Local Chambers of Commerce Sever Ties Following Name Change Dispute

With plans to file a lawsuit against the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce, the Agoura/Oak Park/Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce has ended its relationship with the city of Calabasas.

The issue between the two organizations stems from the Agoura group using the name Agoura/Oak Park/Conejo Valley/Calabasas Chamber of Commerce, a move that President Louis Masry initiated by filing official paperwork with the state to make official the name change.

However, shortly thereafter attorney Howard Sommers sent notice to Agoura’s Vice President Alex Soteras stating that the Calabasas Chamber name—which the organization has used for more than half a century—is registered with California’s trademark department.

Members of the Calabasas Chamber are concerned that the Agoura group using “Calabasas” in its name will cause confusion among area business owners. The Agoura group, meanwhile, is working toward filing a lawsuit against the Calabasas Chamber for international interference of business practices, slander and defamation.

Agoura Hills recently ended its relationship with the Agoura Chamber to create the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, which was previously known as the Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village Chamber.

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