VICA Installs New Board, Chairwoman

Members of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association approved the business advocacy group’s 2018 board of directors, including new Chairwoman Lisa Gritzner, on Friday during its annual lunch meeting. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me to be the woman wearing the pumps that fill the wingtips that have blazed this trail before me,” said Gritzner, founder of communications firm LG Strategies. “I am so proud to take this leadership mantel and will try to lead from a position of strength.” More than 200 VICA members and guests turned out for the event, which took place at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills. In addition to electing its board, the association also presented awards for community service and corporate leadership. Ross Pendergraft, senior vice president of employee benefits at Leavitt Insurance Services, received the Harmon Ballin Community Service Award, while Child360 Director of Business Development Matthew Swearman was recognized with the President’s Award. The Robert E. Gibson Corporate Award of Excellence went to Bobrick Washroom Equipment Inc., a supplier of bathroom accessories based in North Hollywood.