YES program gears region’s youth for tomorrow’s business challenges

If you, your friends, or business colleagues have children ages 11 through 15, do not miss the chance to enroll them in One Southern Indiana’s Youth Entrepreneur Success (YES) program this summer. For three days in July, students from an eight-county area will learn the ropes of the business world from area professionals. Limited to a class of 56, students will engage in interactive activities and learn a variety of principles of Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Business Development, and Leadership.

Now in its eleventh year, the YES program takes place July 21 through 23 at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany. The cost is $50.00 per student. The program brings together area professionals working in law, marketing, banking, advertising, sales, and more to help students understand what it takes to own and operate a successful business. Exploring possibilities is the name of the game with the YES program.

“Without question, we want area youth to understand the amazing variety of possibilities that await them as they prepare for future careers,” said Michael Dalby, president and CEO of One Southern Indiana. “This is also a really fun program – the kids enjoy it. They’ll have a great time getting to know other aspiring entrepreneurs while they learn from some of our region’s brightest business leaders.”

One such company, Technidyne Corporation, a local manufacturer of paper properties measurement and automated instrumentation in New Albany, is no exception. According to Todd Popson, President and CEO of Technidyne Corporation, “We need to give our kids opportunities to learn what they like and don’t like. The earlier kids can see what it takes to do something on their own, they may develop an appetite for doing it. Finally, it is just passing on the realization that in the United States anyone with an idea, ambition and business skill can build a business. That’s exciting!” For the third year in a row, he is sponsoring his associates’ children to attend the Youth Entrepreneur Success Program.

Do not wait to enroll your children in this great program – June 30 is the registration deadline. If you are interested in enriching the lives of area youth through volunteering your time or sponsorship, please contact Dawn Bennett at 812-945-0266 or dawnb@1si.org. YES program registration forms are also available by clicking here or at One Southern Indiana’s offices at 4100 Charlestown Road in New Albany.

The YES program is made possible by the generous support of local businesses through their sponsorship and time spent planning the program. As of this printing, 2009 YES program sponsors include Ivy Tech Community College, Koetter Woodworking, L & N Federal Credit Union, Monroe Shine, Clark County REMC, Your Community Bank, Rodefer Moss & Co. PLLC, Interfaith Community Council, BB&T, AT&T, and Stites and Harbison.