MAKING A WORLD OF
DIFFERENCE!
THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2008
DES MOINES AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
2006 Ankeny Boulevard, Ankeny, Iowa
The Fourth Annual Entrepreneurship Day offers a blend of speakers and panelists on current topics and issues.
Agenda
Morning Session is Free
BUILDING 6 AUDITORIUM
9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Welcome
Rob Denson, President DMACC
9:15 a.m. – 9:40 a.m.
Overview of Entrepreneurship Day & Introduction of Keynote Speaker & Panelists
Vada Grantham
Chair, Entrepreneurship Program
9:40 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Keynote Speaker
Sarah Grant, Owner and Creative Director, Sticks
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Panelists
(Electrical Manufacturing, Marketing, Computer Software, Beauty & Health)
11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Questions & Answers Session Panelists
11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
We will showcase four (4) DMACC Students that are on the rise and starting their own small businesses.
Overview & Closing Remarks
Vada Grantham, Moderator
Keynote Speaker
Sarah Grant
Owner & Creative Director, Sticks, Inc.
In December of 1991, Better Homes and Garden featured a story about Sarah and her company “Origin Art Forms” which solicited a large national response and an influx of orders. Sarah incorporated the company as Sticks, Inc. in 1992, and has received national recognition for its exceptional line of furniture, accessories, and object art.
Each piece is handcrafted and designed within Sticks state-of-the-art design studio in Des Moines by a staff of nearly 150 craft artisans. Sticks’ furniture and artwork is currently merchandised in over 100 galleries nationwide. Plus, Sticks’ has two retail store locations in the East Village and West Glen areas which houses some of the most elegant and creative pieces of furniture and artwork in the nation.
Join us on “Entrepreneurship Day” and hear how Sarah took a simple idea from a friend’s antique store of etched wooden furniture which inspired her to create these award-winning masterpieces of today!
Fred Buie
President, Keystone Electric Manufacturing Company
Fred began his professional career with GE (General Electric) as a project engineer and plant manger in the Electric Distribution and Controls Business. With his vast experience in electrical engineering and the passion to own his own business, Fred purchased Keystone Electric Manufacturing Company in September of 1998.
The company manufactures and provides protection and control switchboards and medium voltage switchgears equipment throughout the world to public utilities, general contractors, and large industrial users for switchboard panels, power distribution, and electrical breakers.
Come hear how Fred took the company to new heights after purchasing the
Des Moines North American plant and expanding its operation to four continents.
Jim Lewis
CEO & Founder, Relationship Marketing
Before starting Relationship Marketing, Jim brought database marketing to new levels for telecommunications industry leaders, IBM, HBO and several major universities. He also worked at The Integer Group and Young & Rubican, two of the top advertising and marketing agencies in the country.
Jim founded Relationship Marketing in 1993. He leads the efforts to create an innovative work culture and constantly challenges the company to find unique and fresh ways to better serve the marketing needs of innovative companies including CitiGroup, Novartis, AOL/Time Warner, AT&T Yellow Pages, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., and Abbott Laboratories.
You do not want to miss learning how Jim created one of the first “one-to-one” marketing agencies in the country.
Jose Laracuente
CEO & President, DMI Computer Technologies/AgVision
In 1996, Jose was recruited from Washington, D.C. to Iowa to become a partner at DMI Computer Technologies/Ag Vision. He brought strong leadership, management skills and experience with computer systems projects to the company.
AgVision is an industry leader in designing powerful and intuitive software for agribusiness. The customers are grain elevators, seed processors, cooperatives, fertilizer retailers, feed stores, and ethanol plants.
Nearly 500 businesses nationwide are using AgVision’s products and services. AgVision software operates on stand-alone PCs and client-server configurations over both conventional, wireless and Internet networks connecting single and multiple departments and locations.
With Jose’s leadership, the company opened new markets, developed new products and increased profits. Today, Mr. Laracuente and his wife own 100% of the company. His unique style regarding leadership and business growth will enlightened the Entrepreneurship Day audience.
Cindy Landa
Owner, Estilo Salon & Spa
Cindy has had 25 years in the hair industry. She has spent those years working in Des Moines area salons and opened Estilo Salon and Day Spa in May 2000.
Early in her career, she worked for Zotos International, the leading manufacturers of permanent waves in the beauty industry. As a platform artist, she traveled in the United States and Canada doing hair shows, educational seminars, and conducting training for designers.
Cindy was one of eight designers to represent Zotos at the London Beauty Festival in 1982, where they won the Gold Cup for best presentation. Her work has been featured in national and international magazines
Join us as Cindy describes her adventure and journey and how Estilo Salon & Spa has achieved recognition as Elle Magazine as “Best Color Salon”, and featured in Modern Salon and Inspire Magazine publication which circulates to hair salons throughout the world. Estilo Salon & Spa was recognized as one the top three day spas in Des Moines.
We look forward to seeing all of you at this informative, entertaining, and educational Entrepreneurship Day Conference. If you have questions, please contact the conference facilitator:
Vada Grantham
Conference Facilitator/Chair, Entrepreneurship Program
Des Moines Area Community College
Buidling 8, Room 19A
2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Ankeny, Iowa 50023
Phone: 515-964-6348
Email: vgrantham@dmacc.edu
Ankeny