Keynote speakers at this year's conference are Rob Westberg, director of facilities at Amgen and Sharon Dwyer, economic and workforce development project manager for the Ventura County Community Collect District.
Westberg will talk on how and why Amgen has embraced sustainability practices and the expected return on investment. He will discuss the lessons Amgen has learned as it strives to become more sustainable and how these lessons can be beneficial to all businesses regardless of size.
Dwyer will focus her keynote address on new business and job opportunities and the types of skills needed to be successful in an increasingly sustainable business environment. She will discuss the workforce training and development that is needed to ensure employees maximize a business's sustainability efforts.
Also speaking will be Bill Camarillo, VCEDA board chairperson and CEO of Agromin, one of California's largest manufacturers of soil products made from renewable organic material. Rounding out the morning will be panel discussions in which local business people share their experiences of incorporating sustainable practices within their companies.
"Businesses are at a crossroads today," says Bill Buratto, VCEDA president and CEO. "They must constantly innovate to stay competitive. The old ways of running a business are often no longer effective. Being sustainable is really just another way for businesses to become more efficient and profitable for the long term."
The 2011 BOC title sponsors are Amgen and Ventura County Community College District. Other sponsors include Aera Energy LLC, Express Employment Professionals, California Lutheran University, Global Energy & Technology, Inc., SOHO Prospecting, AT&T, Herald Printing and Pacific Coast Business Times.
The cost to attend the conference is $125 per person for VCEDA members ($150 for nonmembers). Breakfast is included. For registration information, go to www.vceda.org or call 805-676-1332.
# # #
About VCEDA
Established in 1949 and recognized as the premier business voice of Ventura County, VCEDA gives members an opportunity to interact with Ventura County’s civic, corporate, small business and government leaders. VCEDA’s mission is to advocate for policies, legislation and programs that stimulate and contribute to business growth, a vital local economy and a vibrant quality of life. For more information, call 805-676-1332 or visit http://www.vceda.org.
