June 17, 2004

Media Advisory

Reporters and photographers are welcome to attend an awards ceremony on Friday, June 18, for participants in the inaugural "Camp CEO," the youth entrepreneurship camp taking place this week at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The ceremony is set for 2:30 p.m. at the Carbondale Civic Center, and will include recognition of sponsors and the distribution of $500 in "venture capital."

All this week, 11 aspiring business owners, ages 10-14, have been learning business concepts, meeting entrepreneurs and making site visits to area businesses. Friday's final day of the camp will include campers presenting their own business plans to judges who will decide which plans will share in the $500 in cash.

In addition to a business plan, each camper will leave with a briefcase, business cards and a marketing plan.

Sponsors include the Southern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center, located in SIUC's Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, Leadership Carbondale and the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, as well as individuals and businesses.