CANOGA PARK : 2 Communities to Merge Chambers

Nearly seven years after West Hills formally severed its ties with neighboring Canoga Park, business leaders from the two communities are set to merge their respective chambers of commerce to increase their clout with city government.

If approved by the general membership of both chambers, the new Canoga Park-West Hills Chamber would have more than 300 members, said Richard Mellinger, president of the Canoga Park Chamber of Commerce.

“There’s definitely strength in numbers,” he said of the planned merger. “We’re hoping to see a situation where when we say something, people listen.”

West Hills was created in 1987 when a homeowner group on Canoga Park’s western edge lobbied city officials for signs designating their community from Canoga Park.

The move created animosity among some residents.

“What we’re doing is letting bygones be bygones and letting the business communities reunite,” Mellinger said.

He said the new-found clout would be used to push for traffic improvements along Sherman Way, which passes through both communities and to more effectively watchdog city government.

Tom Morehouse, president of the West Hills chamber, said the merger would mean more business opportunities for the members of both chambers.

“What we’re doing is uniting what used to be one big area,” he said. “It’s going to be better for everyone.”

The two chambers will host an “engagement party” to promote the marriage Thursday at the Warner Center Marriott.

If the merger is approved, new board members representing both groups will be installed during a special dinner Jan. 28.