University of Illinois Extension, in partnership with the Six County Entrepreneurial Support Network invites you to this after-hours networking event on Thursday, November 7th at the Cedar Creek Hall in Galesburg, Illinois. Reservations are $10 and can be made through Eventbrite Business Bullpen
The event will feature a panel discussion on entrepreneurship. Successful local small business owners will address the opportunities and challenges of starting and new business, and building an existing business.
Join us at 5:30 p.m. for appetizers and a cash bar. Network with other guests before our grand slam panel takes the field at 6 p.m. Facilitator John Hoscheidt, WRMJ Radio, will lead the discussion and you will have the opportunity to submit questions.
Grand Slam Panel Guests include:
Michael Acerra who co-owns; with his wife Heather, Lux Blox LLC first entered the boutique brick-and-mortar toy market in June 2015 in Galesburg. They make a diverse line of both educational STEM products and construction toys, turning their love of natural design, engineering, and the power of creative play into a business. They hired a young teen to be their auto-cad draftsman and used a 3D printer to design hundreds of various prototypes and thousands of parts. They contract their fulfillment and packaging to Bridgeway Incorporated while their plastic parts are injection molded in Bloomington, Illinois. They have tested their toys with dozens of children and have filed patents around the globe to begin developing their business. They are a great resource for those interested in starting a company from the ground up.
Ron & Teri Pankau own John H Best & Sons, a steel fabricated product's job shop making steel parts and display racks in Galva, Illinois. They purchased the company in 2005 from the original family who incorporated it back in 1892! They wanted to become entrepreneurs to have a vehicle to diversify from being replaced by high speed computers. They are a great resource for those who may be interested in buying an existing business.
Sue Sagmoen owns Heartfelt Gifts, Inc. in Kewanee, Illinois. Now in its 25th year, her gift shop carries a wide line of products including home decor, women's fashion and accessories, silk flowers, homemade fudge and gourmet foods, plus custom framing. Sue transitioned from a knitting business into this gift shop as demands changed. She'll be a great resource for those who may be facing similar trends in business.
At the event, you can pick up information about the Six County Fast Pitch Contest. This is an opportunity for new and existing businesses in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Mercer, Stark, and Warren counties to compete for cash and prizes to help launch or expand their ideas into reality. The 2020 Fast Pitch is scheduled for May 12. This will give you time to get your business ideas and plans ready to compete! Join us at this Business Bullpen event to find out more! You can also visit the website: 6countyfastpitch.org