MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Southern California Edison

The following is based on an interview with VIA member Anna Frutos-Sanchez, local public affairs region manager for Southern California Edison.

How long has your company been a VIA member?

Southern California Edison has been a member of VIA since the organization’s inception and a representative has served on the VIA board for many years.

How long have you personally been involved in the organization and in what capacity/ capacities?

I have personally been involved with VIA as a board member for the past four years. After serving a number of cities in the San Gabriel Region, I transferred to Santa Clarita in 2006 where I reside. I was installed to VIA’s board in 2007 and continue to serve in this capacity. I also participate on the Government Affairs committee, Transportation committee, Advocacy committee, and the speaker luncheons comprised of educational forums on new developments, new technologies and updates pertinent to the SCV.

Why do you feel it’s important for your company to be a member of VIA?

VIA is a key organization in the Santa Clarita Valley that serves as a vehicle in promoting many educational programs that benefit the community, businesses, industrial sector, and SCE. The B2B Industry Show has served as an excellent opportunity to bring SCE programs and services to the local community, such as showcasing Edison’s Mobil Energy Unit/Display that features commercial technologies and provides information on rebates. Edison is also able to share programs and services that benefit our residents and underserved communities, including CARE (California Alternate Rate for Energy) that gives a 20 percent discount to qualifying customers, Medical Baseline, Summer Discount Program, and other discounts that help reduce energy costs.

How has VIA helped you or your business?

VIA’s Government Affairs committee has been an excellent source for staying current on legislative updates that can have great impact on business. The committee also serves as a means for Edison to share or discuss legislation that can have impact on the utility.

If you were to describe a value proposition for VIA, how would you define it?

I encourage new members to become involved with VIA and benefit from the many programs offered, especially networking opportunities, which has proven to be a means of meeting other key community business people who offer the services that we may be looking for and are located here in our own backyard.

Where do you see VIA headed in the future?

Education is key to VIA, as it is to Edison. Last year, we secured a $25,000 grant from Edison for VIA’s “Connecting to Success Program.” Over 2,800 students from seven high schools participated in this program.

To be considered for a future VIA member spotlight, contact Kathy Norris at (661) 294-8088 or email kathy@via.org.