Located on the campus of The University of Alabama

Dear Fellow Supporter of Entrepreneurship:

Can you imagine the United States without entrepreneurship?  Such thoughts conjure visions of a country where Thomas Jefferson let his ideas for inventions flit away from his thoughts, where pioneers refused to hike the Oregon Trail in search of a better future, and where Martin Luther King Jr. accepted the status quo and sat down when his heart called him to stand.  Such thoughts fly in the face of the very spirit of the United States!

In recognition of our nation’s entrepreneurial spirit, The Entrepreneurship Institute and the University of Alabama are celebrating “The Year of Entrepreneurship”, our state has the makings of a smashingly successful week.  Only one thing can help improve the celebration for Alabama—your help.

In planning for this week, the State Leadership Team has created several awards to honor those who demonstrate entrepreneurship in their daily lives.  The High School Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year and College Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year awards recognize exceptional instructors who continuously make impacts on their student’s lives through the use of entrepreneurial focus in their teaching.  The For-Profit Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Social Entrepreneur of the Year awards recognize exceptional achievement in entrepreneurship in private sector business and not-for-profit industry. We encourage your additional involvement in this exciting week through nomination of individuals who would fit the aforementioned awards.

Enclosed you will find information and application forms for the awards as well as information about the week.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about these materials or would like to work with the State Leadership Team to positively impact your organization/school during this week.  We look forward to showing America how much entrepreneurship means to the State of Alabama and to having your college’s support during Entrepreneurship Week 2008!

By sponsoring entrepreneurial activities at your organization/school, you can significantly impact your community and students.  Encouraging people to pursue their visions can lead to positive economic and social changes for everyone.  Entrepreneurial competitions, business leaders hosting entrepreneurial seminars, and starting community service projects can all be ways for people to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Sincerely,

David M. Ford
State Coordinator
Entrepreneurship Week USA