15 Dec FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Valley Economic Alliance Strengthens Leadership With Installation of Board Members During 29th Annual Meeting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2023
Media Contact:
Sonya Blake
sblake@economicalliance.org
818-379-7000 ext. 106
The Valley Economic Alliance Strengthens Leadership With Installation of Board Members During 29th Annual Meeting
Burbank, California — The Valley Economic Alliance hosted its 29th annual meeting on December 15, 2023 at Woodbury University, convening federal, state and local officials, as well as business leaders from across the San Fernando Valley. California State Senator Caroline Menjivar presided over the election and installation of 12 new board members, along with 73 returning board members.
Opening remarks were delivered by Los Angeles City Councilmember Imelda Padilla, who enthusiastically recognized the tremendous work of The Valley Economic Alliance and reported on the top economic priorities she has outlined for the District she represents.
Senator Menjivar underscored The Alliance’s vital role in shaping the economic trajectory of the San Fernando Valley and commended the commitment of the newly installed and returning board members.
Leaders from The Alliance’s partner cities—Burbank, Calabasas, Glendale, Los Angeles, and San Fernando—presented comprehensive city reports, highlighting their economic development milestones. Notable speakers included:
- Vice Mayor Nick Schultz, City of Burbank
- Mayor Alicia Weintraub, City of Calabasas
- Mayor Daniel Brotman, City of Glendale
- Leila Lee, Office of the Mayor, City of Los Angeles
- Mayor Celeste T. Rodriguez, City of San Fernando
“The Valley Economic Alliance remains committed to our mission of fostering a thriving, sustainable, and equitable economy in the San Fernando Valley,” said Sonya Blake, President and CEO of The Alliance. “This infusion of new leadership alongside the continued dedication of our returning board members positions our organization to build upon the successes of the past and pioneer innovative solutions for the future.”
As part of the event, attendees received 3D printed ornaments from students in the STEM and Youth Institute Program at the Mid Valley Family YMCA. The ornaments, which took an estimated 88 hours of printing and three rolls of filament to complete, showcased exceptional talent within the region and underscored The Alliance’s commitment to bolstering local education and workforce initiatives. Additional gifts were generously provided by Goodwill SoCal, Tierra del Sol, and the YMCA of Metropolitan LA.
Officers for The Valley Economic Alliance’s Board of Directors include Fred Gaines, Chair; Armida Colmenares-Stafford, First Vice Chair; Kathy McIntyre, Secretary; and Thomas Ohlgren, Treasurer. A complete list of Board Members is available at www.thevalley.net.
(Pictured: Newly installed members of The Valley Economic Alliance Board of Directors)
(Pictured: Sonya Blake, President and CEO of The Valley Economic Alliance, with California State Senator Caroline Menjivar)
(Pictured: Sonya Blake, President and CEO of The Valley Economic Alliance, Los Angeles Councilmember Imelda Padilla, and Greg Martayan, Vice President of External Affairs for The Valley Economic Alliance.)
(Pictured: Sonya Blake, President and CEO of The Valley Economic Alliance, San Fernando City Mayor Celeste Rodriguez, and Greg Martayan, Vice President of External Affairs for The Valley Economic Alliance.)
(Pictured: Sonya Blake, President and CEO of The Valley Economic Alliance, the Burbank City Council Delegation, and Greg Martayan, Vice President of External Affairs for The Valley Economic Alliance.)
(Pictured: City of Calabasas Mayor Alicia Weintraub delivers remarks at The Valley Economic Alliance’s 29th Annual Meeting and Board Installation.)
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 covers more than 350 square miles. To learn more about The Valley Economic Alliance, visit www.TheValley.net.
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