By James Bozajian
It was here before the cities of Calabasas, Westlake Village, and Agoura Hills. It has been around longer than the Las Virgenes Unified School District and the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District.
Established in 1955, the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 70th Anniversary this year. For the first half of its existence, the chamber played a vital role in representing regional business interests in the absence of the infrastructure of a municipality.
With incorporation of the City of Calabasas in 1991, the chamber’s work to promote the local economy became more prominent. In 1993, the city entered into a formal contract whereby the chamber was commissioned to serve as Calabasas’ official visitor and tourism bureau. The two entities have enjoyed a close working relationship ever since. The contract remains in effect to this day.
“The Calabasas Chamber of Commerce provides a warm welcome for new establishments, and is a strong advocate for the city’s business community,” stated Calabasas Mayor Peter Kraut. “The chamber introduces businesses to the City Council, and builds deep networks that help enterprises thrive here.”
The chamber is governed by a Board of Directors who are drawn from member businesses and serve two-year terms. Day-to-day operations are managed by a small staff, led by a President/Chief Executive Officer selected by the Board.
Lisa Clayden has been President of the chamber since 2022. “As we commemorate 70 years of serving the Calabasas business community, we honor a legacy of innovation, collaboration, and resilience that has shaped the Calabasas Chamber into what it is today,” she said. “Reaching seven decades is a remarkable achievement. It is a testament to our adaptability and the support of our dedicated membership through times of change.” Clayden added that she looks forward to “a future filled with opportunity and continued growth.”
In recent years, there have been 250-300 dues-paying chamber members in any given year. In addition to businesses and individuals in Calabasas, the chamber also draws its membership from other nearby communities.
Bridget Karl served as Chamber President from 2012 to 2016, and then again from 2019 to 2021. She described the chamber as “the heart of the business community” and “a link between local businesses, residents, and city leadership.” She further observed: “The chamber’s mission is to bring about positive change, to be a voice for the business community, and to be a partner in building a vibrant Calabasas economy.”
Karl identified the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival, which the chamber helped start 55 years ago and ran for many years thereafter, as one of the organization’s “favorite traditions.” She also recalled the chamber’s sponsorship of a team of athletes from Great Britain for the World Games Special Olympics in 2015 as an “unforgettable experience.”
Carol Washburn, whose husband Dennis was the first Mayor of Calabasas, was Chamber President from 2000 to 2011. “In essence, our chamber serves as a bridge between businesses, the community, schools and government, working to create a prosperous environment for all,” she reflected.
Washburn noted that the chamber consistently offers many networking opportunities to increase business visibility and foster community engagements. In addition to grand openings, mixers, luncheons, and various gatherings held throughout the year, during her tenure these included such annual affairs as the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival, the Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, the Calabasas Golf Classic, the Chamber Installation Dinner, and others. “These events created truly memorable experiences that drove economic growth and strong business relationships,” she said.
To mark its 70th year, the Chamber of Commerce will hold an anniversary celebration on the evening of June 27, at the Calabasas Country Club.
Celebrate 70 years of serving the community since 1955! The anniversary celebration is presented by the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Poppy Bank, and will bring together long-time members, local businesses, and the Calabasas Community for an evening of reflection, networking, and celebration.
Community members and more will have the opportunity to indulge in a BBQ buffet, cake, dancing, history display, presentations, raffles and more!
To learn more about the 70-year history of the Calabasas Chamber and upcoming events.and to purchase tickets to this event, please visit www.calabasaschamber.com.
James R. Bozajian has served on the Calabasas City Council since 1997, is Mayor Pro Tem and a member of the Calabasas Las Virgenes Historical Society. He can be reached at jbozajian@cityofcalabasas.com.
