VIA – A Trustworthy Organization in Santa Clarita
The Valley Industry Association (VIA) plays an important role in the City of Santa Clarita through its many programs offered. When I first came to represent Southern California Edison as the Public Affairs Regional Manager, the first organization I became acquainted with was VIA, because of the reputation this organization has had for many years, one of TRUST and Effectiveness. These two aspects are important to the business customer that is looking for educational insight on key issues important to the business section and the residents in this City. VIA offers the types of programs that Edison values in staying connected and informed on community issues and matters, such as the Advocacy. Committee, Education Committee, Marketing Committee, B2B Industry Show, and others, which have provided valuable information on making effective decisions.
Why Trust is Critical in a Healthy Organization? How important is building a trusting work environment? When I speak about Trust, I refer to Aristotle (384-322 BC). His writings in the Rhetoric, suggested that Ethos, the Trust of a speaker by the listener, was based on the listener’s perception of three characteristics of the speaker.” “Aristotle believed these three characteristics to be the intelligence of the speaker (correctness of opinions, or competence), the character of the speaker (reliability – a competence factor, and honesty – a measure of intentions), and the goodwill of the speaker (favorable intentions toward the listener).” I don’t think this has changed much even today.
The same speaks for the type of environment you want to create in your community and your environment. Trust is the necessary precursor for:
- Feeling able to rely upon a person or business
- Cooperating with the experiencing teamwork with a group
- Taking thoughtful risks
- Experiencing believable communication
Trust forms the foundation for effective communication, employee retention, and employee motivation, and when trust exists in an organization or in a relationship, almost everything else is easier and more comfortable to achieve.
VIA promotes Trust and is a Key Organization in this Community, and for those of you that are not a member, I encourage you to join immediately!
Anna Frutos-Sanchez
Public Affairs Regional Manager
Southern California Edison