In 1902, Aurora-based manufacturers sparked a conversation with other industrialists looking to address issues important to business owners and operators.  That SPARK ignited the creation of what we now know as Valley Industrial Association.

Spark Awards celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of member companies in the areas of Culture, Innovation, Operational Excellence, Safety, Social Responsibility and Workforce Development.  These achievements are measured by our Benchmarking for Excellence Survey tool found at www.viaspark.org 

Benchmarking for Excellence Survey serves two purposes: 
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1. ​Each set of criteria shows Best Practices* on the topic. Companies can see what they could work on next by looking at any unchecked items.  It is both a benchmarking tool and a road map.  And it's available year-round!  Share your path to excellence with your team and revisit as necessary.  
   
2. In the Fall, the Survey becomes the Application for our annual Spark Awards. Applying for the Awards is not mandatory.  You can Benchmark your company throughout the year and are not required to apply to utilize the survey tool.      BUT If you would like to apply  It's as simple as clicking on "Submit to Judges" when ready.(Annual contest period runs October through December.) 

This data helps VIA understand the needs of our members. Your company's results will remain private, and are only shared if you are a finalist (Top 3), and with your permission. The results of the surveys are compiled, and the Association is then able to utilize the data to focus on the critical areas for education throughout the next year.  Any member company, who completes the survey for ALL 6 Categories will receive a report that shows where their company falls within the group of respondents. 
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*Best Practices are determined by our Benchmarking for Excellence Committee of peers and subject-matter-experts within our VIA community. 

View the Survey Questions

​Sample Benchmarking Result Reports 

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