AZ Thrives: A Sustainability Summit for Arizona’s Minority and Small Business Leaders

AZ Thrives is a business conference for Arizona’s minority and small business leaders that is focused on the concept of the circular economy. The event aims to not only educate Arizona business leaders on sustainability in business, but also to create change agents through meaningful connections within the community. AZ Thrives offers panels from leaders who are incorporating sustainability concepts into their own businesses through production, supply chain, human resources and marketing strategies. The discussion also highlights how to become a subcontractor for businesses who are already implementing sustainability strategies.

AZ Thrives is organized through a partnership with the Minority Business Development Agency, Nxt Horizon Group, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Black Chamber of Arizona.

$75 Registration Required

9:00-9:15 Welcome
Kate Gallego, Councilwoman, City of Phoenix
Patricia Reiter, Executive Director, ASU Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives
Room 213

9:15-9:30 The Nature of Wealth and The Wealth of Nature
Dr. Ann Kinzig, Chief Research Strategist and Director of Research Development, ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability
Room 213

9:30-9:50 The Resource Innovation and Solutions Network: How Phoenix Reimagined Itself and Learned to Turn Trash into Cash
John Trujillo, Director of Public Works, City of Phoenix
Dr. Rajesh Buch, Practice Lead, ASU Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives
Room 213

9:50-10:10 The Story of How Your Donations are Helping to Develop a Stronger Regional Economy
Mike Dizinno, Regional Director of Logistics and Sustainability, Goodwill of Central Arizona

10:10-10:30 How Sustainability Can Bring Drive and Thrive to the Local Economy
Kimber Lanning, Founder and CEO, Local First Arizona
Room 213

10:30-10:45 Networking Break

10:45-11:30 Opportunities to Grow Your Business through Energy Partnerships
Moderator: Alika Kumar, Director Phoenix Multicultural Business Development Center
Panel: Denise Hayes, Senior Marketing Program Manager, Salt River Project
Jesus Borboa, Supplier Diversity Coordinator, Arizona Public Service
Lee Feliciano, Project Developer, Kyocera Solar
Room 213

11:30-12:30 Luncheon Keynotes
hosted by ASU Walton Global Sustainability Solutions Services and GreenLight Solutions

Business is Going to Make This Happen!
Dr. George Brooks, Jr., President and CEO, NxtHorizon Group

The Circular Economy and How You Can Profit from It
Dr. Rajesh Busch, Practice Lead, ASU Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives
Room 213
12:45-1:30 Accelerating Community through Entrepreneurship
Moderator: Tristan Gandolfi, SEED Spot Alumni, Founder, Humor Writes
Panel: JD Hill, Founder of Recycled City
Gregory Tucker, Founder of Ebikes
Israel Medellin, Founder of Lucy’s Garage
Room 212A

Elevating Higher Education through Sustainability Practices
Moderator: Michael Dalrymple, Director, ASU University Sustainability Practices
Panel: Thomas J. Williams, Coordinator of Sustainability Programs, Scottsdale Community College
Purchasing representative from ASU
Room 212C

1:40-2:25 Putting Your Money where Your Mouth Is: Investing in Locally Grown Food and Locally Grown People
Joan Baron, Environmental Artist
Dr. George Brooks Jr., President and CEO, NxtHorizon Group
John Wann, Founder, Orchard Community Learning Center
Room 212C

2:25-2:40 Networking Break

2:40-3:25 Thriving in a Sustainable City
Moderator: Anne Reichman, Program Manager, ASU Sustainable Cities Network
Room 212A
Making Changes, Making Opportunities through Green Building and Landscape
Moderator: Brian Kocour, Senior Director, Cushman & Wakefield and President, Green Chamber
Panelists: Anthony Floyd, AIA, LEED-AP, Senior Green Building Consultant, City of Scottsdale office of Environmental Initiatives
Abraham James, Architect and Owner, ABJ3
Warren Gorowitz, Vice President of Sustainability, Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply
Room 212C

3:30-4:30 How to Get Where You Want to Grow: Resources to Help You Take the Next Step
Moderator: Alika Kumar, Director Phoenix Multicultural Business Development Center
Panelists: Dorina Bustamante, Director of Community Engagement, Downtown Phoenix, Inc.
Mara De Filippis, Project Engagement Manager, Global Sustainability Solutions Services, Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives, ASU
Room 213