Catch the Culture: A 7 Rivers Regional
Inventors & Entrepreneurs Rendezvous
Long time business owners know that networking is one of the hottest tickets to success. That’s why coordinators of several local inventors and entrepreneurs clubs have partnered to host “Catch the Culture: A 7 Rivers Regional Inventors & Entrepreneurs Rendezvous”, on Thursday June 26, 2008 from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Cleary Center on the University of Wisconsin campus in La Crosse. The event is free and open to the public and provides a regional forum for new and existing business owners to share ideas, connect with like-minded people, and learn business skills from some of the most successful business owners in the region and the state.
“Wisconsin’s Inventors and Entrepreneurs Clubs have created a local business culture that fosters creativity and innovation” said Terry Whipple. “This event will help to grow the momentum to the regional level and provide more opportunities for business owners to learn from one another.”
Local inventor Bob Harter has experienced the magic of inventors and entrepreneurs clubs first hand. The I & E Club introduced Harter to an inventors’ contest in Kansas City. After winning the contest for his “Portable Hose” invention, Harter was featured on the local Fox News and offered a licensing agreement from the company that sponsored the event. “I’m very grateful for the I & E Club introducing me to a broad network of support including invention brokers, marketing experts, insurance professionals, business consultants, and other mentors.” This happened “just by meeting just a few members of the club” Harter said.
The Rendezvous will feature renowned businesses leaders Stuart Anders, President and CEO of Allied Industries, LLC and Ivan Davis, serial entrepreneur and leader in the movement toward community oriented business. Anders’ inventions are a part of the Sears Craftsman tool line and have sold over of one million items. At the event Anders will share his experiences in turning an idea into a marketable item starting as a young apprentice in his father’s woodworking shop through his unique career path as an industrial arts teacher, helicopter pilot, and leotard and swimwear designer. Ivan Davis is an inventor, owner of multiple businesses, and community leader who has developed unique and innovative community and business partnerships. Davis has been actively involved in local Inventors and Entrepreneurs Clubs and is widely known advocate for workers with handicaps through the Wisconsin Abilities Network. Davis will share success stories from his experiences with local Inventors and Entrepreneurs clubs.
New and existing business owners attending the Rendezvous will have the opportunity to meet with resource providers and business owners from throughout the region. Exhibit space for non-profit organizations, members of local Inventors and Entrepreneurs clubs, and conference sponsors is available at no charge but reservations must be made in advance. Additional for-profit exhibitor space is available for a fee. Contact Stephen Woessner at the Lacrosse Small Business Development Center to reserve exhibit space or become a conference sponsor 608-785-8783.
The Rendezvous will open at 3:00 for exhibit setup and officially kickoff at 4:00 PM with registration, social time, and refreshments. Speakers will begin at 4:30. Attendees will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and their businesses followed by a light dinner and additional time for networking. Attendees need not attend the entire event but are encouraged to come when they can and leave when they must. The Rendezvous is free and open to the public but attendees should contact their closest Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club in advance to pre-register and inquire about car-pooling opportunities.
This Rendezvous conference model is based on the success of more than fifty Inventors and Entrepreneurs Clubs meeting monthly across the state. Inventors and Entrepreneurs Clubs are local forums where inventors and entrepreneurs get together to learn, network and share ideas. Many of the clubs in western Wisconsin have already sparked a number of new companies and help area businesses tap into the ideas and innovations surfacing from club members. To pre-register for “Catch the Culture: A 7 Rivers Regional Inventors & Entrepreneurs Rendezvous” contact your local Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club coordinator below or conference contact Jan Gallagher at the SBDC 608-785-8783.
Local club meetings are held in
· Arcadia – Contact Karman Briggs 715-836-7511 x174 ( Buffalo Trempealeau) Third Thursday Meets 6:30 pm
Riverland Energy Cooperative N 28988 State Rd 93 Arcadia
· Black River Falls- Contact Karman Briggs 715-836-7511 x174 Meets the 2nd Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm. Jackson Electric # is N6868.County Rd F Black River Falls
· Camp Douglas- Contact Terry Whipple 608-427-2070 Meets the last Thursday of the month at 6:00
Lemonweir Telephone Co Highway 12/16 Camp Douglas
· Darlington - Contact JoAnn Ehasz 608-776-8080 Meets the third Wednesday of the month at 6 pm Contact for location.
· Gays Mills - Contact Laura Brown 608-326-0224 or Sue Noble 608 637-5396 Meets the second Tuesday of the month Gays Mills Community Building 6:30 pm
· La Crosse Area – Contact Jim Hill 608-784-5488. Meets the first Tuesday of the month 6:30 at the La Crosse County Administrative Center B140.
· Richland Center - Contact Wayne Morgenthaler 608-647-6186 or Steven Kohlstedt 608-647-6148 Meets the last Wednesday of the month 7:00 pm Meets at the UW Richland Campus. Contact for location.
· Tomah – Contact Gary Kirking 608.374.7700. Meets third Monday of the month 6:00 120 East Milwaukee Street Tomah
· Winona, Minnesota- Contact Linda Grover 507-457-6483 Meets the third Tuesday of the month 6:30 at the Tau Center in Winona