CLEVELAND, WI–

Individuals interested in starting their own business or getting their product idea moving forward are invited to join the Lakeshore Entrepreneurs & Inventors Network.

The newly formed group is open to anyone in Calumet, Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties who would like to learn business and marketing skills from experienced professionals and network with other local entrepreneurs. The goal of the group is to create a positive environment of innovation for entrepreneurs and inventors in the area.

The network will hold monthly meetings in locations that rotate throughout the three counties. At each meeting, attendees will listen to an experienced professional share valuable business advice, have an opportunity to ask questions, and network.

Individuals of all ages – from high school students to retirees – are welcome to attend meetings at their convenience. No registration is required to join the group or attend meetings, and no fees are charged. The network is sponsored by Calumet County Economic Development, Economic Development Corporation of Manitowoc County, Lakeshore Technical College and Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce.

The group will hold its kick-off meeting on Feb. 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Wisconsin Training Room at LTC’s Cleveland campus. Entrepreneur Brad Eckwielen of DigiTenna, LLC, will speak about his business process, from having an idea through testing, raising venture capital and finding distributors.

The kick-off meeting coincides with National Entrepreneurship Week 2008, which will occur Feb. 23 through March 1. Other activities planned for that week include LTC’s Center for Entrepreneurship Advisory Committee meeting, which will be held Feb. 27 at 7:30 a.m. in the Lakeshore Conference Room at LTC’s Cleveland campus.

The advisory committee is comprised of area businesspeople who serve as a sounding board for the Center, sharing information, providing direction and insight on the marketplace and mentoring entrepreneurs.

The Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce also will hold a Sustainability Workshop on Feb. 27 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Lake Michigan Conference Room at LTC’s Cleveland campus. The workshop will include speakers on sustainable business practices, energy efficient systems, and regulations. The fee is $40, and interested individuals should register with the Chamber at 920-457-9491 by Feb. 22.

For more information about the Lakeshore Entrepreneurs & Inventors Network, contact LTC Center for Entrepreneurship Coordinator Kristin Bell Abell at 920-693-1658 or kristinabell@gotoltc.edu.

About Lakeshore Technical College
Lakeshore Technical College is a leading provider of technical education offering 100 career programs including associate degrees, technical diplomas, technical certificates, and apprenticeship programs. In addition, LTC offers distance learning, customized training to business and industry, and continuing educational opportunities.

Serving a 200,500-resident population in east central Wisconsin, LTC operates a main campus in Cleveland; additional learning sites at LTC Manitowoc and LTC Sheboygan; outreach centers at area high schools in Kiel, Mishicot, Plymouth, Random Lake, Reedsville, and Two Rivers; and 27 distance learning sites. LTC’s mission is to enrich lives and strengthen the economy by preparing a workforce that is skilled, diverse and flexible. On average, 79% of LTC graduates work in the LTC District which includes Manitowoc and Sheboygan Counties, and parts of Calumet and Ozaukee Counties. Visit LTC at: gotoltc.edu.