VICA honors area business concerns
In black tie and ball gowns, business leaders saluted hard work, long hours and people who speak their minds on Thursday night. At the annual Valley Industry and Commerce Association gala, entrepreneurs and employers came together at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City for a night off after many long ones working. The 57-year-old business group feted firms ranging from a mall to a bank, hosting more than 300 members. In a departure from its past practice, the organization chose to honor businesses across the city rather than limiting itself to Valley companies. As such, Playa Vista won the award for real estate leadership and Cerrell Inc. took home the prize for advocacy. “We’re very excited that Steve Soboroff is going to be here, the CEO of Bobrick (Washroom Equipment Inc.), that Joe Cerrell is going to be here,” said Brendan Huffman, VICA’s president. “Some of the top CEOS in L.A. see this as an important thing and we’re proud to be honoring them.” 818-713-3738160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MORE11 theater productions to see in Southern California this week, Dec. 27-Jan. 2The 100-year-old, North Hollywood-based Bobrick, which makes towel dispensers and toilet partitions, earned recognition in the manufacturing category, joining the Sherman Oaks Galleria (retail), Clay Lacy Aviation (transportation), L.A. Inc. (tourism) and Los Angeles Valley College (education). Jerry Otchis, Bobrick’s vice president of finance and a VICA board member, said the award served as vindication of its efforts to change the state’s historically challenging business climate. “It’s certainly an honor,” he said. “It’s difficult to compete here, but we feel a loyalty to our employees to stay here. It’s nice to get recognition for that.” The California State University, Northridge, Performing Arts Center (entertainment), Telesis Community Credit Union (finance), CalNet Technology Group (technology) all earned awards, along with Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center. The hospital’s affiliation with the business group goes back more than a decade, with the two working on issues that included health care reform. “We see ourselves as a hospital, but also as a resource to the entire community,” said Dale Surowitz, the hospital’s chief executive officer. “We don’t want to just participate, we want to be an involved partner.” brent.hopkins@dailynews.com 
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