CSU’s 2012 Business Day Focuses on Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability and Ethics April 3
Colorado State University’s College of Business 2012 Business Day will take place on Tuesday, April 3, and will feature renowned business professionals, including keynote speaker Chris Gardner. Speakers will discuss topics related to this year’s theme, “Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability and Ethics.”
Gardner will deliver the keynote address from noon to 1 p.m. in the Lory Student Center Main Ballroom. Gardner is the owner and chief executive officer of Gardner Rich LLC, a highly successful financial brokerage firm. He was the inspiration for the 2006 hit movie, “The Pursuit of Happyness.” Gardner has conquered grave challenges to become a successful entrepreneur. He is a passionate philanthropist whose work has been recognized by many esteemed organizations.
During his presentation, Gardner will provide insights on the keys to overcoming obstacles, breaking cycles, avoiding the easy way out of a difficult situation and present his personal story on how he went from homelessness to being CEO of a hugely successful company.
A book signing for Gardner will be held in the Duhesa Lounge immediately following his presentation. Colorado State University Bookstore will be selling a limited supply of Gardner’s book. The public is encouraged to bring books for signing.
This year’s event celebrates the 34th year that Colorado State University has hosted Business Day, a day dedicated to offering the community valuable insight and access to some of the nation’s leading business minds. The entire community is encouraged to attend and participate.
CSU’s 2012 Business Day panel of speakers ranges from local business influencers to world-renowned professionals.
A full list of Business Day presenters follows. All events will take place in the Lory Student Center on Colorado State University’s campus.
Tricia Lemmer, community outreach for Otterbox, will speak from 10 -11 a.m. in Lory Student Center Room 228. Lemmer has a strong background in marketing and public relations, which provides alignment of business principles with philanthropic goals. Her skills have helped her focus on leveraging strategic processes to achieve greater impact and success for Otterbox.
Gary Dixon, president of Foundation for a Better Life, will speak from 11 a.m.–noon in the Lory Student Center Main Ballroom. Dixon emphasizes the non-profit organization’s public service campaigns and how they highlight positive behavioral values such as honesty, caring, optimism, hard work and helping others through the use of powerful outlets and encouraging audiences to pass on core values.
Sonya Soutus, senior vice president of Public Affairs and Communications for Coca-Cola Refreshments, will speak from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the Lory Student Center Main Ballroom. Soutus is responsible for media relations, brand and marketing public relations, government relations, internal and executive communications, stakeholder relations, sustainability communications, issues management and community relations across seven United States regions and Canada. She will discuss key ideas and initiatives related to women’s empowerment, environmental sustainability and healthy, active living at her company including activities in Colorado and at CSU.
"We want Business Day to be a fun event that inspires students and community members by hosting speakers that our audience can relate to and leave the day feeling inspired to impact the business world in their own way,” said Business Day chair Morgan Kozin.
Since 1979, Colorado State University’s Business Day has encouraged the community to attend in order to gain valuable business knowledge from some of the nation’s leading professionals as well as demonstrate how business topics relate to all fields of study.
Business Day is sponsored by the College of Business Dean’s Student Leadership Council, Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative and Associated Students of Colorado State University. This day-long event is open to the public and is free of charge.
For more information on Business Day, visit www.biz.colostate.edu/newsEvents/Pages/eventDetails/BusinessDay12.aspx or contact Morgan Kozin at mkozin@rams.colostate.edu.
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