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IIT - Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center
Chicago's Leading Professional Services Center for Entrepreneurs
In this Issue
IIT-KEC Honors Founder and Board Members
IIT-KEC Client News
Connectiviity with OCA Ventures
March Knapp Center Lecture
Community Events
About the IIT-
Jules F. Knapp
Entrepreneurship Center
The mission of the IIT - Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center is to be Chicago's Leading Professional Support Services Center for Entrepreneurs by providing effective, affordable, and expert resources to help create and grow successful commercial ventures. IIT-KEC is a collaborative community of supporters of entrepreneurial ventures.
 
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Issue #7                                                       March 2009
IIT-Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center Honors Founder and Board Members for ServiceEvent Honoring Jules F. Knapp
On February 17, 2009, Illinois Institute of Technology vice presidents, alumni, members of the IIT-Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center board, and Chicago-area venture capitalists, angel investors, and supporters of Chicago's entrepreneurial community were invited to a special reception at the university to celebrate the progress of the IIT-KEC and the many people who have contributed to its success. At the ceremony, IIT President John Anderson and Provost Alan Cramb spoke about the vision for entrepreneurship and innovation at IIT, as well as the importance of the IIT-Knapp Center to the university and the City of Chicago. Read the full article here.
 
IIT-KEC Client News
MagDrive Takes 2nd Place at University of San Francisco International Business Plan Competition
Alumni of the Illinois Institute of Technology recently gave their support to IIT student Igor Stamenkovic, helping him secure second place in the University of San FranCEC Logocisco International Business Plan Competition that was held on March 6, 2009. Mr. Stamenkovic is a Ph.D. candidate at IIT's world-renowned Grainger Foundation labs and co-founder of MagDrive LLC. Click here for the full article.

Connectiviity
Please join the University Technology Park at IIT, Wexford Science + Technology, and the Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center for our monthly networking event on Thursday, March 26th!CEC Logo

The featured guest for this month's event will be OCA Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on investments in companies with dramatic growth potential, primarily in technology, financial services, for-profit education and technology-enabled services businesses. OCA Ventures manages three funds and has invested in 26 companies since it began investing in 1999. Co-founder and CEO Jim Dugan will be on hand to discuss the firm.

Connectiviity
brings together the entrepreneurship community both within IIT and the greater Chicagoland area and provides the opportunity to network and share experiences with fellow entrepreneurs. Whether you are currently an entrepreneur or are considering starting a business, this event can help you make the connections you need to get your new venture started or grow your existing business. Come explore what the Knapp Center, University Technology Park, Wexford and IIT have to offer!

Refreshments will be served. There is absolutely no charge to attend this event, but registration is required. Please contact Jennifer Keplinger at keplinger@iit.edu if you would like to attend.
 
Event Info
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
March 26, 2009

Technology Business Center Atrium
University Technology Park at IIT
3440 South Dearborn Street
 
Knapp Center Lecture:
The Legal Environment of Entrepreneurship
Please join the IIT-Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center on March 31st for a lecture focusing on the legal environment of entrepreneurship. The evening's discussion will be lead by John Stoner, who will provide a focused perspective on the entrepreneurial legal environment by combining legal theory with a practical mindset. He will also share with attendees various commercial situations and potential pitfalls.

John is an attorney focused on serving the needs of the entrepreneurial marketplace. In addition to being a practicing attorney, he teaches a number of classes at IIT, including Business Law, consults for the Knapp Center, and is a Cook County arbitrator.

There is no cost to attend this event, but registration is required. Please contact Jennifer Keplinger at keplinger@iit.edu or 312-567-3940 to RSVP.


Event Info
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
March 31, 2009

Technology Business Center
Illinois Institute of Technology
3440 South Dearborn Street

Community Events
Building a Talented Team:
How to Find, Hire & Keep Top Talent to Ensure Your Company's Success
Presented by the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center in partnership with the Illinois Technology Association (ITA). Hiring key employees and strong management team is a challenge most entrepreneurs and business owners are faced with, and can be an overwhelming undertaking for anyone in this position. Whether just launching a venture or growing a business, business owners need to find not only qualified individuals but also people who are a good fit within their overall company culture.  Join us for this panel discussion where several successful entrepreneurs will talk about how they were able to build their teams.

The registration fee is $35 for non-members; free registration for Coleman Center and ITA members.
All students, DePaul faculty and staff can attend for $5 (must present Student/DePaul ID at door.) Click here to register online.

Event Info
8:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, March 19, 2009


TechNexus
200 South Wacker Drive, 15th floor

From Farm to Fork:

Innovations in the Chicago Food Industry
The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship at Chicago Booth and the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center (CEC) are pleased to present From Farm to Fork: Innovations in the Chicago Food Industry. As part of Chicago Booth's Hamer Exploring Entrepreneurship Conference Series, this forum will be the first of its kind to showcase the region's leadership in the global food industry and discuss the trends and opportunities for growth in all parts of the value chain. The day will include various panel sessions, high-level speakers, and participation from entrepreneurs, industry experts and consultants, investors, chefs, and representatives from economic development and government agencies.

Tickets are $90 for general admission and $45 for students if purchased before March 30, 2009. After March 30, the price will increase to $105 for general admission and $55 for students. For more information and to register, click here.

Event Info
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Monday, April 13, 2009

Gleacher Center
450 North Cityfront Plaza Drive


The Value of Emotional Intelligence for Entrepreneurs

Emotional intelligence is the key attribute that separates great leaders from good leaders in our global and dynamic workforce. Discover how the power of emotions influence nearly everything you do, from your individual performance to your ability to impact others.

This event is hosted by E-Factor. It is free for premium members and $40 for basic members and guests. For more information and to register, click here.

Event Info
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Mid-America Club, Aon Center
200 E. Randolph, 80th Floor