I feel completely ENERGIZED after last night’s I2E meeting!! Our guest speaker, Lora Damme, President and CEO of Tri-Valley Bank in Talmage, NE, brought another speaker. Her husband, Jay Longinaker who is the President of Tri-Valley Bank’s Randolph Banking Center! They gave a great interview before the meeting (the video will be available soon!) and a totally informative talk during the meeting. Their talk focused on “How to Talk to Your Banker.” Everyone learned a lot, and the group asked a ton of questions. In fact, we finally had to end the question and answer period so we could move on with the rest of the activities.

A BIG I2E Thank You to Lora and Jay! We really appreciate them taking the time to share their expertise and insights with us. What a wonderful opportunity for all of us!

I did forget to give them their speaker gifts. So, I will make sure they get a jar of Dano’s Sweet Salsa from Hickory Road BBQ (http://www.hickoryroadbbq.com/) in Auburn, NE and Two Bridges BBQ Sauce from the Avenue Grill (http://theavenuegrillrestaurant.com/) in Nebraska City, NE (two awesome Nebraska products)!

Remember to join us on Tuesday, May 12, 2009!

5:30 PM: Networking social sponsored by the UNL Kimmel Education and Research Center featuring Nebraska foods

6:00 PM: Program begins! Our guest speaker will be Mark Patterson, Vice President of Operations for Store Kraft Manufacturing in Beatrice, NE. Mark will talk about his personal entrepreneurship story as well as provide some insights on working in a global economy!

After Mark’s presentation, Bill Hawkins (aka “Farmer Bill”), a wild crafter and entrepreneur will present information about the effectiveness of using images and technology to market businesses. Each business has a unique story to tell, and Farmer Bill will present information on how he does this for his enterprise. Farmer Bill will also provide some inspiration and motivation for the evening.

Anyone interested in exploring the idea of developing a product, starting their own business or expanding on current business skills, is invited to attend.

The Club is a collaborative effort by a regional group in Southeast Nebraska and has been made possible by funding from a Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act (BECA) grant. There is a $10 per session fee or participants may choose to join the club and pay a small annual membership fee (only $45.00 for businesses with 2 or fewer employees…and, you get great food each time!)

We hope to see you at the Kimmel Education & Research Center, located at 5985 G Road in Nebraska City, NE (www.kimmel.unl.edu) for a truly inspiring evening!

If you are new to I2E…Contact me to RSVP!

Cheers,
Dr. Connie
e-mail: creimers2@unl.edu
Phone: 402-873-3166