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NDSU Extension to Host Energizing Entrepreneurs Conference

The conference is designed to inspire and provide resources for entrepreneurs in rural communities.

Anyone who wants to start a business in their rural community will have an opportunity to be inspired at Energizing Entrepreneurs, a conference North Dakota State University Extension is hosting May 7-8 in Oakes, N.D.

“What’s special about this conference is that it will take place in a rural community targeted at rural entrepreneurs or anyone else with an idea and passion to make their opportunities right where they are,” says Jodi Bruns, NDSU Extension leadership and civic engagement specialist.

On the first day of the conference, keynote speaker Edie Ramstad of Ada, Minn., will share her entrepreneurship story and insights.

Ramstad is the founder of Weave Got Maille, a manufacturer of chain maille supplies. The company has dabbled in prop and costume work, crafting pieces for the HBO series “Game of Thrones.” Mostly, Ramstad and her 16 employees produce jump rings, the tiny metal hoops from which maille is woven, as well as clasps, ear wires and other materials for chain maille jewelry making. The company turns out an estimated 2 million jump rings each day in a variety of metals.

On day two, Scott Bintz from Jamestown, N.D., will share his philosophy on exceptional customer service.

Bintz is a serial e-commerce and business entrepreneur who has spent his life discovering principles to make his life and the lives of people around him better. In 1998, Bintz founded RealTruck.com in the basement of his duplex, and then expanded the company into a more than $100 million e-commerce super-store from North Dakota.

He is involved in a number of business ventures, from advising brands and e-commerce strategy consulting to board member duties and limited speaking engagements. An expert in business strategy, digital marketing and helping companies build positive work culture, he also created Red Headed Rebel, a property development company, and RH Rebel Storage, a state-of-the-art self-storage facility.

Bintz grew up in Minot, N.D., and graduated from Minot State University in 1993 with a bachelor of arts degree in economics. He currently lives with his family in Jamestown.

In addition to the keynote presentations, participants will be able to attend breakout sessions that focus on four tracks:

  • Foodies
  • Opportunity Creators
  • Community Success
  • Doing Business Differently

“The Energizing Entrepreneurs conference is a concept that has been popular in other states,” says Bruns. “This conference is different in that it won’t be held in a convention hall, but rather the breakout sessions will be held in local businesses around Oakes.

“If you’ve ever thought about starting a business in rural North Dakota, this conference will give you the spark and the tools to get started.”

Space is limited, so those planning to attend should register as early as possible. Visit http://bit.ly/EnergizeInOakes19 for more information and to register.


NDSU Agriculture Communication – March 25, 2019

Source:Jodi Bruns, 701-349-3249, jodi.bruns@ndsu.edu
Editor:Kelli Anderson, 701-231-6136, kelli.c.anderson@ndsu.edu
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