The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber is hosting the second annual Diversity & Inclusion Summitt, a networking event for professionals on Thursday, October 5, 2012. Diversity & Inclusion Summit, sponsored by Allen Health Systems, will be held at the Allen College, 1990 Heath Street, Waterloo, from 8:00pm to 12:30pm. The Summit provides attendees a concentrated and focused experience with multiple activities to include a keynote speaker, authoritative workshop panel discussions and a stimulating multi-cultural mixer.
Keynote Speaker for the event will be Shirley Davis Sheppard, Ph.D., Vice President of Global Diversity & Inclusion and Workplace Flexibility, and leader in The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Dr. Davis’ presentation is titled, “Leading an Inclusive and Engaged 21st Century Workforce: The Competitive Advantage.” Other local guests will share their experiences including Reverend Abraham L. Funchess, Jr., Human Rights Director for the city of Waterloo and Human Resources Executive Progressive Insurance, Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Robovsky, Iowa Army National Guard. Other local business professionals will lead workshops and provide feedback to attendees questions in a panel discussion.
Also during the Summit, the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber will announce the call for nominations and application processes for the Diversity & Inclusion Awards to be presented at the 2013 Annual Celebration, March 7, 2013 at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, Waterloo.
These awards will be given for outstanding contribution by a business or organization for leadership in creating and strengthening an environment of diversity and inclusion in the workplace culture, business practices and in the community. Deadline for nominations is October 31, 2012.
Participants will receive the book- Inclusion: The New Competitive Business Advantage. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested no later than September 28th by going to the Events Calendar at www.cedarvalleyalliance.com. More information about the initiative and the awards can be found there.

The Diversity & Inclusion Initiative helps the business & institutions of the Cedar Valley region recognize and act on the business case for adopting and implementing inclusive practices in hiring, employee development, marketing and environment.
For more information about the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber Diversity & Inclusion Partnership, Summit or awards call Bob Justis at (319)232-1156 or email bjustis@cedarvalleyalliance.com.

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