empowering
entrepreneurial
ecosystem
an
a leadership forum to promote innovation in Springfield
July 11, 2017
2:30 - 4:00 PM
Innovate Springfield
en·tre·pre·neur·i·al ec·o·sys·tem
/äntrepreˈnerēel/ /ˈēkōˌsistem/
A supportive environment where entrepreneurs can flourish and grow requiring a core of large established businesses, entrepreneurs reinvesting to support new entrepreneurial activity, and an information-rich environment in which the information is both accessible and shared.
On July 11, hear how a thriving ecosystem supports economic growth.
Hear the stories of two entrepreneurs who have had success in thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems; with opening remarks by Hy Bunn, President and CEO of Springfield-based BUNN.
Arthur "Hy" Bunn has been the President and CEO of BUNN since 1988, assuming overall management and leadership of the worldwide beverage equipment company that his father founded. During his tenure, the BUNN portfolio has evolved from a coffee focus to include dispensed beverage equipment for espresso, tea, juice, granita, filtered water and many other specialty beverages. Founded upon five generations of family entrepreneurship, BUNN has become a global partner you can count on for profitable, reliable beverage equipment and outstanding post-purchase support wherever customers are served.
Matt Hurley is a self-made businessman and venture capitalist whose impressive track record began at an early age. From negotiating acquisitions of intellectual property in the mobile market to launching one of the nation’s preeminent digital ad agencies, Hurley is widely recognized as one of the youngest and most successful entrepreneurs in the US. Now, as Chief Investment Officer of Youngbloods, Inc., he manages millions in private capital and holds high status with investors and businessmen and women from across the globe.
Stacy Ratner is the definition of “innovation in action.” Among her many accomplishments, she is the founder of Open Books, a nonprofit that funds its programs for 5,000 students through sales of donated books. She is also co-founder of the Chicago Literary Alliance (CLA) – an association of organizations helping to meet literacy needs for all people. In 2015 the CLA opened the country’s first shared nonprofit workspace dedicated to literacy: the Literacenter. Today, it is home to more than 90 member organizations. Her work has earned her the distinction of Chicago Magazine’s Chicagoan of the Year, the national Innovation award from Social Enterprise Alliance and a feature on the White House’s official blog for “spreading the infinite and awesome power of books.”
President & CEO BUNN
Chief Investment Officer Youngbloods Inc.
Co-Founder Chicago Literary Alliance
July 11, 2017
2:30 - 4:00 PM
Innovate Springfield
15 S Old State Capitol Plaza
Springfield, IL 62701
Innovate Springfield serves as a catalyst for creating a collaborative space and community where ideas ignite, businesses incubate, and entrepreneurs innovate. Convening the community to learn about and discuss leading edge ideas is just one of the many ways we achieve our mission.
To find out how you can support the innovation ecosystem in Springfield, visit our website at innovatespringfield.org