Economic Inclusion Symposium presented by DOW

Studies show that diversity and economic inclusion are correlated with economic vitality. Regions that are more inclusive have greater levels of entrepreneurship, innovation and overall economic growth and prosperity. The ability of the Baton Rouge Area to accelerate economic opportunity across the region hinges on its commitment to economic inclusivity and ensuring that the economy works for everyone, not just the few.

As BRAC has committed to creating a more inclusive economy, it has revamped its traditional Diversity in Business event to a half-day conference including a keynote, breakout sessions, and a vendor connection showcase for minority-owned businesses to connect with local contracting opportunities.

Programming will speak to a wide range of individuals, including C-suite executives, diversity and inclusion practitioners, small business owners, HR professionals, and minority- and women-business owners. All are invited to join us on August 18 for engaging discussions on fostering greater levels of economic inclusion within the workplace and the community.

Online registration is now closed. Onsite registration will be available.

EVENT DETAILS

Join the Baton Rouge Area Chamber for a half-day experience featuring a keynote speaker, panel and fireside chat sessions, and the BR-POP Vendor Connect showcase.

Date

Thursday, August 18, 2022
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location

Raising Cane's River Center
275 S River Rd, Baton Rouge

Pricing

Ticket pricing includes access to all programming, lunch and the vendor connection showcase
$65 for investors
$80 for non-investors
$520 for investor table of eight
$640 for non-investor table of eight

AGENDA

View the full agenda below and continue scrolling for session descriptions and speaker information.

Time	Main Hall	Outside Main Hall	Room #1
9 - 9:30 AM	Registration
9:30 - 9:40 AM	Welcome
9:40 - 9:50 AM	Congressman Troy Carter Speaks
9:50 - 10:45 AM	Corporate Perspectives: Creating an Inclusive Workplace	BR-POP Vendor Connect Showcase	How to Do Business with ExxonMobil
10:15 - 10:45 AM	Continued - Corporate Perspectives: Creating an Inclusive Workplace	BR-POP Vendor Connect Showcase	How to Do Business with Shell
10:45 - 11 AM	BREAK	BR-POP Vendor Connect Showcase
11 - 11:30 AM	Economic Empowerment: A Fireside Chat with Craig Stevens	BR-POP Vendor Connect Showcase
11:30 - 12:30 PM	LUNCH
12:30 - 12:40 PM	Awards Presentation
12:40 - 1:15 PM	Keynote Presentation
1:15 - 1:20 PM	Closing Remarks
1:20 - 1:30 PM	BREAK
1:30 - 3:30 PM	How to Do Business with DOW

SESSIONS

Learn more about each session below.

Corporate Perspectives: Creating an Inclusive Workplace

In this panel session, local diversity and inclusion executives share best practices for creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all.

Moderator:

Darrell L. Johnson, Jr., Manager of Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives at BRAC

Panelists:

LaTina Schaffer, Our Lady of the Lake Vice President of Human Resources
Michael Jackson, Bernhard Capital Partners Chief Diversity Officer
Dr. Luz Randolph, LSU Associate Vice Provost for Diversity

Economic Empowerment: A Fireside Chat with Craig Stevens

Local business owner Craig Stevens will share his journey to success from breaking generational boundaries to finding economic empowerment through entrepreneurship. Stevens is the veteran and minority business owner of Genesis360, a local maintenance and construction service company, who has received such recognitions as LED's Leadership Growth Award for Louisiana, Baton Rouge Business Report's Company of the Year, and the Small Business Administration's Businessperson of the Year.

Interviewer:

George Bell, Capital Area United Way President & CEO

Interviewee:

Craig Stevens, Genesis360 Owner & President

Keynote Presentation by DOW's Eunice Heath

Speaker:

Eunice Heath, DOW Corporate Director of Sustainability

How to Do Business with ExxonMobil

Thirty-minute opportunity for small business owners to learn from ExxonMobil representatives about procedures and best practices for procuring contracting opportunities with their organization.

How to Do Business with Shell

Thirty-minute opportunity for small business owners to learn from Shell representatives about procedures and best practices for procuring contracting opportunities with their organization.

How to Do Business with DOW

Extended two hour opportunity for small business owners to learn from DOW representatives about procedures and best practices for procuring contracting opportunities with their organization.

BR-POP Vendor Connect Showcase

Local veteran, women, and minority-owned small businesses are invited to participate in the BR-POP Vendor Connect Showcase. Small businesses will connect with major universities, hospitals, industrial companies, and engineering firms for procurement opportunities.

The showcase will run in conjunction with key programming and participants can choose to listen in on speaker sessions or continue to walk through the showcase.

Participating companies:

The BR-POP Vendor Connect Showcase is sponsored by BASF and facilitated by BR-POP, a voluntary program for public entities and private businesses to enhance diversity and inclusivity practices in their procurement of goods and services from area vendors.

DIVERSITY STAR AWARD

With a goal of highlighting exceptional diversity and inclusion best practices taking place right here at home, BRAC seeks to honor and recognize regional businesses that have championed diversity and inclusion at their businesses or in the community.

Applications for the 2022 Diversity Star Award are now closed. Awards will be presented at BRAC's Economic Inclusion Symposium presented by DOW.