Philip "Flip" Smith, 61

The San Fernando Valley Business Journal reports that business owner and community volunteer Philip “Flip” Smith died June 23 following a short illness. He was 61.

Smith was long-time owner of Flip’s Tire Center and Flip’s Performance Concepts on Sepulveda Boulevard in Van Nuys.

In the 90s, Smith led a successful effort to clean-up Van Nuys and was a pioneer in community empowerment.

Smith twice served as chairman of the Mid-Valley Chamber, now known as the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce.

He also participated in organizations such as the Mid Valley Community Police Council and the Community Police Advisory Board, Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley, Rotary Club of Van Nuys, the Van Nuys Airport Citizens Advisory Committee, and the board of directors of the Northridge Hospital Medical Center.