Business leaders, educators presenting during panel discussion

On Monday, October 20, 2008, the Wayne State University Center for the Study of Citizenship will host its fourth annual Corporate Citizenship Symposium. Up to 100 community and business leaders participate in this free event each year. The 2008 theme, Business and the Environment, resonates with both consumers and industry in this important election year. Public and corporate concerns about the impact of social and economic behavior on the environment have grown significantly in recent years. There has been an ongoing debate for decades that companies, as good corporate citizens, are morally obligated to adopt socially responsible business practices. Yet, some companies might argue that they exist to sell products, make money, and please shareholders - not to save the world. But, those clashing views may be finding common ground, say business experts on the movement known as corporate social responsibility.

Wayne State University President Jay Noren will open the symposium, co-sponsored by the WSU School of Business Administration, Law School, the Eugene Applebaum Chair in Community Engagement, Detroit Regional Chamber, and BCBS of Michigan.

NextEnergy Conference Center auditorium provides the venue for this free event that begins at 5:30 p.m. with a pre-reception. The program starts at 6 p.m. with John Viera, director of Sustainable Business Strategies for Ford Motor Company, who will deliver the keynote address. Mary Kramer, publisher Crain's Detroit Business,
moderates a panel discussion, with audience participation, that includes Dr. Henry Pollack, UM geophysicist, Jim Croce, former CEO of NextEnergy, and Irene Dimitry, DTE director of Renewable Energy Strategy. Crain's Detroit Business will present its Most Admired Companies award after the talks, and a light reception will follow. This event is open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.clas.wayne.edu/citizenship/