to represent all the people, to symbolize the flow of ideas and create a common thread that strings together core business and strategic goals.

I've always felt that while the Los Angeles Area Chamber talked the talk, they didn't walk the walk when it came to the San Fernando Valley. They presented themselves as allies, assisting local chambers with public policy giving smaller organization the ability to be effective with grassroots lobbying. Yet we didn't always agree to disagree.

It just rang hollow with me for too long, so it was a pleasant surprise to see so much of the San Fernando Valley represented at the Los Angeles Chamber dinner and to cheer on the organization's first Valley resident to chair the organization in 118 years, David Fleming.

Fleming's track record in promoting the San Fernando Valley as the best place to live, work, play and shop is renowned with his long term dedication to organizations that do just that--promote the economic vitality of the Valley. He is someone who has the foresight to take the vision of a stronger, more influent San Fernando Valley and meld with an organization that prides themselves on representing all sections of Los Angeles.

Fleming has been one of the Valley's best business advocates and he let Los Angeles know that it's time to work together for the future of our region. That what's good for the Valley is good for "over the hill" Los Angeles and what's good for downtown is good for the Valley and all corners of the L.A.

The night felt very Valley-centric as many of our business and government leaders were present to witness a night of change. And it felt good. Too many limes, Valley business leaders have participated in this event, only to feel like spectators on the sidelines. That night we felt included, sharing the vision and believing that we really are a united voice of free enterprise and that it's time our politicians stand up and take notice.

While the grandeur of the downtown contingent may still be there, a little shake up of San Fernando Valley power and influence can only help the organization have a greater reach into the areas they have proclaimed to serve. I personally will pay better attention to what they're doing because I feel that I now have an economic partner in the Los Angles Area Chamber with the same vision of keeping our communities--from both sides of the hill--strong and viable for many, many years to come.

Nancy Hoffman Vanyek is CEO of the Mid Valley Chamber of Commerce, the oldest chamber in the San Fernando Valley.