CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison stands with Darrell Brown of U.S. Bank (left) and VICA Chairman David Adelman as she displays the university’s award during the sixth annual San Fernando Valley Business Hall of Fame event.

California State University, Northridge has been named one of five inductees into the 2013 San Fernando Valley Business Hall of Fame, the commemorative forum maintained by the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA).

Representatives of the four other inductees joined CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison in accepting and celebrating receipt of the award during the sixth annual SFV hall of fame event held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in June. More than 300 Valley business leaders were in attendance.

“Cal State Northridge is honored to join Sound City Studios, Tierra Del Sol Foundation, Valley Presbyterian Hospital and Four ’N 20 Restaurants as an inductee to VICA’s San Fernando Valley Business Hall of Fame,” Harrison said during remarks at the awards dinner. “This honor comes at a perfect time in the history of CSUN with the university in a very upward trajectory. We have increased our levels of donations and extramural funding, and last month we graduated 9,963 students—and that number is expected to rise next year. We have become a first-choice destination for many outstanding, high-quality students.”

CSUN’s role expands outward, as well. “We are a university that is committed to reflecting and serving the needs of our community,” Harrison said. “So I encourage all of you to visit the campus and utilize the university as the resource it is, and will continue to be, for the San Fernando Valley and the greater Los Angeles region as a whole.”

The San Fernando Valley Business Hall of Fame originated in 2008 to commemorate the rich history of the area and provide VICA with an opportunity to formally thank its members—ranging from individuals and small businesses to large firms and public organizations—that contribute to a vibrant and diverse business region. There are currently 380 VICA members.

“VICA is an influential and well-respected business-advocacy organization in Southern California,” said Francesca Vega, CSUN’s director of government and community relations. “Maintaining its knowledge of the legislative process and economic issues of the Valley and beyond, as well as its relationships with public officials, VICA helps maintain the business climate and quality of life in the region.”

CSUN contributes to the Valley through its business affiliations, excellent academic programs that are relevant for the region and ever-growing graduation rates, producing outstanding alumni. Annual spending related to CSUN ($562.3 million) generates a total impact of $954 million on the regional economy, and more than $982 million on the statewide economy.

“The core of any business is the workforce, and CSUN is training 36,000 future members of the workforce at any given time,” said VICA President Stuart Waldman. “CSUN has strong ties with the Valley’s business community as it partners with hundreds of businesses in the region, including many VICA members, for internships and hiring opportunities.”