Sierra Business Council to host 11th Annual Conference
The Next Gold Rush: Linking Sierra Assets to the New Economy

Conference Date: October 21-22, 2005

The Sierra Business Council (SBC), a nonprofit organization working toward generating social, financial, and environmental well-being in the Sierra region, is hosting its 11th Annual Conference. The 2005 conference will be held at the beautiful Kautz Ironstone Vineyards in historic Murphys, California. SBC's annual conferences draw hundreds of business entrepreneurs, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and decision-makers from communities throughout the Sierra Nevada and beyond.

Keynote speakers include Hunter Lovins, president and founder of Natural Capital Solutions and co-author of Natural Capitalism; Michel Gelobter, executive director of Redefining Progress and co-author of The Soul of Environmentalism; and Kevin Starr, California's legendary historian and author of the six-volume series Americans and the California Dream. Lee Stetson's world-renowned performance of John Muir will close the conference at the Black Bart Playhouse in downtown Murphys. Other highlights include the presenting of SBC' Vision 2020 awards on Friday evening and vineyard tours and tastings.

Joanne Neft, SBC conference attendee for the past five years, looks forward to the exposure to new insights and valuable partnership opportunities in the Sierra region. "The networks and partnerships that come out of the Sierra Business Council conferences consistently improve the way we live, conduct business, and protect the character of Sierra communities and the environment. This year we have the opportunity to build those networks to learn and think about the new Sierra Nevada Conservancy."

The conference will address 3 major topics through its track outline. The first focuses on Sustainable Business and Development Practices. National and regional experts, consultants, and innovators will present a wide range of valuable conceptual and practical information on sustainability. The Sierra Business Council believes that vibrant communities, a healthy environment, and a strong economy are critical components of a sustainable Sierra. This conference track will provide participants the concepts, tools, and networks to lead the way in envisioning and transitioning to the new economy, where these goals are not only compatible but also complementary.

The second track will be on the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which has been described as the first California state agency with a mandate for sustainability. This track of the conference will bring together leaders in the community and from outside the region to envision new program areas and begin a discussion about specific projects to stimulate investment in the Sierra-Cascade region. Working sessions are designed to identify new coalitions and partnerships for program success, assemble a network of community organizations to work on conservancy planning, and identify potential conservancy project areas.

The third track of the conference concentrates on Arts, Agricultural, and Heritage Tourism. Cultural tourism is a growing trend diversifying the economies of the Sierra Nevada. The Sierra Business Council will bring together farm and ranch producers from 22 counties, over 18 arts council representatives, performing and visual artists, and historic preservationists from the Sierra-Cascade region to shape a comprehensive strategy for promoting cultural tourism opportunities. Jane Eckert, a national leader in the agritourism industry, will be on hand to lead and facilitate the participants through the sessions.

The ideas and partnerships generated at SBC’s annual conferences continue to catalyze improvements in social, natural, and financial health of Sierra communities. Please join us to learn, plan for the future, and enjoy autumn in the historic town of Murphys October 21-22. For complete conference details, go to: http://sbcouncil.org/conference05.htm or call (530)582-4800.

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