Joan Bryna Michelson, founder and CEO of Green Connections Media, will be the featured keynote luncheon speaker for the 8th annual Common Ground Books, Business & Art Expo at Shepherd University Wellness Center scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 18.

According to Joel Makower, executive editor for GreenBiz.com, “Joan Michelson brings an engaging style and deep expertise….both entertaining and enlightening.”

Listed among Michelson’s many conference audiences are universities, chambers, business groups as well as the U.S. Naval Academy, Small Business Administration, National Institutes of Health, Executive Women in Government, SXSW Eco, National Council for Science and the Environment and the Ignite! Conference on Transforming Your Business Through Creativity. Michelson is also host of her firm’s flagship radio show-podcast-video series, Green Connections Radio – chosen as one of the top six podcasts by USA Today, especially for business travelers.

The Common Ground Expo 2017 event theme, Our Shared Heritage and Future: Corporate & Family Reunions, National Park Service will be a highlight of discussions and workshops among the keynote speaker, guest panelists and the audience beginning at 9 a.m. Attendees will be able to speak with feature authors, display presenters and sign up with representatives of summer outdoor adventures. Students and community residents will have the opportunity to learn about mentorships, volunteer and career scholarships as well as schedule camping, hiking and more recreational activities. The family-friendly expo includes hourly door prizes, musical performances, and awards for the 2017 Common Ground Student Essay Competition, as well as for strategy game zone chess, scrabble and checkers players.

The Common Ground Expo 2017 Leadership Collaborative are sponsors of the event representing many community leaders. Dr. Pamela Ellis, president of Harambee Conference invites Eastern Panhandle, residents and regional neighbors to volunteer or sponsor the event via the event website, commongroundexpo2017.eventbrite.com, or call 304-404-4150 , email info@harambeeconference.com for additional information. The authorized local West Virginia bookseller is Four Seasons Books. Students with ID are free. Adults with student donation $30. General admission, $20.