FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2006

CONTACT: Daniel P. Finney, (515) 271-2833, daniel.finney@drake.edu

KYLE KRAUSE TO SPEAK AT DRAKE ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONFERENCE

Des Moines entrepreneur Kyle Krause will be the keynote speaker at the 2006 Drake University Entrepreneurship Conference, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 8, in the upper level of Olmsted Center, 2875 University Ave.

Krause, one of Iowa’s most successful businessmen, will share his insights into entrepreneurship from a variety of angles. Krause is president of more than 430 Kum & Go convenience stores in 13 states. He is owner and president of Solar Transport, the largest Iowa-based refined fuel transporter. He is also majority owner of the Des Moines Menace soccer team.

Krause’s talk will be the capstone to a day filled with entrepreneurial advice. Morning session presenters include:

Joe Yamen, a Drake alumnus, who has owned a variety of different companies in his career, ranging from a computer learning center to a lost luggage delivery service. Yamen will discuss how he got started in entrepreneurship, the funding of new ventures and the importance of a good business plan.

Michael Wagner, president of the consulting company The White Rabbit Group, will put a unique spin on entrepreneurial ethics.

The "Ups and Downs of Entrepreneurship" Panel will consist of Des Moines entrepreneurs from multiple industries and stages of the entrepreneurial process. They will describe their experiences and also interact with the students in attendance.

The conference is free and open to the public, however registration is required for the luncheon. The deadline for luncheon registration is Friday, March 3. For more information or to register, contact (515) 271-3071 or mrd003@drake.edu.

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