Santa Rosa Chamber Becomes Formal Partner For Annual “Latinos In The Workplace” Conference, Beginning In March 2015

The increasingly popular, annual “Latinos in the Workplace” conference for North Bay businesses, founded by Michael Lopez (of VANTREO Insurance Brokerage & the No. Cal. Engineering Contractors Association/ECA), welcomes a major new partner -- the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce. The new partnership begins with the 10th annual conference on March 26, 2015, from 8 am to 12 pm at the Flamingo Conference Resort and Spa in Santa Rosa.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome the Chamber as a major partner on producing the “Latinos in the Workplace” conference,” said Mike Lopez, V.P. at VANTREO and founder of the conference. “Their programs such as the WHEEL program (Worksite Held Employee English Learning) and large membership of North Bay companies who have many Latino employees will help to enhance the conference and increase the outreach to businesses.”

Workforce development is a strategic priority for the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce. It has been involved in the conference in the past, but now looks forward to stepping up to take a stronger, more strategic role.

“Latinos in the Workplace has become a branded annual event in our local business community – a community that employs an increasing number of Latino employees,” said Jonathan Coe, President/CEO of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce. “When Mike Lopez asked us to partner with them, we embraced the opportunity to become more involved, provide more resources and to use our network to help bring in more businesses who will benefit from attending this educational and training conference.”

Hundreds of North Bay companies have attended this conference, which provides education and training for North Bay business owners and mid-level managers who employ Latino workers. Topics include how to better understand the Latino culture, and how to more effectively communicate and address topics such as safety, wellness, education, OSHA compliance and promoting supervisor leadership – which all contribute to a better employer/employee relationship and greater overall productivity.

Case studies showcased at past conferences have included La Tortilla Factory; LEMO USA, Inc.; Amy’s Kitchen and Oak Grove Construction.

In the new partnership with the Chamber, Conference founder Michael Lopez will provide strategic direction and help with overall planning of speakers and the agenda, as well as bringing in corporate sponsorships.

For more information on the upcoming 2015 conference, call Kelly Bass Seibel, Director of Workforce Development for the Chamber, at (707) 636-2389.