The Valley Economic Alliance on Saturday night recognized a long-time Valley corporation, a 125-year-old university and a classic television show for their contributions to the San Fernando Valley. The awards were presented at the Alliance’s annual gala at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in North Hollywood. The Walt Disney Company was honored for not only its successful products known throughout the world but its charitable giving, volunteerism and environmental stewardship. Woodbury University, which was founded in downtown Los Angeles in 1884 and moved to Burbank in 1987, was honored for helping Southern California become a center of business, creativity and innovation by meeting its educational needs. The former NBC 1960s television series “Laugh-In” received the Alliance’s entertainment award for its groundbreaking role in TV history. The show’s producer, director and writer George Schlatter, picked up the award and was preceded in his speech by a comic routine from show regular Jo Anne Worley and remarks from Gary Owens, another cast member. The evening’s festivities were emceed by television icon and Valley supporter Bob Eubanks. Jason Schaff
