Kish Rajan, director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), is set to discuss California’s business climate, during the monthly Valley Industry Association keynote luncheon, Tuesday, June 18, at 11:45 a.m. at the Valencia Country Club.

Rajan’s presentation will focus on the business climate promoted by the state and what his office is doing to promote, attract and retain business in California. A former member of the Walnut Creek City Council, Rajan was appointed to his current position by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2012. He is also a former aide to U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, and spent nearly 15 years in the private sector as a business developer in the field of mobile technology.

GO-Biz was created by the governor to serve as a one-stop contact point for economic development efforts, offering services including attraction, retention and expansion services; permit streamlining; help with regulatory hurdles; small business assistance and international trade development.

“I’m very excited to have Kish as our keynote speaker,” VIA President and CEO Kathy Norris said. “He’s interested in making impacts in communities across the state and talking about things that are still good in California. We really need to hear that.”

Norris said Rajan was invited as a speaker after VIA board member Tim Burkhart met Rajan at a business event in Sacramento.

Reservations are required for the luncheon. Members who reserve by June 6 pay $40, or $45 between June 7 and 13. After June 13, the cost is $50. The cost for non-members is $50. “No shows” or cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will be billed. There is a $10 surcharge for attendees without a reservation. The Valencia Country Club is located at 27330 N. Tourney Road.

Reservations can be made by visiting www.VIA.org/Calendar or by calling the VIA office at (661) 294-8088.

The Valley Industry Association of Santa Clarita represents business interests throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, providing members the opportunity to network and collaborate on a broad range of business issues. More information about VIA is available at www.via.org.