Ventura Chamber of Commerce Names Cumulus Media VP Sommer Frisk "Shining Star of the Year"

The award, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant, tangible difference in the community, was presented on Thursday, December 11, at the Marriott Ventura Beach during the Chamber’s 28th annual celebration of excellence in business, public service, and education.

A long-time resident of Ojai and a fixture in the local media landscape, Frisk oversees the operations of heritage stations 100.7 KHAY, 95.1 KBBY, KRUZ 103.3, and 106.3 KVYB. While 2025 was a banner year for entertainment—featuring the return of KHAYFEST and major concerts headlined by stars like Justin Moore, Kane Brown, and Ziggy Marley—the Chamber is recognizing Frisk for her "lean in" approach to community service and public safety.

Critical Contributions to Public Safety

Perhaps the most significant, though least visible, achievement of Frisk’s tenure in 2025 was the completion of the Red Mountain Emergency Alert System (EAS) auxiliary antenna project. A nine-year undertaking, this infrastructure project provides critical backup communications for Ventura County. In the event of fires, mudslides, or power shutoffs (PSPS), this system ensures that vital information reaches the public even if primary transmission sites fail.

"It’s not flashy, but it is critical," said Frisk. "Creating a remote communications infrastructure that provides redundancy and reliability ensures that when our community needs information the most, we are there to provide it."

Community Impact

Under Frisk’s leadership, the Cumulus Ventura cluster has supported more than 40 local nonprofit organizations and hundreds of advertisers in 2025 alone. Highlights of her community impact include:

• Supporting Local Nonprofits: Active support for the VCCF Scholarship Program, Rubicon Theatre Company, City Impact’s BeachFront Run, and the United Way Spirit Awards.

• Downtown Revitalization: Partnering to launch the "CA & Main Summer Stomp" and "Movies at the Mission" to boost downtown business.

• KHAYFEST Return: Resurrecting the beloved festival as a 100% locally produced show, with proceeds benefiting FoodShare and Ventura County first responders.

• Veterans Support: Partnering with Vitalant for the Veteran’s Day Blood Drive.

About the Honoree

Sommer Frisk serves as a Mentor Coordinator for BNI’s Network of Champions. She credits her success to her staff, often referring to them as the "#hardestworkingteaminshowbiz."

"My proudest moments of 2025 all circle back to one theme: leaning in to Ventura County," Frisk stated. "From the stage to the streets, we aren’t just working in Ventura; we are helping to shape its future."

For more information on the Poinsettia Awards, visit the Ventura Chamber of Commerce website.