Earvin “Magic” Johnson, an American icon and NBA legend, will keynote the Valley Industry Association’s luncheon address at the 2012 Business-to-Business Industry Show on Thursday, March 1, at the Hyatt Regency Valencia, located at 24500 Town Center Drive in Valencia. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting to follow for the Exhibit Hall, which opens at 1:00 p.m. and continues until 7:30 p.m. A VIP Reception will take place on the exhibit floor from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

“VIA has earned an outstanding reputation throughout the business community for the caliber of its luncheon speakers,” said VIA CEO/President Kathy Norris. “We are honored to welcome Mr. Johnson to address attendees at next year’s Industry Show luncheon.”

Known worldwide for his talent on the basketball court, Johnson has an equally impressive career off the court. The two-time Hall of Famer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, motivational speaker and business mogul has successfully parlayed his skills and tenacity on the court into the business world.

As chairman and chief executive officer of Magic Johnson Enterprises, Johnson has helped launch major business initiatives focused on revitalizing ethnically diverse urban communities by bringing brand-name businesses into them. He has been voted number one among organizations and individuals in representing the urban community, and is the celebrity most able to influence minority consumer purchasing.

Founded in 1987, MJE provides high quality products and services that focus primarily on ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities through strategic alliances, investments, consulting and endorsements. The conglomerate is comprised of multiple business entities and partnerships that include three capital management funds, with over $4 billion dollars in developed real estate and $2 billion dollars in committed capital, SodexoMAGIC, Magic Airport Holdings, 24 Hour Fitness Magic Sports Centers, T.G.I.F. Fridays Restaurant, Best Buy, and the recently acquired Vibe Holdings, LLC. Johnson will serve as chairman of the multi-cultural media company that houses the Vibe, Uptown, and Soul Train brands.

He is most noted for his unprecedented Starbucks partnership, which served as the catalyst for redevelopment in urban communities and became the blueprint for corporate America’s engagement and success with urban consumers. In 2010, Johnson divested his Starbucks and Los Angeles Lakers shares for over $100 million dollars; however, he continues to assist Starbucks with their community development initiatives and remains vice president of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Johnson also serves as chairman and founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, where his commitment to transform urban America is continued through HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention programs, Community Empowerment Centers, and the Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program. Approaching their 20th anniversary, the Foundation has become one of the most recognizable philanthropic organizations around the world.

Magic Johnson recently formed a partnership with Tim Lieweke of AEG, working together in an effort to build a new stadium and bring an NFL team back to Los Angeles .

“I am so excited we can bring Mr. J’s story of building a successful business in his community to Santa Clarita,” said DeLynne Ano, president of SCAPE Inc. and chairwoman of VIA’s B2B committee. “His message aligns so perfectly with VIA’s mission of connecting and building SCV industry.”

VIA’s annual event is Santa Clarita’s largest business-to-business industry show. Each year, hundreds of business owners, senior executives, purchasing agents, human resource managers, government officials and other decision makers visit the show to connect with local sources.

Organizers expect to draw a large attendance through the exhibit hall, which showcases 44 local businesses in a professional setting. Admission to the exhibit hall is $20 per attendee and includes access to the VIP Reception. Tickets available online or at the door.

Keynote title sponsor is RL Environmental, Inc. and joined by keynote sponsor Bayless Engineering & Manufacturing. Supporting sponsors for the 2012 B2B Industry Show include Southern California Edison, the City of Santa Clarita, The Signal, Santa Clarita Valley Business Journal, San Fernando Valley Business Journal, American Business Machines, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SOS Entertainment, M.D. Commercial Cleaning, Gameday Sports Grille & Bar and Child and Family Center.

ABOUT THE VALLEY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

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.  For info visit www.via.org .