Make a Difference with élite Magazine – Dec2015/Jan2016

Intelligent.  Ambitious.  Confident.  Passionate.  Brave.  Dedicated.  These are words I believe describe not only the pageant title holder on our cover but also all the remarkable women recognized in our second annual Ultimate Ladies In Business Awards, as well as Zonta’s Tribute Honoree, Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook.  These are women who inspire others to live their dreams and work—hard, move forward and truly make a difference.
In the words of Mary Kay Ash, who founded Mary Kay Cosmetics: “If you think you can, you can.  And if you think you can’t, you’re right.”  She stressed the importance of recognizing the accomplishments of others by encouraging and rewarding them.  Taking her lead, that is what we aim to do in this issue of élite Magazine.  Thank you to all who voted and continue to support élite Magazine’s Ultimate Awards, recognizing the outstanding individuals and businesses in our community.
élite Magazine is where you go to read about people making a difference or inspiring others.  Just take a look at our CloseUps, shining light on a disabled adolescent athlete, an inventor and a few others.  And don’t forget to check out the Dynamic Couple article, featuring John Musella and Ivan Volschenk, as well as our Looking Back article on Jack and Doreen Shine!
December and January are good months to throw out the old and bring in the new, as they say.  So, in this issue we decided a little Before-and-After home feature would be a fun way to show off the talents of our advertisers and possibly motivate you to finally get to that home improvement project started.  Plus, who doesn’t love a good home flip?
If you want your company to be the one to watch in the SCV, then you need to be a part of our Eye on Business section.  This continues to highlight smart entrepreneurs growing their business, longstanding companies still going strong or brand new businesses leading the way.  Santa Clarita Valley continues to foster a growth-friendly business environment, and we at élite Magazine take pride in being able to highlight of those businesses. You can also follow the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation as they continue to attract new businesses to our area.
élite Magazine editor, Kirsten Quinn and I had the pleasure of sitting in on one of iCue’s Wine Studies class, instructed by DiMaggio Washington at College of the Canyons.  What an incredible program they have developed, allowing COC students to get their wine certification and assisting them with job placement.  This is a must-read story!
So as you turn the last page, keep on being great and inspiring others Santa Clarita friends!
I’ll be watching for you!
Amanda Benson 

Comments