Past Event Presentations:
June 4 2009: Your First Steps of Entrepreneurship: The “ABCs”
March 20 2009: Maximizing the Value in Social Networking Sites
February 19 2009: Venture Capital in Underserved Areas
All MVF posts and videos on Silicon Prairie News are available here.
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Past Event Details:
Midlands Venture Forum Entrepreneur Networking Reception
8/19/2010
Come join us after work (starting at 4:30 p.m.) — NO NEED TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT; JUST SHOW UP AND HAVE FUN! LOCATION: DJ’s Dugout — located at 636 N. 114th (just north of 114th & Doddge) COST: Free for Members; $5 for non-members (payable at the door) INTRODUCTIONS: this informal meeting will be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs, capital resources & service providers to meet and share ideas and resources NETWORKING: bring your business cards and plan to connect with others that have the same vision to grow their company or meet professionals that can assist you with your own vision or company business plan ACTIVITIES: find out what speakers, educational sessions and dinners MVF has planned for the coming months GET CONNECTED: MVF membership sign will be available that evening; you can pay the membership fee by check or credit card
Midlands Venture Forum Networking Dinner
6/24/2010
This event has been canceled due to a scheduling conflict and will be rescheduled – check back soon for more information.
Midlands Venture Forum Educational Lunch Session
6/18/2010
LOCATION: Regency Lodge. 107th & Pacific, Omaha, NE Lunch available starting at 11:15 a.m. Program 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PROGRAM TOPIC “Everything You Wanted to Know About Patents But Didn’t Want to Pay to Ask” A targeted primer and Q&A luncheon session concerning patent issues often experienced by startup entrepreneurs and their service providers. Our presenters for the session will be: David Milligan, Patent Attorney and Founder of Advent IP. Prior to moving home to Nebraska in 2006, Dave spent a decade in Washington, DC learning how best to assist innovators in protecting and leveraging their ideas. He has worked with entrepreneurs, start-ups and established companies to prepare and prosecute domestic and international patent applications in a wide range of technical fields, including biotechnology, medical devices, software and web technologies, and the chemical and mechanical arts. Dave’s experience provides him a unique perspective on intellectual property protection and patent practice. His innovation consulting services tightly fit the needs of start-up and early stage organizations interested in building an effective patent portfolio that complements and supports strategic innovation efforts. His approach to intellectual property protection also scales to established entities looking to create and expand their patent efforts. In addition to his work with Advent IP, Dave is a Co-Founding Principal for Leap Ventures and a Director at InvestNebraska. Kevin West, Law Firm of Merchant & Gould Kevin practices intellectual property law with an emphasis on the procurement, management and protection of U.S. and foreign patent rights for some of the largest companies in the world. The patent prosecution aspect of his practice includes a concentration in the areas of global positioning system (GPS) technologies, software, hardware, e-commerce, telecommunications, and the mechanical arts. Kevin’s practice includes all phases of developing patent portfolios. On behalf of his clients, Kevin has handled patent appeals at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, and has written patentability and infringement opinions. Prior to joining Merchant & Gould, Kevin was the chief intellectual property counsel for a large electronics company and was a partner in an intellectual property law firm in Omaha. Prior to practicing law, Kevin worked as an engineer at a large aerospace corporation.
Midlands Venture Forum Networking Dinner
5/27/2010
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS CLOSED. Our next networking dinner will be held at a special location — Champions Run Country Club in Omaha. The meeting will feature a Private Equity Professionals Panel. The panelists include representatives of three active private equity funds: * David McLeese, managing partner of First Capital Partners, a $60 million private equity fund affiliated with First National Bank of Omaha * Patrick Duffy, partner with McCarthy Group, a private equity firm with $475 million under management and offices in Omaha, Denver, and Boston * Nick Stone, director with Key Principal Partners, a KeyBank-sponsored private equity firm with $1 billion under management and offices in San Francisco, Cleveland, and Greenwich The panelists will discuss the state of the national and local private equity markets, the financial and valuation metrics they evaluate, their investment criteria, and the other nuances of getting a private equity transaction across the finish line. The panel will be moderated by John Gustafson of Ideation Ventures. The panel format will include introductory remarks, questions from the moderator, and plenty of time for Q&A with the audience. The program also will include a presentation from Active Business Networks (ABN). ABN is a leader in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), providing SaaS-based point solutions that enable businesses to transact electronically with customers and other business partners. ABN is headquartered In Omaha, Nebraska with a national client base that includes leading healthcare and utility companies.
Midlands Venture Forum Entrepreneur Networking Reception
5/10/2010
Come join us after work (starting at 4:30 p.m.) — NO NEED TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT; JUST SHOW UP AND HAVE FUN! LOCATION: Brix — located at Village Pointe (just south of Bed Bath & Beyond) COST: Free for Members; $5 for non-members (payable at the door) Starting at about 5:15 we will hear from Dan Matuszek, President and General Manager of Brix. INTRODUCTIONS: this informal meeting will be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs, capital resources & service providers to meet and share ideas and resources NETWORKING: bring your business cards and plan to connect with others that have the same vision to grow their company or meet professionals that can assist you with your own vision or company business plan ACTIVITIES: find out what speakers, educational sessions and dinners MVF has planned for the coming months GET CONNECTED: MVF membership sign will be available that evening; you can pay the membership fee by check or credit card
Midlands Venture Forum Networking Dinner
4/22/2010
CHANGE OF SPEAKER: Our scheduled speaker, Pete Ricketts, had a personal conflict arise and will not be able to attend. Filling is for Pete will be his father, J. Joe Ricketts. J. Joe Ricketts founded and built Ameritrade, the revolutionary online brokerage firm headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, which provides online brokerage services. Over the course of his career, Mr. Ricketts has been recognized as an international leader in developing new services for the self-directed investor and he continues to serve as a Board member for TD Ameritrade. Mr. Ricketts currently operates several for-profit and not-for-profit ventures including High Plains Bison, The American Film Company, Jackson Fork Ranch & Lodge, DNAinfo, Opportunity Education and Citizens Against Earmarks. The Ricketts family also recently acquired the Chicago Cubs baseball team. A native of Nebraska, but now a citizen of Wyoming, Mr. Ricketts received his B.A. degree in economics from Creighton University in Omaha. He is a former Trustee of the American Enterprise Institute, is a former Director of Creighton University, and is a former member of the Board of Trustees for Father Flanagan’s Girls and Boys Town (“Boys Town”).
Midlands Venture Forum Educational Lunch Session
3/11/2010
“What You Should Know About Business Valuation” An overview of business valuation approaches and methods throughout a company’s life cycle. The presentation will include a discussion of the value drivers in each stage of the lifecycle and examples of the application of the methods. Our presenter will be Chris E. Best, CPA/ABV, ASA, MCBA, of Best Business Appraisals, LLC. Chris started the firm in September 1999. He has been appraising businesses since 1987 and has prepared more than 600 appraisals. Chris is a Certified Public Accountant that has been Accredited in Business Valuation by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In addition, he is accredited by the American Society of Appraisers as an Accredited Senior Appraiser in Business Valuation, and by The Institute of Business Appraisers as a Master Certified Business Appraiser. Chris has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Augustana College. He is the developer of and instructor for Course 1036 – ESOP Appraisals for The Institute of Business Appraisers. In addition, Chris teaches other advanced courses for the IBA and is a frequent presenter at its annual symposium. Chris is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Society of Appraisers, The Institute of Business Appraisers, the ESOP Association, the National Center for Employee Ownership, and the Omaha Estate Planning Council. Best Business Appraisals, LLC, is an independent appraisal and litigation consulting firm. Located in the heartland of America in Omaha, Nebraska, the firm performs appraisals for clients located throughout the United States.
Midlands Venture Forum Networking Dinner
2/25/2010
The networking dinner tentatively scheduled for February 25 has been canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Midlands Venture Forum Entrepreneur Networking Reception
1/28/2010
Come join us after work (starting at 4:30 p.m.) — NO NEED TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT; JUST SHOW UP AND HAVE FUN! LOCATION: DJ’s Dugout at 114th & W. Dodge in Miracle Hills COST: Free for Members; $5 for non-members (payable at the door) Starting at about 5:15 we will hear from serial entrepreneur John Petersson, CEO & co-founder of Vendorin. John will talk about his experience with startups in Omaha, Northern Virginia, England and Sweden. He also will reserve time for audience questions. John has 20 years of experience starting, growing and exiting companies in the field of technology enabled business services. His current company, Vendorin, was founded in 2007 and is building a network where large and small companies come together to create, manage, and share vital information for conducting business in a digital economy. Prior to Vendorin, John co-founded Trancentrix in 1999. Trancentrix was an electronic payments company serving customers like 3M, Best Buy and General Dynamics. Trancentrix was VC-funded, an Inc 500 company in 2004, and was acquired by a private equity-backed competitor in 2005. As Chief Operating Officer of Trancentrix, John was in charge of operations, customer service and product management. John also led a startup-within-a-startup by running the company’s international expansion and opening a European office in London, England. John is a native of Sweden, but has lived in the U.S. since 1992. INTRODUCTIONS: this informal meeting will be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs, capital resources & service providers to meet and share ideas and resources NETWORKING: bring your business cards and plan to connect with others that have the same vision to grow their company or meet professionals that can assist you with your own vision or company business plan ACTIVITIES: find out what speakers, educational sessions and dinners MVF has planned for the coming months GET CONNECTED: MVF membership sign will be available that evening; you can pay the membership fee by check or credit card
Midlands Venture Forum Networking Dinner
11/19/2009
TOPIC: Innovation in Tough Economic Times – Strategies to Transform Outlook KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Bradley Walker, founder and CEO of Nanonation Incorporated. FEATURED SPONSOR: Erickson/Sederstrom Law Firm PROGRAM INFORMATION Nanonation is a Lincoln, Nebraska-based software developer and systems integrator for digital merchandising and consumer messaging in the retail, hospitality, entertainment, travel and financial services industries. Since starting the company in 2000, Mr. Walker has led Nanonation’s rise to prominence in the digital media industry, garnering the 2006 Retail Kiosk of the Year, 2006 Best of Show and the 2005 Industry Leader awards from KioskCom, the 2005 POPAI Digital Retailer of the Year Award for Mazda and the 2003 Kiosk of the Year Award from Kiosk Magazine for Burger King. Their full client list is a who’s who of international brands, including Apple, AT&T, Yahoo!, Nike, Adidas, State Farm, T-Mobile, Harley-Davidson, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Discover Card, Build-A-Bear Workshops, Louis Vuitton, Alamo/National Car Rental, and Dell among many others. His team has led the development of groundbreaking technologies for digital merchandizing, including the first interactive HD video system in 2003 and RFID-based point-of-purchase displays in 2004. Mr. Walker holds three US Patents for digital media systems. Mr. Walker has spent the last 15 years building Lincoln-based technology companies. Prior to forming Nanonation, he co-founded UNIDENT LLC. and helped lead the consolidation of the dental software market. During his tenure in the health information systems industry, Mr. Walker led innovations in fields of clinical digital imaging, voice activation technologies for data entry, and business applications for hand-held platforms, as well as serving on the American National Standards Institute’s Committee for Health Informatics. Bradley is a Lincoln native and attended Lincoln High and the University of Nebraska, where he represented the Huskers in the 1987 National Debate Tournament Final Four. Mr. Walker was the recipient of the University’s Walter Scott Entrepreneurial Business Award in 2004, the Lincoln Business Journal’s Business Person of the Year in 2005 and the 2006 UNL College of Business Administration’s Young Entrepreneur award. Nanonation is an active community partner, working with the Lincoln Public Schools Technology Focus Program, the J.D. Edwards Honors Program, and UNL’s Computer Science Department, Business College and NET, among others. The company is an active supporter of the Lincoln United Way campaign and Mr. Walker serves on the Board of Directors of Lincoln Downtown Rotary Club #14. His wife Kimberly is a senior analyst for the Gallup Organization and they have two children, Cecilia, and Raef.
Midlands Venture Forum Educational Lunch Session
11/13/2009
Plan now to attend our next Educational Lunch Session on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13. In order to get ahead, land a big client, or make a difference in the community, professionals need to establish and exploit their “personal brands.” Today’s marketplace is crowded and noisy, making it difficult to stand out. That’s why Jeff Beals, a real estate executive, radio talk-show host, part-time college professor, and newspaper columnist, has prepared this enlightening and entertaining presentation designed to give you the secrets of effective self marketing: • Promoting your brand to your personal target audience • How to become a “celebrity” inside your sphere of interest • How to get real results from your networking efforts • Harnessing the media for your advantage • Why an “attitude of success” is critical to self marketing Based on his book — “Self Marketing Power: Branding Yourself as a Business of One” — Jeff Beals’ presentation is based on research, observation of highly successful professionals, and his own diverse career experience. Jeff Beals is Vice President at Coldwell Banker Commercial World Group and host of “Grow Omaha”, a weekly radio show on KFAB 1110 AM. Before entering the real estate field, he was Dean of Student Affairs at a private college. Additionally, Jeff teaches at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and is a columnist for a weekly newspaper. He has published more than 200 articles in national and local periodicals. He holds Master of Arts and Bachelor of Journalism degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Learn more about Jeff at www.selfmarketingpower.com.
Midlands Venture Forum Educational Lunch Session
10/30/2009
Plan now to attend our next Educational Lunch Session on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 Sponsored by: Sarpy County Economic Development Corporation Speaker: Mike Niehaus of the Small Business Administration Topic: “The SBA Today” Please join us for a current update on what’s new and what’s changed to the programs available to small business and start-up businesses from the Small Business Administration.
Midlands Venture Forum Networking Dinner
10/22/2009
This event will focus on the concept of turnarounds and restarts. For a variety of reasons, at some stage in their evolution many companies find themselves in need of repositioning for the future. The featured speaker will be Craig J. Tuttle. Mr. Tuttle has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Transgenomic since July 2006. Mr. Tuttle was previously the President and COO of Duke Scientific, a specialty particle technology company, and before that he was the President and CEO of Applied Biotech, Inc, a leading point-of-care rapid diagnostics manufacturer in the Apogent Technologies group. He has held management positions at Seradyn, Boehringer Mannheim, Difco Laboratories and Cetus Corporation. Mr. Tuttle holds a B.S. degree in Biochemistry from UCLA, an M.S. degree in Biochemistry from the University of Colorado, and an MBA from St. Mary’s College. FEATURED SPONSOR: First Capital Partners
Midlands Venture Forum Networking Dinner
9/17/2009
“Growing Business Through Bootstrapping and Other Capital-Efficient Means” With the economic challenges the country has experienced over the last year, some traditional sources of high growth capital have become more difficult to secure. This leaves many business owners looking at creative alternatives to grow their business without capital or with lower amounts than they would have pursued in the past. Our panel will feature representatives of regional companies that have successfully launched without multi-million dollar capital infusions. They include companies that have bootstrapped without any funding, companies that have creatively partnered with customers to build their products, and companies that have utilized government programs to fund development. Featured panelists will include: Charles Hull — Co-owner, President & Director of Creative Services at Archrival *Jeffrey Hicks – Chairman & CEO, 21st Century Systems, Inc. *Joe Olsen — Co-founder & CEO of Phenomblue Charles Hull is a 1997 graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Architecture, Charles has played a key role in the development of Archrival from startup to a nationally respected youth brand marketing agency. Archrival’s goal is to work with clients in a manner that defines society and culture. Archrival is continually expanding its client base seeking out those who desire to be at the forefront of social momentum and cultural change. Archrival’s client list includes Red Bull, The FACESHOP, Walgreens, L’Oreal, Microsoft, State Farm, Honda, Acura, SPAM, Red Bull Racing, The Gallup Organization, Old Chicago, College Bookstores of America, Nebraska Book Company, Pabst Brewing Company, Hormel Foods, Solas Distillery, and Lucky Bucket Brewing Company. Archrival has partnered with a number of marketing and public relations agencies including BBDO Worldwide, Clarity Coverdale + Fury, RPA, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, GMR Marketing, US Concepts, Genex, and Golin Harris International. Archrival is a youth brand marketing agency. We help brands attract young consumers, with a focus on interactive and social media. As a brand strategist, Charles helps clients define and position their brand as well as determine the mediums and methods which will most effectively communicate their brand. Jeffrey Hicks has served as Chairman & CEO of 21st Century Systems, Inc. since November 2006. He joined the company in 2001 following a career in the US Navy as a nuclear submarine officer. During his years with 21CSI, he rose from part-time subject matter expert while still serving in the Navy to Executive Vice President in 2001, President in 2004, and Chairman & CEO in 2006. He earned two Master of Science Degrees in Applied Physics and Astronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California in 1995, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University in 1988. In addition, he has accomplished significant studies toward a Ph.D. in Information Technology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Under his leadership, 21CSI has made great strides as a provider of complex research and development for US Dept. of Defense and other agencies in its prime expertise of Agent-based Decision Support Software. The company has earned numerous awards and recognition for excellence and dramatic growth, including the 2006 Tibbetts Award, and 21CSI has been featured in multiple success stories relating to various agencies within the DOD. The company has a strong history of transitioning its research from theoretical to practical application, and consistently receives recognition for SBIR commercialization successes. In 2005 and 2006 21CSI was honored with INC Magazine’s coveted “INC500” award for sustained, superior growth among small enterprises. Joe Olsen is the co-founder and CEO of Phenomblue, an internationally renown digital design and technology company based in Omaha, NE, USA. Phenomblue provides cutting edge interaction design, software development, and interactive branding strategies to some of the largest advertising agencies and corporate brands in the world. Phenomblue’s client list reads like a who’s who in the global market place across several industries including; health care, pharmaceutical, financial services, consumer package goods, communications, and technology. Phenomblue is widely regarded within the advertising industry as one of the top digital minds in the United States and since its inception in 2003, the company has won numerous industry awards for its work and business successes. In addition to driving the overall vision, growth strategy, and company culture, Joe’s day to day work touches all aspects of the business including technology, operations, marketing, strategy, financing, sales, etc.. In addition to Phenomblue, Joe founded and runs the Heartland Developer Conference, an annual pilgrimage to Omaha for 500 software designers/developers from across the United States to learn cutting edge techniques and best practices from industry leaders. FEATURED SPONSOR: GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Midlands Venture Forum Entrepreneur Networking Reception
8/20/2009
Come join us after work (starting at 4:30 p.m.) — NO NEED TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT! COST: Free for Members; $5 for non-members (payable at the door) SPONSORED BY: Quantum Solutions, Inc. We are pleased to announce that the speaker at tonight’s Networking Reception will be Stephanie Healy. Stephanie, and her husband Mark, founded and grew Vente (formerly WFSdirect), a supplier of online consumer research. Growth at Vente included the participation of two venture capital firms. The company successfully sold to Experian in 2005. Today Stephanie is busy growing Doc’s Choice Pet Food. Our previously announced speaker, Paul Batcheller, is unable to join us due to a travel conflict. INTRODUCTIONS: this informal meeting will be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs, capital resources & service providers to meet and share ideas and resources NETWORKING: bring your business cards and plan to connect with others that have the same vision to grow their company or meet professionals that can assist you with your own vision or company business plan ACTIVITIES: find out what speakers, educational sessions and dinners MVF has planned for the coming months GET CONNECTED: MVF membership sign will be available that evening; you can pay the membership fee by check or credit card
Midlands Venture Forum Networking Dinner
6/18/2009
“Initiatives to Spur High Growth Businesses in Nebraska” There are many new exciting initiatives focused on spurring the creation and growth of seed and start up businesses in the local area. From new funding mechanisms for prototype development to physical infrastructure for new ventures, come hear about new initiatives to increase high growth business formation in Nebraska. In addition to covering these recent additions to the local ecosystem, our panel will share their views on the entrepreneurial outlook for the area. FEATURED PANEL: *Ken Moreano – Scott Technology Center *Traci Hancock – Innovation Accelerator *Jeff Slobotski – Silicon Prairie News and Big Omaha *David Milligan – Husch Blackwell Sanders, Leap Ventures and Invest Nebraska PRESENTING COMPANIES: *Green Bein’ (www.kidcommand.com) *WSC Group, Inc. (www.crowdpicks.com)
Midlands Venture Forum Educational Lunch Session
6/4/2009
Plan now to attend our next Educational Lunch Session on THURSDAY, JUNE 4 at CHAMPIONS RUN COUNTRY CLUB TOPIC: Your First Steps of Entrepreneurship: The “ABC’s” Developing a successful company requires a sound foundation in the areas of Accounting, Banking and Legal Counsel. On June 4, a panel of experts will provide you with a helpful checklist of the important steps you need to follow to make sure your business venture has the right roadmap. Members of the panel will include: *Steve Amen, J.D. – Partner with Kutak Rock LLP *Tom Clabaugh – VP of Commercial Lending, First State Bank *Gene Garrelts, CPA – Partner with Orizon CPAs The discussion will be moderated by John Gustafson president of Ideation Ventures. The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Midlands Venture Forum Educational Lunch Session
3/20/2009
“Maximizing the Value in Social Networking Sites” Come and learn how to use LinkedIn and other social networking sites to maximize your social network, search for experts, build your brand and research your competition. April Kelly, Director of the Omaha Center for LinkedIn, will teach you about recession-proofing your career, building or searching for expertise, researching competitors, leveraging information for a business meeting or simply building Brand YOU and more. This presentation will provide a strong foundation of information to set you on a path to successfully using social networking to its fullest. About the Speaker: April Kelly is the Director of the LinkedIn Service Center. She opened the LinkedIn Service Center in March 2007. She is currently cultivating high-performance, customer-centric teams in the areas of customer service, account management, sales development and quality assurance. She joined LinkedIn October 2006 and quadrupled her initial staff within the first year. Prior to LinkedIn April worked at PayPal for 7 years and assisted in the launch of their call center. She also developed and launched many of PayPal’s customer support teams.
MVF Entrepreneur & Investor Networking Reception
1/29/2009
Come join us after work (starting at 4:30 p.m.) and help us kick off the 2009 year! — NO NEED TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT! LOCATION: DJ’s Dugout at 114th & W. Dodge in Miracle Hills INTRODUCTIONS: this informal meeting will be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs, capital resources & service providers to meet and share ideas and resources NETWORKING: bring your business cards and plan to connect with others that have the same vision to grow their company or meet professionals that can assist you with your own vision or company business plan ACTIVITIES: find out what speakers, educational sessions and dinners MVF has planned for the Spring of 2009 GET CONNECTED: MVF membership sign will be available that evening; you can pay the membership fee by check or credit card BE HEARD: submit your ideas for future educational session topics and keynote speaker ideas for 2009 SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS (Speaking at about 5:30 p.m.) — Doug Nielsen and Julie Mahloch, Co-Founders of NetShops, Inc. DOUG NIELSEN has over 17 years’ experience as an entrepreneur and Internet pioneer. He co-founded NetShops Inc. in 2002, along with business partners Mark Hasebroock and Julie Mahloch. Prior to NetShops, Doug co-founded and served as CEO of Giftpoint.com, which merged with Giftcertificates.com in March 2000. Following the merger, Doug was president and also a director of Giftcertificates.com. Prior to that, Doug founded two direct marketing companies. Doug received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. JULIE MAHLOCH co-founded NetShops in 2002. Under her leadership, NetShops has grown from a single store to over 200 stores. Prior to co-founding NetShops, Julie co-founded Giftpoint.com, which merged with GiftCertificates.com. Following the merger, she was vice president of merchants. NETSHOPS, INC. has leveraged the power of the web to create a unique group of specialty stores. NetShops is online retailer that currently owns and operates over 200 stores. Each one focuses on a specific niche. For example, Hammocks.com sells hammocks, WorldGlobes.com sells globes and DayBeds.com sells daybeds. In 2007, Inc. Magazine named NetShops the nation’s 5th fastest-growing retailer in America, and it’s No. 82 on Internet Retailer magazine’s Top 500 list. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, NetShops employs over 300 people and has been voted one of the five Best Places to Work in Omaha.
Midlands Venture Forum Networking Dinner
11/13/2008
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT! “Angel Capital in Nebraska” – An overview of seed and start-up stage investing by high net worth individuals (a/k/a angels) in Nebraska. Speakers include: *John Decker, coordinator of the Nebraska Angels, a collection of angels that have teamed up to review and pursue seed and start-up investments. *Dan Hoffman, executive director of Invest Nebraska, a non-profit focused on fostering more angel investing and venture capital activity within the state. *Individual investors (aka “angels”) who are active in the local investing community. This program is sponsored by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce – with special thanks to the Nebraska Center for Entreepreneurship for their support.
Midlands Venture Forum Networking Dinner
10/9/2008
PLEASE NOTE: TONIGHT’S EVENT IS SOLD OUT AND WE ARE FILLED TO CAPACITY. PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND OUR NEXT MEETING ON NOVEMBER 13 – WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE! Topic: Perspectives on Private Equity An overview of private equity, which is often used to expand an existing business, fund acquisitions, or recapitalize a firm’s ownership. Topics to be covered by the panel will include: · Definition of private equity · How private equity varies from venture capital · What situations best fit private equity · The various forms of private equity Speakers include: · David McLeese of First Capital Partners (Omaha), an affiliate of First National Bank that manages both mezzanine and private equity. · John Hoesley of Prism Opportunity Fund (Chicago), which manages both a mezzanine capital fund and a venture capital fund. · Jeff Hanson of Denargo Capital (Denver), which is a fundless sponsor collaborating on transactions with private equity funds.
Midlands Venture Forum Networking Dinner
9/18/2008
“Perspectives on Venture Capital” – An overview of venture capital in the Midwest and perspectives on the process from both sides of the table. Speakers include: *Paul Batcheller of Prairie Gold Venture Partners (Sioux Falls) a venture capital fund, with two funds under management, targeting the Midwest. Paul will share his perspective on the capital markets in the Midwest and his experiences investing in Omaha. *Darren Blakely of Transcentrix, which successfully attracted venture capital from outside the region, grew the company and achieved a successful exit event. Darren, who with his partners is on to his next start-up, Vendorin, will share his experiences on attracting capital to Omaha, expanding a company and positioning for a sale. *Dave Glover of Game Plan Technologies, an Omaha company that is backed by Prairie Gold. Dave, who was recruited to Omaha from the east coast, will share his perspective on operating as a venture-backed company as well as his impressions of operating an early stage company in Omaha.
MVF Educational Lunch Session
5/15/2008
“Fraud Trends and Fraud Prevention” Identity theft and other forms of online fraud are a major and growing threat. Come and learn what you can do to protect yourself, your business and your customers. Our presenter will be Jim Van Lent, Risk Officer with First National Bank of Omaha. Jim has more than 24 years of experience in investigating financial crimes.
Midlands Venture Forum Networking Dinner
4/17/2008
Guest Speaker: Rachel Jacobson, Manager of Film Streams An Omaha native, Ms. Jacobson’s role in the development of “Film Streams” in downtown Omaha is the culmination of a life-long dream. She has managed the organization’s Capital Campaign, culminating in over $1.7 Million for build-out and start-up costs of the Ruth Sokolof Theater, cultivated relationships with other organizations, built Film Streams’ board of advisers and board of directors, and overseen the design, build out, and launch of Film Streams 2-screen cinema, which opened on July 27, 2007. She currently manages the organization’s finances, development program, and programming. She serves on the Board of Directors of Opera Omaha, the Central High School Alumni Association and as a Board Member of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Council. The meeting also will feature entrepreneurial presentations from: John Petersson Chief Executive Officer Vendorin, Inc. www.vendorin.com
MVF Educational Lunch Session
3/6/2008
Internet marketing and website management – come and learn more about marketing and Search Engine Optimization strategies that can help you build awareness and grow your business. You’ll also pick up some valuable tips on the technical aspects of managing your website. Our speakers for this program will be Sally Cohen and Dale Ratliff. Sally is the owner of eGrowth Marketing, a division of Pierce Technologies. She has over 20 years of sales and marketing experience including over 10 years in telecommunications. Sally has owned Pierce Technologies with her husband for the last 5 years. Dale Ratliff is founder and CEO/president of Quantum Solutions, Inc. in Omaha. He has more than 30 years of experience in building and managing technology-based companies.
Midlands Venture Forum Networking Dinner
2/21/2008
Guest Speaker: John Hogan, Chief Operating Officer of Home Instead – www.homeinstead.com Home Instead, founded in 1994, now has 765 independently owned franchises around the globe. The company is a world leader in non-medical senior care and generated $550 million in international revenues last year. John Hogan, Chief Operating Officer, is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations in the areas of franchise support, training and technology. He started his career with Home Instead Senior Care in 1995 as the manager of the Home Instead Senior Care franchise located in Omaha, Nebraska when it was the company’s only franchise. Since then, John has served as Franchise Training Manager, Vice President of Operations, and Vice President for Training and Technology. He became COO in December 2005. His franchising experience also includes a two-year stint as owner/operator of a Merry Maids franchise in Atlanta, GA, in the early 1990′s. While he has believed in the Home Instead Senior Care mission from the beginning, John believes there’s more to the company’s phenomenal success. “I think that our emphasis on personal relationships is why people are here,” he says. “Our business is all about people – top to bottom and side to side – and the personal relationships throughout our senior care network are the key to our success.” The meeting also will feature entrepreneurial presentations from: Jay Stark Vice President Magic Bean Development www.magicbeandevelopment.com John Petersson Chief Executive Officer Vendorin, Inc. www.vendorin.com
MVF Entrepreneur & Investor Networking Reception
1/17/2008
Come join us after work (starting at 5:00 p.m.) and help us kick off the 2008 year! INTRODUCTIONS: this informal meeting will be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs, capital resources & service providers to meet and share ideas and resources NETWORKING: bring your business cards and plan to connect with others that have the same vision to grow their company or meet professionals that can assist you with your own vision or company business plan ACTIVITIES: find out what speakers, educational sessions and dinners MVF has planned for the Spring of 2008 GET CONNECTED: membership sign up to MVF will be available that evening; you can pay the membership fee by check or credit card BE HEARD: submit your ideas for future educational session topics and keynote speaker ideas for 2008
