VICA WILL HONOR SMALL BUSINESSES.

Byline: Daily News

WOODLAND HILLS - And the winner is ... small businesses.

In the past, the San Fernando Valley was dominated by large conglomerates ruled by boards of directors and faceless corporations. But as time has passed, upstart smaller firms have popped up left and right, according to Fred Gaines, executive vice chairman of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association. To recognize this, VICA is accepting nominations for its first Excellence in Business awards.

``Over the years, VICA has shifted, just like the Valley has,'' said Gaines, who is serving as chairman of the awards. ``We find that more and more of our companies are small, entrepreneurial firms and startup companies. We want to include the new wave of business here.''

To praise these firms' contributions to the Valley economy, VICA will throw a June 7 bash that spokeswoman Laurie Golden predicts will mirror that of another popular awards show.

``This is not going to be an everyday awards ceremony - it's modeled after the Academy Awards,'' she said. ``It's going to be spectacular. No one at VICA will know who the recipients will be until that night.''

To maintain the cloak of secrecy, VICA will submit all finalist nominations to auditing firm Grant Thornton LLP, which will determine the winners announced at the ceremony.

Categories include startup entrepreneurial company, not-for-profit organization, small business, VICA member company and executive of the year. Nomination applications are available at VICA's offices at 20121 Ventura Blvd. or online at www.vica.com.