Frito-Lay Exec to Keynote Green Fleet Conference

TORRANCE, CA - David Haft, VP Operations Sustainability and Productivity at Frito-Lay North America, will provide the opening keynote address at the 2009 Green Fleet Conference, Oct. 19-20, at the Chicago Hyatt Regency.

Sponsored by Bobit Business Media (BBM), publisher of Automotive Fleet magazine, the conference is designed "to help commercial and public sector fleet professionals find truly green, truly practical, and truly affordable solutions," says Bob Brown, BBM associate publisher. Sessions will present solutions and resources to help commercial fleet managers continue environment initiatives in budget-challenged times, according to Brown.

"We are extremely excited to have Dave Haft be the opening keynoter for the 2nd Annual Green Fleet Conference," said Mike Antich, conference chair of the Green Fleet Conference. "His presentation on remaking business in the age of sustainability will draw upon Frito-Lay's experience in developing and implementing an overall corporate sustainability program."

From 2006 to 2007, changes at Frito-Lay facilities and fleet lowered the company's CO₂ emissions by 96 million lbs. Efforts to "green" fleet performance have include aerodynamic improvements to existing fleet vehicles, driver training, efficient routing, use of lightweight materials, and advanced technology. With continual process improvements and fleet enhancements, Frito-Lay expects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for every bag of chips the company produces by another 14 percent from 2002 levels.

Haft joined Frito-Lay in 1984 and leads sustainability initiatives as well as operations productivity, quality assurance, food safety/sanitation, environmental compliance and resource conservation, and manufacturing operations support for the company. He holds a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering and environmental design from the University of Oklahoma and an MBA from Marquette University.

Other Green Fleet Conference speakers and panelists will include industry experts and fleet managers sharing real-world experiences in implementing green initiatives for which costs were offset by program savings.

According to organizers, a highlight of the 2009 conference will be the Fleet Environmental Leadership Awards, a new program recognizing fleet government and commercial fleet organizations excelling in effective environmentally responsible operations.

Other planned session topics include:

• Step-by-step instructions to create a green fleet policy.
• Customized improvements to fleet environmental and operational performances.
• Cap and trade program impacts on the fleet industry.
• Strategies and sources to obtain grant funding.
• Real-world driver behavior modifications to meet green fleet goals.
• How to become a green model shop.
• How to become a carbon-neutral corporation.

In addition to exhibit space featuring products and services to help fleets green their vehicles and operations, the conference will provide networking opportunities with industry peers and experts.

Green Fleet Conference registration information, including an early-bird discount, is available at www.greenfleetconference.com or by calling (800) 576-8788.