Entrepreneurship

Southeast Missouri State University celebrated Global Entrepreneurship Week last week with an all-star lineup of guest speakers, panel discussions and interactive activities for students and the community.

In its third year celebrated at Southeast, the speakers -- locally and nationally known -- emphasized several areas in entrepreneurship including: agriculture, the arts, entrepreneurship for women and local entrepreneurship.

Bestselling author and public speaker Delatorro McNeal II was a keynote speaker, as was Brenda Warner, author, mother, philanthropist and wife of former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner.

In Thursday's panel discussion, three entrepreneurs, all Southeast graduates, shared their experiences and success stories in a panel discussion. The panel included: Andy Schwartz, founder of AJ Adhesives; Chris Edmonds, founder and president of Element 74; and Laurie Everett, faculty member at Southeast and owner of Annie Laurie's Antiques.

Entrepreneurs are a foundational component to our economy. They are the engine that creates jobs and drives economic development for the future.

Thanks to the university, sponsors and speakers for an informative and inspiring week.