Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour

North Canton, Ohio—In a live-action demonstration of the power of teamwork, Stark State College faculty and staff came together to promote and to put on the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour on September 25, 2008.

To divide and conquer the different tasks, the business department broke into committees. These groups then took on responsibilities like recruiting local exhibitors for an entrepreneurial fair, which included local entrepreneurs, a CPA group, a credit union, Office Max, and other business support resources. Tour sponsors, VenturePort.org, Operation Enterprise, and Inc. Magazine were also featured at the event. The Stark State team also recruited many local sponsors, including: Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Canal Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce, Jackson-Belden Chamber of Commerce, Lake Township Chamber of Commerce, Louisville Chamber of Commerce, Massillon Area Chamber of Commerce, Massillon Development Foundation, Minerva Area Chamber of Commerce, North Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, Stark County Chambers Development Board, Inc.

After an introduction by Jerry Myers, department chair of the Management and Marketing department, the college President, Dr. John O’Donnell, spoke about the importance of considering entrepreneurship as a career path. Then keynote speakers, Jason Duff, owner of Community Storage & Properties, Ltd. (www.communitystorage.com), and Morgan First, co-founder of 1st Publications and MAP BOSTON (www.motionaffairplanner.com), revealed what qualities helped them to succeed as young entrepreneurs. During a goal setting workshop later in the evening, the hundreds of individuals in the audience had a chance to think about their goals and dreams and passions and how they could start pursuing them today.

Not only did the Stark College team unite to maximize the professionalism of the event, complete with information folders for each person, but also they pumped up the fun! During one of the breaks, they served a cake with the Stark State and Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour logos in the icing. After a panel discussion including two local entrepreneurs, William Flood, owner of Horizon Business Services, and Jane Rowe, owner of Jane’s Virtual Office (www.janesvirtualoffice.com), it was time for door prizes! Dr. Glenda Zink, dean of business technologies, helped distribute fabulous raffle gifts, including gift cards for hundreds of dollars.
At Stark State, teamwork isn’t just a classroom concept but a practical strategy for success!