Chamber Announces 2015 Citizen of the Year

The Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce announced Patricia Korzec as its 2015 Citizen of the Year at its recent monthly Wake-Up Moreno Valley meeting. Korzec will be recognized on Friday, Jan. 23 at the Chamber's Annual Installation and Awards Banquet. Korzec, Executive Director of the March Field Air Museum, has lived in Moreno Valley for the past 10 years. During that time she has worked both professionally and as a volunteer to raise the profile of Moreno Valley in the local and national arenas. She has grown the March Field Air Museum from a small local institution to a nationally-recognized air museum. The museum became accredited by the American Alliance of Museums which honor is given to only a small percentage of American museums. As one of the original members of the Moreno Valley Arts Commission, Korzec served as its first chairman for three years from 2007 through 2011. During her tenure, the Arts Commission created Artoberfest (to showcase the artistic talents of Moreno Valley citizens), Art in Public Spaces (local artists to showcase their work in City Hall chambers) and The Launch Pad (an annual writers symposium). Korzec visits Moreno Valley schools and local service groups in costume to present lively talks about Amelia Earhart and Betsy Ross. She is also committed to helping younger artists develop their talents. Over the years many young people have brought their work to show her. The Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce would like to acknowledge all those who were nominated and thank them for their significant contribution to the growth and development of Moreno Valley. 2015 Citizen of the Year nominees include Iddo Benzeevi, Laurie Crouse, Shor Denny, Colonel Russell Muncy and Rosa Penaloza.