Thursday, October 22, 2009

Kabara Institute hosts speakers Tuesday

Faculty, staff and students are invited to the next Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies event, “Entrepreneurship 101: The Basics and More,” Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Three speakers, Laurel Feddema of Steppingstone Consulting Inc., Pat and Jerry Papenfuss of Result Radio Group, and Grace McNamara of Grace McNamara Inc., will share their success stories and provide advice to future entrepreneurs. The event is scheduled for 7 to 8 p.m. in the Toner Student Center Lounge.

Feddema has more than 25 years of experience in management, marketing, community relations, sponsorship and communications. In 2004, she founded — and currently serves as president — of Steppingstone Consulting Inc., a firm that specializes in community relations, partnership/sponsorship marketing, and for-profit & non-profit program collaboration and project management.

The Papenfusses co-own the Result Radio Group. Result Radio owns and operates 14 Minnesota radio stations in Winona, Blue Earth, Windom, Fergus Falls and Perham. Jerry also co-developed Knopp Valley in Winona. The couple is active in several community organizations.

McNamara is president and CEO of Grace McNamara Inc. (GMI), based in St. Paul, Minn. McNamara founded the company in 1986 with the purchase of Window Fashions magazine. The company’s mission is to be a catalyst for the rapidly changing design landscape.