NEW RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Marilyn K. Kipp (888-384-8410)

Marketplace of Ideas Opening the Doors of Opportunity

Bismarck, ND (January 25, 2010) - Marketplace of Ideas, in conjunction with Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nation and the Fort Berthold Community College, will host a conference on Thursday, February 4, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Fort Berthold Community College in New Town, ND.

General sessions and classes include: The ABC’s of Starting Your Own Business; How to Sell Your Products on the Internet; Got an IDEA! Put it on Paper!; New Career Opportunities – Showcasing New Programs Available at Fort Berthold Community College; and Best Ideas to Market Your Business.

A panel of business owners will be sharing their insight on how they got started, what their plans are for the future, and who helped them along the way.

The keynote address, “Focus and Find a Way,” will be presented by Mr. Kevin Finley. Mr. Finley is the boys’ basketball coach at Mandaree High School.  He is a graduate of New Town High School and the University of Mary in Bismarck.  He is a recipient of the AIHEC “Educator of the Year” award, 4-time NJCAA Region 13 coach of the year award, 3-time NJCAA District 11 coach of the year award, and 3-time NJCAA National Finals coaches’ award recipient.

Organizations providing programs and services to start a business, as well as area businesses, will be on hand to visit throughout the day.

The conference is free to anyone who wants to attend and includes lunch.  College credit is available to all juniors and seniors in high school and adults registering for credit.

The conference is funded in part by a grant from USDA Rural Development.  For more information or to pre-register, visit www.MarketplaceOfIdeas.org or call toll free 1-888-384-8410.

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“In accordance with Federal law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)  To file a complaint of discrimination, write to:  USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6381 (TDD).”