Economic Alliance Honors Business, Organizations

Several awards were presented to individuals, businesses and organizations for their service to the Valley during the 13th annual Valley of the Stars Gala put on by the Valley Economic Alliance on June 26 at CBS Studio Center in Studio City. The business honoree this year was presented to Bernards, a San Fernando construction firm whose projects have included the IMAX theaters at Universal Studios, Americana at Brand, California State University Northridge housing, Glendale Memorial Hospital office building and the Calabasas Civic Center and Library. The education honorees this year were the various public college foundations in the San Fernando Valley – California State University Northridge, Glendale Community College, L.A. Mission College, L.A. Valley College and Pierce College. These foundations raise funds for student scholarships and other campus programs and projects. The entertainment honoree was Nancy Cartwright, who is best known as the voice of Bart Simpson on “The Simpsons.” Cartwright is involved in several Valley community activities including the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce where she is a board member, PALS (Police Activities League Supporters), Famous Fone Friends and Make-A-Wish-Foundation. She is also the co-founder of Happy House. The humanitarian award went to The Eisner Foundation, which was started by former Walt Disney CEO Michael Eisner, his wife Jane and their sons. It funds non-profit organizations that aim to improve the lives of underserved children in the region as well as the elderly. A special award was given to Alliance President and CEO Bruce Ackerman for his 10 years of service to the organization.