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CORVALLIS - An economic framework focused on transition to sustainability and a healthier planet will be the topic of two Oregon State University College of Business talks on Friday, May 20.

The free hour-long forums, titled "Dialogue with Hank Patton," are open to the public, but advance registration is required. Talks start at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in OSU's Memorial Union Joyce Powell Leadership Center. For information or registration, contact the College of Business at 541-737-2219.

Patton is founder and chairman of World Steward - a non-profit organization working on economic and cultural partnerships that align the interests of today with what he contends are the interests of future generations. Patton will outline intergenerational commerce - commerce targeted toward a maintaining a healthier lifestyle and planet.

Patton and his colleagues have been working with the states of Oregon, Georgia and Washington to find ways to fund intergenerational commerce and a sustainable infrastructure.

Up for discussion will be OSU's role in working with the state and local communities in funding new technologies, business models and even communities to create a sustainable future for Oregonians.

Other topics include: economic and cultural partnerships focused on protecting the interests of future generations; managing resources by looking beyond the short-term; and integrated transitional framework for products across industry sectors.

In more than 20 years of work in the Columbia River Gorge, Patton developed interim partnerships and ultimately permanent funds to purchase and protect 11 parcels of ancient forest and agricultural land, creating two land trusts and raising more than $4 million to establish both the Little White Salmon Biodiversity Reserve and World Steward's Highland Farm, a retreat and collaborative research station in the art and science of sustainable culture.