Dear friends - I thought you might be interested in this great event for new and existing business owners and interested citizens focusing on "Eco-preneurship" to be held at 6 pm in Prairie du Chien on October 7. You'll find the release and a flyer attached.
Very Best- Laura Brown
 
University of Wisconsin Extension
September 15, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: Laura Brown, Crawford County UW-Extension Community Development Educator,

(608) 326-0223, laura.brown@ces.uwex.edu

 

October 7 Business Workshop & Resource Fair to Feature Keynote
“How ECO-preneurs are Leading America’s Rural & Small Town Renaissance”

 

Prairie du Chien- Positive change is brewing in America’s countryside as increasing numbers of entrepreneurs launch creative new small business that take advantage of the rich food and agriculture resources in rural Wisconsin. The public as well as new and exiting business owners are invited to learn more at a business workshop and resource fair on Wednesday, October 7, from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin City Hall at 214 East Blackhawk Avenue featuring the presentation “How ECO-preneurs are Leading America's Rural Renaissance" by Lisa Kivirist, business owner, author and entrepreneur. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn through inspiring stories, browse business start-up and marketing tools, network and share ideas and resources. The session is free but space is limited. Pre-registration is required by contacting Laura Brown by September 25, 608-326-0223.

According to keynote speaker Lisa Kivirist “ECO-preneurs see their business as a tool to transform local communities by changing the food system, emphasizing cooperation over competition, being stewards of the land, valuing meaningful work over simply earning a living, and often, integrating their children and family into their livelihood.” Kivirist is the co-author of the award-winning book, “ECOpreneuring” and local innkeeper of Inn Serendipity in Browntown, Wisconsin. Inn Serendipity, a nationally-recognized bed and breakfast, features local, seasonal cuisine and is completely powered by the wind and the sun. The keynote presentation will explore the impact of a significant, transformation erupting across rural and small town America: entrepreneurs are launching green businesses and leading the sustainable revitalization of our countryside.

Kivirist also directs the Rural Women’s Project, a venture of the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, and will be facilitating this workshop throughout Wisconsin. This workshop brings together various tools, resources and networking opportunities for women to help champion both new start-ups and showcase the stories of successful entrepreneurs already running businesses that promote healthy and fresh foods, sustainable agriculture, and a vibrant local economy.

“Existing business owners as well as those seeking to start new ventures are encouraged to attend this free event,” explains Laura Brown, Crawford County UW Extension Educator. “Encouraging small, green micro-enterprise start-ups will help stimulate positive economic vibrancy in our community by creating self-employment opportunities that also contribute to community health and wellbeing” adds Brown. During the last recession from 2000 to 2003, micro-enterprise employment grew in Wisconsin while it fell for other employers.

This seminar is presented through the Rural Women's Project, a venture of the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) in cooperation with the Crawford County UW Extension Office, Couleecap, and Prairie du Chien Downtown Revitalization, Prairie du Chien’s Main Street Program.