Rural entrepreneurs summit set for Nov. 9

The Young Entrepreneur Summit Region 15 (Washington, Iowa, Johnson and Keokuk County Extension) will cohost the Rural YES event along with the Community Vitality Center at Iowa State University, U.S. Small Business Administration, USDA Rural Development and other sponsors at 4:30pm- 8:30pm, Nov. 9, on 3

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Floor Scheman Building, Iowa State Center, Ames IA.

Participants will (1) Hear success stories from other rural entrepreneurs, (2) Listen to and share ideas for improving opportunities for young entrepreneur success in rural America, (3) Connect with other rural entrepreneurs and support networks during a free trade show and reception featuring Iowa Foods, and (4) Shape ideas for a Rural YES Findings Report and future social network dialogue.

Rural YES

recognizes outstanding young entrepreneurs and shares their success stories from across rural America to inspire others to participate creating a rural entrepreneurial cultural that provides greater opportunity for successful enterprise development and support in the future.

To participate, please register for Rural YES at the following website:

Rural YES Partners co-hosting the event include:  Community Vitality Center, ISU; U.S. Small Business Administration;  USDA Rural Development;  Ag Ventures Alliance/ Rural Development Partners;  Iowa Bankers Association, ISU Extension and Outreach; College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, ISU;  MyEntrenet, University of Northern Iowa;  Iowa Rural Development Council; Iowa Foundation for Microenterprise and Community Vitality (Iowa MicroLoan);  Iowa Small Business Development Centers; Practical Farmers of Iowa; Renew Rural Iowa, Iowa Farm Bureau; Iowa Area Development Group (IADG); Young Professionals of Iowa (YPIowa); Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI); Meskwaki Nation;  Iowa Telecommunications Association;  Community Bankers of Iowa; Drake University Agricultural Law Center; ISED Women's Business Center, SCORE, and Ida County Economic Development.

Young Entrepreneur Summit

3:00PM           Partners Set up Display Tables

3:45PM           Orientation for Partner Chairs of Small Group Discussions

4:00PM           Participant Registration Name Tags

4:30PM           Small Business Administration Deputy Secretary Marie Johns

4:45PM           USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Doug O'Brien

5:00PM           PANEL Discussion

·         Co-moderator, USDA Deputy Under Secretary Doug O'Brien

·         Co-moderator, SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns

·         Amy Strouth, Prairie Queen Bakery & Restaurant, Sheldon, IA  www.PQBakery.com

·         Pat Palmer, The Computer Guy, Hampton, IA www.thecomputerguy.bz

·         Mari Holthaus, Kymar Acres, Waukon, IA www.kymaracres.com

      & President, Grown Locally Coop, Decorah, IA www.grownlocally.com

·         Matt Russell, Coyote Run Farm, Lacona, IA www.coyote-run-farm.com/

5:55PM   Intermission

6:00PM   Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds

6:30PM   Small Group Discussions:

What if anything should be done to foster rural entrepreneur success?

• Introductions
• Share rural young and emerging entrepreneur success stories
• Identify challenges for rural young and emerging entrepreneurs
• Discuss ideas for improving opportunities for success in rural entrepreneurship
• Shape Ideas and Possible Next Steps for Report Feedback

7:30PM   Trade Show and Networking Reception featuring Iowa Foods

8:30PM   Summit Adjourns