The Carpinteria Valley Chamber of Commerce existed as an independent entity supporting local businesses long before our City of Carpinteria incorporated in 1965. The Chamber began to recognize the “Carpinterian of the Year” in 1958 for some outstanding service or act performed by the individual during the prior year. Over time the selection of the honoree shifted more to a body of work by the individual and the difficult process of selecting one Carpinterian from a pool of nominees (submitted by supporters without the knowledge of the potential COY) was begun.

Review of the nominees was and will continue to be performed by an ad hoc committee consisting of members of various service clubs in Carpinteria and community members who do not serve consecutive years and remain anonymous. In the past, the director of the Chamber of Commerce was charged with forming the committee. It has now become the charge and honor of the Carpinteria Community Association to assume the role of hosting the event and forming the ad hoc committee who will ultimately select the Carpinterian of the Year.