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Show MARCH 15,2007 DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENTREPRENEURS By Todd Stottlemyer When you look back on American history, you realize that the founders and early leaders of our country were at heart entrepreneurs. Risk-takers boarded ships to make a dangerous ocean crossing, looking for new opportunities in a new land. Later adventurers loaded wagons and headed west for the same reason. In between, our founding fathers fought to be free of unfair taxes, to have the political and, perhaps more importantly, economic freedom to be innovative within a marketplace that values the free flow of ideas. That's a truly powerful force, one that's unique in the world. It's given our society great intrinsic advantages over other countries, as we've built a culture that's based on people believing in taking risks and seizing opportunities. We can do that because we've created an economic environment that contains very few institutional limitations on what we can achieve. But, as they say about the stock market, "past performance is not an indicator of future results." We must continue to nurture and build those aspects of our society that have contributed to our success. That is especially important when we look for the next generation of entrepreneurs. We must recognize that we live in an ever-changing world, that we now compete on a global basis, and that complacency in the face of this new reality is our biggest enemy. This a challenge that faces the next generation. Tomorrow's innovators are everywhere, and not just in classes devoted to business. Entrepreneurs are artists, musicians, scientists, doctors and writers, among others. It's important to teach them what it takes to start something and to encourage them to become "successful failures." By that I mean that failure can be good, if you learn from your failure what it takes to become a success. Future leaders need to learn about the opportunities of entrepreneurship, and we know that they want to learn. Last year, the National Federation of Independent Business' Young Entrepreneur Foundation, in partnership with Visa USA, surveyed teachers and guidance counselors across'the country. They told us that that while the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in our nation's schools, students don't know where to start. Results of the study showed that while 90 percent of teachers and guidance counselors say their high-school students have expressed an interest in becoming their own bosses, 75 percent think kids don't know where to turn for assistance. Also, 74 percent of respondents whose schools don't offer this instruction think that it should be provided. For that reason, we created the YEF NFIB Entrepreneur-in-the-Classroom programs, which are designed to bring real-life stories of entrepreneurs into the classroom, enabling students to learn first-hand about the risks and rewards of operating a small business. 1 recently had the opportunity to participate in this program during the inaugural National Entrepreneurship Week, and it was gratifying to see the enthusiasm with which students embraced the idea that they can turn their passions and hobbies into an actual business. Today's entrepreneurs have a great story to tell and a valuable message to share with America's youth. We need to ensure that the next generation hears it loud and clear. For more information, go to www.NFIB.com/eitc Todd Stottlemyer is president and CEO of the National Federation of Independent Business in Washington, D.C. Community Mortgage LENDER "Giving You A Better Option For Your Mortgage Needs" Free Prequalifications - Give us a call. • Construction Loans - Lot Loans • Purchases • Refinance Page 2 THE GARFIELD COUNTY INSIDER - Interest Onfy Loans - Investment and 2nd Homes - Home Improvement Loans -100% Financing Wayne Ott 435-590-6082 Sherrell Ott 435-679-8671 PUBLIC SERVICES ANNOUNCEMENT GARFIELD COUNTY Join political leaders, agency representatives, local businessmen, low-income individuals, and concerned citizens at a public forum to discuss human services issues that affect our community and our nation. Are you concerned about: • Affordable housing, Child Care, Education/Adult Literacy, Employment, Transportation, Senior Programs, Volunteering, Food Boxes, Health Care/Mental Health,Youth, Family Stability, Emergency Preparedness/Disaster Planning Then consider the opportunity to meet with other concerned citizens in Garfield County to discuss, prioritize and provide input regarding these and other human service issues on the local level, please join us on TUESDAY, APRIL 3RD at the Garfield County Courthouse - Commission Chambers (55 South Main Street, Panguitch) from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., for the 14 TH ANNUAL SOUTHWEST UTAH HUMAN SERVICES PUBLIC FORUM sponsored by the Five County Association of Government's Human Services Council and Economic Development. Past forums have made significant contributions toward increasing grass-root efforts within our communities. Citizens from Garfield County are invited to participate in this countywide dialogue regarding human service issues and be provided an opportunity to re-unite, re-commit, and re-focus community efforts on the local level. If you would like to find out more about this year's Public Forum in Garfield County, please call Beth Cottam at the Five County Association of Governments (435)673-3548. DAY SERVICE In Most Cases: Wo Sorvlco Largo Trucks & Motor Homes ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIALS Motor Mounts CV Joints & Boots Inspections - Tune ups Quick Lube - Brakes -500IL HUB. Caducity "Where Trust Is A Tradition" - Over 35 Years Experience BUSINESS AND BRYCE Utah State University Extension is proud to present a half-day Garfield County Business Resources Conference noon to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29 at Ruby's Inn near Bryce Canyon National Park. Luncheon speaker is Leigh von der Esch, director of the Utah Office of Tourism and former director of the Utah Film Commission. She will discuss marketing strategies including branding and how to effectively use the Internet. This will be followed by General Business and Tourism workshops. Some of the topics covered will be Marketing on a Shoestring, Financial Alternatives and Curb Appeal. The day will conclude with a panel discussion which includes all the presenters. A resource fair featuring information from presenters and organizations will be offered the entire time of the conference. Co-sponsors include Garfield County, Governor's Office of Economic Development, City of Panguitch, Garfield County Travel Council, Five County Association of Governments, Small Business Development Center and Main Street. The registration cost, which includes lunch and hand outs, is $20 per business owner plus $10 for each additional individual representing that business, if received by March 19. From March 20 to the day of the event registration will be $25 per business owner and $ 15 for each additional individual. Individuals interested starting a business can register for $15. Registration forms will be sent to all boxholders in Garfield County or can be accessed through http://extension.usu.edu/garfield/. To receive more information contact USU Extension in Garfield County at 435676-1114 or suzannej@ext.usu.edu. |