Valley Business Group Gets a New Chairman

Securing and strengthening business opportunities and growth for the Valley will be the goal of the new chairman of the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn. (VICA).

Steven W. Lew, who was elected the association’s new chairman Friday at the group’s 47th annual meeting at the Warner Center Marriott, said he has every reason to believe he will be successful in meeting this challenge when he begins his two-year term on Jan. 1.

“An excellent job will be done, because VICA is a very strong organization that has strong leadership and membership,” said Lew, who is now vice president of Universal Studios.

Lew told the gathering on Friday that he will accomplish his goal by forging strong working alliances with other regional advocacy groups; improving communications with local, state and federal legislators on issues of progressive policy, and strengthening and streamlining the organization’s infrastructure to be more effective for members, responsive and responsible in meeting tasks.

The mission of VICA, founded in 1949 as a nonprofit and nonpartisan business advocacy organization, is to encourage the economic vitality and growth of the Valley and to define, advocate and promote the agenda of the area’s business community. Lew said he plans to continue “the excellent tradition that VICA has established.”