Van Nuys : Business Leaders, Company Honored

Four individuals and one business were recognized as San Fernando Valley leaders at the annual United Chambers of Commerce awards dinner at the Airtel Plaza Hotel in Van Nuys that was held to spotlight outstanding community involvement, it was announced Wednesday.

Sandy Miller, now an executive with Browning Ferris Industries and once an aide to former state Sen. David A. Roberti, was lauded for her efforts to bring Valley business leaders together through the state Senate’s Small Business Advisory Commission.

Assemblywoman Paula L. Boland (R-Granada Hills) was cited for her role in sponsoring legislation that would ease the breakup of the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Named small-business owner of the year was Nancy McMillan of Lewis Books in Reseda. McMillan has worked in the Reseda Merchants Assn., uniting businesses and homeowners.

For his role as executive director of the Sepulveda/Van Nuys Blvd. Business Watch, Philip “Flip” Smith was named medium-sized business owner of the year. Smith owns Flip’s Tires in Van Nuys.

Encino’s Adray’s Discount Department Store was given the Large Business Award--for staff involvement in community events and for efforts to assist earthquake recovery.

Also at the dinner, Gary Thomas of Chatsworth assumed the presidency of the United Chambers of Commerce, which includes 21 Valley chambers. He succeeds Jerry Curry of Woodland Hills.