State "Young Entrepreneurs of the Year" Announced

For Immediate Release: February 7, 2008
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661

MADISON - Two Wisconsin high school seniors have been named "Young Entrepreneurs of the Year" by the Department of Commerce and the Department of Public Instruction. The pair, Hannah Iverson of Plum City High School and Natasha Holmes of Madison West High School, will be recognized during National Entrepreneurship Week USA, February 24-March 1.

"I am delighted to announce the winners of this honor," said Commerce Secretary Jack L. Fischer. "Hannah and Natasha are both great examples of Wisconsin's best and brightest young entrepreneurial spirit. Wisconsin's economic future depends on the discipline and desire that these young entrepreneurs possess."

"These Young Entrepreneurs show determination and creativity," said State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster. "Their success is founded on hard work and the efforts of our schools to help young people learn to balance their roles in the family, society, and world of work."

Iverson, of Plum City, is involved in breeding top genetic Holstein and Guernsey cattle and markets embryos to dairy producers. Holmes, of Madison, designs and markets her own line of jewelry. They will each receive a recognition plaque signed by Governor Jim Doyle, as well as a free business counseling session through a Wisconsin Small Business Development Center near them, and an opportunity to receive business mentorship.

Entrepreneurial Web cast set for February 27

Iverson and Holmes will participate with Rishi Shah in a one-hour web cast on February 27 at 10:00 a.m. Shah, a UW graduate, was recently named by Business Week as one of America's Best Young Entrepreneurs for his business, Flying Cart. Together with this successful e-commerce entrepreneur, Iverson and Holmes will have the opportunity to talk about their businesses. They will all answer questions from other Wisconsin high school students and aspiring entrepreneurs during the web cast. The web cast will be broadcast from the Governor's Conference Room and is part of the week-long celebration to recognize the strong entrepreneurial spirit in Wisconsin.

To access the web casts and submit questions to these two successful entrepreneurs, link to: www.commerce.wi.gov/eweek.

For more information regarding Entrepreneurship Week USA contact Carol Dunn, small business ombudsman, at 608/267-0297 or carol.dunn@wisconsin.gov or visit www.commerce.wi.gov/eweek.

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