CKE Restaurants, Inc. CEO Andy Puzder to Keynote Small Business & Innovation Conference

Washington D.C. – Congressman Kevin McCarthy today announced that CKE Restaurants, Inc. CEO Andy Puzder will keynote the Small Business & Innovation Conference that will be held on March 15 at California State University, Bakersfield. The theme of Mr. Puzder's talk will be: "Doing Business in California: How Can We Make it Better?"

"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and CKE Restaurants is a perfect example of that - what started as a hot dog stand is now one of the most successful restaurant chains in the United States," said Congressman Kevin McCarthy. "As CEO of CKE Restaurants, Andy has successfully implemented winning business strategies in good times and bad for all the CKE restaurant brands. I am honored that he has agreed to speak, and know his insights will be invaluable to our local small businesses."

CKE Restaurants, Inc., is headquartered in Carpinteria, California and includes Carl's Jr.®, Hardee's®, Green Burrito® and Red Burrito® restaurant brands. The Company owns or franchises 3,250 restaurants in the United States and 25 foreign countries, generates $1.3 billion in annual revenue and, with its franchisees, employs over 70,000 people in the U.S.

All local small business owners and those in the community interested in the conference are invited to attend. The event is free and will include presentations on topics including: trade, contracting with military and government agencies and small business development strategies. To RSVP, email RSVP.McCarthy@mail.house.gov or call the Bakersfield Office at 661-327-3611. Additional details below:

Date: Thursday, March 15, 2012

Time: 8:00 a.m. – Noon

Location: California State University, Bakersfield, Student Union Center Multi-Purpose Room, 9001 Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield, CA 93311