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Ackerman, chairman of the Community Redevelopment Agency board of commissioners, died today of cancer. He had been president and CEO of the Valley Economic Alliance since 2000.
* Statement from Mayor Villaraigosa: After the jump.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, Bruce Ackerman. Bruce loved the City of Los Angeles and made incredible strides throughout the City – and particularly in the Valley – to boost business development and improve the local economy.When I appointed him to the Board of the CRA, I knew he would yield plentiful and positive results and that is exactly what he did. He spurred several successful public-private partnerships and helped to
increase revenues.A wise and creative businessman and manager, Bruce spread his knowledge throughout the business community and helped shed light on business organizations' most complicated managerial and financial problems.
His accomplishments and innovative ideas will continue to benefit the people of Los Angeles and in particular, his cherished community in the Valley, for years to come.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He will be missed.