Seeking an Energy Balance: Focus of VCEDA’s 43rd Annual Business Outlook Conference

VENTURA, Calif. - Sept. 26, 2013 - PRLog -- CAMARILLO, CALIF.--"Seeking an Energy Balance” is the theme of the 43rd Annual Business Outlook Conference (BOC) presented by the Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA). The conference will be held Friday, October 25 from 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. at the Ventura County Office of Education Conference Center (5100 Adolfo Rd., Camarillo). More than 250 business leaders from around the county attend the event each year.

         Keynote speaker is Bill Watkins, executive director, Center for Economics Research and Forecasting at California Lutheran University. Watkins will address the economics of energy from a global, national and local perspective while touching on workforce development issues.

         The BOC will also feature two panel discussions with the county’s top energy industry leaders. The discussions will be moderated by Henry Dubroff, publisher, Pacific Coast Business Times, The first panel includes John Chillemi, regional president, NRG Energy West, Paul Hullar, president/CEO, Brightwave Energy, Gary Stern, director, regulatory policy, Southern California Edison, Catherine Von Burg, president/CEO, Ojai Energy Systems and Gordon Handelsman, chief marketing officer, Echo First.

         The second panel will include Bill Camarillo, president/CEO, Agromin, Sean Wine, regional manager, Clean Energy Fuels, Denita Willoughby, regional vice president, external affairs and employee communications, Southern California Gas Company,  Kristin Decas, executive director, Oxnard Harbor District  and  Tim Noonan, vice president finance, corporate secretary, CoolPlanet Energy Systems.

         “Panelists will give their perspective on what the future holds for solar, natural gas, biofuel and oil as well as their views on policy, safety, governmental and regulatory issues that need to be addressed as energy evolves,” says Bill Buratto, president/CEO of VCEDA.

         "VCEDA is Ventura County’s primary economic advocate. Each year, the Business Outlook Conference focuses on a specific economic issue that affects business in our county," says Buratto. "It may come as a surprise to some, but Ventura County has always had a strong energy presence and it’s growing with the introduction of alternative energy resources.”

         The 2013 BOC title sponsor is NRG Energy. Other sponsors include Aera Energy LLC, AT&T, Clean Energy Fuels, Vintage Production California LLC, Volt Workforce Solutions, Amgen, California Lutheran University, CSU Channel Islands and Southern California Gas Company.

         The cost to attend is $75 per person for VCEDA members and $100 for nonmembers. Admission includes breakfast. For more information or to make a reservation,call VCEDA at 805-676-1332 or email Darlene Ruz, darlene@vceda.org. Download a reservation form by going to www.vceda.org and click on VCEDA's 43rd Annual Business Outlook Conference (http://www.vceda.org/event/vcedas-43rd-annual-business-ou...).

About VCEDA

Established in 1949 and recognized as the premier business voice of Ventura County, VCEDA gives members an opportunity to interact with Ventura County’s civic, corporate, small business and government leaders. VCEDA’s mission is to advocate for policies, legislation and programs that stimulate and contribute to business growth, a vital local economy and a vibrant quality of life. For more information, call 805-676-1332 or visit http://www.vceda.org.