The Valley Industry Association is looking forward to the new year with their installation of its 22-member 2016 board of directors at next week’s luncheon.

New to the board this year is Hillary Broadwater of QM Design Group. Also, several longtime board members have been elected to serve another three-year term: Tim Burkhart, of Six Flags Magic Mountain; J.C. Burnett, of Courier-Messenger; Denise Covert, of City of Santa Clarita; Carl Kanowsky, of Kanowsky & Associates; and Greg Wells, of California United Bank. Additionally, there are 16 members continuing their current three-year terms.

“We really have a fantastic board of directors that represents a wide range of industries and specialties,” VIA CEO and President Kathy Norris said. “They each bring to the table passion for VIA’s mission that’s backed up by a drive to continue connecting and benefiting businesses in our community.”

The nonprofit organization will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2016. Representing hundreds of businesses in the SCV, VIA is focused on facilitating and building business-to-business relationships, plus providing resources and advocacy for business-related issues.

Norris said that fostering and building strong business-to-business relationships is at the core of VIA’s mission. In addition to monthly keynote luncheons and quarterly VIA Rocks networking events, the organization’s different committees focus on issues ranging from internet infrastructure to water usage.

Annual programs such as the VIA Leadership Program and VIA Sales Academy provide opportunities for those in business to build and sharpen their skills. Every fall, the Connecting to Success program provides thousands of SCV high school juniors and seniors with a three-session crash course on preparing to successfully enter the workforce.

Also on the agenda for the December luncheon, 2015 board chair Anna Frutos-Sanchez of Southern California Edison will give a parting message and “pass the gavel” to Ed Masterson of SOS Entertainment, appointed the board chair for 2016.

“Anna did a great job leading the board this past year, and we are glad to have her continue sitting on the board in 2016,” Norris said. “I believe Ed will do an equally outstanding job as chair, maintaining the level of passion shown by Anna while bringing his own unique vision to the position.”

Returning to the board for another year in their three-year terms are: Byron Alvarado, The Strategy Partners; Dr. Jerry Buckley, College of the Canyons; Chris Chapleau, Mercury Document Imaging; James Davis, Logix Federal Credit Union; Jeanne Duarte, Storm Water Resources; Laura Kirchhoff, American Diabetes Association; Fred Kreger, American Family Funding; Michael Little, Poole & Shaffery, LLP; Terry Mayfield, Landsberg Packaging; Jill Mellady, Mellady Direct Marketing; Gloria Mercado-Fortine, Global Education Solutions, Inc.; Andrei Nikitin, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Foundation; Henry Rodriguez, Henry Rodriguez State Farm; and Chris Schrage, LBW Insurance & Financial Services. The board will be sworn in by Santa Clarita Mayor Pro Tem Bob Kellar.

Reservations are required for the luncheon. Members who reserve by Dec. 10 pay $45. After Dec. 10, the cost is $50 if seats are still available. The cost for non-members is $65. “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 luncheon starts at 11:45 a.m.

The Valencia Country Club is located at 27330 N. Tourney Road. The luncheon is sponsored by the City of Santa Clarita, LBW Insurance and Financial Services, UCLA Health, Poole and Shaffery, Mellady Direct Marketing, SCVTV, KHTS AM-1220 and Signal Multimedia. Reservations can be made by visiting www.VIA.org/Calendar or calling (661) 294-8088.