Business Journal celebrates 10th year with event.

The San Fernando Valley Business Journal celebrated its 10th Anniversary at a reception held June 14 at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills.

Over 500 people attended the event including Councilwoman Wendy Greuel.

The 10 Years of Business Excellence event was led by Master of Ceremonies Lee Kanon Alpert, managing partner of law firm Alpert & Ban'.

"Our celebration is about 10 years of publishing, an opportunity to document our progress. We owe our longevity to the people in the room," Business Journal Publisher Pegi Matsuda said in her opening remarks.

The founding publisher of the Valley newspaper and current publisher of the Los Angeles Business Journal, Matt Toledo, said that when the decision was made to cover the Valley in a separate publication, he knew the Valley had "its own unique business community" separate from Los Angeles. The Valley which covers 300 square miles with 70,000 companies and over 700,000 workers, "had all the essentials" to sustain its own business journal, said Toledo.

The ceremony included remarks from Jason Schaff, Business Journal editor and Don St. Clair, Vice President of Woodbury University.

A new video produced by Randy Witt Productions, reviewed the ins and outs of the Business Journal, interviewing staff and featuring members of the Valley business community.

The newspaper honored 30 companies that contributed greatly to the growth of the local economy over the last 10 years and a Businessperson of the Decade at the ceremony.

Companies honored were in the real estate, hospitality, technology, retail, automotive and transportation, banking, healthcare, law, accounting, and manufacturing industries.

Companies were recognized for their visible local presence, high competence, their sustained profitability and longevity.

In response to the award to his company, Clifford Goldstein, Managing Partner of real estate developer, J.H. Snyder said: "As a network of community developers we appreciate that we are recognized for our work."

Accepting the award on behalf of healthcare organization, Facey Medical Group, Dr. Frederick Russo said: "It is an honor that the SFVBJ has given recognition to all our physicians, allied health professionals and support staff that have worked tirelessly in the San Fernando Valley."

The Businessperson of the Decade Award Recipient was Bert Boeckmann, owner and president of Galpin Motors.

"We were looking for a business person with local and global impact ..." said Matsuda on the decision to give the award to Boeckmann.

Recognized for his popularity, devotion to his family, employees and friends, Boeckmann started working at Galpin in 1953 selling cars. In 1957, Boeckmann was promoted to general manager and in 1964, he became the CEO. In 1968, Boeckmann became the owner.

Boeckmann was also cited for having sat with two generations of Bushes, former President Ronald Reagan and former President Gerald Ford.

Galpin is the No. 1 Ford dealership in the world with 1,100 employees selling 1,000 cars a month.

Boeckmann, who accepted the award with his wife, Jane Boeckmann who is publisher and editor in chief of Valley Magazine, recognized his family who was present.

In a reflection of his life and work Boeckmann said: "You know, I enjoy work and I enjoy play."

BY VANESSA HERMAN

Staff Reporter