Index of University Press Releases

Jan 26, 2009

Top Young Entrepreneurs Headline Annual Launch Conference

This press release is courtesy of Launch ’09
and the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour

In today’s economic climate, a statewide conference on entrepreneurship couldn’t be more appropriate. Launch ’09, an annual conference devoted to entrepreneurship education, is kicking the year off strong with the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour (EET) at their 2009 gathering. Launch ’09 will be held on Thursday, Feb. 26 on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell. Three of the most highly touted young entrepreneurs in the nation are scheduled to headline the conference.

For years, Millennials (the generation born between 1980 and 1994) have been warned about the changing economy and the challenges of the job market. They know that they can’t expect lifetime job security in a market that sends thousands of unskilled and highly skilled jobs overseas. The challenges of our current economy only underscore this. Armed with the technology of the new millennium – computers, the internet, cell phones and more – this generation refuses to be fazed by the challenges of our changing workplace. Millennials expect careers that are high-paying and fulfilling – careers where they can make an impact. What’s more, when they can’t find jobs that fit their high standards, they are prepared to create them.

Michael Simmons

This is the mindset that Launch ’09 and the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour are looking to use to help South Dakota’s youth stay ahead of these tough economic times. Michael Simmons, cofounder of the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour, will keynote at the event. Simmons is cofounder of the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour and one of BusinessWeek’s Best Entrepreneurs Under 25. At the age of 16, he launched his first business, a Web development company for which he won numerous awards.

Simmons will be joined by speakers Arel Moodie and AJ Yager. Moodie, “America’s Top Young Speaker,” started his own successful internet company, placefinder.com, while still in college. As a professional motivation speaker, Moodie has spoken to over 10,000 people in eight states and two countries, all before his 23rd birthday. Yager hit the entrepreneurial scene at age 10. His adventures have included launching a variety of businesses by the age of 27, including: farm produce selling, odd jobs for the elderly, agribusiness and internet marketing, Web design, computer training for individuals/businesses and publishing.

The event at Dakota Wesleyan University will provide practical advice and inspiration for any students interested in starting their own company. Both emerging entrepreneurs and students from all disciplines are invited to attend to learn how they can apply the entrepreneurial mindset to their lives regardless of their career choice.

Individuals are encouraged to register for the event, as seats for this year’s Launch conference are expected to sell out. For registration information for Launch ’09, visit www.dwu.edu/sdlaunchconference, call 605-996-1140 or 800-487-1740.