Michelle presenting award to Thomas

There was much excitement and applause at the 55th Annual Business Achievement Luncheon held at the Grand Vista Hotel as Michelle Bennett, Chair of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Team, presented the award of Ambassador of the Year to Thomas J. Hartfield.

Hartfield, founder and president of Hartfield Financial & Insurance Services, Inc., was surprised, said Bennett. "He is very involved in our community and an active volunteer, has attended every breakfast meeting and almost every ribbon cutting."

Bennett, Chair of the Ambassadors added, "Tom deserves it! What a great job he has done as an Ambassador. He has set a great example for future Ambassadors to follow. His hard work, dedication and support is very much appreciated"

As I listed to Michelle speak of the recipients accomplishments, I started thinking of how close it resembled some of the things I do and I started to get a little nervous and excited and then when she said my name, I was totally surprised.

Hartfield, a native of Simi Valley, has operated his financial services and insurance planning practice in Simi Valley since 1991 and is involved in a number of community activities. He serves as an Ambassador to the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of the Simi Valley Boys and Girls Club, Director for Grace Brethren Youth Sports, Member of the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee and a 2007 Graduate of Leadership Simi Valley.

"Many of my fellow Ambassadors give their time graciously and I am honored to have been selected and presented the award. I have really tried to follow their lead and look up to them for showing me how to give back to other business owners. I feel the award belongs to all Ambassadors as every one of them is deserving of it," said Hartfield.

According to Leigh Nixon, President and CEO of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, Ambassadors are local business owners who donate their time towards other business owners and assist them with their membership and serve as the welcoming arm of the Chamber as well as assist with Membership Recruitment, Retention, Marketing, Greeting, Welcoming New Businesses through Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies, Assistance with Special Events and Business to Business involvement.

"Thomas is well deserving of the award as he attends all of the ribbon cuttings for new businesses and is a valuable member of our official welcoming committee" said past Ambassador Chair and newly elected Board Member Tom Saulnier.

I enjoy volunteering with the Chamber and have met a great number of friends and am able to give back. What I mean is after spending many years in the corporate world, owning my own business has afforded me the luxury to give back to the community that has welcomed me and my family. Time is extremely challenging these days for families and I have the opportunity to attend my children's functions and thru my practice, I am fortunate enough to be able to help families with their finances as well as show them how to save for their own retirement and that of their children's education. On the weekends you will find me at either a soccer game in the fall or a baseball game in the spring coaching our community's youth. I really enjoy getting involved and it is simply a way for me to share my time and talent to help others grow.

Thomas is married to his wife Lisa of 13 years and they have two children, Brandon 12 and Erica 5.

About Hartfield Financial & Insurance Services, Inc.

HFIS is an Independent Financial and Insurance Planning firm helping Individual Investors and Small Business Owners with Retirement and Tax Strategies, Qualified Plans; 401k, 403b and IRA, 529 College Savings Plans, Stocks and Mutual Funds, and Insurance Planning: Life Insurance, Health, Long-Term Care and Disability Insurance Plans. Thomas J. Hartfield, hands-on proactive Financial Advisor with 15 years experience. "Helping Families Preserve Their Wealth".