NEWS RELEASE

Inaugural Conference Drew Over 500 Attendees

Dover, Del. (June 8, 2009) – Last week Governor Jack Markell, the Delaware Economic Development Department and the Delaware Workforce Investment Board hosted the 2009 Governor’s Entrepreneurial Business Conference, “Your Business 2009.”

The Governor’s Entrepreneurial Business Conference, held on June 5, 2009 was unlike any small business conference conducted previously in the State of Delaware.  The conference goal of ushering in the resources Delaware’s small businesses need to succeed was not only met, but exceeded.

“This conference served as a ‘small business success road map’ to all attendees; a roadmap that clearly identified small business resources, support entities and their core competencies, and all who have a renewed pledge to offer support and assistance to Delaware’s small businesses both now and in the future,” said Ken Anderson, Director Entrepreneurial & Small Business Support of the Delaware Economic Development Office.

Governor Jack Markell shared his business vision for Delaware with conference attendees.  “The only way we are going to address the historic challenges facing Delaware is by creating jobs and getting Delaware’s economy going again,” Markell said. “Delaware must have an economic climate that fosters entrepreneurship and allows businesses to thrive across a range of industries. My administration has focused on economic development from day one. We are working hard to turn our small size into our biggest strength.  Delaware must be known as more responsive, flexible and dedicated to employers than large states could ever be. We can lead the nation’s economic recovery if we streamline and are faster than others.  There is no excuse for a state our size to make employers jump through so many hoops before they can get to work and create jobs.”

In addition, the award recipients of Delaware Emerging Technology Center’s 2009 Business Plan Competition were announced.  This competition was designed to help new entrepreneurs with developing business plans and turn their ideas into viable businesses.  2009 awards and recipients are:

The StudentPreneur Award which recognizes a student entrepreneur went to Nikhil Paul of Infoshare.
Most Innovative Business Plan Award recognizes a business plan that shows genuine innovation went to Sharath Chandra Rao of dE. 

The award for the Best Overall Business Plan was presented to Jerry Hickman of 911 Locator Systems.  A native of Sussex County, 911 Locator Systems business is already generating revenues and even in this challenging economy, is well-positioned for growth.

For more information, visit http://dedo.delaware.gov/govconf/index.shtml.
Contact:
Karen Smith, Media Relations
Delaware Economic Development Office
Karen.M.Smith@state.de.us
302-577-8497