Campus News
April 17, 2018
Power of Possibilities Conference 'Highlighting Entrepreneurship in Western Maryland'
on April 27 at Garrett College
The Power of Possibilities spring entrepreneurship conference, Highlighting Entrepreneurship in Western Maryland, is slated for April 27th, 2018 at the McHenry campus of Garrett College. An annual event, the conference is ideal for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, including those who play a key role in our region's ecosystem and business formation and support. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 1:45 p.m.
From 8:30 a.m. until 9 a.m., breakfast and networking will take place in the Special Events Center. Representing Washington County, Melody Belotte, of HighRock Group, is the first of three keynote speakers for the day. In her current role as director of marketing, she sets the marketing vision of all HighRock Group companies. While each company has their own unique focus, Belottee continually seeks to develop new and unexpected ways to connect with audiences across the landscape of marketing, technology, and entertainment.
Hayden Ort-Ulm, owner of Basecamp Coffee Company in Cumberland, Md., is the second keynote speaker representing Allegany County. A native to the Cumberland area, he comes from a long line of local entrepreneurs and business owners. After attending college in Ithaca, New York, he spent time living in Seattle before moving home and creating Basecamp Coffee.
Garrett County residents Mark & Laura Stutzman, owners of Eloqui, are the third and final keynote presenters for the conference. Best known for his rendition of the young Elvis Presley Stamp, Mark Stutzman's illustrations are used in advertising, on products, posters, magazines, book covers, and other niche markets. Laura's illustration career started in Washington, DC, after leaving agency work in 1982, and spanned the next 25 years. Her work, mostly editorial and institutional, was inspired by Dean Cornwell and N.C. Wyeth. It's most recognized by its confident, painterly style, a blend of traditional technique and contemporary imagery.
In between keynote speaker presentations, individuals that entered the Power of Possibilities business plan competition will be prepared to 'pitch' and present his or her business plan idea to those in attendance.
"It has been a true pleasure assisting the competitors with their business plans. They have worked very hard and I know this year's conference attendees will be inspired by their ideas and energy," stated Jodi McClintock, Power of Possibilities director.
She continued, "Garrett County continues to be a community that welcomes new businesses. Garrett College and the Power of Possibilities are helping new business owners, and entrepreneurs foster and support that relationship."
The announcement of this year's business plan competition winner will follow with lunch and networking, concluding with a wrap-up of the conference by 1:45 p.m.
Registration is currently open for the spring entrepreneurship conference. General admission is $39 and the student rate is $20 (use promo code POPSTUDENT when registering online or calling).
To register for the event, or for more information, visit www.garrettcollege.edu/pop or contact Jodi McClintock at 888-237-9007 ext. 6 or Mary Keller at 301-387-3771.
