"A Look to the Future" is the aptly named topic for this year's Our Changing Community event slated for Jan. 26, sponsored by the Carson City Chamber of Commerce.
"We chose the topic this time because everybody is worried about the future with all the things going on," said Ronni Hannaman, executive director of the Carson Chamber. "Experts are going to be talking to us about the future, and they are going to give us a survival guide, to how to survive the next six months until things start to turn around."
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Carson Nugget, with a cocktail reception following the day's sessions.
The lunchtime speaker is Ian Hill, an award-winning humanitarian who will speak on mastering the power of change.
"A lot of us don't like change, and we have to change, and Ian Hill is going to help us through that," Hannaman said. "Just seeing Ian is worth the price of admission."
The conference will also feature state Sen. Mark Amodei, who will talk about what is in store for the business community from this year's session of the Nevada Legislature. A representative from the Carson City mayor's office will also be on hand to present what the city's plans for 2009 will mean for business.
Jeff Brigger of NV Energy will speak on business growth trends. Shawn McElmoyl, regional manager for Wells Fargo, will present how the financial picture for Northern Nevada looks, and how to survive tough economic times.
Dick Castner of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will give attendees an overview of what actions the federal government might take this year that will affect businesses.
And Dr. Carol Lucey, president of Western Nevada College, will speak about how education is important for the local business community.
"One of the things the Chamber wants to do is get more involved with the educational community, because that's the future," Hannaman said.
Tickets for the event are $75, which includes all of the sessions, lunch, breaks and cocktail reception. To reserve a seat and for more information, call 882-1565.
Contact reporter Kirk Caraway at kcaraway@nevadaappeal.com or (775) 881-1261.