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The Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center’s Women’s Business Conference will be hosted in Jamestown from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Thursday, May 8. The event has been offered annually in person or virtually since 2018. The event brings together women and men throughout North Dakota from a variety of backgrounds to share knowledge, develop skills, and connect with others who can help propel their professional growth.
The conference will impart new insights on the various resources available to small business owners and community members. The conference day is dedicated to individuals interested in expanding their networks. Seven presentations will be offered, and the event will be held at The Bunker.
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“Dakota Central is thrilled to support this event that brings together women in business,” said Holly Utke, CEO and general manager of Dakota Central. “Leadership opportunities like the Women’s Business Conference help fuel innovation, strengthen communities and inspire future leaders, and we’re excited to be part of it!”
The conference will begin with Dr. Liz Hunt’s presentation on “Servant Leadership.” Hunt is an associate professor of leadership and director of Character in Leadership at the University of Jamestown. Her research interests include sense-making, leadership communication, organizational culture and climate, servant leadership, and values and character education.
Molly Kocialski, regional director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the Rocky Mountain Region, will be discussing the necessity of developing an intellectual property strategy for your business. As the regional director, Kocialski carries out the strategic direction of the undersecretary of Commerce for intellectual property and focuses on the nine states within this region through community engagement.
Ranetta Starr, director of community programs at USDA Rural Development in North Dakota, will discuss how USDA Rural Development benefits rural communities across North Dakota through its loans, loan guarantees, grants to individuals, businesses and communities that provide funding for economic development, homeownership, infrastructure and essential
community facilities and services. With a portfolio worth $640 million, Starr plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of nearly event corner of rural North Dakota.
Sadie Schaeffer, program and event manager for the North Dakota Women’s Business Center, will be discussing the organization’s services. Founded in early 2000, the center acts to build a community of business owners, corporate executives, and economic development thought leaders in the business community. Over the last two decades, the North Dakota Women’s Business Center continues to provide essential programs and training events that equip individuals with the tools, connections, and opportunities to move forward in business. Schaeffer’s role provides extensive timely and relevant information and coaching to support the development of small businesses.
The topic of cybersecurity threats and strategies will be presented by Tanya Taplin, program director and assistant professor of cybersecurity at the University of Mary. Taplin is a former cybersecurity adviser for North Dakota (Homeland Security/CISA) and has a distinguished career dedicated to advancing technology within the state and federal government, as well as academia. Additionally, Taplin is a member of several prominent cybersecurity, IT and AI organizations.
A presentation on mastering event planning will be provided by Deidre Hillman, owner of the 13th Hat LLC. Discover how to design immersive experiences that cater to all guests, foster inclusivity among staff, volunteers, board members and donors (for nonprofits) and attendees alike. Hillman is a John Maxwell Leadership Trainer and certified coach and a facilitator for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, a program that offers education, capital and support services to small business owners to grow their businesses and create jobs.
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Michael Kantrud, marketing and outreach specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration, will present on the array of federal certifications for government contracting available and how having these may help your small business grow. Kantrud manages the 8(a) portfolio, a small business contracting program, for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s North Dakota District Office.
Event sponsors are Dakota Central, First Community Credit Union, the Jamestown Community Foundation, Otter Tail Power Co., Knights of Columbus, i3G Media, Great River Energy, Fargo Patent & Business Law and Sanford Health.
Tickets for the event are $50. To purchase a ticket or to learn more about all presentation topics offered, visit www.JRECenter.com/Events. Vendor booths are currently available with the purchase of one event ticket. Contact Katherine Roth at Katherine.Roth@uj.edu with questions.
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