Group Honors 3 Who Aided Area’s Recovery

The San Fernando Valley Business and Professional Assn. will present three Free Enterprise Awards on Thursday to people judged by the group to be committed to economic growth with a minimum amount of government interference. This year the association also focused on candidates who helped the Valley recover economically after the 1994 earthquake.

Recipients of the 1996 awards--to be presented at a banquet at the ITT Sheraton Hotel in Universal City--are County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, developer Robert D. Selleck and auto parts distributor Richard J. DeBlasi.

The association will honor Antonovich for encouraging a pro-growth business environment for the Valley. Selleck, owner of The Selleck Co., will be recognized for his efforts to develop the closed Van Nuys GM plant site that is expected to bring numerous jobs to the Valley.

Also being honored is DeBlasi, the owner of Cal-State Auto Parts Inc., which he built from one small shop in Anaheim into a thriving empire grossing more than $35 million a year with a staff of 137. He moved his operation to the Valley in 1978 and now has stores in Canoga Park and San Diego as well.

For information, call (818) 784-8211.