Student entrepreneurs from Iowa colleges, universities and high schools will gather for the fourth annual Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Iowa Conference (CEIC) at North Iowa Area Community College on Friday, February 25, 2005, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event also brings together entrepreneurs that have made a significant impact on Iowa, the United States and even the world.

Iowa college students and faculty, high school students and faculty and other interested in entrepreneurial endeavors will have the opportunity to network, brainstorm, listen to successful entrepreneur speakers and learn from other entrepreneurs. Most entrepreneurs are not business majors, but are people from all different disciplines with passion. The CEIC is free to all students and faculty.

"This is really an historic event at NIACC. With the inclusion of faculty, both collegiate and high school, as well as the inclusion of high school students and special programming for both groups, this represents a truly wonderful opportunity to expand entrepreneurial thinking and success," Jamie Zanios, Director of the NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC), said. "We have challenged ourselves and the local Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization to think outside the box to deliver the message about entrepreneurship as a tool for people with a passion to realize their dreams. We expect this conference to help demonstrate the opportunities as well as provide ideas on how to accomplish those dreams."

The CEIC will feature speakers John Pappajohn, president of Equity Dynamics Inc. and founder of the five Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers across Iowa; Mike Marolt, president of eq-life, a Best Buy entity; Melinda Nelson Masson, president and CEO of The Merit Companies; and Curtis, Dennis and Jon Lewerke, co-founders of Woodharbor Doors & Cabinetry, Inc.

Additionally, Robert Chernow will be a featured speaker and facilitator for the faculty sessions. This nationally known speaker, entrepreneur and educator will bring great wisdom and ideas on cross curriculum engagement of students and faculty in entrepreneurship and what it means in disciplines other than business.

Sessions at the CEIC, with separate collegiate and high school breakouts, will include How to Start a Small Business, Running a Successful Business in Your 20s, Starting a CEO Chapter and Speaking with Angel Investors.

"The conference provides a networking opportunity for the college and high school students who attend, and networking is one of the most important skills in entrepreneurship," Tim Putnam, Associate Director of the NIACC JPEC, said. "They’ll have a chance to network with angel investors as well as other successful student entrepreneurs."

The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers (JPEC) at Iowa State University, NIACC, the University of Iowa, the University of Northern Iowa and Drake University rotate hosting the conference. This will mark NIACC’s first turn at hosting the CEIC event, and a number of other firsts will also take place at this year’s event.

For the first time in the conference’s history, the public is also invited to purchase tickets to the afternoon Entrepreneurial Speaker Show Case, which will feature Marolt, Masson and The Lewerke Brothers. Tickets cost $10 for this event.

Another first for the CEIC will be the inclusion of high school entrepreneurs and faculty at the event. This innovative step will allow even younger students and their instructors to begin thinking about entrepreneurship opportunities and start networking with other young entrepreneurs around the state. All the area high schools are being encouraged to select interested and motivated students to attend this event along with some instructors.

"I am certainly excited for the upcoming event. This is a great way to get our young adults involved in thinking about what the future might hold for them and provide the opportunity to explore their interests and see what it takes to make it as an entrepreneur," Dan Long, Mason City High School history teacher, said. "There is value in connecting students from the high school with NIACC and the community. It’s necessary to do if we wish to see these students stay in Iowa and be a part of our development."

Conference sponsors include the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization! (CEO!) as well as the JPEC’s at NIACC, Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, the University of Northern Iowa and Drake University.

Register online at www.niacc.edu/ceic. For questions, please call 641-422-4111 or 1-888-466-4222, ext. 4111. For more information, visit www.niacc.edu/ceic.

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For more information, contact the Marketing and Community Relations Department
North Iowa Area Community College, 500 College Drive, Mason City, Iowa  50401
422-4295 or 1-888-GO NIACC, ext. 4295
www.niacc.edu