Trade Show Article Released by SIUE

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville released the article below from Patrick McKeehan, IL SBDC Director in support of both Belleville and Granite City Trade Shows.

Student Entrepreneurs to host Belleville, Granite City Tradeshows April 27

Two-dozen high school entrepreneurs will exhibit their innovative products and services at two separate tradeshows during the last week of April as part of the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) program. 

Students from the Belleville and Granite City programs are hosting events on Wednesday, April 27. Belleville’s CEO tradeshow runs from 4-6 p.m. at Southwestern Illinois College’s Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Avenue. The Granite City CEO expo runs from 5-7 p.m. in the History Room at SWIC’s Sam Wolf Campus in Granite City, 4950 Maryville Road. Admission for both shows is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Effingham, Ill.-based Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship created the CEO program more than 10 years ago to connect high school students with local business leaders and to guide them through the process of their own business startup. Granite City’s CEO chapter is completing its second year in the program while Belleville is winding up its first. The Southwestern Illinois region will add two new CEO programs – Alton’s River Bend area and Monroe County – beginning in August. 

To be accepted as CEO participants, incoming seniors write an essay and furnish three references. The program requires high school students to attend a daily, off-campus 90-minute session and journal their insights each week. The CEO program is open to students from private and public high schools. 

According to organizers at Midland Institute, students are only half of their successful program.  The other half comes from the commitment of local business owners, service providers and entrepreneurial support organizations. Both Belleville and Granite City have experienced enthusiastic support from more than 100 businesses each investing $1,000 a year into the program. Beyond financial help, these investors donate a significant amount of time and expertise, according to Granite City CEO facilitator Karen Greenwald.

 “Our students meet and speak one-on-one with a great number of successful entrepreneurs from the region, and that interaction is incredibly valuable,” said Greenwald, who also teaches business at Granite City High School.  “For example, we met with Fat Chimp Studios founder Kevin DePew, brother of Granite City High School Principal Daren DePew. Kevin shared wonderful insights about his own experience in starting a business in St. Louis.”

Belleville Township High School business teacher Julie Siebers, who facilitates the Belleville CEO initiative, wholeheartedly agrees. “It is incredible to see how much our students have grown through their interaction with successful professionals and how impressed these business leaders have been with the caliber of the students,” Siebers said. “An level excitement and self-motivation are clearly evident in each of our students, who have to get up extra early every day and invest energy in this honors curriculum. Every time I think it can’t get any better, it does.”

A shining example of the program is Heather Gosebrink, a senior at Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville.  Gosebrink, who plans to study marketing at Western Kentucky University this fall, is the founder of Goose Prints, a personalized monogram company. She used the knowledge and connections gained through the CEO program to develop her business concept and capture first place in the Belleville CEO business pitch competition.  The competition, sponsored by PNC Foundation and organized by the Metro East Small Business Development Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, was held in late March.

 “I began taking orders March 26 and have sold $400 worth of product at this point,” Gosebrink said. “The CEO class has taught us that failing is okay and that it’s necessary in order to learn and succeed,” she said. “That’s a different message than we’re accustomed to hearing, but one that makes a lot of sense. CEO Belleville is exposing us to a lot of successful entrepreneurs and business executives, and it’s encouraging us to work hard and go for it.” Gosebrink will share information on her award-winning business concept and exhibit her products at the April 27 trade show. 

Belleville East High School senior David Rauckman, 17, was runner-up in the two-minute pitch competition. “I have always thought about opening my own business after seeing my dad’s success and having fun with his business,” said Rauckman, who plans to study finance at the University of Missouri next year. Rauckman’s startup company, Our Gnome, manufactures and customizes 12-inch-tall yard gnomes available in local high school colors. He and his gnomes will be on display at the April 27 event at SWIC.

Granite City CEO participant and high school senior Kelsey Clark will exhibit her bath and beauty products line, Fuzion, at the April 27 trade show at SWIC Granite City. Clark says she has gained invaluable public speaking and networking experience from the program. “This program has shown us how to be successful, to be our own boss, and to work hard,” she said.  “It has given me greater confidence in speaking before large crowds and the understanding of how our community is better with young entrepreneurs. We are Granite City’s future.”

SBDC Director Patrick McKeehan is looking forward to attending both tradeshows. He and his staff have given significant time, expertise, and information resources to both CEO programs. “It is great to see the student business ideas finally come to fruition,” said McKeehan. “I am extremely impressed by these young entrepreneurs and the local support they have received. My hope is that Midland’s CEO program continues to expand in our region, so that all high school seniors may experience remarkable opportunity.”

The Metro East SBDC assists young entrepreneurs, start-up ventures and existing business owners throughout the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. The SBDC is supported, in part, by the U.S. Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as a service to the community. 

By aiding these individuals, the Illinois SBDC Network positively impacts the Metro East region by strengthening the business community, creating and retaining new jobs and encouraging new investment. It enhances the region’s economic interests by providing no-cost, one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, connections, research and resources to small businesses. When appropriate, the SBDC strives to affiliate its ties to the region to support the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large.

To learn how the SBDC can help your small business, contact the Metro East SBDC at (618) 650-2929 or sbdcedw@gmail.com.

SIUE’s School of Business and the accountancy programsare accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, representing the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. The Princeton Review lists SIUE as one of the top 295 business schools in the U.S. for the 10th-consecutive year. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in accounting, computer management and information systems, economics, finance, management and marketing. More than 20,000 alumni have earned degrees from the SIUE School of Business. For more information about the School of Business, visit siue.edu/business.

-SIUE-

The Illinois Business Journal also ran the article about the trade shows. See link: http://www.ibjonline.com/localheadlines/3838-student-entrepreneurs-to-host-belleville-granite-city-trade-shows-april-27

Setting Up for the Trade Show

Belleville CEO Trade Show

On Wednesday, April 27, the students put together a culmination of lectures, visits, and lessons into the first annual Trade Show for Belleville CEO! Every student was allowed a space to showcase their weeks of hard work and entrepreneurial idea. Products, services, and ideas all had a place at the Southwestern Illinois College facility. The students invited their mentors, friends, family, and all of the speakers and friends of CEO.   Overall,  the turnout was quite large. Even Midland's executive director Craig Lindvahl and Interim Director, Cheryl Mitchell made an appearance! The event ran from 4-6 pm and everyone had a great time. See below for testimonies and pictures from the young entrepreneurs:

Written by Jessica Stern

Plantz Lawn Care

 Alan Plantz introduced his lawn care service called Plantz Lawn Care.  He is targeting homeowners and small business owners to cut grass, weed eat, trim bushes, water plants and grass, sow grass, and even out yards. His second phase is to target lawn care services for the foreclosed homes in Belleville.  Per Alan, "This is a growing problem springing up within the community.  Banks are stuck with decaying properties, potentially violating local ordinances, encouraging break-ins, and bringing down the community."  Alan’s motto is “Plantz will make your plants look good!  

"The trade show was an amazing experience that I think everybody who takes the CEO class will love."    Alan Plantz

Aliyah's Essential Oils

Aliyah Gillespie's personal business is Aliyah's Essential Oils, which was actually launched prior to the trade show.  She is a dōTERRA Wellness Advocate selling all natural essential oils.  If you missed Aliyah at the Trade Show, contact her at gillespiealiyah@gmail.com or www.mydoterra.com/aliyahgillespie.

"The trade show was such an incredible experience! It was awesome getting to see the final products that everyone has been working so hard on all year."   Aliyah Gillespie

Infinity Caddy

Cassandra Amorado with her mentor, Mrs. Geri Boyer.  Cassandra has created a product that improves on the typical shower caddy called the Infinity Caddy.  It has a strap and a continuous handle which is divided into three different inserts.  One of the inserts will even include a place to put your cell phone! The strap and the inserts will help create a more portable and accessible caddy.  

"I thought the Trade Show was a great experience! I learned a lot from it from how business is important to the community and how the support is limitless."   Cassandra Amorado

OurGnome

David Rauckman's small business is OurGnome, which constructs garden gnomes themed with the area high school mascots. For example, the Belleville East has a lancer themed gnome, Belleville West a maroon, and Althoff a crusader. The gnomes are created by a 3D printer using a semi ceramic type material. Future variations to the product include celebrities and famous athlete gnomes.

"Belleville CEO trade show was an excellent experience for our class and young entrepenuers."  David Rauckman

Emma's House and Pet Sitting

 Emma Gregowicz, the founder of Emma’s House and Pet Sitting,  can take care of people’s houses and anything else that needs attending when people are away. 

"The trade show was a great experience and it was a great way to network with other business people and showcase my business."  Emma Gregowicz

The Wood Master

Erik Faulkner's personal business is called “The Wood Master.”  In his business, he burns creative designs onto wood. “Wood burning is a piece of wood that I take, and change it to make a nice design for your home.” 

"I really enjoyed the trade show because it was a great time to network with people and make some sales for my business. I wish I could have another experience of a trade show!"  Erik  Faulkner

Goose Prints

Heather Gosebrink's personal business is called Goose Prints.  Her company offers unique products designed specifically for the customers.  Making personalized products, especially monogrammed items, is her speciality. 

"The tradeshow was very successful. I was able to tell everyone about Goose Prints and even got a few orders. It was a wonderful experience that CEO gave me the opportunity to have!"   Heather Gosebrink

Surmount

Jessica Stern has always held an interest in the entertainment industry and music is, of course, one of the most prominent of the mediums.  Jessica's personal business called Surmount will help promote the careers of musicians by “getting their name out there”.   For more information, contact Jessica at SurmountMusic.wix.com/Surmount or Jessica.Lyn.Stern@gmail.com or on Twitter @SurmountMusic.

"I had my doubts about this event but I was surprised about the turnout and support that surfaced. It was so nice to see so many of our speakers from throughout the year. It really was a good opportunity because when you were forced to be in the moment and pitch your idea again and again it gave us the experience that every true entrepreneur needs."  Jessica Stern

One ON One

Committed to influencing the educational system and transforming it into one that can benefit students and teachers, Malik Marks-McRath's personal business is called, “ONE ON ONE.” 

"Hard work pays off! I believe in my business and I now have a network of people who are interested in working with me."   Malik Marks-McRath

Sprout the 8

Melony Allen's business is a non for profit organization aimed at East St. Louis called Sprout the 8. Melony wants to transform desolate properties into urban gardens. Sprout the 8 will begin growing flowers and herbs then eventually growing fruits and vegetables for the community. She sees this as a way to bring some beauty to the community. 

"After all the class has done, it all came down to the trade show. I honestly would do it all over again."  Melony Allen

Douglas Gourmet Bakery

Montez Douglas is the founder of Douglas Gourmet Bakery, a home based bakery. His baked products are made from scratch with high quality ingredients.   What differentiates Douglas Gourmet Bakery from competitors is the capacity to deliver to local residents and businesses. If you missed Douglas Gourmet Bakery at the Trade Show, contact Montez at Facebook:  @DouglasGourmetBakery or Instagram:  @DouglasGourmetBakery, or douglasgourmetbakery.com or douglas.bakery@outlook.com.

"The Trade Show was a great networking opportunity."   Montez Douglas

Special Spirit Shirts

As the founder and CEO of Special Spirit Shirts, Paige Montgomery sold the first annual CEO t-shirts at the Trade Show.  She had a two phase project. She first sold shirts to Belleville Township High School West and East students and staff. These T-shirts were dress code approved, very unique, and different from the usual styles that were sold. The Trade Show  was her second phase. The CEO Trade Show shirt was designed to make a memory for the first annual CEO trade show. 

"The trade show was a success! I almost sold out of all my shirts! I also got a few orders on top of that!"   Paige Montgomery

SJT Window Washing

Stephen Toenjes showcased his window washing business called SJT Window Washing.  He feels that his excellence and experience in outdoor home maintenance gives him the advantage over other window washing businesses.

"The trade show was a unique experience that showed off our individual businesses.  We each had our own booths which showed off what we had worked on for so long."  Stephen Toenjes

Belleville CEO Celebration

Mr. Matt Gilreath

Belleville CEO Scholarship Awarded

The Nicol Foundation honored Belleville CEO student and Althoff High School senior Heather Gosebrink with the Foundation's inaugural Belleville CEO Forrest T. Creson Memorial Scholarship at the 2016 Senior-Parent Recognition Ceremony for Althoff students at Fischer's Restaurant on Sunday, May 1.  

Requirements for the Nicol Foundation scholarship are to:

1.  Be an active enrollee and participant in the CEO class.
2.  Obtain four character references from:

• A teacher or administrator
• A bsuiness leader/mentor
• A church/synagogue leader
• And an at large reference.

3.  Compose a 500 word (or less) essay on American Exceptionalism. 

The Nicol Foundation was established in 2014 by retired educators Kevin and Beth Nicol in honor of family and the Nicol Financial Services businesses.  With a mission to support "Faith-based" American Exceptionalism, TNF is non-denominational and supports Entrepreneurism through creativity, innovation, and the most importantly, self-reliance.  Please see the attached news release from the Nicol Foundation found on Facebook. 

Just a Reminder

Our door is always open. Entrepreneurs, visitors, guests, and friends are welcome and highly encouraged to join us. Drop in and share your story with our students or participate in our class discussions. Check out the schedule on the website.

If you are interested in hosting our students for an educational visit about your business operations or would like to speak to the class and share your story, please email the facilitator, Julie Siebers, at jsiebers@bths201.org or call or text her at 618.719.3177.