Kushner is a mission-driven entrepreneur who believes in the power of building, connecting, uniting local communities through his growing newspaper empire, Freedom Communications. Guided by a fundamental belief that newspapers are institutions that play a vital role in the health and prosperity of communities, Kushner has expanded and acquired newspapers across Southern California and adopted a community-building mission and business model that has gained international attention and goes against conventional wisdom. In an industry that is in need of rejuvenation, Kushner has dramatically expanded the depth and quality of news coverage, hired 170 journalists in the newsroom, and introduced new programs to help local businesses and nonprofit institutions grow and thrive. Kushner is a former greeting card magnate with a 20-year history in consulting, creating and leading successful businesses. He will explain the importance of creating essential value and bringing the community together around key passion areas as a path to growth.