Three hundred people from the local business community packed the Hyatt Valencia on Thursday for the 2012 Santa Clarita Valley Leadership Awards.

It was an impressive turnout for a first-ever event, hosted by the SCV Chamber of Commerce, Valley Industry Association, SCV Economic Development Corp. and the Magazine of Santa Clarita.

Awards went to local companies, nonprofits and business leaders in 11 categories ranging from minority- or woman-owned business to community spirit. Some individual categories had as many as 30 nominees.

“The Santa Clarita Valley Leadership Awards were envisioned as a community-driven salute to the leaders who make the SCV tick,” organizers said. “Our community is fortunate that so many outstanding individuals and organizations call this place home, and it would not be the same without those people who provide leadership, whether it’s in commerce or community service.”

Awards were presented as follows:

Minority/Woman Owned Business Award

WINNER: Audiology Associates

Presenter: Kathy Norris, Valley Industry Association

This award recognizes established companies that demonstrate exemplary business performance. Typically, candidates would have been in business for four or more years.

Nonprofit Leadership

WINNER: Child & Family Center

Presenter: Linda Hafizi, Magazine of Santa Clarita

This award is presented to a nonprofit organization based on its ability to meet fundraising goals and expenses, and deliver excellent products or services to its clients. Both staff and board are included in the evaluation.

Small Business (1-50 employees)

WINNER: Reape-Rickett Law Firm

Presenter: Oscar Dominguez, Union Bank

This award is presented to a business owner with 1-50 employees who uses sound financial, operational, staffing and customer service principles.

Medium Business (51-200 employees)

WINNER: Chiquita Canyon Landfill

Presenter: Guido Keijzers, Del West Engineering

This award is presented to a business owner with 51-200 employees who uses sound financial, operational, staffing and customer service principles.

Large Business (201+ employees)

WINNER: Boston Scientific

Presenter: Rod Smith, Bayless Engineering

This award is presented to a business owner with more than 200 employees who uses sound financial, operational, staffing and customer service principles.

Entrepreneurial Success

WINNER: Unruh Spine Center

Presenter: Linda Hafizi, Magazine of Santa Clarita

This award is presented to a business that started small by SBA standards, and developed into a larger and highly successful enterprise.

Rising Star

CO-WINNER: Project Kindle

CO-WINNER: Shelley Hann Presents

Presenter: Terri Crain, Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce

This award is presented to a new or established business that has significantly increased its economic impact over the past year. Typical measurements would include job creation, sales, capital investment and building expansion.

Best Community Spirit

WINNER: Salt Creek Grille

Presenter: Bob Kellar, Santa Clarita Mayor Pro-tem

This award is presented to a company with a philosophy of getting involved and giving back to the community, as shown through employee volunteerism, financial support and participation in civic and nonprofit events and activities.

Innovation of Product or Service

WINNER: Del West Engineering

Presenter: Jonas Peterson, SCV Economic Development Corp.

This award is presented to a business that has developed an innovative product or service that isn’t found elsewhere, or is the first of its kind in it is field.

Family-Owned Business

WINNER: Copper Eagle Patrol & Security

Presenter: Diana Vose, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Foundation

This award is presented to a California-based business with a history of family ownership and intentions of passing ownership to the next generation.

Business Leadership

WINNER: Tamara Gurney, Mission Valley Bank

Presenter: Jonas Peterson, SCV Economic Development Corp.

This award is presented to an executive-level business person (e.g., president or CEO). Candidates typically would have 20 or more years of business experience, 50 or more employees, and manage a large budget for a company that has been in business 15 years or longer.

Award sponsors for the event included the city of Santa Clarita, Del West Engineering, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, Bayless Engineering and Union Bank. Additional sponsors included Fast Frame, Margolis West Graphics, SOS Entertainment, SD Creative Services, AM-1220 KHTS and SCVTV.