June 30, 2007

AV Board of Trade installs Holloway
Organization enters 50th year's service

By TINA FORDE
Valley Press Business Editor

PALMDALE - The Antelope Valley Board of Trade embarked on its 50th year of community leadership with the Thursday installation Thursday of Harvey Holloway as president for the 2007-08 term.

"The Board of Trade is truly an outstanding organization," said Holloway, owner-broker of Coldwell Banker Commercial Valley Realty, Lancaster. "I am honored to serve as your president this year."

He wrote in the installation program that, for 49 years, "the AVBOT has worked to overcome issues that have threatened to inhibit the economic growth of our Valley and we will continue those efforts."

He said he will continue the organization's effort to establish a four-year university in the Antelope Valley - a visionary plan that will take longer than his own tenure as president.

"We want to see a four-year university," he said. "But it won't be this year or next. It will be five years or more."

To that end, the Board of Trade has completed the High Desert Master Plan for Higher Education - an 18-month effort.

"We need an educated workforce," Holloway said. "That's what attracts businesses."

He said the Board of Trade will continue to impact legislation that affects the economy of the Antelope Valley, calling it an "ongoing battle," and will maintain its leadership on the regional transportation front.

Accompanying Hollway to the installation dinner at Cascades Grill were his wife Denise, their son Bryan, 17, a graduate of Quartz Hill High School headed for California State University, Fullerton, daughter Amanda, 20, in her third year at California State University, Northridge, his father Wayne Holloway and mother-in-law Renee Sperling.

Local dignitaries praised outgoing President John Currado, owner of Currado Financial Allstate Insurance, as an effective leader.

"The Currado name in the Antelope Valley is synonymous with success," said Norm Hickling, deputy for Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

Rex Moen, deputy for 18th District Senator Roy Ashburn, said "John Currado has left a great impression on the Board of Trade."

The Board of Trade is unique, Moen said. "The center of the universe is the United States. The center of the United States is California. The center of California is the Antelope Valley. That makes us the center of the universe."

Currado will take over as chairman of the Board of Trade Foundation, which will provide a source of revenue to further the goals of the organization's regional projects, including high-speed rail, transportation infrastructure and water banking. He said the foundation will be eligible for federal and state grants.

Cathy Hart, south region manager of public affairs for Southern California Edison and former executive director of the Board of Trade, shed a tear or two when she said, "I enjoyed every moment as executive director. There was never a boring day." She is staying on as a member and as treasurer of the organization.

Ron Emard, owner of Robertson's Palmdale Honda, and Patricia Fregoso-Cox, vice president of community affairs for Time Warner Cable, Los Angeles North Division, joined Antelope Valley Press Vice President and General Manager Cherie Bryant as emeritus directors.

Outgoing Director Alis Clausen, who is in charge of transmission line projects for Southern California Edison, received the "Unsung Hero" award from Currado as "an individual who goes above and beyond."

Roger Hemme, owner of Bohn's Printing, upon retiring from 15 years as an officer of the organization, was named a Lifetime Director.

"He never, ever is bashful about saying what's on his mind," said master of ceremonies Lew Stults, area deputy for Congressman Howard P. "Buck" McKeon.

The fifth outgoing director was Vicki Medina.

Incoming directors are: James W.M. Charlton, attorney at law; Katie Corbett, Corbett Professional Service; Shari Crane, Union Bank; Gordon Elder, Gordon Elder Certified Financial Planner; Gretchen Gutierrez, executive director of the Antelope Valley chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California; John Fergione, retired experimental test pilot; Chuck Hoey, CB Richard Ellis; Dr. John Hultsman, California State University, Bakersfield-Antelope Valley Center; Larry Jernigan, DMR Team, Inc.; Shirley Kemp, California Employment Development Department; Dianne M. Knippel, Lockheed Martin; Lew Stults; and Johnny Zamrzla , Western Pacific Roofing Corporation.