The Valley Industry Association is gearing up for the third year of its Leadership Program, taking place over seven months and helping business professionals develop their leadership skills. There are still a limited number of spots available for the 2014 program, which starts March 1.

Typically involving 10-15 people, the program features a variety of speakers, from legal and HR experts, to local leaders and more. Topics include ethics, managing meetings and work/life balance. The 2013 program featured a group project focused on team building, personal development and conducting research to help improve how VIA serves its members.

Sue Reynolds, chair of the Valley Industry Association’s 2014 Leadership Program, led a recent brainstorming session of the program’s committee as it prepares for this year’s class.

Past speakers have included John Shaffery, of Poole & Shaffery, and Noelia Rodriguez, of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Planned workshop topics include Project Management, Leading Effective Meetings, Ethics in the Workplace, Communications Skills, Critical Thinking, and Problem Solving. This year, there will also be an emphasis on effectively utilizing social media tools throughout the curriculum.

“The Leadership Program has developed into an excellent, no-cost way for companies to invest in employees they have identified as leaders,” VIA CEO and President Kathy Norris said.

Sue Reynolds, of New Market Careers, is the 2014 program chair, and will be joined by Denise Henderson, of MD Commercial Cleaning.

“The greatest value I received from the Leadership Program was working closely with the other members on our project,” said Terry Mayfield of Landsberg, a graduate of the 2013 program. “That’s why I joined VIA – to meet people.”

Program participants will advance their business acumen while establishing valuable relationships. The program will culminate with a keynote presentation at the November VIA luncheon. Attendees will meet monthly at the VIA offices on the second Tuesday of each month, at 7:15 a.m., with networking and social media “check-in.” Those interested in joining this developmental program should contact Norris at Kathy@via.org or (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.