The What’s Next Lecture Series is kicking off its five part Innovation program with a look at “Sustainability and Social Innovation: Doing Well by Doing Good,” on February 18, 2010 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center.  The panel will feature Peter Meehan, CEO of Newman’s Own Organics, KoAnn Skrzyniarz, CEO of Sustainable Life Media, and Joshua Levine, Vice President of Socially Responsible Investing at RBC Wealth Management.   Sandy Skees, CEO of Communications4Good, will moderate the panel as it explores trends and success factors in companies with a social and environmental mission.  

These outstanding speakers will provide the audience with current thinking, best practices and trends in sustainability and social innovation, examining how brands and the media are framing this business shift.  Topics will include an exploration of how businesses are responding to the social, environmental and economic challenges of today’s world with innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities. 

The series is new collaboration between UC Santa Cruz, NextSpace Coworking + Innovation, and the City of Santa Cruz.  Future topics in the year-long series will feature topics that include Energy, The New Workplace, Innovation in Research & Development, and Gaming & Social Media. 

Tickets are $15 for the general public.  Students are free but must register in advance.  For more information or to purchase tickets, see http://www.whatsnextlectures.com.  This event will sell out so please buy your tickets today!

Thanks to our sponsors: Drew Miller Insurance, KUSP, Santa Cruz Weekly and Studio Holladay.