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Grand Forks - Senator Kent Conrad and Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson today unveiled the jam-packed line-up of speakers and special events to be featured at Marketplace for Entrepreneurs 2008. Marketplace is North Dakota's largest and longest-running economic development conference. It will be held January 15-16, 2008 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks.
"We are very excited to be back to Grand Forks for Marketplace 2008 and are more optimistic than ever about the opportunities to develop North Dakota's economy," Senator Conrad and Commissioner Johnson said in a joint statement. "What started out 19 years ago as a small meeting of a couple dozen farmers has grown into a two-day conference drawing more than 10,000 people each year. While Marketplace has grown by leaps and bounds, its mission remains the same - to increase economic opportunities for all North Dakotans."
Marketplace's pre-conference activities kick off on Tuesday, January 15th with a luncheon hosted by Senator Conrad and Commissioner Johnson, the founding sponsors of Marketplace. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar will be the featured speaker. Tickets to the luncheon are $13.50 per person and available by calling 1-888-384-8410.
Later that day, eight talented vocalists - selected from more than 90 contestants from across the state - will battle it out in the second annual Marketplace Talent Search. The finalists will compete for more than $10,000 in prizes, including a recording session with Makoche Recording Company, a Grammy-nominated studio. Jillian Law of Grand Forks, the winner of the last years Talent Search, will also perform a song off her newly released CD "Rio de Janeiro Blue." The concert is free and open to the public. Complimentary tickets will be available beginning on Monday, January 14 at 10 a.m. at the Alerus Center's main entrance.
On January 16th Marketplace's economic development conference gets underway bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, corporations, universities, foundations and community and business leaders to exchange ideas, discuss the latest innovations and share skills and technology. The day-long event is free and open to the public. Visitors can view more than 300 exhibits and participate in hundreds of different classes and workshops.
Kent Thiry, the Chairman and CEO of the healthcare company Davita, will deliver the keynote address on January 16 at the noon program. One of the nation's most dynamic business leaders, Thiry is known for his innovative approach to building a culture of teamwork. His presentation is entitled "Community First, Company Second."
At the luncheon, Senator Conrad and Commissioner Johnson, will also announce the winners of the 2008 Marketplace Entrepreneur and Community of the Year awards. The annual awards recognize North Dakota entrepreneurs and communities that best foster an entrepreneurial spirit.
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