14 Dec A Conversation with David Honda

A Conversation With:

David Honda

D. S. Honda Construction
Owner

How long have you been volunteering in the community?

I have been volunteering in the community for 36 years.

How long have you been volunteering for The Valley Economic Alliance?

I have been volunteering for The Valley Economic Alliance for over 20 years.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I have been married to my wife Yolanda for 44 years, have two adult children, David Mark and Jennifer Ann (Jacobellis), and three grandkids.

For fun, relaxation and recreation I attend theater, golf, tuna fishing, and networks on new cutting edge technology industries. I have also driven; open wheel Indy Cars, NASCAR Stock Cars, Outlaw Sprint Cars and methanol go-karts. I was recognized as Rookie of the Year at Pacific Coast Racing at Saugus Speedway in 1970 and at the time the only Japanese American driver in the Western U.S.

I have been acknowledged by numerous organizations for my work in business and volunteering, including the Small Businessperson of the Year Award, presented by former California Assemblyman Richard Katz(1988), the Mendenhall Memorial Leadership Award by the Van Nuys Chamber of Commerce(1990), Northeast Valley Health Corp- Community Commitment Award(2003), CK Tseng Leadership Award presented by the Northridge Chamber of Commerce(2008), Fernando Award-The Academy Awards for Volunteerism, Civic Accomplishments and Philanthropy(2009), CSUN Dorothea Heitz Outstanding Leadership Award(2010) as well as a multitude of other recognitions.

What is one of your Passion Projects that you are working on?

One of my passion projects is The Fernando Awards. For the past 58 years, The Fernando Awards has celebrated and honored individuals that have dedicated a lifetime in volunteerism, philanthropy, and civic responsibility, i.e. ordinary people doing extraordinary volunteer work.

Why do you continue to be a member of The Valley Economic Alliance?

I recognize that without business, one does not have an economy. The Alliance brings together government, education, business, and organizations to resolve the key priorities that affect our diverse valley.