Camarillo, Calif., Nov. 20, 2012 – CSU Channel Islands’ (CI) Business & Technology Partnership (B&TP) invites the public and campus community to its 10th Annual Holiday Mixer, Thursday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m. in the Grand Salon. 

The annual event serves as a fundraiser for student scholarships, a networking opportunity connecting regional businesses with CI, and a forum for participants to learn about important business and technology issues affecting the region.

Keynote speaker Wigsbert “Wiggs” Mendoza of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will present “Blue Gold: It’s the Water,” focusing on innovation and technology developments in water and agriculture.  The Metropolitan Water District is a cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies serving nearly 19 million people in six counties, including Ventura County.  As program manager for Metropolitan’s business outreach section, Mendoza provides policy and guidance for the business innovation and technology program.  His work focuses on forging partnerships with inventors, businesses, scientists, universities and government to better understand and solve the challenges brought on by water shortages and climate change.

Mendoza is the creative force behind Metropolitan’s Spring Green Expo and Global Water & Technology Forum, as well as the “Managing Your Innovation” workshop series that helps inventors launch their water technology innovations as business opportunities.  He also heads the Green Coalition of the San Jacinto Valley, a grassroots nonprofit whose goal is to create a sustainable community for the cities of Hemet and San Jacinto.  He holds a B.A. in Economics and an MBA in Global Management from University of Phoenix.

At the mixer, Mendoza and representatives of the Green Coalition will also discuss and demonstrate an ancient Aztec irrigation technique called chinampas that is reemerging as a sustainable agricultural model.

The mixer begins at 5:30 p.m. with a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception.  The presentation starts at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets are $35 for B&TP members; $50 for non-members; and $20 for Alumni & Friends Association members, faculty and staff.  Those who join or renew membership for $150 will receive two free tickets.

Event sponsors include the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics, FOOD Share, Sheeler Moving and Storage, Golden State Storage, Go Green Mobile Power, Blue Wave CFO Consulting, and the Pacific Coast Business Times.

Complimentary event parking is limited and only available in the designated parking lot.  Once on campus, follow the directional signage to event parking then follow the walking signage to the event location.  Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot with bus service to and from the campus.  In order to waive bus fares, riders should present their event registration confirmation when boarding the CI Vista bus, otherwise the cash-only bus fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at: www.goventura.org

Housed in the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics, the B&TP is a collaborative effort between CI and community leaders, business and technology executives and professionals.  The Partnership works to foster the collaboration of technology and related service-based companies with CI and promote technological excellence among CI students, faculty and staff for the benefit of the region’s economy.

For more information, visit www.csuci.edu/btp; or contact Carrick DeHart, Director of Major Gifts, at 805-437-8919 or carrick.dehart@csuci.edu; or Cathy Sanchez, Administrative Support Coordinator, at 805-437-3701 or catherine.sanchez@csuci.edu

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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands
(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.

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