Hartfield named Ambassador of the Year

Michelle Bennett, chair of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Team, presented the Ambassador of the Year award to Thomas J. Hartfield during the 55th annual Business Achievement Luncheon at the Grand Vista Hotel.

Hartfield is the founder and president of Hartfield Financial & Insurance Services Inc. in Simi Valley.

"(Hartfield) is very involved in our community and an active volunteer, has attended every breakfast meeting and almost every ribbon-cutting," Bennett said. "He has set a great example for future Ambassadors to follow. His hard work, dedication and support is very much appreciated."

Hartfield, a native of Simi Valley, has operated his financial services and insurance planning practice since 1991.

He serves as a board member of the Simi Valley Boys & Girls Club, director for Grace Brethren Youth Sports and member of the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee.

He is also a 2007 graduate of Leadership Simi Valley.

Hartfield and his wife, Lisa, have been married 13 years. They have two children, Brandon, 12, and Erica, 5.

Ambassadors are local business owners who donate their time to other business owners and assist them with their membership and serve as the welcoming arm of the Chamber.

Ambassadors also assist with membership recruitment, retention, marketing, greeting, welcoming new businesses through ribbon-cutting ceremonies, assistance with special events and businessto-business involvement.