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This year's conference will focus on the ways sustainability acts as a new and profitable business model, changing the face of our region's urban environments.
The keynote speaker is John Picard, one of the leading thinkers and builders of sustainable societies. He has conceptualized and built hundreds of the smartest homes, workplaces and communities in America and his vision guides the future planning of dozens of Fortune 500 companies. Picard has led hundreds of influential leaders in business and government into a greener future, where sustainability is highly profitable.
“This conference is just one of the many ways that Cuyamaca College is on the forefront of training for people interested in better using our natural resources,” said Cindy L. Miles, chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. “We recognize that green jobs are good for the environment and the economy.”
Other speakers at the conference include:
- Dennis Pittenger, environmental horticulturist at UC Riverside and a nationally-recognized expert in landscape water management
- David Shaw, a farm advisor with the University of California Extension in San Diego. His work includes assessing the needs and presenting educational and research programs for landscape professionals.
- Richard Restuccia, director of water management solutions at ValleyCrest Companies, Inc.
- Tom Jesch, owner of Waterwise Botanicals, a wholesale/retail nursery that specializes in drought-tolerant and cutting-edge plant varieties.
The conference will also feature a discussion on the business of urban farming that will be moderated by author and educator Nan Sterman. Panelists include Karen Contreras, the founder of Urban Plantations, a company dedicated to city-dwelling sanctuaries; Bill Tall, founder of City Farmers Nursery; and Crystal Montoya, a certified grower who produces food from her home for farmers markets.
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