Don Fleming, general manager of Valencia Acura and co-chairman of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, was honored by the Santa Clarita City Council on Jan. 23 as a founding member of the corporation and for his contributions to the community.

Earlier this month, Fleming was named Chair Emeritus for the SCVEDC. Roger Seaver, CEO of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, was appointed to replace Fleming as co-chair of the organization and will serve with fellow co-chair Calvin Hedman of Hedman Partners.

Kris Hough, the district representative for California State Senator Scott Wilk, also presented a resolution from Wilk and State Assemblyman Dante Acosta. Rosalind Wayman, field deputy for Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, presented a certificate to Fleming at a SCVEDC board meeting previously.

“Don has demonstrated tremendous leadership of SCVEDC, playing key roles in its formation to serving as co-chair since 2011,” said Holly Schroeder, president and CEO of the organization. “We are pleased to name him Chair Emeritus and look forward to his continued involvement with SCVEDC.”

“To have a city with a balanced budget, a rainy-day fund, an AAA bond rating, and one of the lowest crime rates of any city its size in the country, is worth fighting for,” said Fleming in his remarks after receiving a certificate of recognition from Mayor Laurene Weste.

“My congratulations to the City Council and to the Mayor for all the things you’ve done to make this a great city,” Fleming said. “Cheri (Fleming) and I appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts.”

The SCVEDC continues its mission of fostering a growth-friendly environment and unifying the region’s approach to economic development, according to its website. It strives to support the creation of high paying jobs for the valley’s trained workforce, stimulate economic activities that grow the regional tax base, and strategically position the Santa Clarita Valley and its businesses to better compete in the global economy.

Photo above: Don Fleming and Santa Clarita City Council, Jan. 23, 2018 (from left): Councilman Bill Miranda, Councilman Cameron Smyth, Cheri Fleming, Don Fleming, Mayor Laurene Weste, Mayor Pro Tem Marsha McLean, and Councilman Bob Kellar. | Photo: Point of View Communications