Byline: JULIA M. SCOTT
Staff Writer
UNIVERSAL CITY -- A local business group honored companies and individuals Friday night who have made contributions to the San Fernando Valley.
Councilman Greig Smith received the first-ever Legislator of the Year award at the Valley Industry and Commerce Association's annual gala at the Sheraton Universal Hotel.
'Greig Smith has established himself as a very efficient pro-business voice on the City Council,' VICA President Brendan Huffman said. 'We may not always agree on everything, but we find his door to always be open.'
Smith, whose district includes Chatsworth, Northridge and Canoga Park, was one of three council members to vote against a living-wage ordinance for hotels near LAX.
Smith created a 20-year plan to reduce waste going into the Sunshine Canyon Landfill by increasing recycling. He also wants to generate energy from the landfill.
Other honorees included the Providence Health System for corporate excellence; Carolyn Casavan of West Coast Environmental & Engineering for VICA advocate; Time Warner Cable for entertainment; California United Bank for finance; Sherman Oaks Hospital for health care; Southern California Gas Co. for manufacturer; Thomas Properties Group for real estate; and AmeriTel Inc. for technology.
Former Assembly Speaker Robert Hertzberg and former VICA chairman Fred Gaines emceed.
julia.scott@dailynews.com
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2 photos
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(1) Chief Administrator of Providence Health System Matt Gerlach, whose company received the Robert E. Gibson Award for Corporate Excellence, and L.A. City Councilman Greig Smith, who received the Legislator of the Year award, share the limelight during Friday's annual awards gala of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association.in Universal City.
(2) Past VICA chairman Fred Gaines and former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg keep the laughs and jokes going during the VICA awards gala at the Sheraton Universal Hotel.
Gene Blevins/Staff Photographer
