National Entrepreneurship Week 2009 Plans Underway

For Immediate Release: February 3, 2009
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661

MADISON - Schools, businesses, communities, organizations and individuals are invited to submit their National Entrepreneurship Week 2009 activities to the Department of Commerce's e-ship week website. The third annual recognition of National Entrepreneurship Week occurs February 21 - 28, 2009. Both the department's website and the National Consortium for Education Excellence website will serve as the clearinghouses for all statewide activities and events.

"I encourage everyone interested in teaching or learning more about the role entrepreneurs will play in the future economy of Wisconsin - and the world - to participate in Entrepreneurship Week 2009," said Department of Commerce Secretary Richard J. Leinenkugel.

Across Wisconsin, business assistance providers have made plans to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in all aspiring entrepreneurs. The Richland Area Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club will host a free business expo called "New Ideas for the New Generation" on February 18, 2009, The expo will provide opportunities for networking, teaching and learning about many products and resources in the Richland area.

For more information, contact Megan Thompson, phone number is 608-647-4310 and e-mail is rcedc@mwt.net.

At UW-Whitewater, the UW-Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization will sponsor the statewide Entrepreneurs Collaboration Conference on February 27, 2009. The conference will bring together students from various college systems and entrepreneurs from Jefferson and Walworth counties. For more information, contact Jordan Leahy at 608-428-1016 or visit the web site for registration information at uwwceo.org/events/collaboration/default.aspx.

"I'd like to encourage other state and local government, schools, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs and community leaders to follow the lead of the Richland Area Inventors and Entrepreneur Club and the UW Whitewater's Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization in creating partnerships that support the promotion and celebration of entrepreneurship in Wisconsin during this nationally recognized week," said Sec. Leinenkugel.

For more information about National Entrepreneurship Week 2009, contact Carol Dunn, Womens Business Ombudsman, at 608-267-0297 or carol.dunn@wisconsin.gov.

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