FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Craig Bennett, owner, American Rooster Café, (563) 426-5995
Brenda Dryer, director, Buchanan County Economic Development (319) 334-7497
Michael Hahn, program manager, UNI Regional Business Center, (319) 236-8123
Gwenne Culpepper, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
Note to editors and news directors: Craig Bennett will attend the Independence
Rotary Club Meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at noon, at Bill's Pizza and Smokehouse,
201 First St. W., where he will be available for interviews.
UNI Regional Business Center aids Elgin man's efforts
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Craig Bennett, owner of the American Rooster Café in Elgin is just one of the success stories to emerge from the University of Northern Iowa Regional Business Center's (RBC) new Rural Business Assistance Program.
According Michael Hahn, RBC program manager, the new program is an entrepreneur service model that provides rural entrepreneurs easier access to the business training resources available through the RBC. Curriculums are delivered on site in each of five communities, and an online business network helps participants work through the critical start-up/expansion phase. The program serves Buchanan and Fayette counties, and the communities of New Hampton, Parkersburg and Postville.
"The goal is to increase the number and quality of entrepreneurs in rural Iowa," Hahn explained.
Bennett relocated from San Francisco to his hometown of Elgin to operate a local café. With the help of the RBC, he greatly broadened his business knowledge and, said Hahn, "gained the confidence to operate his own business. Today, the American Rooster Café is one of the most popular eating establishments in northeast Iowa."
The program is made up of three business training courses: Smart Start, for those considering a new venture; Fast Trac, for new entrepreneurs or those operating existing business; and Virtual Entrepreneur Network, for entrepreneurs ready for the next level of business. Smart Start is free; the other two courses are $49 each.
To register, contact Buchanan County Economic Development, (319) 334-7497; or the UNI Regional Business Center, (319) 236-8123, www.unirbc.org.
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8/22/02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Michael Bobeldyk, program coordinator, Maucker Union, (319) 273-5888
Vicki Grimes , University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
UNI sponsors annual Welcome Week Aug. 24-30; Convocation Wednesday, Aug. 28
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa will host its annual Welcome Week, Sat., Aug. 24 through Friday, Aug. 30. This first week of school is packed with activities designed to welcome new and returning students to UNI.
The "New Student Bash," an annual welcome for freshmen and transfer students, will be presented by the UNI Alumni Association, beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, on the Lawther Hall lawn. Sponsored in part by the UNI Alumni Ambassadors, University Book and Supply, Papa John's Pizza and Pepsi, the bash will feature Playfair, a performance group that blends audience-participation comedy routines, games and team building exercises. In addition to free food and games, door prizes will be given away. Mix 96 will provide musical entertainment and special guests from UNI's athletics program will assist.
Convocation, formally honoring the opening of the academic year and all the stages of the learning process, will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, in the Great Hall of the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. This year's speaker is UNI alumnus Carl Boyd. Boyd received his B.A. in criminology and sociology from UNI in 1987, and his J.D. from Drake University in 1991. He is an attorney with Starks & Boyd, P.C., in Chicago.
Other events taking place across campus throughout the week include a rooftop barbecue, performances by a hypnotist, a block party, a battle of the bands, a beach bash, an international student reception, sessions on creating a safe campus and a drive-in movie.
For a complete list of events visit www.uni.edu/maucker.
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