February 24, 2010 - 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
The impact of Entrepreneurship and innovation is considered essential to our economy. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses generate 60 to 80 percent of new jobs annually. From a more localized perspective 70% of our region’s businesses have less then 10 employees. The Cape Fear Future Project has identified Entrepreneurship as one of our region’s critical success factors economically going forward.
But what does all of this really mean? Is Entrepreneurship really that important to our economy and future? And if so how can we improve innovation and entrepreneurial activity in our region? Please join our distinguished panel of four experts who will address these questions, provide additional perspective and address audience questions.
Register online for this free event. EVENT REGISTRATION or by calling 910.962.2237
 Tobin Geatz |
Tobin Geatz is a graduate of West Virginia University with an extensive background in business start-ups, expansions, and technology applications. Tobin was founder and Chairman of the Board of PharmaTech Solutions in 1999; he then became CEO and Chairman of the Board of Inclinix, Inc. He has been instrumental in the founding and development of several successful ventures, introducing innovative technologies to improve operating processes, including the Inclinix VMR™ technology. |
 Dr. Stephen Harper |
Dr. Stephen C. Harper, Ph.D. is the Progress Energy/Betty Cameron Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship at The University of North Carolina Wilmington. He is the author of six books on entrepreneurship and leadership including Extraordinary Entrepreneurship: The Professional’s Guide to Starting an Exceptional Enterprise. He has received numerous awards for teaching, research, and service. He has also served on the faculty at Arizona State University and Duke University. |
 Rob Kaiser |
Rob Kaiser is the owner and publisher of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. His company also owns Wilma magazine. Before moving to Wilmington, he helped create a business journal in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as its editor and then became the newspaper’s publisher. He previously worked as a reporter at the Chicago Tribune, Asian Wall Street Journal, Baltimore Business Journal and Lynchburg News & Advance. Rob has an undergraduate degree from James Madison University and masters degrees in business and journalism from Northwestern University. |
 Jason Thompson |
Jason Thompson is the Founder and CEO American Property Experts, a recycling company and also serves as Chairman of the New Hanover County Commission. His service to the community is unparalleled including his prior role on the Wilmington City Council. His professional career also includes experience in the financial services industry. He is a military veteran who served with the U.S. Marine Corp during Operation Desert Storm and was awarded the Palmetto Medal of Honor. Jason is also a proud graduate of The Citadel. |
Register online for this free event. EVENT REGISTRATION or by calling 910.962.2237
Location
Madeline Suite, UNCW Campus601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403