Several Valley businesspeople and their companies were honored on March 19 by the United Chambers of Commerce at its 33rd Annual Celebrating Business Recognition Dinner. Two entities were given the Chairman’s Award for the vital services they provide in the area. Providence Health & Services was honored for its wide array of health care services in the Valley as it now owns three hospitals Providence Holy Cross in Mission Hills, Providence St. Joseph in Burbank and Providence Tarzana hospital. The Metropolitan Water District was cited for its services that sustain life in the Valley and for the fact that the current drought will make the need for these services even more important. UCC President and CEO Debi Schultze presented the President’s Award to the Southland Regional Association of Realtors whose members Schultze said dedicate themselves tirelessly to community organizations and to support of the business community even as their industry has been experiencing problems. Firefighter Mitch McKnight received the Outstanding Public Safety Official of the Year Award for his volunteerism in the community including disaster preparedness work at the Encino Chamber. L.A. City Councilman Greig Smith’s chief of staff Mitch Englander was named Outstanding Elected Official’s Staff Member because of his work with many community organizations and the resources he provides at Smith’s office. “There’s nothing better than working with the people in this room and fighting for them,” Englander said. Small Business of the Year was Harold Wilson Insurance & Financial Services Inc. Beverly Garland’s Holiday Inn received the Medium Business of the Year and Westfield Topanga and Promenade was named the Large Business of the Year. In addition to creating jobs and tax revenues in the Valley, Westfield contributes to local charities. The recent renovation of Westfield Topanga was cited as creating a regional retail center that benefits a wide area. Joe Vitti of the Granada Hills Chamber was given the Outstanding Business Leader of the Year Award and the Winnetka Chamber’s Marilyn Robinson received the Tami Ginsburg Celebration of Service Award. The keynote speaker was Assemblymember Cameron Smyth who gave a state legislative update.
