State "Young Entrepreneurs of the Year" Announced

For Immediate Release: February 18, 2009
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 (Commerce) and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The duo, Caleb Taplin of Ellsworth High School and Tanner Strunz of Brodhead High School, will be recognized during National Entrepreneurship Week USA, February 21 - 28.

"I am delighted to announce the winners of this honor," said Commerce Secretary Richard J. Leinenkugel. "Caleb and Tanner are both great examples of our state's best and brightest young entrepreneurial spirit. Wisconsin's economic future depends on the discipline and desire that these young entrepreneurs possess."

"As Caleb and Tanner know, successful entrepreneurs use 21st century skills such as self-direction, financial literacy, communication, and creativity," said DPI Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster. "Congratulations to our 2009 Young Entrepreneurs for developing abilities that will continue to contribute to their own well-being and that of our society, for years to come."

Taplin, of Ellsworth, is involved in designing a line of clothing and operating Clarity Clothing.

Strunz, of Brodhead, is the owner of Strunz Lawn Care, which provides lawn care, snow plowing and tree removal services. 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 25

Taplin and Strunz will join UW-Whitewater student Jordan Leahy in a one-hour web cast on February 25 at 10:00 a.m. Leahy started Clear Vision Window Cleaning at the age of 15 and sold Clear Vision in 2008 to focus on promoting entrepreneurship within high schools and postsecondary institutions of learning. Leahy, Taplin and Strunz will talk about their businesses during the web cast to be broadcast from the Governor's Conference Room and will all answer questions from other Wisconsin high school students and aspiring entrepreneurs. The web cast 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 three successful young entrepreneurs, link to www.commerce.wi.gov/eweek.

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

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