Firm’s Vegetarian Push Is Winner

Born from the impetus of personal vegetarian beliefs before they were as fashionable as they are today, Earth Island branched out from a small restaurant and café into the food manufacturing business. It has been driving economic growth in the Valley for the past four decades, according to the Valley Economic Alliance. The Chatsworth food manufacturer, Earth Island, was presented with the Economic Engine Award by the Valley Economic Alliance’s Board of Directors Nov. 18. “They [Earth Island] exemplify the kind of thing we’re looking for, a company that is unique, special and goes above and beyond the day to day running of a business,” said Elan Shore, regional manager for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, affiliated with the Valley Economic Alliance. Presented quarterly, the “Economic Engine” award was created to recognize exceptional Valley-based businesses that have contributed significantly to the regional economy, as well as the communities in which they are located, he said. Earth Island, a solar-powered production facility, was opened in 1988 to manufacture a unique line of vegetarian products for the company’s restaurant and café Follow Your Heart in Canoga Park, which opened in 1970. The company expanded operations earlier this year with the purchase of a nearby building, which they now use for shipping and receiving food products. “They’re a long-standing home grown business that’s been in the Valley for almost 40 years. They branched out into manufacturing, and in this difficult economy they actually went and purchased a new building, choosing to remain in Chatsworth, and they have continued to hire people locally,” said Shore. Among Earth Island’s best selling products is Vegenaise, an egg-free, dairy-free sandwich spread, offered at Follow Your Heart Café. It also produces a line of salad dressings and dairy-free cheeses also found in stores such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. The company was founded by entrepreneurial friends Robert Goldberg and Paul Lewin. In addition to Earth Island, the following businesses were nominated for the Economic Engine Award: Bob’s Big Boy in Sun Valley, T. Viole’ Construction Co., Inc., Robert Half International, The Airtel Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, Time Warner Cable, CallSource, The Beverly Garland Holiday Inn, Roberts Tool Company, Unique Image, UltraGlas, Inc., Bob Hope Airport, Verdugo Workforce Investment Board, Glendale Water and Power, Glendale Community College, Porto’s Bakery, Hanson Research Corporation, WET Design, The Method Fest, Westfield Group, Wells Fargo Community Bank of the San Fernando Valley, and The Gelb Group A Family Of Companies.