(openPR) - Los Angeles, May 13, 2011 - Journalist, talk show host, actor, producer, novelist and philanthropist Rolonda Watts will host JVS’ 14th Strictly Business L.A. luncheon on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The luncheon will highlight the impact of non-profit JVS’ crucial free job programs and honor the leaders in the community who have stepped up to help. California Secretary of Labor Marty Morgenstern will be the keynote speaker and will address labor issues in the state.

Ms Watts said, “I’m honored to be hosting this important event that draws attention to the need of vital services that help unemployed Angelenos get back to work in order to support their families and the community.”

This year, which also marks the 80th Anniversary of JVS Los Angeles, the agency will honor Larry Miller, President and CEO of Sit ‘n Sleep with the Corporate Leadership Award and Carl Terzian, Chairman of Carl Terzian Associates, with the Corporate Partnership Award.

Matt Toledo, Publisher and CEO of the Los Angeles Business Journal, will serve as the Honorary Chair for the luncheon, along with KABC TalkRadio Host Peter Tilden. JVS’ Strictly Business L.A. is one of the city’s premiere networking events and attracts hundreds of Los Angeles’ top business leaders and policymakers.

The JVS’ 14th Strictly Business L.A. luncheon will begin at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. For more information contact Randy H. Lapin at (323) 761-8598 or rlapin@jvsla.org or visit www.jvsla.org.

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About Rolonda Watts
Rolonda Watts is the President and CEO of her own Watts Works Productions Company and an Emmy and Cable Ace Award-nominated journalist. She is also an accomplished producer, actor, novelist and voice-over talent. A committed philanthropist, holding an honorary doctorate for her humanitarian work, Rolonda currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Little Black Pearl Workshop Arts School in Chicago and the Tom Joyner Scholarship Foundation. She has served on the Board of Directors for Literacy Volunteers of New York City, the Board of Advisors for the Rahway State Prison Lifers Group and the Board of Advisors for the United Negro College Fund. For her humanitarian work, she has been honored by The Spelman College Alumna Association and the McDonald's Corporation as a "A Broadcast Legend." She holds a Masters degree from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism and lives in Los Angeles.

About JVS
Since its founding in 1931, JVS has enhanced the lives of hundreds of thousands of job seekers with vital employment and career services. Each year, JVS helps nearly 30,000 people from over 30 sites around the Southland. A non-profit, non-sectarian organization, JVS works to ensure everyone has access to the help they need, including long term unemployed, at-risk students, those transitioning from welfare to work and people with disabilities. Visit www.jvsla.org for more information. You can also find JVS on Facebook at JVS Los Angeles or follow us on twitter @JVSlosangeles.

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