Blog Post: VICA Announces Inductees for the 2nd Annual San Fernando Valley Business Hall of Fame

"VICA is looking forward to continuing the tradition that was started last year, by honoring five outstanding inductees who have significantly contributed to the Valley’s culture and economy," said VICA Chair Greg Lippe. “The San Fernando Valley Business Hall of Fame is VICA’s way of thanking those who have helped mold the Valley into a community that we can take pride in today.”

Beverly Garland’s Holiday Inn is a 255-room resort-style hotel located in North Hollywood. The hotel was built by actress Beverly Garland’s husband, Filmore Crank, in 1972. Following Crank’s death in 1999, Garland increased her devotion and involvement with the hotel. Located on seven tree-covered acres, Beverly Garland’s Holiday Inn recently completed a two-million dollar update that included redecorating, new carpeting and a fitness center.

The first Gelson’s Market was opened in Burbank in 1951, after the Gelson brothers (Bernard and Eugene) moved from Iowa to California. Their advertisement announcing the grand opening of Gelson's promised customers the best quality products and services that a store could provide. Headquartered in Encino, the Gelson's Markets chain is recognized among the nation's premier supermarkets.

Pierce College is a public, two-year college situated on 427 acres in Woodland Hills in the San Fernando Valley. Pierce has a diverse student population of approximately 25,000 students enrolled each semester. Founded in 1947 as an agricultural school, Pierce is now a leader in college transfer programs and career training in fields from automotive to nursing and veterinary science.

Spectrolab is the world's largest manufacturer of photovoltaic solar cells and solar panels and a leader in solar cell innovation. Spectrolab products have powered satellites and contributed to the on-orbit success of numerous commercial, national security and civil space missions for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Sylmar, Spectrolab is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company and employs approximately 453 people.

Ritchie Valens was a rock and roll pioneer and a forefather of the Chicano rock movement. His career was short-lived, but is remembered for several hits, including La Bamba. Valens’ blossoming career was cut short by the February 3, 1959 plane crash that also claimed the lives of Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper. One of the first rock and roll stars to come out of the San Fernando Valley, Valens was born in Pacoima and attended Pacoima Junior High School.

The inductees will be recognized at VICA’s Business Hall of Fame Dinner on June 18 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, 333 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City. For more information call, 818.817.0545 or visit www.vica.com to download a registration form.

The 2009 inductees join inaugural inductees: Bob’s Big Boy, Daily News of Los Angeles, Bob Hope Airport, The Voit Companies and William Mulholland. The San Fernando Valley Business Hall of Fame was created by VICA in 2008 to recognize significant contributions to the Valley community. Inductees include individuals, businesses and other community organizations that have been responsible for the continued success, economic vitality and culture of the San Fernando Valley.