REVERSAL OF FORTUNES REGIONAL CHAMBER GROWS SIXFOLD.

Byline: Mark Kellam Valley News Writer

With approximately 1,200 members, the Agoura/Oak Park/Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest in the region. What's truly remarkable is that the chamber's membership was only 200 six years ago.

Louis Masry, current chamber president, said the dramatic growth began under the leadership of Alex Soteras, who was chamber president for six years prior to Masry taking the helm last year. Masry is entering his second year as president.

There were two key reasons for the chamber's impressive growth.

The chamber began allowing nonprofit organizations and homeowners' associations to join for only $1, Soteras said.

Masry pointed out that the discounted membership structure creates bridges among the businesses, nonprofits and homeowners in the community.

The chamber also changed its name - and its coverage area - to include the entire Conejo Valley, something that attracted a lot more businesses, Masry added.

In the community, the chamber sponsors a Spring Fest each April. The event, which is a business expo with more than 100 business participating, will be held at either the Calabasas or Oak Park community centers this year, Masry said. Details such as date and location will be firmed up soon, he said.

Last year, the chamber launched its first Edward Masry Awards for Community Service, honoring 23 individuals and companies that have worked to improve the community. Honorees included teachers, law enforcement officers and civic leaders.

Edward Masry, Louis' father, is the attorney who, along with self-trained legal assistant Erin Brockovich, won a $333 million settlement on behalf of more than 600 residents of Hinkley, Calif., who claimed Pacific Gas & Electric tanks leaked carcinogens into groundwater supplies.

He was also a civic leader in Thousand Oaks, serving on the city's council for several years and as its mayor. He died last Dec. 5, shortly after the inaugural awards ceremony that bears his name was held. He was already in failing health and unable to attend, his son said. Edward Masry was 73.

The chamber also sponsored the ``Every 15 Minutes'' program at Agoura High School last year. The program shows the dangers of drinking and driving and included a live re-enactment of a crash involving a drunk driver. Afterward, a man dressed as the Grim Reaper removed a student from a different class every 15 minutes and they were labeled a drunk-driving casualty.

Statistics show that someone dies every 15 minutes in an alcohol-related collision. The selected students' faces were painted to resemble a dead person's and they returned to the student population, a haunting reminder that anyone can die in a drunk-driving crash.

In an effort to protect local small business owners, the chamber took an active role last year in keeping Lowe's from constructing a store in Westlake Village, Masry said. He said many big-box stores, such as Lowe's and Wal-Mart, want to build in the local area and they often drive out small businesses.

Pat Soteras is the executive director of the Agoura/Oak Park/Conejo Valley Chamber, which is located at 30101 Agoura Court, No. 207, Agoura Hills. For more information, call [phone].

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Louis Masry speaks at the inaugural community awards program named after his father, Edward. Twenty-three individuals and companies - from teachers and law enforcement officers to civic leaders - were honored for their involvement in the community.