VIA hosts Industry Show to foster connections, growth.

By Lyle Wohlfarth

Local businesses struggling through the current economic malaise will get a chance to gain some momentum again at the Valley Industrial Association’s (VIA) Business-to-Business (B2B) Industry Show, which opens to the public Thursday.

Local businesses struggling through the current economic malaise will get a chance to gain some momentum again at the Valley Industrial Association’s (VIA) Business-to-Business (B2B) Industry Show, which opens to the public Thursday.

Citing the need for local businesses to reduce costs and interact effectively, especially in times of economic downturn, VIA brought back B2B in hopes of fostering connections between local business, government, educational, and other organizations. Such interaction can help to reduce pollution and shipping costs, improve customer service, and grow the local community by stimulating the flow of money locally.

Tonight’s invitation-only CEO Reception will see executives mingling on the exhibition floor amidst food, wine, and live entertainment, but tomorrow VIA members will really get down to business during the Supplier Showcase from 8 AM to 4 PM, displaying their products for the perusal of other local firms.

Away from the main exhibition floor, a group of decision makers from 20 large firms will invite some VIA members to give 15 minute presentations in the Backstage Connections area. Time slots are also set aside for 45 minute presentations before a more general audience in the Seminar Theatre.

Local firms and organizations are invited to attend the exhibition at 26081 Avenue Hall in Valencia. Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information, visit www.via.org.