In the News

Posted on 08/16/2010

*Despite Recession, U.S. Entrepreneurial Activity Rises in 2009 to Highest Rate in 14 Years, Kauffman Study Shows

"Rather than making history for its deep recession and record unemployment, 2009 might instead be remembered as the year business startups reached their highest level in 14 years - even exceeding the number of startups during the peak 1999-2000 technology boom.

According to the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, a leading indicator of new-business creation in the United States, the number of new businesses created during the 2007-2009 recession years increased steadily year to year. In 2009, the 340 out of 100,000 adults who started businesses each month represent a 4 percent increase over 2008, or 27,000 more starts per month than in 2008 and 60,000 more starts per month than in 2007.

"Challenging economic times can serve as a motivational boost to individuals who have been laid-off to become their own employers and future job creators,"said Carl Schramm, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. "Because entrepreneurs drive the economy, the growth in 2009 business startups is encouraging and hopefully points to a hopeful trend in terms of our economic recovery.""

For the full article, click here.

*Registration Open for 7th Annual Great Plains Capital Conference

"September 16th, 2010
2010 Kansas Day of Innovation Featuring: The 7th Annual Great Plains Capital Conference
Luncheon Keynote Speaker - Rob Adams

Mr. Adams will be promoting his new book "If you build it will they come?"

All participants will receive a copy of the new book. Afternoon will feature presentations by 10-12 Kansas entrepreneurs. Cocktail reception with a panel discussion on innovation and venture funding trends.

National experts on innovation and venture capital will share their knowledge."

To learn more, apply, or register, visit www.greatplainscc.com

*Parkinson announces Governor's Award of Excellence, Governor's Exporter of the Year: Rural companies Landoll Corporation, Osborne Industries take home state's top business honors

HAYS -- Governor Mark Parkinson named Landoll Corporation of Marysville the winner of the Governor's Award of Excellence, while Osborne Industries of Osborne was named the Governor's Exporter of the Year, at the annual Kansas Cavalry Encampment at Fort Hays State University.

The two awards are the state's top business honors and serve as the highlight of the Kansas Cavalry Encampment, the state's annual celebration of Kansas business. The event is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Cavalry, a volunteer group of business leaders who promote Kansas as a business location.

"We're honored to present Landoll Corporation and Osborne Industries with the state's top business awards," Governor Parkinson said. "These companies embody Kansas ingenuity and values, and they illustrate what a great place Kansas is to live, work and do business. It is especially excited to see the winners come from the great rural communities of Marysville and Osborne."

Landoll Corporation is a producer and distributor of manufactured products, serving clients in the industries of transportation, agricultural equipment, material handling, OEM and government. Osborne Industries designs and manufactures innovative equipment for the management of swine operations.

Finalists for the Governor's Award of Excellence were Frito-Lay (Topeka), Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center (Chanute), The Cunningham Courier (Cunningham) and Walters' Pumpkin Patch (Burns). Finalists for the Governor's Exporter of the Year award were Bio-Microbics (Shawnee), Chemidex (Overland Park), Premier Pneumatics (Salina) and Research Products (Salina).

The Encampment marks the culmination of Kansas Business Appreciation Month, the Kansas Department of Commerce's annual statewide tribute to Kansas businesses for their contributions to the state.

*PIPELINE Named as Key Entrepreneurial Initiative by Inc. Magazine

"Inc. Magazine reached out to PIPELINE as itcovered the nation to find cutting edge entrepreneurial initiatives in its "Where Great Ideas are Born" story, May 2010 edition."

You can view the online version of the article here.