UNIVERSAL CITY -- A local business group honored companies andindividuals Friday night who have made contributions to the SanFernando Valley.
Councilman Greig Smith received the first-ever Legislator of theYear award at the Valley Industry and Commerce Association's annualgala at the Sheraton Universal Hotel.
'Greig Smith has established himself as a very efficient pro-business voice on the City Council,' VICA President Brendan Huffmansaid. 'We may not always agree on everything, but we find his doorto always be open.'
Smith, whose district includes Chatsworth, Northridge and CanogaPark, 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 theSunshine Canyon Landfill by increasing recycling. He also wants togenerate energy from the landfill.
Other honorees included the Providence Health System forcorporate 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 healthcare; Southern California Gas Co. for manufacturer; ThomasProperties Group for real estate; and AmeriTel Inc. for technology.
Former Assembly Speaker Robert Hertzberg and former VICA chairmanFred Gaines emceed.
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