2003 Iowa Venture Capital Conference

Iowa's entrepreneurial community will gather at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines on October 7 for the fourth annual Iowa Venture Capital Conference. Hosted by the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED), the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers and Equity Dynamics, the conference will feature a greeting from Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack and a keynote address by Jerre Stead.

Stead, now Executive Chairman of HAIC, is the retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ingram Micro Inc. (the world's largest added-value supplier of technology products and services). When he took Ingram Micro public in 1996, it was the largest technology IPO in history. Under his four-year leadership, Ingram Micro's revenues grew from $8 billion to $30 billion.

Stead also served as CEO of Legent Corporation, Chairman and CEO of AT&T Global Information Solutions, and was Chairman, President, and CEO of Square D Company. Furthermore, Stead co-authored two textbooks with James Belasco: Soaring with the Phoenix and Seize Tomorrow and Start Today: Renew Your Vision, Revitalize Your Organization, and Stay Ahead of the Future. He is known for his visionary leadership, global expertise and proven track record of success.

"As times change, our economy demands that we keep up with the new trends and legislation that serve and benefit our venture capital community," said Michael Blouin, IDED Director. "The conference provides that opportunity and continues to be Iowa's key annual networking and educational event for entrepreneurs, investors, entrepreneurial students, community leaders and economic developers."

Conference highlights include panel discussions on starting and managing a community-based seed fund, raising capital from an entrepreneur's perspective and an overview of the Iowa Capital Investment Corporation. Matthew Warta, a Managing Director with Village Ventures (Denver, Colorado office) will present the luncheon address. The Venture Network of Iowa (VNI) forum will showcase several entrepreneurs who will present their unique business ventures to potential investors and conference attendees. As part of this conference, John Pappajohn will announce and award the 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Iowa Venture Capital Conference is hosted by the Iowa Department of Economic Development, Equity Dynamics, Inc. and the Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers. Conference sponsors include: Ernst & Young LLP, Great River Capital, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, MidAmerican Energy, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ames Economic Development Corporation, Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce/Pottawattamie County Growth Alliance, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, Mason City Economic Development Corporation and the Quad City Development Group.

Conference registration begins at 8 a.m. and the conference runs from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Conference details and registration information can be found at www.iowasmart.com/venture.

For more information, please contact Judi Eyles at 515.296.6532 or eyles@iastate.edu.