Cable Show 08: Kaitz Foundation Expands Diversity Outreach at The Cable Show ’08

The Walter Kaitz Foundation, the cable industry’s foundation for diversity, announced plans today for its 9th Annual Supplier Diversity Connection Workshop in conjunction with The Cable Show ’08. In addition, the Kaitz Foundation also released plans for a first-time program, to be produced in conjunction with BET Networks, which will introduce minority students and professionals to technical opportunities available in the cable industry. The Foundation will conclude three days of convention activities by co-producing a panel with the Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau (CAB) focused on the importance of diversifying the workforce and marketing efforts to expand a business.

All events will take place during the National Cable & Telecommunications Association’s (NCTA) 57th Annual International Convention and Exposition, May 18-20, 2008, in New Orleans.

“The cable industry’s return to New Orleans presents a real opportunity for the Walter Kaitz Foundation to reach out to minority students and professionals in the Gulf Coast region and to encourage them to consider the career opportunities available in the cable industry,” said David M. Porter, Jr., Ph.D., Executive Director of The Walter Kaitz Foundation.

Cable Cares About Diversity in Engineering and Technology, a one-day program on Sunday, May 18, will introduce students and professionals from diverse backgrounds to technical career opportunities that exist in cable. The Kaitz Foundation and BET have invited students and faculty from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and similar organizations in the New Orleans area to participate in the program. The centerpiece of the program will be a panel moderated by Dr. Porter featuring:

* Nomi M. Bergman, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Development, Advance/Newhouse Communications;
* Scott M. Mills, President & Chief Operating Officer, BET Networks; and
* Tanya Van Court, Sr. Vice President, Preschool & Parents Online, Nickelodeon, MTVN Kids & Family Group.

The opening session of the Supplier Diversity Connection Workshop on Monday, May 19, will feature welcome remarks from Dr. Porter, as well as a speech by Phala Mire, President of the Louisiana Minority Business Council.

The Workshop’s keynote address will feature Jim Jeffcoat, Senior Vice President, Corporate Services, Time Warner Cable, followed by a presentation by David Wiehagen, Sr. Director, Strategic Procurement, Time Warner Cable.

Additional sessions for the 2008 Supplier Diversity Connection Workshop include:

Budgets and Balance: The Economics of Supplier Diversity

* Moderator: Michelle Ray, Program Director, Walter Kaitz Foundation
* Panelists: Taher Behbehani, Vice President, Business Affairs, Time Warner Cable; Olin Kropog, Vice President, Field Sales, Cox Communications, Inc; Jennifer Yohe Wagner, Vice President, Strategic Business Procurement, Comcast Cable; and Lenore Washington-Graham, Vice President, Strategic Resourcing, Scripps Networks.

Collaboration 101: Building Successful Strategic Alliances

* Moderator: John Kist, Director, Supplier Diversity, Comcast Cable
* Panelists: MaryAnne Howland, President, Ibis Communications; and Emilio Mahomar, President, Soundwriters, Inc.

On Tuesday, May 20, The Kaitz Foundation will complete its diversity program by co-producing Diversity Rules: Connecting with the New Consumer Market, with CAB. This panel session will highlight strategies for expanding outreach to diverse audiences.

* Moderator: Cynthia Perkins-Roberts, Vice President, Diversity Marketing & Business Development, CAB
* Panelists: Vicky Free, Vice President, Entertainment Marketing, TNT, TBS and TCM, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.; Lily Neumeyer, Vice President, Programming & Production, MTV3, MTV Networks; Chris Powell, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Scripps Networks; and Philip Woodie, Director, Sales and Marketing, Comcast Spotlight.

Additional networking opportunities, as well as a self-guided tour of the Cable Show exhibition floor on Tuesday, May 20, will be available to conference participants.

Registration for the Supplier Diversity Workshop is free to all attendees of The Cable Show. The full workshop agenda and registration form are available online at www.walterkaitz.org or www.thecableshow.com.

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