Local entrepreneurs will share their journey to success
with aspiring entrepreneurs as the Eastern Michigan University
College of Business presents the Sesi Midwest Entrepreneurship
Conference Feb. 13 at the EMU Student Center.
The
Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO), the
local EMU chapter of the national CEO, will host the
event. Its mission is to aid students in learning the
aspects of starting their own business.
EMU faculty, staff and students are invited to attend,
as well as community college and high school students and
faculty that have curriculum centered on entrepreneurship.
Networking, along with a continental breakfast, starts
at 8:30 a.m., followed by opening remarks. Two breakout
sessions highlight the conference with a question-and-answer
segment to follow. The conference concludes with lunch
and a keynote speaker.
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Sullivan |
Robert Sullivan, President and CEO of
The Wireless Source, Inc. in Auburn Hills, will give the
keynote address. Sullivan
holds a bachelor's degree in
business administration from Eastern Michigan University,
and is a former CEO Club member. Since 1995, The Wireless
Source has been developing and implementing a portfolio
of cell phone collection operations and services that provide
solutions to the wireless industry by integrating the needs
of business and the environment. The Wireless Source continues
to receive global recognition as a leading provider in
the collection of used cell phones.
"The Sesi conference is not only a great venue to
hear about the successes and struggles of entrepreneurs,
but it also provides the opportunity for students across
the community to reach out and support the next generation," said
Dan Marvin, president of the CEO Club at EMU. "We are thrilled
to have Robert Sullivan address our Club."
Other speakers and panelists include Robert Boone of
Quest Star Capitol; Dave Marvin of Comerica
Bank; Bená Burda of Maggie's Organics
in Ypsilanti; Steve Greenhall, attorney
for small businesses, and Peter Rinehart,
owner of Bombadill's Café in Ypsilanti and chair
of the Downtown Development Authority.
The conference was recently endowed by a grant from the
family of the late Catherine Sesi. Catherine and Joseph
Sesi were EMU supporters for nearly three decades, and
owners of the Sesi Lincoln Mercury dealerships in Ypsilanti.
Joseph Sesi was an EMU alumnus as are nephews, Lamar and
Joseph Jr., who now run the dealership.
The conference includes the EMU Business Plan Competition,
as six high school and university/community college finalists
present their business plans while competing for cash prizes
totaling more than $5,000. The competition begins immediately
after lunch.
The event is free , but registration is required. To register,
click here,
visit the Center
for Entrepreneurship at Eastern Michigan University online,
or contact Paul Nucci at
(734) 487-0902 or pnucci@emich.edu for
details. The Student Center is located at 900 Oakwood Street
in Ypsilanti.
Students in the CEO Club gain real world experience by
working on club projects involving real products for sale.
Projects have included: software solutions, creating new
apparel, training videos, new market products and promotion
techniques. The Club also provides students with the opportunity
to run a current chapter business.
The Center for Entrepreneurship at EMU, within
the College of Business, strives
to create, encourage and sustain the entrepreneurial
spirit through its various activities. It assists emerging
growth companies in the southeastern Michigan region
with mentoring, seminars, business plan reviews and structured
mentoring and networking between entrepreneurs and various
resource providers.
