One event left for Global Entrepreneurship Week

In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and the Business Department have hosted several activities throughout the week. Events are co-sponsored by the Biology and Business departments and Envision Club.

On Monday, Nov. 24, from noon to 2 p.m., students are invited to tour Knitcraft Corporation. Bernhard Brenner, president and CEO, will give a presentation and tour. Knitcraft has created the highest quality of men’s knitwear and outerwear in the world since 1960. Worn by Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet, and Mike Ditka, the St. Croix Collections line remains in the forefront of men’s exclusive fashion. Get a glimpse into its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Register by email to kabarainstitute@smumn.edu by today, Friday, Nov. 21. A limited number of spots are available.

Students invited to submit elevator pitches

The annual Elevator Pitch Contest, sponsored by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at Saint Mary’s, is open to all students on campus, regardless of major. Cash prizes will be awarded.

What is an elevator pitch? Create an idea for a new business, a non-profit or an event, such as a fundraiser that address a social concern. Pretend that you have a chance encounter (such as a 60-90 second elevator ride) with a person who could help make your dream a reality. Use this short time to convince this person to support your project.

A live competition is set for 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6. For more information, contact Chandu Valluri, Dr. Elizabeth Seebach, Dean Beckman or Dr. Phil Cochran. As an alternative to the live presentation, students can submit a video pitch by noon Tuesday, Nov. 4.

New this year: Entries can be submitted by individual students or in teams of two.

Kabara Institute to host Can Do Canines founder

Al Peters, a 1974 Saint Mary’s alumnus and founder of Can Do Canines, will speak Monday, April 7, as part of Kabara Entrepreneurial Days.

The event — free and open to the public — will begin at 7 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall. A question-and-answer period will follow.

Can Do Canines is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. In 1987 the business incorporated as the Companion Dog Connection, Inc., and over the years it has expanded its services and reach. Specially trained dogs assist individuals throughout the Midwest who are deaf or hard of hearing, those with physical disabilities, seizure disorders, or autism and people with diabetes complicated by hypoglycemia unawareness. All assistance dogs are provided to the client at no charge. Peters serves as executive director of the organization.

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is joined by the business, education, psychology and sociology departments in sponsoring this event.

The Kabara Institute aims to incite a passion for entrepreneurial spirit in students across the university, regardless of their major field of study. It also strives to enhance the entrepreneurship program offerings at Saint Mary’s by providing opportunities for students to interact with entrepreneurs and experience entrepreneurship first-hand. And, it fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in our society. 

Kabara Institute speaker addresses entrepreneurship

Stephen Woessner talks with students after his presentation.

As part of the spring 2014 Kabara Institute speaker series, Stephen Woessner, founder of Predictive ROI, spoke to students March 20. The event was sponsored by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, the Envision Club and the Business School.

The Kabara Institute was started in 2005 by Dr. Jon Kabara, an SMU alum, and his wife Betty.
 
The Kabara Institute aims to incite a passion for entrepreneurial spirit in students across the university, regardless of their major field of study. It also strives to enhance the entrepreneurship program offerings at Saint Mary’s by providing opportunities for students to interact with entrepreneurs and experience entrepreneurship first-hand. And, it fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in our society. 

The Kabara Institute provides a number of activities throughout the year such as Elevator Pitch Competitions, Business Planning Workshops, and the annual Business Plan competition in addition to the speaker series.

Woessner is the founder of Predictive ROI  and is a digital marketing authority, entrepreneur, speaker, educator, and bestselling author of two books, The Small Business Owner’s Handbook to Search Engine Optimization and Increase Online Sales through Viral Social Networking. His digital marketing insights have been featured in Inc. Magazine, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and The Washington Post. His presentation focused on entrepreneurship and data analysis.

Area students invited to submit ideas for contest

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and the Business Department of Saint Mary’s University are offering an Elevator Pitch Business Idea Contest.

All high school students who have ideas for starting a new business are encouraged to enter.

Winners will receive $1,000 in prize money, Saint Mary’s University scholarships and many other prizes.

Contestants will create an idea for a new business and answer a brief series of questions about that idea. Entries must be submitted online by Feb. 15. For complete information and a contest entry form, go to www.smumn.edu/businessidea.

Winners will be announced before March 1. For more information, e-mail Dr. Tom Marpe at tmarpe@smumn.edu or call Ext. 6963.

Saint Mary’s invites area students to submit business ideas for contest

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and the Business Department of Saint Mary’s University are offering an Elevator Pitch Business Idea Contest.

All high school students who have ideas for starting a new business are encouraged to enter.

Winners will receive $1,000 in prize money, Saint Mary’s University scholarships and many other prizes.
Contestants will create an idea for a new business and answer a brief series of questions about that idea. Entries must be submitted online by Feb. 15. For complete information and a contest entry form, go to www.smumn.edu/businessidea.

Winners will be announced before March 1. For more information, e-mail Dr. Tom Marpe at tmarpe@smumn.edu or call Ext. 6963.

Students visit area nursery as part of Entrepreneurship Week

On Wednesday, a group of students saw plentiful greens while they learned about going green. The students got an in-depth tour of Pork and Plants, an area nursery that is diversifying into hydroponics and growing vegetables during the winter months. SMU alum Maria Kreidermacher led the tour.

Students took many cell photos of the greenhouse filled with poinsettias and of the lettuce, strawberries and other seasonal fruits and vegetables being grown by the family-run facility. Kreidermacher explained the history of the business, the constant need to find their business niche, as well as to experiment with new growing processes and time- and energy-saving methods. From renewable energy sources to water conservation, the Kreidermachers are constantly finding ways to improve their processes as well as broaden their market.

This event was part of a week-long schedule of speakers and activities in recognition of Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Kabara speaker Oct. 25 to talk about entrepreneurship

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies  will present the next event of the fall 2013 speaker series today, Friday, Oct. 25.

A successful entrepreneur, Mark Schweiger has led and managed various teams to success. He will share some of his experiences with students from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in the Common Room. The event is also sponsored by the Department of Business, the Envision Club and the Business and Public Relations Club.

Schweiger is co-founder of Sologear LLC, located in Middleton, Wis. Sologear developed a proprietary fuel technology and he leads the sales, marketing and strategy functions. Prior to Sologear, he co-founded another company that was sold to a Fortune 500 firm. His background includes an MBA from the UW-Madison and progressive marketing management positions with Smucker’s and Kraft Foods.

Schweiger has served several religious organizations in roles that include children’s ministry leader, church deacon, church elder and Christian school board chair. He was co-chair of a capital campaign for UW Hospital cancer research and was a member of the advisory board for the UW Entrepreneurship Association. He feels truly honored to be part of the Care Net board.

Kabara Business Plan winners announced

Beth Rajdl, Colin Sheehan and Kyle Romanchuk were named the winners in the recent Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies Business Plan competition. In addition, this year’s contest had a “Rookie” division, and Jace Pater and Clare Siska submitted the winning plan in that division. A total of $1,500 in prize money was distributed.

The Kabara Institute aims to incite a passion for entrepreneurial spirit in students across the university, regardless of their major field of study. The institute’s goal is to provide opportunities for students to interact with entrepreneurs and experience entrepreneurship first-hand, and to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in our society.

In celebration of Entrepreneurship Week, the Kabara Institute sponsored a number of speakers this week. Look for more Kabara-sponsored events and student competitions during the next academic year.

Kabara elevator pitch winners announced

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies announced that John Fitzpatrick, Kyle Johnson, Michael Lunka, Timothy Smith and Ryan Wagner were each awarded a $100 prize in the recent Elevator Pitch Competition.  Smith is a philosophy major; the other winners are business majors.

Contestants created an idea for a business or an organization and had 90 seconds (the length of an average elevator ride) to convince a panel of judges that the idea was a worthwhile investment. Judges considered the feasibility and creativity of the idea and the enthusiasm and professionalism of the presentation when awarding the prizes.

The Kabara Institute is currently presenting a series of three workshops to help students create business plans. The deadline to enter the annual Business Plan Competition is March 21.  Questions about the competition can be directed to Teresa Speck at Ext.1449.

Elevator contest winners announced

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies has announced that Mary Glenski, Freddie Metzger, Will Johnson, Kelsey Brown, and Jaime Carreno-Moran were awarded monetary prizes in the recent Elevator Pitch Competition.

Contestants created an idea for a business or an event and had 90 seconds (the length of an average elevator ride) to convince a panel of judges that the idea was a worthwhile investment. Judges considered the feasibility and creativity of the idea and the enthusiasm and professionalism of the presentation when awarding the prizes.

The Kabara Institute is sponsoring a series of “Business Plan Basics” workshops this month. These workshops will help students construct an entry for the annual Kabara Business Plan Competition later this semester. Watch for details or contact Trevor Hall, director of the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, for more information.

Elevator Pitch Competition winners announced

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies has announced that Sheree Haslemore and Jennifer Schrankler were awarded the top two prizes in the recent Elevator Pitch Competition. Contestants created an idea for a business or an event and had 90 seconds (the length of an average elevator ride) to convince a panel of judges that the idea was a worthwhile investment. Judges considered the feasibility and creativity of the idea and the enthusiasm and professionalism of the presentation when awarding the prizes.

The Kabara Institute will be sponsoring another Elevator Pitch Competition early in second semester. Watch for details or contact Trevor Hall, director of the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, for more information.

Speaker to address Kwik Trip’s success Sept. 22

John McHugh, director of leadership development for Kwik Trip Incorporated, will discuss how the Wisconsin-based company evolved into an industry leader Thursday, Sept. 22, at Saint Mary’s.

The event, hosted by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall.

Kwik Trip began in Eau Claire, Wis., in 1965. Since that time, Kwik Trip has grown to more than 400 stores with 10,000 coworkers in three states and has been named a “Top Workplace” in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

A commitment to innovation means that Kwik Trip is a convenience store company unlike any other. Kwik Trip not only serves customers with convenient, clean retail centers, but also produces many of the private label products featured in the stores. Kwik Trip’s La Crosse-based headquarters operates its own commissary, bakery, and dairy and also maintains its own distribution center and fleet under the Convenience Transportation name.

McHugh’s presentation is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Trevor Hall at Ext. 6978 or tmhall@smumn.edu.

Kabara Institute hosts business panel

The public is invited to a special panel discussion titled “First-Generation Business: Starting and Building a Business from the Ground Up” on Tuesday, April 26. The event, hosted by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, will run from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Toner Student Center Lounge.

Speakers — including Russ Neitzke ’91 of Digicom, Inc.; Carolyn Wilson of Peace Out Clothing Store; and Keith Laken of Mugby Junction — will describe why they decided to start their businesses, their struggles in getting their businesses started and growing, and where they are now on their journey of owning their own businesses.

A question-and-answer period and a time for networking will be included. The event will conclude with formal presentations to the 2011 Business Plan Competition winners at Saint Mary’s.

Kabara Institute to host Jake Leinenkugel April 28

Saint Mary’s invites the public to a presentation by Jake Leinenkugel, president of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 28 in Page Theatre. The event — hosted by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies — will highlight the “Leinenkugel Family Legacy.”

The company’s founder, Jacob Leinenkugel, found a home for his brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wis., in 1867. The Leinenkugel brewing legacy continues today, more than 140 years and five generations later.

“I feel privileged to follow in my great-great-grandfather’s and father’s footsteps into this wonderful business,” he said. “We are fortunate to have so many loyal fans that love and support our products, and I feel it is important to interact with as many of them as possible.”

Leinenkugel’s presentation will include a brief history of the company, along with an overview of the brewing industry, water stewardship, and the renaissance of brewing used in the 21st century. In addition, he will explain how Leinenkugel operates as a business by showing their current brand portfolio and brand plan key imperatives, before concluding with the company’s succession planning.

For more information, contact Trevor Hall at Ext. 6978 or tmhall@smumn.edu.

SMU’s Kabara Institute to host Jake Leinenkugel April 28

Saint Mary’s invites the public to a presentation by Jake Leinenkugel, president of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 28 in Page Theatre. The event — hosted by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies — will highlight the “Leinenkugel Family Legacy.”

The well-known head of the 142-year-old company became the fifth generation to head the Leinenkugel Brewing Company in 1986. Born and raised in Chippewa Falls, Wis., Leinenkugel worked in the family brewery each summer from the end of high school and all through college in a variety of roles — including the summer of 1972, when he almost burned the brewery to the ground.

In the fall of 1982, Leinenkugel resigned his commission from the U.S. Marine Corps and came back to Chippewa Falls at the request of his father. He started in the sales department, and in 1986 he was elected vice president of marketing and sales. In 1988, Miller Brewing Company purchased the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. Miller saw the importance of keeping the Leinenkugel family heavily active in the brewery’s management, and Leinenkugel continued as vice president until he was promoted to president in 1989.

“I feel privileged to follow in my great-great-grandfather’s and father’s footsteps into this wonderful business,” he said. “We are fortunate to have so many loyal fans that love and support our products, and I feel it is important to interact with as many of them as possible.”

Leinenkugel ‘s presentation will include a brief history of the company, along with an overview of the brewing industry, water stewardship, and the renaissance of brewing used in the 21st century. In addition, he will explain how Leinenkugel operates as a business by showing their current brand portfolio and brand plan key imperatives, before concluding with the company’s succession planning.

For more information, contact Trevor Hall at Ext. 6978 or tmhall@smumn.edu.

Business plan competition winners announced

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies announces the winners of this year’s business plan competition.

Erin Glorvigen was the first-place winner in the business majors division. His plan was titled “Backup-Your-Memories.”

Rebecca Sandager and Justyna Kujtkowska submitted the winning plan in the non-business major division. Their unique business was called “Mo’Data.” A total of $1,500 in prize money was distributed among the students who submitted plans in the contest.

The Kabara Institute aims to incite a passion for entrepreneurial spirit in students across the university, regardless of their major field of study, to enhance the entrepreneurship program offerings at Saint Mary’s University by providing opportunities for students to interact with entrepreneurs and experience entrepreneurship first-hand, and to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in our society.

The Kabara Institute is sponsoring a series of events later in April. Details on these events are available from Trevor Hall, director of the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies.

SMU’s Kabara Institute to host Jake Leinenkugel April 28

Saint Mary’s invites the public to a presentation by Jake Leinenkugel, president of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, at 5 p.m. Thursday April 28 in Page Theatre.

The event — hosted by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies — will highlight the “Leinenkugel’s Family Legacy.”

The well-known face of the 142-year-old company became the fifth generation to head the Leinenkugel Brewing Company in 1986. Born and raised in Chippewa Falls, Wis., Jake worked in the family brewery each summer from the end of high school and all through college in a variety of roles — including the summer of 1972, when he almost burned the brewery to the ground. In the fall of 1982, Jake resigned his commission from the U.S. Marine Corps and came back to Chippewa Falls at the request of his father. He started in the sales department, and in 1986 he was elected vice president of marketing and sales. In 1988, Miller Brewing Company purchased the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. Miller saw the importance of keeping the Leinenkugel family heavily active in the brewery’s management, and Jake continued as vice president until he was promoted to president in 1989.

“I feel privileged to follow in my great-great-grandfather’s and father’s footsteps into this wonderful business,” he said. “We are fortunate to have so many loyal fans that love and support our products, and I feel it is important to interact with as many of them as possible.”

Leinenkugel ‘s presentation will include a brief history of the company, along with an overview of the brewing industry, water stewardship, and the renaissance of brewing used in the 21st century. In addition, he will explain how Leinenkugel operates as a business by showing their current brand portfolio and brand plan key imperatives, before concluding with the company’s succession planning.

For more information, contact Trevor M. Hall at Ext. 6978 or tmhall@smumn.edu.

Students invited to enter business plan competition

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies announces the fourth annual Student Business Plan Competition.

Participants must be full-time undergraduate students on the Winona campus; may participate as an individual or as a team of two students; and can have any major.

Students are asked to develop a business plan for a business that they would like to start. The business does not need to be an on-campus business. The projected start-up costs and initial capital required may not exceed $10,000.

The plan must include: a one-page executive summary, a concept statement, anticipated startup costs, a preliminary marketing plan, potential suppliers and/or manufacturing processes (as applicable), a discussion of operating considerations (staffing, operating hours, etc.), pro-forma financial statements for the first year of operation, references for the data sources used in the plan, and contact information for each of the individuals submitting the proposal.

Criteria for judging the plans include: feasibility of the proposed project, creativity, and comprehensiveness that was used to create the business plan.

Cash prizes totaling $1,500 will be awarded.

A hard copy and electronic copy of the business plans must be submitted to Teresa Speck by noon Tuesday, March 15. Semifinalists will present their plans to a panel of judges on Friday, March 18, and winners will be announced within a week.

For more information, contact Speck at tspeck@smumn.edu, Ext. 1449, or stop by her office at 429D, Saint Mary’s Hall.

Kabara Institute announces elevator pitch winners

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies announced its recent Elevator Pitch Competition winners as Joe Richards (philosophy and marketing major), Becca Sandager (electronic publishing major) and Brian Dillon (accounting major).

Contestants created an idea for a business or an event and had 90 seconds (the length of an average elevator ride) to convince a panel of judges that the idea was a worthwhile investment.

Judges considered the feasibility and creativity of the idea and the enthusiasm and professionalism of the presentation when awarding the prizes.

The Kabara Institute is currently presenting a series of three workshops to help students create business plans. The annual Business Plan Competition will be held in March. Watch for details!