CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
MEMORANDUM
August
4, 2025
TO: City
Council
FRO
M: Office of the City Manager
SUBJE
CT: AWARD CONTRACT TO THE SIMI VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FOR SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT AND VISITOR INFORMATION
SERVICES
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It i
s recommended the City Council approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (Attachment A, page 4 ) with the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce for the continued small business support and visitor information services for a term of three years, with two one-year optional extensions, and authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the agreement and any related documents.
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
The
City of Simi Valley (City) has maintained a longstanding and productive partnership with the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) to provide support for small businesses and visitors through various programs, partnerships, and special events. The Chamber serves as a central hub for promoting tourism, supporting local businesses, and fostering community engagement.
One of
the Chamber's most significant contributions is hosting the annual Simi Valley Street Fair. This event brings together over 325 vendors, including local entrepreneurs, artists, small businesses, and community organizations, each passionate about sharing their offerings with residents and visitors. The Street Fair offers an inclusive and festive atmosphere that attracts thousands of community members. In addition to the Street Fair, the Chamber hosts a variety of events throughout the year that contribute to the city's economic vitality and community spirit. These include the shop local campaign, tourism services, and Simi Valley MEGA Job Fairs, connecting job seekers with local employers, in addition to partnering with the City on the annual State of the City event Throug
h these events and initiatives, the Chamber plays a pivotal role in promoting local businesses and fostering a sense of community among residents. The proposed MOU aims to continue and expand upon these successful collaborations, ensuring sustained economic development and community engagement.
AGENDA I
TEM NO.
Consent (6)
FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES
The proposed MOU formalizes a comprehensive partnership between the City and the Chamber to provide essential services that support the City’s economic development, tourism, and community engagement goals. As detailed in the Scope of Work (Attachment B, page 10), the Chamber will continue to serve as the City’s official Visitor Center, distribute the annual Visitor Guide, partner with the City on the State of the City event, and promote City programs through advertising, job fairs, legislative forums, and business engagement events.
In exchange for annual funding of $70,000, the City will receive sponsorship benefits, advertising placement, and up to 48 vendor booths at the Fall Street Fair for the City EXPO, an opportunity to showcase City departments, services, and initiatives to thousands of event attendees. This presence allows for direct community interaction and promotes civic awareness. The City will also receive prominent sponsorship recognition and advertising opportunities through the Chamber’s marketing channels, inclusion in the Simi Valley Visitor Guide, and designated participation in key events. The MOU also includes performance metrics, reporting obligations, and standard contractual provisions to ensure accountability and alignment with City goals.
The following alternatives are available to the City Council:
1. Approve a MOU with the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce for the continued provision of Visitor Information Services, Advertising, and Collaborative Services for a term of three years, with two one-year optional extensions, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any related documents;
2. Do not approve MOU;
3. Provide staff alternate direction.
Staff recommends Alternative No. 1.
SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION
I move to approve the MOU between the City of Simi Valley and the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce for the provision of Visitor Information Services, Advertising, and Collaborative Services, at an annual cost not to exceed $70,000 for a term of three years with two one- year optional extensions, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any future amendments.
SUMMARY
Approving this MOU ensures that the City continues to benefit from a productive and cost- effective partnership with the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber provides essential visitor services and promotes Simi Valley’s community events, local businesses, 2 and public programs. The proposed MOU reflects the shared commitment to enhancing quality of life, supporting economic vitality, and strengthening civic engagement.
____________________________________
Luis Garibay
Assistant City Manager
Prepared by: Angel Sierra, Assistant to the City Manager
INDEX Page
Attachment A - Memorandum of Understanding ............................. 4 Attachment B - Scope of Work ...................................................... 10
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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR
VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICES, ADVERTISING, AND COLLABORATIVE
SERVICES
BETWEEN
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY AND
SIMI VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
T
HIS AGREEMENT is made and executed this 4th day of August 2025, between the CITY OF SIMI VALLEY, a municipal corporation and general law city (“City”) and SIMI VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, a IRC 501(c)(6) California nonprofit corporation (“Chamber”). The Parties agree as follows:
1. RECITALS. This Agreement is made with reference to the following facts and objectives:
A. Through this Agreement, Chamber is designated as the City's Visitor Center and distributes printed and digital information promoting local tourism and economic activity;
B. Chamber exists to promote a positive public image and support the growth of Simi Valley businesses.
C. Chamber coordinates large- scale community events, such as the Simi Valley Spring and Fall Street Fairs, Job Fairs, State of the City event, and the Shop Local holiday campaign, which draw thousands of attendees and promote local business participation;
D. Chamber regularly collaborates with the City on business development initiatives, economic outreach, and public engagement efforts; and E. Both Parties believe it is in the public interest to enter into this Agreement to cultivate a p artnership that results in strengthening the Simi Valley business community and provides needed resources for new businesses.
2. CHAMBER’S RESPONSIBILITIES. Chamber agrees to do the following:
A. Serve as the official Visitor Center for the City, provide tourism information, and support services. Develop and distribute 2,500 printed and digital copies of the Simi Valley Visitor Guide annually, including a dedicated two- page editorial spread and a full-page advertisement for the City B. Coordinate and host important community events , including Simi Valley 4 ATTACHMENT A
Street Fairs, State of the City, and Job Fairs. Plan and conduct a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting ceremony for each new business that meets the requirements of the Program;
C. Chamber must annually meet the following criteria:
1) Provide the City with an annual report on services delivered, including statistics on visitor packet distribution, campaign results, business participation, and community engagement metrics.
2) Not have any outstanding financial obligations or debts of any kind to City including, without limitation, outstanding licensing or permitting fees and administrative citation fines.
3) Demonstrate that it is in good standing with all applicable state and federal agencies, including City. Evidence of “good standing” includes, without limitation, lack of any condition, conduct or circumstances that would violate the Simi Valley Municipal Code or any duly adopted resolution or ordinance.
4) Provide proof of ongoing nonprofit, tax -exempt status under Internal Revenue Code § 501(c)(6).
D. Chamber agrees to perform the duties outlined in this section and those more fully described in the Scope of Work attached as Exhibit A, which is incorporated by reference into this Agreement.
3. CITY OF SIMI VALLEY’S RESPONSIBILITIES. City agrees to do the following:
A. Unless the City Council decides otherwise, provide Program funding in City’s Fiscal Year 2025-2026, 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 Operating Budget; and
B. Contribute resources, at the City Manager’s discretion, such as facilities and staff time for joint events and City outreach initiatives.
4. RESTRICTIONS ON FUNDS. Funds issued pursuant to this Agreement must be used to host new business ribbon cutting ceremonies , business and community Chamber of Commerce events, activities and support.
5. RELATIONSHIP. The relationship of City and Chamber is that of independent contractor. Neither Party will be considered the agent or employee of the other. Neither 5
will exercise control or direction over the other while performing their respective obligations under this Agreement. Neither party intends to create a partnership or joint venture by entering into this Agreement.
6. TERM. Except as provided in Section 7 , the term of this Agreement will be for three years from its effective date (“Initial Term”). Not less than 30 days before the end of the Initial Term, the City Manager will evaluate Chamber’s performance under this Agreement based upon reasonable criteria that City may use to evaluate performance. If the City Manager determines, in his or her sole discretion, this Agreement should continue, the Parties agree that the Agreement will renew on its anniversary date for a subsequent two- year term unless either Party gives written notice to the other of its intent to terminate.
This Agreement may be subsequently renewed upon the same basis.
7. TERMINATION.
A. As stated above, either Party may terminate this Agreement at any time with or without cause, upon written or verbal notification. Termination will be effective 30 days after notification.
B. By executing this document, the Parties waive any and all claims for damages that might otherwise arise from early termination under this Section.
8. ASSIGNMENT. Neither party may assign this Agreement or any interest therein.
9. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, all notices or other communications required or permitted by this License or by law to be served on or given to either party to this License by the other party will be in writing and will be deemed served when personally delivered to the party to whom they are directed, or in lieu of the personal service, upon deposit in the United States Mail, certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to Chamber at:
S
imi Valley Chamber of Commerce
Attention: President
40 W. Cochran St., Suite 100
Simi Valley, CA 93065
6
or to City at:
Cit
y of Simi Valley
Attention: Assistant City Manager
2929 Tapo Canyon Road
Simi Valley, CA 93063
E
ither party may change its address for the purpose of this Section by giving written notice of the change to the other party.
10. PARTIES’ REPRESENTATIVES.
A. City Manager, or designee, will administer this Agreement. The City Manager may make all decisions or determinations necessary to facilitate performance pursuant to this Agreement. All such actions by the C ity Manager, or designee, are binding and final.
B. Chamber’s President, or designee, has authority to administer this Agreement. The President will have the ability to act and make all decisions or determinations necessary to facilitate performance pursuant to this Agreement.
11. ACCEPTANCE OF ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES. This Agreement, and any amendment, may be executed with electronic signatures in accordance with Government Code of the State of California §16.5. Such electronic signatures will be treated in all respects as having the same effect as an original signature.
12. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement has been made in and will be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California and exclusive venue for any action involving this Agreement will be in Ventura County.
13. PARTIAL INVALIDITY. Should any provision of this Agreement be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be either invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect, unimpaired by the holding.
14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This instrument, including Exhibit A (Scope of Work), constitutes the sole agreement between City and Chamber respecting the matters set forth above and correctly sets forth the obligations of City and Chamber. This 7
Memorandum of Understanding supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements, memoranda of understanding, contracts, or other arrangements between the Parties concerning the provision of visitor information services, advertising, and collaborative services. Any agreement or representations respecting the issues in this Agreement not expressly set forth in this instrument are void.
15. CONSTRUCTION. The language of each part of this Agreement will be construed simply and according to its fair meaning, and this Agreement will never be construed either for or against either party.
16. AUTHORITY/MODIFICATION. The Parties represent and warrant that all necessary action has been taken by the Parties to authorize the undersigned to execute this Agreement and to engage in the actions described herein. This Agreement may be modified by written agreement. City’s City Manager, or designee, may execute any such amendment on behalf of City.
17. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number or counterparts, each of which will be an original, but all of which together will constitute one instrument executed on the same date.
8
I
N WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this contract the day and year first hereinabove written.
A
ttest: City of Simi Valley, A Municipal Corporation
By:
Lucy Blanco, City Clerk Dee Dee Cavanaugh, Mayor of the City of Simi Valley, California
A
pproved as to Form:
Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce
By:
Algeria R. Ford, City Attorney
P rint Name:
Approved as to Content: Title:
By:
Samantha C. Argabrite, City Manager
P rint Name:
T itle:
9 SCOPE OF WORK
City of Simi Valley and Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce T
his Scope of Work outlines the services, deliverables, and collaborative initiatives to be performed by the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce (“Chamber”) under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Simi Valley (“City”). It supports the mutual goal of promoting tourism, economic development, business support, and community engagement by outlining the Chamber’s obligations and the City’s sponsorship benefits across tourism services, advertising, community events, and outreach programs.
• Diamond Level Sponsorship – Includes all benefits included at this sponsorship tier that are not identified below.
• Sponsor Recognition – The City will be recognized as a sponsor at the following Chamber-hosted events and programs. The following City logo will be included on any Chamber marketing or promotional materials including, but not limited to:
o S
imi Valley Street Fairs (Spring and Fall)
o Bi-Annual Job Fairs (February and August)
o Bi-Monthly E-Waste Collection Events (January, March, May, July, September, November)
o Quarterly Economic Development Meetings, including Manufacturing Roundtable discussions
o Bi-Monthly Chamber Lunch ‘N Learns
o Monthly Legislative Advocacy Forums (4th Wednesday at 8:00 AM) o Monthly Good Morning Simi Valley
o Salute to Excellence
• Tourism Services – The Chamber office will serve as the City’s Visitor Center and connect visitors with appropriate information and services. • Chamber Directory/Visitor Guide – The Chamber will publish, print, and distribute 2,500 copies of the Chamber Directory/Visitor Guide and create an electronic version through Issuu or a similar platform. The Chamber will provide the City with a two-page editorial spread and a full-page ad.
• State of the City - The Chamber will host the event on a mutually agreed-upon date and provide food, staffing, promotion, and logistical support. The City will provide the venue (e.g., Cultural Arts Center) at no cost.
o Chamber will introduce the Mayor/Keynote Speaker and close the program. 10 ATTACHMENT B
o City will include Chamber logo in all event marketing and recognize the Chamber as the event host.
o The Chamber may seek event sponsors to offset costs, with sponsor recognition provided.
• Fa la La La Local Campaign - The Chamber will manage the Fa La La La Local holiday shop local sweepstakes program, or similar shop local program, including marketing and promotions (e.g., drawings). Within 30 days after the campaign is completed, the Chamber will provide a report that includes program participants (name, city of residence, and email address-with consent), names of participating businesses, and the total amount spent at each business.
o Total Amount Spent by business type:
Food and Beverage
Small Retail
Big Box Retail (Costco, Walmart, Target)
Gas
Automotive
Professional Services
Entertainment
• City Membership(s) – Membership benefits include all City divisions, including Simi Valley Police Department, Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, Simi Valley Public Library, Simi Valley Youth Council/Services, and Simi Valley Senior Center. City Council Members will fall under the City’s general membership.
• Salute to Excellence – City to receive a 5-Star Sponsorship, which includes a table of 10 seats and a full-page program ad.
• Simi Valley Spring and Fall Street Fairs (Proposal One) – City to receive up to 15 vendor booth spaces. Additional space will be provided subject to availability. • City EXPO at the Simi Valley Street Fair (Proposal Two)– The City will receive up to 48 vendor booth spaces for the Fall Street Fair and City EXPO. Additional space may be provided based on availability. The City must notify the Chamber at least five months in advance if they plan to host the City EXPO.
• Senior Resource Guide – City to receive one full page ad (4.75” x 7.75” color) and one page write up focused on the Simi Valley Senior Center in two editions per year. • Good Morning Simi Valley – City to receive four breakfast tickets each month and inclusion in the announcement sheet.
o City representative will have the opportunity to provide a City update each month. • Leadership Simi Valley – City to receive two spots for each class (September – May). • Job Fairs – City to receive up to two vendor booth spaces and sponsor recognition at all job fair events hosted by the Chamber.
11 Partnership Cost Breakdown
Tourism Services & Simi Valley Visitor Guide $12,500
State of the City $8,000
Shop Local Program $6,000
Simi Valley Spring Street Fair - 15 Booths $8,000
Simi Valley Fall Street Fair & City EXPO - 48 Booths $18,000 Chamber Membership $5,000
Salute to Excellence $5,000
Leadership Simi Valley $2,500
Good Morning, Simi Valley $2,000
Chamber Job Fairs $2,000
Senior Resource Guides $1,000
TOTAL $70,000.00
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