EDITORIAL : BUILDING TOWARD THE FUTURE ECONOMIC ALLIANCE HELPS BRING THE VALLEY TOGETHER.

THE Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley has created an excellent opportunity to bring the educational system, businesses and the public together to build a better Valley to the 21st century.

Under a plan announced Thursday, the alliance will raise $7.5 million to promote the region's image and assist with job training in entertainment, technology, tourism, health care and manufacturing because each is in a position for major expansion.

To kick off the campaign, the Daily News has donated $100,000 and pledged $400,000 more over the following four years.

David Fleming, chairman of the group, noted that the fund raising is the centerpiece of larger plan to bring together the business leaders of the Valley to help better define the Valley as an economic force.

Born out of adversity, the alliance has embarked on a path for positive change. ``We believe the Economic Alliance will play a significant role in the next few years in helping to retain and attract business to the Valley area, to create job opportunities and to train our children with the skills they need to take advantage of those opportunities,'' said Larry T. Beasley, president, CEO and publisher of the Daily News.

Formed in 1994 to revitalize the region's economy following the Northridge Earthquake, the alliance was created by the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, the Valley Economic Development Center, the United Chambers of Commerce and the Small Manufacturers Association. Its goals are ambitious - work force preparedness, industry retention and expansion, business forums, government relationship and small-business assistance.

True leadership is home grown, home owned and home operated. The Valley does not depend on Sacramento or downtown Los Angeles to set its goals, define its dreams and provide a blueprint to build the future.

In other words, our destiny lies within our selves, not with our stars. And groups such as Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley are showing that the Valley's future depends on this kind of cooperation.