FCEDC: Entrepreneurs Connection a successful event — will return to Oshkosh in 2010

Contact: Brenda Hicks-Sorensen, CEcD – (920) 929-2928

Approximately 200 professionals from the Oshkosh area and Fond du Lac County region participated in “Entrepreneur’s Connection 2009: Network. Learn. Grow.”

“We were very happy with the wonderful participation we had at the event,” said Brenda Hicks-Sorensen, President, of Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation and a member of the Entrepreneurial Partners of Fond du Lac County. “Many people commented it was a very valuable evening, and they hope we continue it. We are already looking at ways we can continue to improve and expand the event.”

E-Connect 2009 was held on November 17th at the University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac in celebration of Global Entrepreneur Week. The event brought together entrepreneurs, small business owners, students, panelists and sponsors who shared real-world knowledge through networking, discussion panels and product and information booths.

“When we began planning for E-Connect, our idea was to have it alternate between Oshkosh and Fond du Lac,” said Rob Kleman, Executive Director, Oshkosh Area Economic Development Corporation and partner in the Oshkosh Regional Innovation and Growth Incubator Network (ORIGIN). “After one year in Oshkosh and one year in Fond du Lac, I am happy to report that the events have been a great success, and we’ll bring it back to Oshkosh next year.” Kleman added that an exact date has not yet been chosen, but the event will likely again coincide with Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Anyone wishing to be added to the mailing list for next year’s event should contact FCEDC at (920) 929-2928 or info@fcedc.com.

E-Connect 2009 was a joint effort of ORIGIN and the Entrepreneurial Service Partners of Fond du Lac County and was sponsored by The Reporter, The Northwestern, Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation, WTCX/Sunny 97, Cumulus of Appleton/Oshkosh, New North B2B and 4-Imprint at the platinum level; Horicon bank and Promotions with Pizzazz at the gold level; Citizens First Credit Union, M&I Bank, Huberty & Associates, Associated Bank, Moraine Park Technical College and UW-Fond du Lac at the silver level; and 44 Degrees North Advertising and Design, Clifton Gunderson, US Bank, Choice Bank, Ripon College/Creative Enterprise Center, and Mountain Dog Media at the bronze level.