Valley Light Industries (VLI) has been providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the San Gabriel Valley since 1970. Currently serving over 250 consumers from their administrative offices in Irwindale, VLI offers a variety of social, vocational and volunteer options for adults who need support to be fully included in their community. VLI relocated their offices to Irwindale in 1999 as a means of connecting people who are often shunned by society, and expanded their business proportionately through involvement with the city of Irwindale and its professional support network.
VLI connects with the community on a daily basis by volunteering with the American Red-Cross, local food banks, and the Santa Fe Dam clean up activities. VLI’s CEO is Vice-Chair of Governor Schwarzenegger’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, and is Chair of the “Covina Cares” holiday food Bank. VLI’s CEO is a also member of the Covina Rotary Club, and was named Businesswoman of the Year by the Irwindale Chamber in 2001. VLI has been recognized for innovative best practices in service provision by several professional organizations, including: Accreditation by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). VLI is a member of the CA Disability Services Association, and of the College of Direct Support Advisory Panel. In 2003, Valley Light Industries was named “Outstanding Community Service Provider of the Year” by Senator Mike Antonovich.
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH - June 2008
Rancho Duarte Florist is a family owned business. Gene & Rosi Medrano have been in the flower business for 28 years. They received recognition at the FTD Convention for their 25 year membership and were named Business Persons of the Year by the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce in 2007. They participate in the Duarte Elks, Monrovia Knights of Columbus, and volunteer at their church. Rancho Duarte Florist has been a member of the Irwindale Chamber since 1994, and a Cornerstone Member since 2005 donating beautiful floral centerpieces for event door prizes.
2008 Business of the Month Winners
The business of the year award for 2009 will be chosen from these fine companies. Nominate a business today. Application link is at the end of this page.
January - Athens Services
February - A.J. Longo and Associates
March- L&B Foods (McDonalds)
April- Foothill Transit
May- Maraman and Associates
June- Rancho Duarte Florists
July/August Valley Light Industries
2008 Annual Award Winners
Business of the Year: Miller Brewing Company
Miller Brewing Company has been recognized with the "Joe DiShanni Business of the Year Award". The award is chosen annually based on excellence in business, service to the Chamber and community, initiative and creativity. Miller has been a member of the community since 1966, and is one of the founding members of the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce. They are also a major contributor to the Irwindale community as a platinum sponsor and site host of the Irwindale Educational Foundation BBQ fundraiser every year. Additionally, Miller’s REACH program invests in People, Causes, and Communities, through a variety of local programs and events ranging from Adult Schools to Black History Parades Their greatest accomplishments however occur at the plant, which has been named Brewery of the Year 2 out of the past 5 years. They again received several medals at the World’s Beer Cup for beer brewed at the plant, all while going 3.2 million hours without a lost time accident. Many of the 650 employees are 2nd and 3rd generation from families within the community.
Business Person of the Year: Andrew Elkins, Renaissance Pleasure Faire
Mr Elkins has shown himself to be an effective manager of this wonderful production, which includes 2000 performers on 12 stages and 150 artisans and caterers. Set at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, the faire is built, opened, closed and torn down in a four month window. Andrew also ensures the Faire provides for community enhancements such as reducing the cowbird population (a pest that is endangering other bird species) and graffiti abatement. They are also involved with many charitable organizations such as Cure Autism Now, Make a Wish, Heffer International, and RESCU Foundation. Andrew is an active attendee of events with the Chamber of Commerce and a three year Cornerstone Member.
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Employee of the Year: Elizabeth Rodriguez, City of Irwindale
Elizabeth has been the Building and Safety Technician for just a short time. Her responsibilities include issuing building and grading permits for all construction within the city. Not only has she handled the general responsibilities of the position she created a procedural guide to maintain consistency in the processes. She has created information sheets to clarify the processes which has eliminated confusion between contractors and city personnel. Her coworker commented “I have personally witnessed Elizabeth going the extra mile for developers and residents, saving them quite a bit of both time and money”
Ambassador of the Year: Kimberly Travanty, Vineyard Bank
Kim loves being part of the Chamber. She is a member of the Board of Directors and 2007 Chair of the Ambassador Club. As an ambassador, she shows genuine warmth as she welcomes new members and guests to our events. She is dependable team player, whose friendly manner makes her a pleasure to interact with.