Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference

The CEC (Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities) conference was created in Michigan about 8 years ago. This conference was launched to help educate communities and their community leaders on the tools and resources available to help entrepreneurs grow in their communities. This year there are over 25 educational breakout sessions including “The Entrepreneurial Mindset,” “Placemaking,” “Developing Community Youth Entrepreneurship Programs,” “Sense of Place,” and many other programs to learn from.
 
“The unique structure of this conference creates excitement in the local business district. The breakout sessions are embedded in shops and venues throughout the downtown area providing an opportunity to learn about and experience an entrepreneurial community,” stated Paul Werner, MSU Extension Educator from L’Anse, Michigan, who is the lead person for the Houghton-Hancock conference.
 
Two successful entrepreneurs are delivering the two keynote addresses: Dick Gray, co-owner of Keweenaw Brewing Company is the conference opening keynote speaker, and Bob Jacquart, CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products (manufacturer of the Stormy Kromer hats), will deliver the closing session keynote address. Karl Bohnak will deliver the welcome address to open the conference.  
 
The audience for this conference includes representatives from various community organizations (business, education, government, chamber, service, economic developers, etc.) that have an interest in learning how to make their community more favorable to entrepreneurial growth.