Collegiate Entrepreneurs win big at national conference
Released: November 07, 2007
In only its first month as a National Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO) Chapter and its second year in operation, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's CEO Chapter took home three high-powered awards at the National CEO Conference held Nov. 1-3 in Chicago.
UW-Whitewater's CEO secured first place in the Web site competition, second in Best Chapter Business Plan and second in Best Fundraising Activity, competing against more than 1,400 national and international CEO members. Only one other school earned more awards.
"I am extremely proud of our chapter and to have done this well against seasoned chapters illustrates just how good of a chapter we have," Jimmy Peltier, Irvin L. Young professor of entrepreneurship and professor of marketing at UW-Whitewater, said. "Given that we are still such a young chapter, my expectations for the future are limitless."
More than 1,200 students, faculty and others interested in entrepreneurship gathered in Chicago for the two-and-a-half day CEO conference. The annual conference offered networking opportunities for students, and also featured entrepreneurs and business leaders who shared their ideas and expertise on how they launched their business and the lessons they have learned.
"Attending a conference is always an enjoyable experience because of the energy and capabilities of the attendees," Management Professor and CEO Advisor Bill Dougan said. "Attendance at a conference like this is valuable in terms of the networking opportunities it can provide by allowing the students to interact with their peers and faculty members. Students are given opportunities to makes connections, both personal and professional, that could ultimately lead to new business developments in the future."
Throughout the semester UW-Whitewater's CEO holds speaker meetings with successful entrepreneurs, allows students to get involved in business plan competitions and also participate in volunteer opportunities to help gain insight on the business industry. CEO is open to all students, especially those science and business majors interested in owning their own business.
"Entrepreneurs have the desire and energy to succeed, something that our students have in abundance. There is a strong need on this campus to provide an outlet for young entrepreneurs," Derek Henze, CEO president and founding member said. "Hopefully students from across the university and from multiple majors will take advantage of this opportunity, which in the end will only make us stronger."
CEO meetings are held every Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. in Upham 142. For more information, contact Peltier at (262) 472-5474 or peltierj@uww.edu.
- Patti Schenker,schenkerpl07@uww.edu
