Join the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors and small business industry experts  for the Economic Summit 2012, Aug. 13, 9-11 a.m., at the County Government Center Board Chambers. The small business summit is one session in a three-part Economic Summit that examines job growth potential, trends and challenges in the areas of green economy, health care and small business, as well as how the County of Santa Clara government can help improve economic activity that will lead to business growth and greater employment.

“The Economic Summit will be a forum for County government and industry experts to examine future job trends and propose ideas for how we can create opportunities for businesses to thrive and continue to hire,” said Supervisor Dave Cortese, co-sponsor of the Economic Summit.

Small businesses form the economic backbone of American society and employ half of all private sector employees. Over the past 17 years, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses have generated 65 percent of net new jobs. At the third part of the Economic Summit, Small Business, small business owners and operators and community based organizations will share their insights on ways to grow small businesses and jobs in Santa Clara County.

“The Santa Clara County Economic Summit is an opportunity for us to engage industry experts, local business leaders and the community in a new way,” said Supervisor Mike Wasserman, co-sponsor of the Economic Summit. “Our hope is that the County will be able to identify ways to support future job growth in the community.”

The small business summit includes a panel discussion with industry experts, the Board of Supervisors and County departments, and will be facilitated by moderator Matthew Mahood, President and CEO, San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce. Small business expert panelists will include: Aaron Resendez, Express Concrete; Jeff Schroeder, Ponderosa Homes; Tim Chiala, Chiala Farms; Tam Nguyen, Law Offices of Tam Nguyen Associates; and Gene Guglielmo, Guglielmo Winery. Moderator.

Anyone interested in the future of job growth in Santa Clara County, including business owners, consumers, residents, and human resource professionals, should attend to add their voice as the County looks for ways to help shape a vibrant, resilient economy.

For information or registration, go to www.sccgov.org/economicsummit or call 408-299-5030. Free parking in employee parking lot at corner of First and Hedding streets during the summit sessions.