Chamber names business, person of the year

BEST IN BIZ- Employees from California Oaks State Bank receive their ceremonial balloons from members of the Chamber of Commerce for being named its "2007 Business of the Year."

The Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce has selected California Oaks State Bank as the Business of the Year and resident Harry VanDyck as the Business Person of the Year for 2007.

Chamber chair of the board Richard Erbe, Chamber President Leigh Nixon and board members recently delivered the ceremonial balloons and made the announcement to VanDyck and John Nerland of California Oaks State Bank at their businesses.

Both will be honored at the Business Achievement Luncheon (formally the Chairman's Luncheon) on Jan. 31, 2008, at the Grand Vista Hotel.

VanDyck is the owner of Century Accounting & Tax Solutions, a business that has been in Simi Valley for more than 20 years. With a long history of civic contributions and involvement in Simi Valley, VanDyck was chosen for his high ethical business standards and outstanding leadership abilities.

Involved in many of the community's nonprofit organizations, he is a past president and board member for the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, immediate past president and treasurer of the Simi Valley Education Foundation, past president for the Simi Valley Community Foundation, past president and treasurer for the Santa Susana Kiwanis Club and an active member of the Simi Valley Free Clinic and Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise.

California Oaks State Bank is being honored for its continued support of the Simi Valley community for more than 10 years. The bank has supported many local nonprofit organizations and golf tournaments.

Many of the bank's employees are active in the community. They serve on the boards of various local foundations and committees and/or are Rotary members.