Celebrating the diversity and accomplishments of its members, the Valley Industry Association is recognizing the contributions of its members, officials announced this week.

Nominations were announced for the Valley Industry Association’s 2016 VIA Awards, which will be presented at the VIA BASH gala Oct. 28, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Valencia.

Each year, VIA celebrates the diversity and accomplishments of its members. Awards are given to those individuals and members of distinction deserving in one of three categories. Winners will be announced at the Oct. 28, 2016 gala, which marks VIA’s 35th anniversary.

The Connie Worden-Roberts Volunteer of the Year Award

This is an individual affiliated with VIA and is a member in good standing for a minimum of two years and has demonstrated strong support of the organization through committee involvement or chairmanship, member recruitment, fundraising and/or the creation of increased visibility for the organization. This member will have been an active member of one or more VIA Committees for no less than two years, and have made major volunteer contributions to the organization.

The nominees:

— Hillary Broadwater, QM Design Group

— John Fortman, LBW Insurance & Financial Services

— Carl Kanowsky, Kanowsky & Associates

— Laura Kirchhoff, American Diabetes Association

— Jill Mellady, Mellady Direct Marketing

— Teresa Todd, Point of View Communications

VIA Rising Star Award

A VIA member for no less than 12 months, this company will have shown substantial new growth and visibility through the development and launch of a new product or service, significant increases in job creation and/or building expansion.

The nominees are:

— 25Score

— American Diabetes Association

— Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology

— Point of View Communications

— Salt Creek Grille

VIA Business of the Year Award

This cornerstone VIA member business will have been affiliated with VIA for no less than five years and demonstrated consistent support not only for the organization but to the business community and the Santa Clarita Valley as a whole.

The nominees are:

— College of the Canyons

— Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

— LBW Insurance & Financial Services

— Magazine of Santa Clarita/Elite Magazine

— Poole & Shaffery, LLP

— William S. Hart Union High School District

For more information, contact the VIA office at admin@via.org or phone (661) 294-8088.

ABOUT THE VALLEY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (VIA)

The Valley Industry Association of Santa Clarita represents business interests throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. VIA provides its members – industrial, commercial and service companies – the opportunity to collaborate on a broad range of business issues. In addition to being a legislative advocate, VIA serves as a one-stop shop for relevant business information, supports local educational initiatives, and provides networking opportunities.  www.via.org

This information has been provided to KHTS AM-1220 through a VIA press release