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2019 Business Forum

2019 Business Forum

How are Minnesota businesses preparing
for climate change?

Join Great River Greening and 300 business leaders as we explore top
environmental issues facing our corporate community.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019
7:30-9:30 AM
McNamara Alumni Center | Minneapolis, MN

From global supply chain management to risk assessment to evolving consumer priorities, Minnesota businesses must prepare now to remain competitive in the face of our changing climate. Panelists from Minnesota’s leading industries will comment on business action and climate uncertainty, led by moderator Amy Skoczlas Cole from The Water Main.

Panelists

Mary Jane Melendez
Chief Sustainability &  Social Impact Officer,
General Mills

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Mary Jane leads General Mills’s global sustainability efforts and serves as President of the General Mills Foundation. She partners closely with the commercial and supply chain teams to develop and execute strategies that continue to position GMI as a leader in global responsibility.
Emilio Tenuta

Emilio Tenuta
VP of Corporate Sustainability,
Ecolab

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Emilio is responsible for linking Ecolab’s market strategy with the company’s sustainable solutions delivered through partnerships with more than 1.3 million customers in more than 170 countries.
He was named to the 2019 Environment + Energy Leader 100 list, which recognizes the top sustainability and energy management leaders.

Jason Ryan
Senior Vice President & General Counsel, CenterPoint Energy

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As General Counsel, Jason oversees environmental, as well as regulatory services; government affairs; corporate governance; securities and commercial law; litigation and claims; internal audit, and ethics, compliance and privacy.

Moderator
Amy Skoczlas Cole
Managing Director, MPR’s The Water Main

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Over the course of a 25-year career spanning Fortune 500 companies, non-profits and foundations, Amy has worked to reimagine the systems that deliver clean water, sustainable food and clean energy to society. Currently, she leads the Water Main, American Public Media’s groundbreaking new effort to redefine Americans’ relationship with this most vital of resources.
Topics Include:
  • Risk Assessment and Management
  • Adaptation/Mitigation
  • Business Operations/Supply Chain Management
  • Cost of Insurance and Capital

Engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using #GRGBusinessForum

Now in its 12th year, the Business Forum engages the business community in thoughtful conversation about today’s industry trends and sustainability issues. Proceeds from the event support the Great River Greening mission to restore healthy land and water across Minnesota.

Questions? Contact Kirsten Gulbro
kgulbro@greatrivergreening.org | 651-272-3987

BECOME A SPONSOR   |   PURCHASE TICKETS
Presenting Sponsors

Event Sponsors



Table Sponsors
Barry Hofer
Best Buy
Bobby Jensen
Charlene Briner
Darrin Ahrens
Dick Barnes
Ecolab
Frank Elsenbast
Julie Maday
Nicole Strait
Phil Cattanach
Reed Watson and Gloria Gallo
Roger Green
Tom Tessman
Xcel Energy

Great River Greening’s mission is to engage and lead local communities in conserving and caring for the land and water that enrich our lives. We have no political agenda, but believe that collaboration and community-building are essential to solving our environmental problems. We do not get involved with legislation, policy or advocacy. We promote working together on the ground to improve our land and waters. The Business Forum furthers this mission by providing an opportunity for business and civic leaders to gather, learn and discuss how we can work together to inspire environmental stewardship.