FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: LA Pioneer in Economic Mobility Receives Award at 25th Annual Valley of the Stars Gala

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 6, 2023

Media Contact:
Sonya Blake
sblake@economicalliance.org
818-379-7000 ext. 106

LA Pioneer in Economic Mobility Receives Award at 

25th Annual Valley of the Stars Gala

Sherman Oaks, California– Bill Allen, the inaugural president of The Valley Economic Alliance and recently retired president and CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, will receive the Legacy Award at The Valley Economic Alliance (The Alliance) 25th Annual Valley of the Stars Awards Gala presented by Mission Valley Bank April 13, 2023 5:30-8:30 p.m. (PST) at The Odyssey located at 15600 Odyssey Dr. in Granada Hills, CA. 

The Legacy Award is given to an individual who has dedicated years of service and generosity to supporting the economic vitality of the Valley.

“It has been an honor to be associated with The Alliance since its inception,” said Allen. “Having created the Valley of the Stars Gala in 1998, I’m thrilled to see it still going strong 25 years later, and I look forward to seeing the Valley community come out in force on April 13 to celebrate my fellow honorees and support the work of this critically important organization.”

Bill Allen retired in January 2023 after 17 years as President and CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). During his tenure, Allen transformed the organization’s mission and programs, establishing partnerships with key public and private stakeholders to advance a more robust, equitable, sustainable and resilient economy for LA. From 1996-2000 Allen served as the first CEO of The Valley Economic Alliance establishing the organization’s framework for what it is today. Bill Allen has devoted his life’s work to civic leadership creating a more inclusive and equitable economy for the Valley region.

Over the years, Valley of the Stars has recognized and celebrated exemplary businesses, people, and organizations who positively impact and contribute to the economic vitality of the Valley with icons like Bob Hope, Dick Clark, Betty White, and Sally Field.

This annual fundraiser generates critical funds that support regional business assistance and workforce development programs. These programs are vital for ensuring a strong local economy, and are responsible for attracting new businesses, driving tourism and improving the quality of life of the people of our region.

“Bill exemplifies someone who has brought economic vitality to the region as he has dedicated his life to helping others succeed,” said Sonya Blake, CEO and president of The Alliance. “This award is an exciting milestone in Bill’s involvement with The Alliance and a meaningful turning point in his long and impactful community leadership.”

The 25th Annual Valley of the Stars Awards Gala is made possible through generous sponsors, who help to further the mission of The Valley Economic Alliance. Mission Valley Bank is the Luminary Sponsor for the event. Primestor and CMTC are Trailblazer Sponsors. Game Changer sponsors include City of Burbank, City of Glendale, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Bill & Marie Allen, SRAR, MAXIMUS, and Century Housing. The Influencer sponsors are Aszkenazy Development Inc., Athens Services, City National Bank. Childcare Resource Center, City of Calabasas, Comcast NBCUniversal, Gaines & Stacey, LLP, City National Bank, Express Employment Professionals, Goodwill Southern California, Home Again Los Angeles, Kaiser Permanente, Lewis Roca, LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, PCL Construction, SoCalGas, Pacific Federal, LLC, Los Angeles Valley College, Los Angeles Mission College, Los Angeles Pierce College, Los Angeles Valley College Foundation, Presencia & Poder, UCLA Health and Van Nuys Airport. Leadership sponsors are Los Angeles Rams, Insperity, Turner & Townsend Heery, and California State University Northridge. Ambiance Sponsors Tierra del Sol and Mike’s Roofing and Building will provide music. On Board – Business & Community Consulting and Galpin Motors will provide flowers. Sponsors Tracy and Randall Hernandez and Concierge Autoworks will provide dessert. REALM Entertainment will provide wine. US Bank and Los Angeles Regional Consortium are award sponsors.

Tickets for the general public are on sale. For sponsorship opportunities, visit TheValley.net/events,or call (818) 379-7000 for additional details.      

The Valley Economic Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of business, government, education, and community leaders. Our mission is to engage and unite Valley stakeholders to raise standards of living and economic vitality across the San Fernando Valley, a five-city region encompassing Burbank, Calabasas, Glendale, Los Angeles, and San Fernando. This region consists of more than 1.9 million residents, over 160,000 businesses and covering more than 350 square miles. To learn more about The Valley Economic Alliance, visit TheValley.net.  

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04-06-2023 LA Pioneer in Economic Mobility Receives Award