GRAVETTE — The Northwest Arkansas Human Resources Association (NOARK) will kick off its Third Diversity Conference with an opening general session focusing on Thursday, September 10, at 8 a.m. The theme is Diversity & Inclusion: A Business Priority.

The one-day conference at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Springdale will provide HR, community and area professionals with the opportunity to understand and advance diversity and inclusion strategies within their respective workplaces.

Among a host of current issues, speakers will share expertise on generational diversity, recruiting and retaining diverse talent, ADA updates, becoming a diversity champion and the current business case for diversity and inclusion.

"Given the strong base of companies and organizations in the region, our Diversity Conference will have a direct impact in assisting organizations to reach a leading level in their diversity and inclusion journeys," added Rhonda House, NOARK Board President.

The conference will have distinguished speakers such as Susan Keller-Kendall, Attorney at Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon and Galchus; Hector Flores, Immediate Past National President, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); Eric Peterson, Manager of SHRM Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives; William Cash, Senior Trial Attorney, EEOC, Little Rock Office; and Mickey Silberman, Esq., Attorney at Jackson Lewis Law Firm, among others.

NOARK's September 10th Diversity Conference will also feature the first-ever NOARK Champion for Diversity Awards recognizing an individual and organization for excellence and leadership in diversity.

News, Pages 7 on 09/09/2009