2019
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
Waseca, MN
To learn more about the community of Waseca, please visit Discover Waseca for more information.
A copy of the Full Conference Program can be found HERE.
Copies of presenter materials can be found HERE.
Comments from 2019 Conference Participants:
"Wonderful! Thoughtfully planned with engaging sessions and time for informal networking."
"Most of the sessions were very practical- there were a ton of great resources available, but not enough people know about them!"
"One of the best economic development conferences I attended!"
Agenda
Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019
11:00 a.m. Registration and lunch available (Starfire Event Center, 204 2nd St. SW, Waseca MN 56093 )
11:30-12:15 Welcome and Keynote (Starfire Event Center)
Keynote: Amanda Brinkman, Chief Brand and Communications Officer at Deluxe Corporation
12:15-12:45 p.m. Walk to Breakout Session 1
12:45-1:45 p.m. Breakout Session 1 (in downtown Waseca businesses)
Workshop 1: Agritourism Panel with Squash Blossom Farm, Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, Half Pint Brewery with moderator Rani Bhattacharyya
Workshop 2: Biz Link North, a Business Succession Tool by Amy Newsom and Mark Wright
Workshop 3: Growing Entrepreneurial Communities by Pam Bishop and Chris Schad
Workshop 4: Venture Funding and Economic Development Panel with Steve Mercil, Xavier Frigola, and Jude Conway with moderator Ryan Nolander
Workshop 5: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Training Curricula by Kristi Kiehne and Melissa Holman
1:45-2:15 p.m. Walk to Breakout Session 2
2:15-3:15 p.m. Breakout Session 2 (in downtown Waseca businesses)
Workshop 1: Connecting an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem by Meg Steuer
Workshop 2: Creative Strategies for Filling Downtown Spaces by Bill Owens
Workshop 3: Broadband Program for Rural Business by Bernadine Joselyn and Ann Treacy
Workshop 4: Feast Initiative by Jan Joannides
Workshop 5: 1 Million Cups Mankato by Gary Schott and Yvonne Cariveau
3:15-3:45 p.m. Walk to Breakout Session 3
3:45-4:45 p.m. Breakout Session 3 (in downtown Waseca businesses)
Workshop 1: Mainstreet Programming to Support Small Business Entrepreneurs by Emily Kurash
Workshop 2: KCEO: Connecting students with business to inspire entrepreneurship by Tyler Gerhking
Workshop 3: Red Wing Ignite by Adam Gettings
Workshop 4: Agricultural Utilization Research Institute’s Resources for Ag Entrepreneurs by Lisa Gjersvik
Workshop 5: Small Business Development Center of Mankato Services for Entrepreneurs by Mike Hahn
4:45-5:30 p.m. Break
5:30-7:30 p.m. Reception and Networking Event (Club 57(across the street from Starfire)
Friday, Sept. 6, 2019
7-8:30 a.m. Breakfast on your own
8:30-9:15 a.m. Warm-up, wake-up, idea sharing (Starfire Event Center)
9:15-9:30 a.m. Walk to Breakout Session 4
9:30-10:30 a.m. Breakout Session 4 (in downtown Waseca businesses)
Workshop 1: Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Youth Retention Panel moderated by Ann Fitch
Workshop 2: Panel on Co-Working Space Models with Jamie Sundsbak, Sue Vigstol and Myron White
Workshop 3: Minnesota Cup Program by Jessica Berg
Workshop 4: Opportunities for Latino Entrepreneurship by Jamie Villalez
Workshop 5: Using Data to Understand Your Market by Cameron Macht and Neil Linscheid
10:30-10:45 a.m. Walk to Closing Session
10:45-12:00 p.m. Closing Session (Starfire Event Center)
10:45-11:15 a.m. Keynote speaker- Tom Smude, Co-Owner of Smude Enterprises, LLC
11:15-12:00 p.m. Minnesota DEED's "Launch" Program by Deputy Commissioner, Kevin McKinnon
12:00-12:30 p.m. Closing Remarks and Adjourn (box lunch available)
Lodging Options:
American Motel
1313 State Hwy 13, Waseca, MN 56093
Please call to make reservations under "CEC Conference"
Tel: 507-835 4300
Rooms and rates available:
20 single queen rooms @$59.90+tax
5 single king rooms @$69.90+tax
9 double queen rooms @$79.90+tax
GrandStay Hotel & Suites -Waseca
2201 N State St, Waseca, MN 56093
Please call to make reservations under "CEC Conference"
Tel: 507-835-0022
Rooms and Rates Available Until August 15th:
13 double queen rooms @$89.00+tax
4 single king rooms @$89.00+tax
3 suite rooms @$89.00+tax