This graphic aims to symbolize the 2016 Carole Moore McLeod Entrepreneur Summit, which will be held Nov. 11 in Plemmons Student Union at Appalachian State University. Graphic courtesy of the Walker College of Business
BOONE—Chris Heivly, the co-founder of MapQuest, will deliver the keynote address during the 12th annual Carole Moore McLeod Entrepreneur Summit on Nov. 11 in Plemmons Student Union at Appalachian State University.
The summit, which is free to anyone who registers for it, is a presentation of the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship in Appalachian’s Walker College of Business.
“When you think of presidential awards, Silicon Valley start-ups and world-changing ventures, you may not immediately think of Boone, North Carolina,” said Erich Schlenker, the center’s director. “However, the High Country is a vibrant place full of passionate, ambitious individuals taking the steps to pursue their dreams.”
Heivly will share his journey from the inception of MapQuest to his work with corporations, startup incubators and venture funds across the Southeast. He will be one of 16 successful entrepreneurs offering tips to students and community members during the 2016 Summit, which will be held in various rooms of the Plemmons Student Union at Appalachian. Check-in and breakfast will start at 8:15 a.m. in the Grandfather Ballroom, and welcoming remarks will begin at 9 a.m.
Warren Bare, who founded HeadHunter.net while in college at the University of South Florida and sold it less than 10 years later to CareerBuilder, will deliver comments at the Summit luncheon. Bare will share his perspective on what it takes to launch a successful business as a student and provide his insight on turning ideas into action.
Appalachian alumna Sarah Green Freed will lead one of three focus sessions exploring socially responsible, sustainable change around the globe. Freed is an international entrepreneurial leader who is dedicated to addressing systemic global sustainability challenges and has been recognized twice by President Obama for her work. In 2016, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or AACSB International, recognized Freed and 29 other business pioneers for driving positive change in the communities they serve; the recognition was part of the 2016 AACSB Influential Leaders Challenge.
In a concurrent focus session, Appalachian alumnus Steve Norwood, the co-founder of Consolidated Asset Recovery Systems, will share the trajectory of his business up to the point where he decided to sell it. After that, he was inspired to start the Center for Entrepreneurship Student Venture Fund.
The summit’s third focus session will feature Bobby Martin, a serial entrepreneur and Appalachian alumnus. He will share the compilation of his entrepreneurial experience, which he also documented “The Hockey Stick Principles: The 4 Key Stages to Entrepreneurial Success,” a book that was published this past May by Flatiron Books.
Summit participants can also choose one of 10 breakout workshops led by entrepreneurs from a variety of industries. These will include photography, supply chain management, social media, small business loans, online boutiques, web design, craft brewing and law.
“Entrepreneurship is the engine that drives economic development,” Schlenker said. “We are excited to bring together this remarkable and inspiring group of entrepreneurs who are generous with their knowledge and their time. We hope the summit will help our students and community members pursue their dreams and make the High Country a more vibrant community for everyone.”
The summit is named for Carole Moore McLeod, a 1981 graduate of the Walker College of Business, in recognition of her gift, which provides ongoing support of the program. The event is open to the public with no charge to attend, but registration is required. For a full list of speakers, session details, or to register online, visit: http://asulaunch.com/summit.
About the Walker College of Business
The Walker College of Business delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact our community, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs, and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling nearly 3,000 undergraduates in nine majors and 150 graduate students, the Walker College is consistently named one of “The Best Business Schools” by The Princeton Review and is accredited by AACSB International – the premier global accrediting body for schools of business.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
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