News

(Portland, Ore.) October 22, 2009— The third-annual International Conference on Business & Sustainability presents “Regenerate”: two days of discussions, interactive case study sessions, and networking for those seeking ideas for sustainability-focused inspiration and implementation in their organizations.

The conference is presented by the Center for Global Leadership in Sustainability at Portland State University’s School of Business Administration, and will be held November 5-6, 2009, in Portland, Ore.

The 2009 International Conference on Business & Sustainability features a compelling array of for-profit and non-profit organization leaders and entrepreneurs:
•    Mark Brodeur, Director of Sustainability, North America, Nestle Purina PetCare Company;
•    Ron Corbin, National Logistics Manager, Toyota Corporation;
•    Victor d’Allant, Executive Director, Social Edge (a program of the Skoll Foundation);
•    Matt Flannery, CEO and Founder, Kiva Microfunds;
•    Meredith Lopuch, Deputy Director, Sustainable Seafood Initiative, World Wildlife Fund;
•    Stephanie Ryan, Community Development, B Corporation;
•    Richard Seireeni, Author, The Gort Cloud;
•    Candace Taylor, Director, Corporate Strategy and Sustainability, Wal-Mart.

In addition, this year’s conference kicks off the inaugural Conversations That Matter: Well-Being and the Economy. The first installment takes place Thursday, November 5, 7-9 p.m., at The Governor Hotel’s Grand Ballroom and features: Mark Anielski, author of The Economics of Happiness: Building Genuine Wealth and David Korten, author of Agenda for a New Economy: From Phantom Wealth to Real Wealth. Oregon state economist and PSU professor Tom Potiowsky will moderate. (Tickets are included with conference registration but are also available separately for this event. More information: sba.pdx.edu/conversations.)

Conference sessions for professionals and academics begin Thursday, November 5 at The Governor Hotel (614 S.W. 11th Ave.) with registration and breakfast, followed by a full day of speakers and workshops. On Friday, November 6th, the conference resumes at PSU’s Native American Student and Community Center (710 S.W. Jackson St.) with a dynamic keynote breakfast and continues with academic paper presentations, functional area-oriented sustainability teaching workshops and speakers.

The conference cost is $225; student and academic discounts are available. The fee includes breakfast, lunch and breaks on both days, including a Thursday night wine reception at The Governor Hotel. In addition, the fee includes admission to the launch of the Conversations That Matter speaker series with David Korten and Mark Anielski.

A complete conference schedule, registration information, and more is available at www.sba.pdx.edu/sustainabilityconference09. Tickets for the conference are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/73683.

This year’s conference sponsors include Boeing, Intel, Energy Trust of Oregon and Sustainable Industries.

Members of the media interested in attending the conference or the Conversations That Matter series should contact David Santen (503-725-8765, santend@pdx.edu).

The Center for Global Leadership in Sustainability
The Center for Global Leadership in Sustainability at Portland State University provides education and training for students and community members on how business can address modern social challenges. The center builds on the School of Business Administration’s recognized international leadership in sustainability-related curricula and research. For more information visit www.sba.pdx.edu/CGLS/.

Sustainability at Portland State University
Portland State University faculty engage in leading-edge research and teaching on issues critical to the Pacific Northwest and beyond, including sustainable urban communities, climate change, ecosystem services, and renewable energy. PSU’s 49-acre campus creates a vibrant and urban living laboratory for best practices in green building and conservation, right in the heart of the nation’s most sustainable city. In 2008, PSU received a ten-year, $25 million challenge grant from the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, in support of research, teaching, and partnerships in sustainability. The grant is administered by PSU's Center for Sustainable Processes and Practices.

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For Immediate Release (#09-043)

By:
David Santen, Office of University Communications
Portland State University
santend@pdx.edu | 503-725-8765

Source:
Elizabeth Whalen, Center for Global Leadership in Sustainability
School of Business Administration
Portland State University
ewhalen@pdx.edu