Dr. David Flynn to Speak About Economy

Dr. David Flynn will be coming to Dickinson next Thursday, September 24, 2009. He will be giving an economic forecast of Dickinson’s business and industry. The event is scheduled from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, with lunch being served. It will take  place in the Dickinson State University Student Center. The cost to attend is $25 for the general public or $20 for Chamber members or SBDC clients. This event is being co-sponsored by: Strom Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Small Business Development Center, and Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce.

On Wednesday evening, September 23, 2009, there will be an exclusive event with Dr. Flynn for the Dickinson Young Professional members. YP members will be given the opportunity to discuss the economy with Dr. Flynn as well as ask questions. This event will take place at the Dickinson Research Extension Center (located on State Avenue) from 5:30 to 6:15 pm.

Dr. David T. Flynn is an Associate Professor of Economics and Director of the Bureau of Business & Economic Research at the College of Business & Public Administration, University of North Dakota. He also serves as the Associate Director of the North Dakota Small Business Development Center.

His commentary on the North Dakota economy has appeared in print and online publications such as BusinessWeek, Newsweek, American Banker, and the Financial Times and in newspaper and magazines from the United States, Brazil, Finland, and Japan. He is also a regular on KNOX radio, Grand Forks, with his show “Wall Street to Main Street.”

To register for this event or to learn more information please call (701) 225-5115 or email Kristi@dickinsonchamber.org.

Kim Goldsmith
Talent Initiative Assistant
Strom Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

People's Choice for InnovateND…Please Vote!

Hello!

We have a Dickinson business who has advanced to the final rounds of InnovateND.  We need your help! The competition also has a category for “People’s Choice”.  To vote – go to www.innovatend.com/ and select Vote Now – People’s Choice (about half way down the page).  This will take you to a link where you can cast your vote!  Our client is Kohl Waters, Inc. (Deb Frank).  You can vote daily from April 20 through May 11.

Also, if you can help by distributing this message to your friends, colleagues, & list servs with a note of encouragement I would appreciate it.

Thanks for your help!!

Ray Ann Kilen
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Strom Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Strom Center Staff – Ray Ann Kilen, SBDC Regional Director

On January 5, 2009 Ray Ann Kilen transitioned from acting director to Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). In this role, she will assist entrepreneurs from idea to reality as they bring new businesses to life in Southwestern North Dakota.  Ray Ann is a native North Dakotan, who graduated Summa Cum Laude from DSU with a bachelors in Business Administration, and earned a Masters in Management from the University of Mary. Ray Ann has been a consultant in the area for many years in the areas of business and non-profit development, human resources, and part-time for the SBDC for the last few years. Prior to that, she has been the Director of Facilities for St. Joseph’s Hospital, Director of the North Dakota Procurement Technical Assistance Center and Fundraiser at Sacred Heart Monastery. Ray Ann is very active in the local community and serves on the City of Dickinson Civil Service commission, the House of Manna and Dickinson Chamber Board of Directors, while still a member of the fundraising committee for the Sacred Heart Monastery. She is the proud parent of a daughter and son-in law and a beautiful granddaughter.

Kohl Waters, Inc. Advances to Final Round of Innovate ND

Deb Frank, Kohl Waters, Inc. has successfully advanced to the final round of the Innovate ND, a competition for entrepreneurs. Kohl Waters, Inc. was selected to move into the final round based on the following criteria: innovation, business model, commercial viability, entrepreneur team and potential for being a sustainable growing venture.  The final round of Innovate ND will take place May 18, 2009 in Bismarck.  The Innovate ND Awards banquet will be held the next day, May 19, 2009, to announce the five Innovate ND Idea Champions with a $10,000 cash prize each.  The luncheon banquet will be held at the Ramkota Hotel from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm and will feature a keynote speaker.

Deb Frank is a client of the Dickinson Small Business Development Center (SBDC) located at the Strom Center.  For more information about SBDC, call Ray Ann Kilen at (701) 483-2470.

Kim Hayes
Talent Initiative Assistant
Strom Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation