Columbia Business School and Net Impact anticipate an impressive turnout over 1,000 MBA student and professionals at the 12th Annual Net Impact Conference "Business Leaders Building a Better World" on November 11-14, 2004 in New York City. The conference, will attract an international audience, includes numerous CEOs and thought leaders addressing the value and implementation of social responsibility initiatives. The annual conference promises to showcase speakers representing a wide range of industries and disciplines in dozens of interactive workshops and panels. Attendees will also have abundant opportunities to network with professionals from around the world. The conference's location in the "City That Never Sleeps" allows participants to explore New York City and visit companies, such as Greyston Bakery, which will be presenting at the conference. 

Scheduled speakers include: 

  • Keynote Address: Orin Smith, President and CEO of Starbucks Corporation 
  • Keynote Address: Julius Walls, Jr., CEO, Greyston Bakery and Vice President, Enterprise and Jobs Development at Greyston Foundation 
  • CEO Roundtable Discussion: – Gary Erickson, CEO of Clif Bar – Jeffrey Hollender, CEO of Seventh Generation and author of "What Matters Most" – Thomas M. Chappell, CEO & Co-Founder of Tom's of Maine and President of The Saltwater Institute 

This year's conference will feature more than 40 breakout sessions and interactive panels focusing on Social Funding and Financing, Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainable Solutions, Globalization and Emerging Markets, Social Entrepreneurship, as well as Challenges and Innovation in Nonprofit Management and Community Development. Networking opportunities at this year's conference include breakout sessions, interest group dinners, and cocktail receptions. The 12th Annual Net Impact Conference is generously sponsored by Starbucks Corporation, Booz Allen Hamilton, The Kauffman Foundation, Herman Miller, and The Coca-Cola Company. 

Each year, MBA students and professionals attend the Net Impact Conference to foster a network of future business leaders committed to addressing social issues such as economic inequality and environmental degradation through progressive business practices. Net Impact and Columbia Business School expect an outstanding event. Net Impact is a global network of 9,000 MBAs and professionals committed to using the power of business to create a better world. Net Impact boasts more than 100 chapters and offers a portfolio of programs to help members broaden their business education, refine their leadership skills, and pursue their professional goals, all while building their network. The annual Net Impact Conference allows members to learn and interact with business leaders representing the full range of progressive business practices, from corporate responsibility to social entrepreneurship. www.net-impact.org. 

Columbia Business School is proud to host the 12th Annual Net Impact Conference in the business and cultural capital of the world, New York City. Columbia thrives on the energy of its diverse faculty and student body committed to building a better business world. Columbia's Net Impact chapter, the Social Enterprise Club, empowers and inspires students to create social value in private and public enterprises through a variety of educational and networking opportunities. www.gsb.columbia.edu. For more information, please contact: Maria Graham (212) 854-2747 mag177columbia.edu