North Bay Business Journal

Impact Marin speakers’ presentations posted

To view the presentations given by speakers at the Business Journal’s 2010 Impact Marin Conference on March 11, go to the Resources page. The first panel addressed “The economy, your business and government fiscal crises,” and the second panel presented both sides of the issue “Is Marin Clean Energy right for Marin County?”

SSU conference ‘call to action’ on economy gets response

NORTH BAY – “This is a call to action,” said Dr. William Silver, dean of the School of Business and Economics at Sonoma State University when he opened its annual economic outlook conference Feb. 25.

Pros and cons of the Marin Clean Energy program

There’s been vigorous discussion in recent months over a plan to provide a significant portion of the energy demand for Marin County from renewable sources through a community choice aggregation program called Marin Clean Energy. The Business Journal invited both sides of the Marin Clean Energy debate to present their views here and in more detail at the Impact Marin 2010 conference on March 11.

Marin Clean Energy — pro: Program offers key green benefits

Marin Clean Energy is a Community Choice Aggregation program that is designed to serve Marin’s priorities. It allows electric consumers to choose non-polluting renewable energy, lower Marin’s greenhouse gas emissions, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, foster development of local green power generation and clean technologies and protect Marin homes and businesses from uncertain fuel prices.

Marin Clean Energy — con: Plan carries far too many risks

The financial crisis is forcing Marin residents and businesses to spend less and work more. The regional unemployment rate has doubled in two years to 10 percent. Every day, another Marin family is losing their home to foreclosure.

Economic Outlook Conference presentations available for viewing

NORTH BAY – The slideshow presentations of speakers at yesterday’s Economic Outlook Conference are available on the Resources page of the Business Journal Web site in PDF format.

The event put on by Sonoma State University’s School of Business and Economics in collaboration with the Business Journal focused on a call to action for the North Bay to create a regional economic development corporation to leverage “cooperative competition” in creating industry clusters that will support and sustain job growth.

Behavior, transparency said keys to reducing health costs

SANTA ROSA, NORTH BAY –Employers occupy a vital role in transforming the U.S. health care system, not only as a payer but also with its influence, attendees were told Wednesday at the Business Journal’s annual health care conference.

Conference attendees offer thoughts on reform

Attendees of the 2009 Business Journal Health Care Solutions that Work conference were asked the question: What is the one thing that could be done either in the North Bay or nationally to improve health care?

Energy, GHG initiatives rolling toward North Bay

NORTH BAY, ROHNERT PARK — In a conference featuring the region’s foremost experts in sustainability policy and business at least one theme was made abundantly clear — climate change will force drastic and often difficult change at home and work, much of which will depend on collaboration.
(For copies of the panelists’ PowerPoint presentations, click on the Resources tab at the top of this page.)

Keynote Speaker: Sheila Murray Bethel pioneered speaking on leadership

Sheila Murray Bethel, Ph.D.
Chairwoman,Bethel Institute
155 Las Juntas Way,Walnut Creek 94597
800-548-8001
www.bethelinstitute.com
Having emigrated to the U.S. from Croatia, the parents of Sheila Murray Bethel instilled in their daughter a fascination with leaders, encouraging her to learn about the country she was born into. Together they studied American presidents and lived the example of leadership in their community, [...]