CANOGA PARK, WEST HILLS : 2 Chambers of Commerce Merge

The Canoga Park and West Hills chambers of commerce have officially completed a merger process begun last month.

In a vote that wrapped up Monday, members of both chambers almost unanimously ratified the merger.

The change represents a partial rapprochement between the two communities, which were estranged in 1987 when West Hills broke off from Canoga Park.

Members of the West Hills chamber voted unanimously to approve the merger, while 96% of the Canoga Park chamber membership was in support, said Richard Mellinger, past president of the Canoga Park chamber.

The newly christened Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commerce is expected to have about 300 members. It will operate out of the existing Canoga Park chamber office under the leadership of its newly elected president, Nancy LaSota.

The chambers were once one, but split when the communities severed, Mellinger said.

The communities are so similar, however, that in recent years, support grew for a chamber that would represent business interests through a single, unified organization.

“I think (the original split) was for the purpose of identity,” Mellinger said. “But that identity is established. Now, we are looking at businesses that just want to see progress.”

LaSota said new board members will discuss chamber goals in a meeting today. Fighting crime and business retention are likely to be high on the list, she said.

The merger becomes effective Jan. 28 at a dinner gathering in which the new board members and officers will be installed, Mellinger said.