2701 Enterprise Drive
Anderson, Indiana 46013

The Flagship Enterprise Center (FEC) will be hosting its second annual GROW Conference, an all-day seminar designed to help small businesses succeed in a changing economy, on May 11 at the Anderson University Flagship Center. This year, GROW will feature experts in the fields of lean processing, marketing, social media, and leadership.

Last year’s conference featured many individuals at the forefront of Indiana business, including Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman. FEC executive director DeWayne Landwehr recalls the success of the event. “Last year’s conference was successful beyond our expectations,” he says, “especially for its first year. We received much feedback and we have reviewed every comment to make this year even better. Structural and logistical changes have been made to give more attention to our sponsors and make each topic more relevant to our guests.” This year we plan to have two keynote speakers, Dr. Terry Truitt, dean of Anderson University’s Falls School of Business and Gerry Dick, host and creator of Inside Indiana Business television. Dr. Terry Truitt will be kicking off the event by giving an overview of the financial status of the State of Indiana while Gerry Dick will be addressing the status of our local economy during the lunch hour.

Landwehr says that one of the most popular subjects at last year’s conference was lean manufacturing. “Everyone wanted to hear more about lean,” he says, “so we’re revisiting it again this year and putting a new slant on it.” Tom Epply, senior vice president of engineering at Comfort Motion Technologies LLC, will discuss increasing productivity, reducing expenses and enhancing customer service by implementing lean processes. Also, Misty Couch of Remy International will discuss Value Stream Mapping and how its applications extend beyond the manufacturing setting to office and service environment.

The conference will also feature experts in social media, e-commerce, and more. Among this year’s featured speakers are Dr. Barbara Weaver Smith, president and founder of The Whale Hunters LLC and co-author of “Whale Hunting: How to Land Big Sales and Transform Your Company”, Kyle Lacy, owner of Brandswag and author of “Twitter Marketing for Dummies”, Michael Reynolds, owner/CEO of Spinweb, and Bobbie Shriner, VP of Client Services at Right Management. Registration will include continental breakfast, lunch, and any additional materials. Those interested in attending or sponsoring the conference should visit http://www.flagshipenterprise.org.

Created through a partnership between Anderson University and the City of Anderson, the Flagship Enterprise Center serves as a small business incubator and growth stage business accelerator. Through its client-specific Client Support Program, the FEC helps emerging companies to become independently viable. Located at I-69 and (exit 22) in Anderson, the FEC provides ongoing contact with management consultants, university researchers, student mentoring opportunities and access to capital. For more information, contact DeWayne Landwehr at (765) 622-0800 or visit the FEC Web site at www.flagshipenterprise.org.

Added by Pendleton-Gazette on April 19, 2010

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