September 18, 2008

Seminar will assist emerging growth companies

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Innovators from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and throughout the region can acquire a better understanding of the process involved in growing their companies and ideas during a Sept. 25 seminar at SIUC.

“Issues Surrounding Start-ups and Related Entrepreneurial Efforts: A Seminar for Faculty, Scientists and Other Innovators,” is Sept. 25 from noon until 1:30 p.m. at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, located at 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road in Carbondale.

Benjamin D. Kern, partner in McGuireWoods, LLP, of Chicago, is the featured speaker. Kern’s legal practice includes a focus on finance and corporate matters involving emerging growth companies. This includes venture capital financings, acquisitions, and private and public equity, debt and hybrid securities offerings. Kern is also experienced working with start-up and Fortune 500 clientele with their commercial and technology-based concerns including marketing, sales, licensing, service transactions and joint ventures. In addition, Kern is quite experienced in the technology field, working with wireless and Wi-Fi telecommunications, original equipment manufacturer transactions, technology device design, manufacturing, and resale as well as newer technologies including nanotechnology and fuel cells.

The seminar is free but pre-registration is required and seating is limited. To register, call 618/453-4532 or e-mail bcooley@siu.edu. The first 30 to register can enjoy a free box lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Sponsors for the seminar are the SIUC Office of Research Development and Administration, the SIU School of Medicine, the SIUC Small Business Incubator and the Southern Illinois Research Park.