Tuesday, October 7, 2008
8:00 AM - 12:30 PM

PAMELA COX-OTTO
Opening Keynote Speaker

Considered an expert in generational communications, Dr. Cox-Otto brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on the topic of marketing to multi-generational audiences, blending the latest research in the field with a deep understanding of the needs of her audiences.

Known to utilize a wild sense of humor at her presentations, her all-time favorite speaker’s review came from a college president who remarked, “If Robin Williams were a woman, he would be Pam.”

The presentation, “Marketing to a Multigenerational Audience,” will focus on how businesses can better survive the rough edges formed between the many generation groups — including traditionalists, baby boomers, gen-Xers, and millennials.

Geared towards business minded individuals, the presentation will include implications for improving not just day-to-day operations in the workplace, but also employee retention and recruitment levels, while strengthening marketing strategies.

Dr. Cox-Otto is the co-founder and CEO of Interact Communications, a communications service agency dedicated to providing media and marketing services to community colleges across the country.

Prior to forming Interact Communications, Cox-Otto spent more than 20 years working with community colleges, first in the California Community College System and later in the Wisconsin Technical College System. Also the author of books on website design for college recruitment and college branding, Cox-Otto is a frequent national keynote speaker.

Her Ph.D. is in Communications from the University of Minnesota, her Masters is in Communications from California State University, Long Beach, her BA is from Humboldt State University and she attended McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. For more information about the presentation, “Connecting With and Teaching Today’s Multi-Generational Students,” or to register to attend please contact Leslie Carr at College of the Canyons (661) 362-3100 or by email at leslie.carr@canyons.edu.

STEVE UZZELL
Closing Keynote Speaker

Steve Uzzell returns to the Performing Arts Center “by popular demand” following his highly inspirational and motivational presentation at our 2007 Dream & Discover Conference. This year his new presentation is The Nature of Transition:

We’ve all heard it and said it about our organizations, about our workplace, about the economy: “We are in such a state of transition.” But what does it mean to be in transition? What was it like when we were not in transition? When does it start? Does transition end? How do we know when we are finished? Should we fear it or look forward to it? Acclaimed photographer Steve Uzzell will explore the very nature of transition, visualized with his striking photographs. He will examine the subject from myriad perspectives – personal, daily, local, historical, architectural, global and from the natural world.

About the speaker…
Steve Uzzell is a renowned advertising and corporate photographer. His introduction to the photo industry began when he was an assistant to the editor of National Geographic and a member of their photographic staff. He has published two books of his own photography, his editorials have been featured in more than 80 publications, including Newsweek, Time, Smithsonian, and U.S. News and World Report, and his cinematography has aired on ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS. Uzzell spends six months of the year traveling the world for his clients; the remainder is spent teaching. Our 2007 Dream & Discover attendees who experienced Steve Uzzell in “Open Roads Open Minds” will attest to it – you will come away from “The Nature of Transition” inspired, transformed and empowered with a new appreciation for this most exciting step in the creative process.

DAN KATZ
Hollywood Aviators

Dan Katz is former partner and creative director of PKPF advertising, listed among the top ten independent advertising agencies in Los Angeles in 2003. Dan began his career in 1977 as a recording engineer, writing and producing radio commercials for local advertising agencies. Dan transitioned to agency copywriter and creative director, developing award-winning campaigns for some of the most respected advertisers, including Kaufman & Broad, Sears, Alpine Car Stereo, La Victoria Foods, Salvation Army, Vivitar and countless others. As an entrepreneur, Dan has founded and operated a recording studio, an advertising agency, a flight school and an aerial cremation scattering business. Currently, Dan free-lances as a consulting creative director when he is not flying his 1957 Beech Bonanza.

JOE ALLISON
Solid Concepts, Inc.

Joseph Allison is the cofounder and President of Solid Concepts Inc.

Joe worked his way through engineering school as a mold maker for Schrey and Sons Mold Company. He graduated from the University of Southern California in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Joe worked as a CAD/CAM Application Engineer at Unisys Corporation, and later at Hewlett Packard Corporation providing technical support for sales efforts.

Joe then went to 3D Systems where he worked in research and development. It is here that he helped to develop the new stereolithography rapid prototyping technology. Joe was the inventor/co-inventor of record for several major patents related to stereolithography.

Joe then cofounded Solid Concepts Inc. with two other key individuals from the stereolithography industry. The company started with one SLA-250 machine. The company now has 14 along with many other complimentary technologies.

Solid Concepts now provides wide variety of specialized manufacturing services for several industries including aerospace, medical, telecommunications, electronics, recreational vehicles and athletic equipment. Leaders in these industries turn to Solid Concepts for many of their most demanding product development projects.

Solid Concepts Inc. has grown to be a leading U.S. supplier of rapid prototyping, direct digital manufacturing, tooling and injection molding services. Founded in 1991, Solid Concepts has grown steadily to a five-facility, multiple technology company known to be a solutions provider with project management and engineering expertise. Capabilities include Stereolithography models and patterns, Selective Laser Sintering, PolyJet™ 3D printing, Direct Digital Manufacturing, CNC machining, silicone molding, urethane castings, layup tools, fiberglass reinforced plastics. These technologies all facilitate rapid production of low-volume plastic and metal components directly from design data, resulting in significant time and cost savings.

In addition, their SolidView® family of software allows users to view and measure CAD drawings without expensive CAD software and training.

Joe prides himself in managing a business that has grown with the times. Joe believes in identifying and recruiting the best and brightest individuals with the knowledge, skill, ability, and motivation that will enable Solid Concepts to maintain their advantage in an increasingly competitive environment. It is the Solid Concepts’ VISION to change the manufacturing world through the advancement of technology. Joe approaches business with a fresh perspective of collaboration, teamwork and ownership. He demands the highest standards of excellence from all areas of his business. Joe carries this high level of commitment to his family and community. He takes time out for family. He supports local charities. He is an avid golfer and he even plays the guitar in a band.

DAVID DICKINSON
Delta Scientific

David is the Senior Vice President and one of the founding Directors of Delta Scientific. Delta Scientific has been in business 35 years. They located their manufacturing plant in Palmdale 4 years ago and recently moved their headquarters there in 2006. Delta Scientific is the world’s leader in manufacturing vehicle access control equipment. They are best known for their counter-terrorism barricade systems that are used to protect buildings from truck bomb attacks.

David has a Bachelors of Science in Molecular Biology from USC and a Master in Business Administration from Pepperdine. He has spent 15 years designing medical instrumentation and has currently been with Delta Scientific for 18 years.