Program


This is a tentative agenda and will change frequently before March 3.  Register for the optional events on Saturday: Golf at Bear’s Best and Hoover Dam Tour.

Thursday, March 3

Unless specifically noted, suggested attire for all events is resort casual: khakis or slacks and polo shirt.

10:00 a.m.

REGISTRATION OPENS

1:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Business/Meeting Sessions

1:00 – 1:15 p.m.

WELCOME

1:15 – 1:30 p.m.

COMMENTS — Jim Nussle
Mr. Nussle will be serving double duty at the 2nd annual Executive Leadership Conference by serving as the Master of Ceremonies for the entire conference again this year, as well as updating the membership on his new role as President and Chief Operating Officer.

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

ROUNDTABLE — Global Realities
With political unrest in the Mideast, continued pressures of a growing global population and domestic priorities focused on the economy, where does ethanol fit into the picture? Some of the brightest minds will share their perspectives on what is happening globally and what it means for the ethanol industry.

2:30 – 3:00 p.m.

COMMENTS — State of the Organization
It’s been a busy year at Growth Energy. Our CEO, Tom Buis, will provide a snapshot of all the accomplishments and advancements made by our two-year-old organization.

3:00 – 3:15 p.m.

BREAK

3:15 – 3:45 p.m.

SPEAKER — Secretary Tom Vilsack (invited)
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack,(invited), has been a stalwart champion of ethanol and the need for biofuel infrastructure within the Obama Administration. We’ll get a first hand update on what the Administration goals are for expanding the American biofuels industry.

3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

ROUNDTABLE — American Ethanol & NASCAR
Growth Energy’s partnership with NASCAR to use and promote “American Ethanol” is the first of its kind. NASCAR executives, our own marketing experts and staff will provide a snapshot of how this partnership came to be, and what else our industry can do to make this partnership a success.

4:45 – 5:15 p.m.

ONE-on-ONE WITH NASCAR
Tom Buis and NASCAR’s President, Mike Helton will sit down for a one-on-one conversation.

5:15 – 5:30 p.m.

CLOSING REMARKS

5:30 p.m.

ADJOURN

6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

COCKTAIL RECEPTION & DINNER
Movie Premier
Lights. Camera. Action!
We’ll be rolling out the red carpet for all our special guests as a recent Sundance Film Festival award-winning director will be premiering his newest film. It is sure to be a hit with this audience!

Suggested Attire: Business casual (jackets for men; dresses or pantsuits for women)

Friday, March 4

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

BREAKFAST
No speaker

8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Business/Meeting Session

8:00 – 9:15 a.m.

ROUNDTABLE — Blend Wall Cracked: What’s next for E15?
Growth Energy’s Green Jobs Waiver finally received a thumbs up from the EPA in January 2011. Now that the waiver is approved, what needs to be done to ensure American motorists have access to E15?

9:15 – 10:30 a.m.

ROUNDTABLE — Fueling Freedom Advocacy
A revolutionary concept that will transform the way America plans for its energy future – one that provides greater freedom for Americans to choose their own fuel at the pump. We’ll explore how Growth Energy’s Fueling Freedom concept can become a reality.

10:30 – 11:00 a.m.

BREAK

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

SPEED SESSIONS

ENVIRONMENTAL & TECHNICAL
COMMUNICATIONS
During these speed sessions, Growth Energy’s members will be brought up to speed on the priorities, activities, opportunities and obstacles within the organization’s core areas.

12:00 – 1:30 p.m

LUNCH — Focus Group
Growth’s members and guests will be asked about their opinions, perceptions, beliefs and attitudes toward the activities and efforts of the organization. This fun filled lunch will provide Growth’s members and guests an opportunity to weigh in and offer constructive feedback for continued success in the future.

1:30 – 2:00 p.m.

SPEED SESSION

LOW CARBON FUEL STANDARD
During these speed sessions, Growth Energy’s members will be brought up to speed on the priorities, activities, opportunities and obstacles within the organization’s core areas.

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES in 2011
There is no shortage of opportunities and challenges in the year ahead. Find out how Growth Energy plans to maximize the opportunities, overcome the challenges and how you can get involved to help out to ensure our success.

3:00 – 3:15 p.m.

BREAK

3:15 – 4:00 p.m.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
At last year’s Executive Leadership Conference, Mike Eruzione, Captain of the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team, entertained and inspired our audience. This year’s Keynote Speaker is sure to do the same with his personal story of persistence and triumph.

4:00 p.m.

CLOSING COMMENTS & ADJOURN

4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Closing Reception
Before you hit the tables, join us for cocktails and hors d’ouevres to cap off the official business sessions of the 2nd annual Executive Leadership Conference.

Evening

ON YOUR OWN

Saturday, March 5

8:30 a.m.

OPTIONAL: Bus departs for golf course
Register for this optional event and pay for your green fees.

10:00 a.m.

Growth Energy Golf Tournament Shot Gun
Location: Bears Best Golf Course

Required Attire: Golf shirts and slacks or shorts with non-metal spike golf shoes. Women are allowed skirts. Do not wear jeans, cut-off or "short" shorts, t-shirts, tank and halter tops.

8:30 a.m.

OPTIONAL: Bus departs for Hoover Dam Tour
Register and pay for this optional event and see the wonders of the desert!

Sunday, March 6

Suggested Attire: Weather appropriate in layers. Long pants (knees covered), sleeved shirts (shoulders covered) and closed-toe shoes. 

7:45 a.m.

Buses Depart for Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Breakfast available at the racetrack.

9:00 a.m.

NASCAR Driver
Say hello to a NASCAR driver in Growth Energy's suite at the racetrack.

11:15 a.m.

Driver Introductions

11:15 a.m.

Lunch Served
Buffet-style

12:00 p.m.

NASCAR Race starts
Las Vegas Motor Speedway