College of the Canyons Wins VIA Business Award
The Valley Industry Association recognized the college for leadership and community involvement at its annual gala.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Business — General
The Valley Industry Association named College of the Canyons its 2026 Business of the Year, presenting the award at VIA Bash 2026: Boots & Bowties -- The Cowboy Ball on Friday, Nov. 6. The honor recognizes leadership, community involvement, and commitment to strengthening the Santa Clarita Valley business community.
Why it matters
The award highlights the college's role in workforce development, including its Connecting to Success program and small business and employee training services. It also comes as VIA prepares for a leadership transition, with longtime CEO Kathy Norris pending retirement.
Connecting to Success has served more than 40,000 students since its launch, bringing high school juniors to the Valencia campus for career development sessions. VIA CEO Kathy Norris has led the association for more than 30 years, and her retirement date has not been announced.
The players
College of the Canyons
A public community college in Santa Clarita, California, that serves as a regional hub for higher education, workforce training, and small business support.
Valley Industry Association (VIA)
A business association serving the Santa Clarita Valley that promotes economic development and convenes local employers and organizations.
Kathy Norris
The longtime CEO of the Valley Industry Association, who has been the face of the organization for more than 30 years.
The details
College of the Canyons was selected for the honor, which VIA gives to organizations demonstrating leadership and community engagement. The college hosts VIA's Connecting to Success program, and provides consulting through its Small Business Development Center and low-cost customized training through its Employee Training Institute.
Timeline
Friday, Nov. 6, 2026: College of the Canyons receives the Business of the Year Award at VIA Bash 2026: Boots & Bowties -- The Cowboy Ball.
Pending: Kathy Norris's retirement as VIA CEO, with no date announced.
Community Pipeline
The award recognizes College of the Canyons' role as host of VIA's Connecting to Success program, which has served more than 40,000 students since launch. The honor reflects the partnership's ongoing contribution to the Santa Clarita Valley workforce pipeline.
Residents seeking career development can access Connecting to Success, which brings high school juniors to the Valencia campus for career sessions. Local small businesses and employers can also use College of the Canyons' consulting and low-cost training services.
The takeaway
Local employers and students can benefit from the workforce programs that College of the Canyons and VIA offer together. Checking with the Small Business Development Center or Employee Training Institute is a practical first step for businesses seeking support.
Further reading
Explore more local developments in Business — General across the Santa Clarita Valley.
